A spoiler warning: these are the greatest TV finales!
When a TV series reaches its conclusion, it often becomes a significant event. It marks the culmination of sprawling character arcs and intricate storylines developed over years, making the series finale a cultural phenomenon eagerly anticipated by fans. From "Friends" to "Better Call Saul," a diverse range of shows features outstanding finales that deliver satisfying resolutions to their narratives. Fans frequently express their admiration for these endings on platforms like IMDb, elevating some to become among the highest-rated episodes on the site.
Breaking Bad is a television masterpiece, widely regarded as one of the greatest dramas ever created. Its narrative is remarkably solid, with no notable weaknesses. In its final episode, "Felina," the series faced the monumental challenge of delivering a satisfying conclusion to five seasons of captivating storylines, themes, and characters. Creator Vince Gilligan skillfully navigated this task, crafting an ending that is both fitting and unexpected. "Felina" provides a perfect closure to the narrative, replete with poetic justice and unforgettable moments.
Better Call Saul, serving as both the prequel and sequel spin-off to Breaking Bad, initially had a slow start as it explored the backstory of lawyer Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman. However, as the series progressed, many devoted fans came to view it as equal to, if not surpassing, the quality of the original show. The final season of Better Call Saul was a riveting journey, marked by unexpected tonal shifts in its concluding episodes. This evolution culminated in the series finale, "Saul Gone," which provided a poignant and fitting conclusion to Saul and Kim's narrative arcs in a beautifully crafted manner.
The HBO original miniseries Chernobyl, depicting the devastating 1986 explosion in the Soviet city of the same name, is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows ever produced. Each of its episodes has received exceptional ratings on IMDb, including its pilot episode, which is often hailed as one of the best in TV history, and its finale, which is equally praised. The series finale, titled "VichnayaPamyat," stands out for its educational and insightful portrayal of the events surrounding the Chernobyl disaster. It also features a profoundly impactful dark tone and is highlighted by one of the most compelling trial scenes ever depicted on television.
The announcement that Succession, exploring conflicts within the Roy family and their media empire, would conclude with its fourth season left fans both shocked and eager to witness the resolution of the story. The decision not to extend the series further may have been wise, as the final season stands among the highest-rated seasons of television on IMDb. Filled with unforeseeable yet entirely plausible twists, along with the poignant character moments synonymous with the show, the finale received acclaim for its gripping tension, sharp humour, and emotionally impactful scenes.
Person of Interest stands out as one of the most enduring crime dramas on television, coupled with being one of the most imaginative and, frankly, underappreciated sci-fi thrillers in the arena of small-screen entertainment. Centred around an ex-CIA agent and a programmer using a surveillance AI to prevent crimes, the show's relevance has only grown over time, culminating in a spectacular finale. Emotional and riveting, the finale provided fans with a deeply satisfying conclusion that exceeded all expectations.
Even though this list is limited in scope, the included selections are profoundly memorable, and fans worldwide still discuss their numerous iconic moments to this day.
