What TV show has the best finale?

TV Finales That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

When it comes to storytelling, there’s a notion that the opening and closing scenes are what truly matter. If a show can kick off with a bang and close with an unforgettable finale, audiences are more likely to forgive any missteps in the middle. And while this concept may oversimplify the power of solid storytelling, it highlights how essential it is to craft a memorable final episode. From plot twists to heartfelt goodbyes, these are some of the best TV finales that wrapped up their stories flawlessly.

Table of Contents

Series finales carry an immense responsibility. They’re tasked with tying up loose ends, staying true to the show’s premise, and bidding farewell to characters we’ve come to love. When a show nails its finale, it can cement its legacy, but when it falls flat—think How I Met Your Mother—the disappointment can overshadow years of storytelling. Here’s a look at the TV finales that managed to capture the magic and left nothing behind but satisfied fans.

10. Succession (2018–2023)

“With Open Eyes” – Season 4, Episode 10

The finale of Succession was one that fans eagerly anticipated. After four seasons of corporate betrayals, backstabbing, and family drama, audiences were finally going to find out which Roy sibling, if any, would take the helm of Waystar Royco. As the siblings—Kendall, Shiv, and Roman—vie for control, each one brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the table, only to be met by a ruthless rival in tech mogul Lukas Matsson. The stakes had never been higher.

By the time the credits rolled, fans were given a finale filled with tension and heartbreak. Creator Jesse Armstrong avoided an ambiguous ending, providing closure that felt as cutthroat as the show’s premise. The final moments, packed with shocking decisions and brutal truths, left fans feeling like they’d been taken on a wild rollercoaster—and they loved every second.

9. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)

“The Last Show” – Season 7, Episode 24

For seven seasons, The Mary Tyler Moore Show followed Mary Richards as she navigated her career at WJM-TV. The beloved sitcom wasn’t just about the workplace antics; it highlighted friendships, dreams, and personal growth. In its finale, management decides to shake things up, but rather than firing the expected candidate, bumbling anchor Ted Baxter, it’s Mary and her team who get the boot. The twist was unexpected, giving fans a bittersweet farewell.

The cast’s group hug and shared tissue box became one of the most iconic scenes in TV history. And as Mary turned off the lights in the office one last time, she left behind a legacy that would inspire countless other shows. This TV finale not only offered laughter and tears but also became a benchmark for heartfelt goodbyes.

8. Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

“Discos and Dragons” – Season 1, Episode 18

Though Freaks and Geeks only lasted one season, its finale, “Discos and Dragons,” felt like a fitting send-off. The episode sees Lindsay Weir grappling with her identity, drawn to both her academic ambitions and the free-spirited lifestyle of her friends. Meanwhile, Daniel Desario finds an unlikely connection with the “geeks,” joining them for a game of Dungeons & Dragons. The series captures teenage struggles with a raw honesty, leaving fans wishing for more.

Although Freaks and Geeks wasn’t intended to end here, the finale gave each character a hint of closure. Creator Paul Feig later revealed possible directions for future seasons, but as it stands, “Discos and Dragons” was a perfect send-off. Fans could sense that the characters’ lives would go on, full of potential and change—just like the real experience of growing up.

7. The Fugitive (1963–1967)

“The Judgment: Part II” – Season 4, Episode 30

The Fugitive was one of the first TV shows to deliver a true resolution to its storyline. After four suspense-filled seasons, Dr. Richard Kimble finally catches up with the one-armed man who killed his wife. The finale sees Kimble and his relentless pursuer, Lt. Gerard, working together to bring justice to the real murderer. For fans, it was a payoff that had been a long time coming.

This TV finale was groundbreaking, drawing in over 78 million viewers. It demonstrated the power of giving audiences the closure they crave. The tense final showdown between Kimble and his nemesis paved the way for other shows to wrap up their stories in similarly satisfying ways.

6. The Good Place (2016–2020)

“Whenever You’re Ready” – Season 4, Episodes 13 & 14

The Good Place was a sitcom that delved deep into philosophical questions about life, death, and what it means to be truly good. As the characters reach the end of their journey, they each find peace and choose to leave their afterlife paradise. It’s a deeply emotional finale that prompts viewers to think about what fulfillment really means.

In her final moments, Eleanor Shellstrop realizes the importance of letting go, and each character finds contentment in their own way. The finale is both uplifting and heartbreaking, a meditation on existence that many shows would shy away from. It’s a rare blend of comedy and existential reflection that perfectly encapsulates the essence of The Good Place.

5. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)

“Saul Gone” – Season 6, Episode 13

The journey of Jimmy McGill, also known as Saul Goodman, is one of moral conflict and personal tragedy. In the final episode of Better Call Saul, Jimmy is finally held accountable for his actions. But rather than attempting to charm his way out, he makes a decision out of love for Kim Wexler, showing a rare moment of self-sacrifice.

This finale is a tragic conclusion to Jimmy’s story, with stunning visuals that reflect the character’s journey. The final shot, showing Jimmy and Kim separated by a prison fence, is poignant and symbolic, leaving fans with an image they won’t soon forget. Better Call Saul is a modern tragedy wrapped up in a visually rich, emotionally complex final episode.

4. Scrubs (2001–2010)

“My Finale” – Season 8, Episodes 18 & 19

Scrubs follows the journey of J.D. and his fellow doctors, navigating the challenges of both personal and professional life. In the two-part finale, J.D. reflects on his time at Sacred Heart Hospital, imagining his future surrounded by the people he loves. It’s a send-off that’s packed with humor, nostalgia, and heart.

As J.D. takes one last walk down the hospital corridor, he’s treated to a flash-forward of what his life might look like. The montage captures the spirit of Scrubs perfectly, blending the silly with the sentimental. For fans, it was a dream farewell to characters they’d grown to love, providing both closure and optimism for what lay ahead.

3. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

“Felina” – Season 5, Episode 16

The final episode of Breaking Bad, titled “Felina,” is a masterclass in storytelling. As Walter White faces his final days, he goes out with a mix of vengeance and redemption. The episode ties up every loose end, allowing Walt to secure a future for his family and free Jesse from his captivity.

In one of the most iconic TV finales of all time, Walt’s actions come full circle, showing the complex duality of his character. Breaking Bad’s finale was everything fans could have hoped for: tense, emotional, and true to the show’s gritty nature. It’s an ending that few shows can match, solidifying Breaking Bad as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made.

Incorporating TV finales like these, which are satisfying from beginning to end, takes careful planning, strong character arcs, and respect for the audience’s investment. From heart-wrenching goodbyes to long-awaited resolutions, these final episodes remind us why a powerful finale matters.