TV shows are like long-term relationships; we invest our time, emotions, and sometimes even our identity into them. We celebrate the highs, suffer through the lows, and cherish the journey we’ve embarked on with our favorite characters.
So, when a show comes to an end, it’s not just the conclusion of a series, but the closing of a chapter in our lives. Naturally, we all hope for a finale that feels rewarding—a proper send-off that pays tribute to the years of dedication we’ve given.
However, not all TV show finales manage to stick the landing. In fact, some end with such a thud that they leave fans not just disappointed but downright furious.
1. “How I Met Your Mother”
After nine seasons of teasing, twists, and turns, “How I Met Your Mother” concluded in a manner that many fans found disheartening. The series finale revealed the mother’s fate and concluded with Ted Mosby standing outside Robin’s window with the iconic blue French horn, indicating that their love story wasn’t over.
This ending felt like a betrayal to some viewers who had invested in the titular character’s journey and the growth of Barney and Robin’s relationship. The final twist seemed to disregard the character development built over years, leaving fans feeling as though the last season had negated much of the progress made.
2. “Game of Thrones”
“Game of Thrones” ended its eight-season run with a finale that divided its fanbase. The rapid pacing of the last season, coupled with controversial character arcs and unexpected rulers, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Key characters acted against their developed nature, and the ultimate resolution seemed rushed and unearned. The extensive world-building and intricate plotlines that had defined the series appeared to be cast aside, leading to widespread disappointment and even petitions for a remake of the final season.
3. “Dexter”
The conclusion of “Dexter” left fans bewildered and upset, as the titular character, a vigilante serial killer, abandoned his life and loved ones to live in self-imposed exile as a lumberjack. This ending was a stark departure from the complex moral dilemmas and psychological exploration that had characterized the show.
The finale failed to provide a satisfying conclusion to Dexter’s journey, neglecting the show’s themes and the development of its protagonist. Fans were left questioning the narrative choices, feeling that the show’s conclusion betrayed its essence.
4. “Lost”
The finale of “Lost,” a show renowned for its intricate mysteries and character-driven stories, left audiences divided. While some appreciated the emotional resolutions provided, others felt that many of the series’ longstanding mysteries remained unanswered.
The decision to focus on character arcs over plot resolution in the final episodes was a point of contention. Fans who had devoted years to theorizing about the island’s secrets were frustrated by the lack of clear explanations, feeling that the show’s creators had neglected the narrative’s complexity.
5. “Seinfeld”
Ending a show as iconic as “Seinfeld” was always going to be a challenge, but the finale’s choice to put its characters on trial for violating a “Good Samaritan” law left fans and critics alike perplexed.
The episode brought back many guest stars for testimonies, turning it into a clip show of sorts, which some viewers found to be a lazy conclusion to the series. This departure from the show’s usual comedic exploration of mundane life felt unsatisfying to many, leading to a widespread belief that “Seinfeld” had missed the mark with its final bow.
6. “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life”
While not the original series finale, the Netflix revival of “Gilmore Girls” ended on a note that sparked significant backlash. The revelation of Rory Gilmore’s pregnancy, meant to bring the series full circle, instead left fans frustrated.
Viewers felt that this ending regressed Rory’s character development, reducing her to repeating her mother’s history. The lack of resolution and the open-ended nature of this conclusion left fans longing for more, feeling as if the characters they had grown to love were left in limbo.
7. “True Blood”
The supernatural drama “True Blood” had fans hooked with its blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy. However, its finale left much to be desired. In the last episode, viewers found many of their favorite characters with rushed endings or in situations that didn’t seem to fit the arcs developed over the series.
The decision to kill off a main character in a somewhat anticlimactic manner and the ambiguous fate of others left fans feeling unsatisfied, questioning the integrity of the narrative choices made in the final hours of the show.
8. “Quantum Leap”
The finale of “Quantum Leap,” a show that followed the time-traveling scientist Sam Beckett, ended on a surprisingly somber note. The final episode saw Sam continuing his journey without the prospect of returning home, a conclusion that left fans more melancholic than content.
The abruptness of the ending, combined with the lack of resolution for Sam’s fate, struck a nerve with viewers who had become invested in his mission and personal struggle. The message that Sam never returned home felt like a bleak conclusion to a series that often balanced heartache with hope.
9. “Scrubs”
While the finale of “Scrubs” Season 8 was widely praised, the series attempted a reboot with Season 9, changing the setting and introducing new characters. This move was met with significant backlash from fans who felt that the charm and essence of the original show were lost.
The season tried to blend the old with the new, but it ended up alienating fans who cherished the original dynamic among the cast. When it was all said and done, the show’s attempt to continue beyond its natural endpoint left a bitter taste, overshadowing the series’ otherwise celebrated conclusion.
10. “Roseanne”
Wind Dancer Productions.
The original run of “Roseanne” ended with a twist that revealed much of the series had been a story written by Roseanne Conner, altering many key aspects of the show’s reality. This revelation, especially the fact that Dan Conner had died from his heart attack, undid many of the moments fans had emotionally invested in.
The attempt to present a more “realistic” ending came off as jarring and unnecessary, with many feeling that it betrayed the essence of the show, which had always been about the love and struggles of a working-class family.
11. “The Sopranos”
“The Sopranos” finale is infamous for its abrupt cut to black, leaving the fate of Tony Soprano ambiguous. This ending sparked immediate debate and frustration among fans, with some admiring the boldness of such a choice and others feeling cheated out of a clear conclusion.
The lack of resolution regarding Tony’s fate, after years of following his complex life and psyche, was perceived by many as an evasion rather than an artistic choice. The finale’s ambiguity continues to be a point of contention, highlighting the fine line between leaving a lasting impression and leaving too much unsaid.
12. “Pretty Little Liars”
The finale of “Pretty Little Liars” promised to reveal the identity of the mysterious antagonist “A.D.” in a satisfying manner. However, the revelation was met with disappointment and disbelief.
The twist felt convoluted and disconnected from the intricate web of mysteries and lies that had been woven throughout the series. Fans expressed frustration over perceived plot holes and inconsistencies, feeling that the buildup had not paid off in a meaningful way.
13. “Battlestar Galactica”
The reimagined “Battlestar Galactica” series was lauded for its deep philosophical questions and complex characters. However, its finale left fans divided, with some feeling that it relied too heavily on religious overtones and deus ex machina resolutions.
The revelation of the final Cylon and the fate of Starbuck were particularly contentious points. Many fans felt that the ending, while poetic, didn’t provide the logical closure that the series had promised, leaving too many questions unanswered.
14. “Gossip Girl”
The reveal of the titular Gossip Girl in the series finale left many fans scratching their heads. The choice of character for this role seemed to contradict earlier plot points and character development.
Fans felt that the revelation was more of a shock tactic than a well-thought-out conclusion to the series’ central mystery. The finale’s attempt to tie up loose ends felt rushed and unsatisfying to many, undermining the intricate storytelling that had initially drawn viewers in.
15. “Two and a Half Men”
The final episode of “Two and a Half Men” was met with mixed reactions, primarily due to its overt focus on the absence of Charlie Sheen’s character, Charlie Harper. The episode featured a look-alike of Charlie and a series of jokes at Sheen’s expense, culminating in a piano dropping on the character just as he was about to reunite with his brother.
Many fans felt this ending was more about settling scores than providing a satisfying conclusion to the long-running sitcom. The finale seemed to prioritize behind-the-scenes drama over the show’s established narrative, leaving a sour taste in viewers’ mouths.
The 12 Most Epic Opening Scenes in Movie History
Opening scenes matter: they set the tone for the entire film. We wanted to know what the greatest opening scenes in movie history were – so we rounded up the best fan answers to this very question.
Some of these opening scenes are so iconic you can almost picture the whole thing in your mind. Others stood out stronger than the rest of the film, making it all you might remember. From action-packed to utter tearjerkers, these iconic opening scenes are often considered to be the greatest in movie history.