Many iconic TV shows have come to an end in 2022, including the critically acclaimed crime thriller Ozark, the fantasy drama Legacies, and the teen comedy, Love, Victor. And as is the case with most series finales, the manner in which events were wrapped left a portion of the fanbase disappointed.
However, not every TV disappoints fans by presenting a conclusion that is unsatisfactory. There are a couple of series finales that are considered iconic to this day. But which are they? Fans of different genres will have different answers but according to Ranker, there is a clear consensus on the best endings to TV shows.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
"I, Done" - The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990 - 1996)
Stream On HBO Max
As everyone plans for their future, the protagonist, Will, realizes he has no plans of his own. Philip, the patriarch of the Banks household also announces his intention to sell the family home.
In most shows, the declaration of future plans by each main character always serves as the perfect confirmation that the end has indeed come. But what ultimately makes this particular finale a golden one is that it's also a crossover episode. It's a glorious moment for sitcom fans when Philip and Arnold Jackson from Diff'rent Strokes as well as Louise and George from The Jeffersons show up as interested buyers for the house.
"Meanwhile" - Futurama (1999 - 2013)
Stream On fuboTV
Thes scientist Professor Farnsworth comes up with yet another invention, a button that can enable someone to time travel 10 seconds to the past. However, this complicates a planned wedding.
A wedding between two of the most likable Futurama characters is the perfect way to end the animated series. Additionally, the episode gives fans everything they could possibly hope for: a great conclusion to a love story, another major science-related sub-plot, a minor misfortune, and the mandatory main death of one of the main characters.
"Goodnight, Seattle" - Frasier (1993 - 2004)
Stream On Hulu
Psychiatrist turned radio host, Frasier Crane, meets a random woman on a plane and tells her about his life. He is devastated about his lover moving to a different city but when the plane lands, it's revealed that he has been heading to that city too.
"Goodnight, Seattle" works by making viewers pity the protagonist first before presenting an incredible twist. And the episode's viewership figures serve as additional proof of just how brilliant it was. It was watched by 33.7 million people, making it one of the most viewed episodes of all time.
"Recaps" - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962 - 1992)
Stream On Peacock
In the finale of the long-running late-night talk show, several highlights are aired. This takes quite a while since the show lasted for 3 decades.
For a non-fiction show, compiling some of the best moments is always a great idea since it reminds fans of just how great the ride was. For such a long-running show, there is plenty to cover but it all rolls out smoothly because each episode was always of high quality.
"All Good Things..." - Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994)
Stream On Paramount+
Starfleet officer, Jean-Luc Picard travels between 3 time periods to deal with phenomena that might threaten the existence of humanity. Though his mission is full of challenges, it succeeds.
Great endings have twists and "All Good Things..." has a major one as it's revealed the whole mission was a test to determine Picard's level of humanity. And it's mostly because of the finale's good reception that Star Trek was able to make the transition to Hollywood blockbusters, making it one of the TV shows with the most spinoffs.
"The Last One" - Friends (1994 - 2004)
Stream On HBO Max
Two of the main characters make the long-awaited decision to rekindle their love. Two others adopt twins and decide to move to the suburbs.
Most shows defy fans by giving them the opposite of what they wanted and hoping the discussion around the plot direction will make the episode even more iconic. However, "The Last One" avoids complicating matters by giving fans exactly what they wanted, and that's a romantic reunion. It's, therefore, no surprise that it managed to pull in 52.5 million viewers.
"The Last Newhart" - Newhart (1982 - 1990)
Stream On Hulu
A Japanese investor announced plans to buy the entire turn and convert it into a world-class golf course. It's later revealed that this was only a dream.
The "it was a dream all along" trope might not work in modern times but in the '80s, it was the perfect twist. But even though it's only a dream, the finale serves as a morality tale, highlighting the ugly side of greed as well as the need to stand up for what one believes in.
"One For The Road" - Cheers (1982 - 1993)
Stream On Hulu
Major developments happen in the lives of the main characters. Some receive promotions, others win awards while others plan weddings.
Fans love to see good things happen to their favorites and that's exactly what "One For The Road" gives them. No one is left out of the good luck train and as such, viewers feel content when the credits start rolling. The finale is also a unique one because it has a runtime of 90 minutes. And despite the lengthy running time, it was watched by a whopping 98 million people, which was almost half of the US population.
"Felina" - Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013)
Stream On Netflix
As the authorities are hunting him, teacher-turned-narco, Walter White, devises a plan to leave millions to his estranged son. He then goes on a mission to save his captured partner from a white supremacist gang that also took part of his money.
The death of the main character is often a reason to mourn but here, it feels like a win because he first achieves everything he ever wanted. He got to do something he loved, made enough money for his family, and defeated the gang that killed his brother-in-law. Additionally, he doesn't die of cancer as had been hinted at throughout the show.
"Goodbye, Farewell And Amen" - M*A*S*H (1972 - 1983)
Stream On Disney+
The finale follows the final days of the Korean War. At the end of the battle, a party is held before the soldiers say their goodbyes and go their own way.
At two and a half hours long, "Goodbye, Farewell And Amen" is packed with enough intriguing proceedings to rival some of the best war movies of all time. It's also a reminder of when networks would trust viewers to pay attention. Today, a TV movie will definitely be seen as a better option for such a lengthy episode.