14 TV Series Finales That Landed Flawlessly

Many TV shows start strong but falter when it comes to the finale, often rushing the story or delivering disappointing conclusions. A truly excellent finale respects the characters and provides a satisfying ending that feels well-deserved after seasons of watching. The most memorable finales often change how you view the whole series, leaving you either deeply moved or thoughtfully pondering the events. These episodes are examples of exceptional writing, skillfully combining plot with emotional impact.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Walter White goes back to Albuquerque hoping to provide for his family and get revenge on those who wronged him. He builds a rigged machine gun to kill Jack Welker and his gang. Jesse Pinkman manages to break free after Todd Alquist is killed during his escape. In the end, Walter takes one last look at his lab before dying from his injuries. This brings a definitive close to the story of a chemistry teacher who became a powerful drug lord.

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2005)

Claire Fisher leaves her family to begin a new life in New York City. The series ends by showing what happens to each character over the years, ultimately revealing their deaths, all set to Sia’s song “Breathe Me.” This moving montage shows the important moments and final days of the Fisher family, emphasizing the certainty of death and providing a conclusive ending for viewers by revealing how each character’s story ends.

‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)

After their identities as spies are revealed, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings make the heartbreaking choice to return to Russia. They have a tense final encounter with their neighbor and FBI agent, Stan Beeman, built on years of a complicated relationship. To protect their children, Henry and Paige, they leave them behind in America. The episode ends with Philip and Elizabeth on a quiet train ride back to a Russia that feels foreign to them, emphasizing the painful separation from their family rather than the usual spy drama.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

In a final, decisive board meeting, the Roy siblings decide the future of Waystar Royco. A late change of heart from Shiv unexpectedly gives Lukas Matsson control of the company. Tom Wambsgans surprisingly becomes CEO, while Kendall Roy is left heartbroken and lost. The episode highlights how damaging patterns repeat within the Roy family and demonstrates that none of the siblings were capable of successfully taking over their father’s empire. It’s a tragic end for all involved, showing the destructive side of relentless ambition.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

After being caught, Jimmy McGill is forced to confront the repercussions of his choices. In court, he admits his wrongdoing and attempts to earn back Kim Wexler’s respect by reverting to his birth name, James McGill. Choosing principle over leniency, he accepts a life sentence instead of a shorter plea bargain. Their final encounter takes place in a prison yard, where they share a quiet moment over a cigarette. This ending highlights Jimmy’s transformation, showing him finally valuing honesty and making amends over his usual schemes.

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Eleanor and her friends create a way for people to leave the afterlife whenever they’re ready. Jason and Chidi find peace and choose to move on, while Tahani decides to stay and use her talents to help other souls. Eventually, Eleanor also chooses to leave, becoming a tiny part of the universe again. The episode looks at big ideas about death and how important it is to have control over your own ending.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

Don Draper travels across the country and ends up at a spiritual retreat in California. There, he connects with someone in group therapy and appears to find peace through meditation. The series concludes with the iconic 1971 Coca-Cola commercial, hinting that Don’s newfound clarity inspired the ad’s creation. Meanwhile, Peggy advances in her career and Joan launches her own business. The ending leaves it open to interpretation, suggesting Don remained committed to advertising throughout his life.

‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)

At her father’s wedding, the main character manages to unite her family despite existing conflicts. She shares her feelings with a priest, but he kindly lets her know a relationship isn’t possible. In a final, direct address to the viewers, she walks away and waves goodbye, showing she’s no longer seeking their approval. This breaks the fourth wall for the last time as she steps towards a positive future on her own. The series concluded on a hopeful note, with the character finding peace with her grief and embracing self-acceptance.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Years after going their separate ways, Nora Durst finds Kevin Garvey in Australia. She shares a story about briefly entering the world where those who vanished during the Departure went, and then choosing to come back. The ending doesn’t reveal if her story is true or something she imagined to help her cope. They find comfort in simply being together at a wedding, without needing to understand the mystery of what happened. Ultimately, the show focuses on the emotional bond between Nora and Kevin rather than providing answers about the Sudden Departure.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

David Rose and Patrick Brewer have a wedding organized with help from the entire town. Moira Rose, dressed in a uniquely flamboyant outfit, leads the ceremony before leaving for California to restart her acting career. Johnny and Moira then leave town, while David and Patrick choose to stay and build a life together. Meanwhile, Alexis Rose moves to New York City to work as a publicist. The series ends by showcasing how the Rose family transformed from self-centered and wealthy people into caring and compassionate individuals.

‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

Vic Mackey admitted to all his crimes in exchange for a deal with the federal government that would keep him out of prison. While it saved him from jail time, the confession ruined his family relationships and led to the death of his partner, Shane Vendrell. He spent the next three years stuck in a boring office job, isolated and haunted by what he’d done. This bleak outcome felt like a just consequence for someone who always believed he was above the law.

‘Justified’ (2010–2015)

Raylan Givens and Boyd Crowder finally face off, but instead of a deadly shootout, Boyd ends up in prison. Years later, we see Raylan living a more peaceful life in Miami, helping to raise his daughter. He travels to visit Boyd in prison to let him know that Ava is safe. The two men share a moment, repeating a line about their shared past working in the coal mines, highlighting the complicated connection that shaped both of their lives and went deeper than just being on opposite sides of the law.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

As Sozin’s Comet approaches, Aang confronts Fire Lord Ozai while his friends fight against the Fire Nation army. Aang manages to defeat Ozai without taking his life, instead stripping him of his power to bend the elements. Meanwhile, Zuko overcomes his sister Azula, with help from Katara, and becomes the new Fire Lord. The series concludes with the group happily sharing tea together at the Jasmine Dragon in Ba Sing Se, offering a satisfying blend of exciting battles and the show’s core message of peace.

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)

In the series finale, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is thrown across time by the powerful being Q, experiencing events in the past, present, and future simultaneously. He and the crew must work together across these different timelines to solve a complex mystery and prevent a catastrophic tear in space that threatens all of humanity. Ultimately, they aim to demonstrate humanity’s worth to a higher power. The story beautifully circles back to the very beginning, revisiting the trial of humanity that was first presented in the show’s pilot episode, and concludes with a heartwarming moment: Picard finally rejoining his senior officers for a friendly game of poker after years of emotional distance.

Tell us which TV finale you think handled its conclusion best in the comments.

2025-11-26 09:50