Grover C. Magnus 
The popular series Peaky Blinders, recently came to an end with its sixth season airing earlier in 2022. The Shelbys had literally made their way through life on a show that had viewers hooked from the start, and like all other much-loved series, audiences was sad to see it end.
However, an ending can be just as powerful as any other episode, often proving how good the writing is. No viewer wants to see their favorite show fall off their pedestal because of a bad ending, which is why there are so many shows with fantastic endings, as Redditors have pointed out.
The Office (2005 – 2013)
Following the success of the UK version of Office, the American adaptation was released to screens and reached the high level of the old show. Fans were treated to nine seasons, and the writers of the show had to wrap up their creation with a perfect ending. For some, some seasons were better than others. However, the ending made up for it as pointed out by Redditor SpicyCatwho said, “Although in my opinion the show was better before Michael left it, the finale was awesome.”
Michael Scott was central to the show’s success, so it’s understandable that some missed his presence in later episodes. But returning for the final episode, coupled with the heartwarming nostalgia felt by every one of Dunder Mifflin’s employees, was a joy to behold.
Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
breaking Bad has a truly original plot that combines academic intelligence with the unstable and dangerous world of making and selling drugs, especially methamphetamine. As Walter’s journey took unexpected and dark twists, his life began to unravel, but the ending had to be smooth enough to wrap up an already excellent series.
For the Reddit user KingBR1, the show left them “…nearly 100% satisfied and seemed to tie all the storylines together in the best possible way.” For a show that has multiple subplots, with Walter even leading a secret life, it had to culminate in a finale that dealt with the whole story, which the writers successfully did.
Black Viper (1983 – 1989)
black viper is a hilarious British sitcom that explores different time periods in a comedic setting, with the implication that each season’s Blackadder is a descendant of the previous one.
Editor rymenocere chose “…the end of Blackadder Goes Forth”, as the show with the best ending and it’s clear to see why. The entire show was laced with heartbreaking humor, but the finale beautifully brought home the heartbreaking grief and sadness of World War I. As the soldiers ventured “above” to face their certain death, the show that was consistent in its sharp mind paused to find space for a fitting genre shift that gave the show a meaningful ending.
M*A*S*H (1972 – 1983)
Adapted from the feature film of the same name, MASH POTATOES is a classic Korean War comedy, focusing on an ensemble cast set in a mobile army surgical hospital. Although based on the Korean War, it mirrored the Vietnam War, while avoiding being too didactic.
A Reddit user chose “Mash potatoesas the show with the best ending. The aptly named episode “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”, saw the characters discuss their plans for the end of the war, leading different lives and going their separate ways. While the show features great comedy, it took a while to nurture an emotional ending, which proved the skill of the show’s creators, coming up with a superb ending.
To Your Health (1982 – 1993)
It became one of the most-watched finals in television history, as the gates of Cheers were closed for the last time. The main characters are comparable to those of Friends, but from another decade and with just as much humor. Not only was the show popular at the time it aired, but there are many reasons why Cheers has also aged quite well.
The ending was heartwarming and memorable, maybe that’s why the Reddit user ozarkbanshee recognized “Cheers” as having the best ending. Sam’s realization that the bar was his one true love was a moving concept that beat any kind of unrealistic or muddy ending that might have been.
Flea Bag (2016 – 2019)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge gave a refreshing take on tragicomedy by introducing the use of breaking the fourth wall in Flea bag, which is seen more often in theatrical performances. It makes sense since Flea bag started on stage as a solo piece. Still, using the on-screen tool only added an extra layer of excellence to the show.
Reddit user Special-Investigator happily chose “Fleabag!!!!” as having the best ending. Flea bagHis constant conversation with the camera was apparently a safety net for his character when life wasn’t going well. But the season finale saw her choose to step away from the camera and the public, perhaps in an attempt to start over. It gave the much-loved character a real sense of hope, which viewers were only too happy to see.
Friends (1994 – 2004)
It is perhaps fair to say that Friends remains one of the best known and most iconic American sitcoms that debuted in the 90s. The cast stole the hearts of audiences around the world as they watched their lives unfold with love, laughter and all the elements complicated between the two.
Reddit user an1nja simply stated”Friends“, like the show that they think has the best ending. The six main characters had moved on in their lives and it was time for the 10th season of their stories to be their last. While it was emotional for fans to see their favorite characters leaving , it was also emotional for the characters themselves. Although they all seemed to take a happy step in their next chapters, they were still sad to move on, allowing viewers to relate to each of them in a truly superb ending.
Scrubs (2001 – 2010)
Scrubs was (and still is) a hugely popular sitcom, revolving around the daily lives of medical professionals in hospital settings. The show was very well received for many of its elements, including the characters, plots, music, and even some of the janitor’s best pranks.
Editor MrLaBeard mentioned, “Scrubs. Ignoring season 9 for sure since it was an extra season. It might not be the final episode of Season 9 that viewers enjoyed so much, but the Season 8 finale really mattered to the success of the show.
Orange is the New Black (2013 – 2019)
Detailing the life of living in a women’s prison, Orange is the new black is a Netflix comedy-drama that first aired in 2013. Although the show has become increasingly popular, for some viewers some parts weren’t as good but were redeemed because of the ending .
Reddit user CelebritySighting expressed this sentiment by stating, “the writing fell for a few seasons in the middle…and the series finale was phenomenal.” Sometimes a show can lose its footing and the plots don’t match what has been seen previously. But it proves exactly why a good ending can be so important and really make an entire series better.
Band of Brothers (2001)
While there are a number of fictional shows that have their standout endings, there are also those that are based in truth, which gives the finales just as much shine. Reddit user dhtmo1 chose “Band of brothers” as their favorite.
Based on the book of the same name by Stephen E. Ambrose, the show focused on a group of soldiers fighting in World War II. With each episode introduced by the real-life soldiers, the ending wonderfully and emotionally concluded the miniseries with further interviews with each of the surviving brothers, providing a better sense of what it felt like. While a TV show can never be as intense as the realities of war, having those who actually fought in the war speaking their own truths helps convey a small sample of what it was like.
