When a TV show is cancelled without the opportunity for a real ending, it's always going to feel vague and unsatisfying. But when writers are able to craft the perfect conclusion that they've been hoping for, fans are thrilled that their favorite series can wrap up properly and create happy or at least logical endings for the main characters.
TV fans have shared their favorite series finales on Reddit, talking about the best ways that beloved sitcoms and dramas have said goodbye to their characters and made sure that everyone ends up in a place that makes total sense.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad has beloved characters and the action doesn't let up for one second, making it one of the most popular TV dramas of all time. The last episode wraps things up well while leaving some things vague enough that it was satisfying, particularly with Jesse's character.
Several Redditors agreed that Breaking Bad has a flawless final episode. One Redditor wrote, "one of the few shows I've watched that maintained its level of brilliancy all the way through to the end."
The Good Place
Reddit user Bingwazle likes the finale for The Good Place, writing, "We got to process losing each main character forever long with the characters themselves."
It was tough to imagine how this funny and intelligent sitcom would end, and the main characters choosing to die may be dark and tragic, but it works really well. It's also nice to see Michael going to Earth and making a dream come true.
The Middle
A few Redditors shared that they love the last episode of The Middle. Reddit user FanDam_YT wrote, "9 solid seasons of family comedy with an equally-solid finale." Reddit user ReflexImprove said it had "the most consistent run of any sitcom ever."
In the final episode, "One Heck Of A Ride," there are some flash-forward scenes which allow viewers to see that everyone is doing well in the future. Brick is a writer, Sean and Sue get married, and Lexie and Axl have children. It's sweet and just what fans want to see.
Mad Men
Thanks to Mad Men's memorable scenes, the perfect period fashion, and the important themes that the series deal with, this show is one of the most well-crafted dramas and it also delivers a perfect series finale.
Reddit user OpenWaterRescue likes the way that Mad Men wraps things up, writing, "Don Draper finds his version of enlightenment, channels it into an ad about hope and love and humans everywhere." One Redditor shared that the others do well too, with Peggy realizing that she can have love and career and "Joan goes into business for herself."
The Leftovers
Reddit user pewmonger wrote that The Leftovers "gave me an ending I never thought I needed." Reddit user doegred loved it because while some fans wanted to know why the Departure happened and others were fine not knowing, "then they actually did it perfectly."
Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, this HBO series is definitely underrated, but its fanbase appreciates the storytelling of the show. Fans like that the last episode delves more deeply into Nora's story and it does give everyone some answers.
The Office
Reddit user PiquantCat likes the last episode of The Office, writing "Even though in my opinion the show was better before Michael left, the finale was great."
Several viewers agree that the Michael Scott seasons are the best but many feel that the series finale does the show justice. The main characters talk about how much the company has meant to them and fan favorites like Jim and Pam share some emotional and heartwarming thoughts.
Six Feet Under
Several Redditors praised the ending of Six Feet Under, with one Redditor saying, "Everything is wrapped up in such a satisfying way" and the epilogue is great. Fans replied saying that it's hard to top.
Six Feet Under has many emotional scenes and the last episode is the saddest of all. In "Everyone's Waiting," viewers find out when each character will die and how old they will be, which feels like a fitting way to finish a series that focuses on family and death.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is definitely one of the most interesting TV dramas. Some people absolutely love it and others find it mind-boggling and frustrating. But the show's biggest fans praise the final episode and like how things wrap up.
Reddit user good_posts_here said that Twin Peaks has "the best series finale(in my opinion) of all time" and it's amazing that the revival is good as well. "Episode 29" or "Beyond Life And The Death" is the technical series finale but the 2017 revival Twin Peaks: The Return does continue the story.
Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights tackles important subjects and does an incredible job telling both adult and teen stories, as well as showcasing the passion that the residents of a small town have for football.
Several Redditors agreed that Friday Night Lights has a well-crafted series finale. Reddit user 05110909 wrote, "That final shot is so perfect." Everyone has a happy ending, from Coach Taylor and Tami deciding to move and Julie and Matt getting engaged.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Many fans love the finale of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Reddit user IronWorkshop likes that Buffy and her friends are talking about "the pit that was Sunnydale" and "They change so much over the seasons but they're still all best friends."
Fans expected the last episode of Buffy to have an epic battle and to finish up the story properly, and thankfully, that's exactly what happened. The last shot is one of the best of the whole series as Buffy smiles and feels contentment at not being in charge of saving everyone anymore.