TV Show Finales, Ranked
Final episodes of TV shows, either planned as the show's finale or intended as open-ended finales in case the show didn't get picked up for another season that ended up airing as finales.
Some sense of closure is needed to count for the list.
Also, a show being revived doesn't undo a finale's finale status.
As well as rating the episode individually, I've also included star rating out of 5 as to how well it serves as an ending for the series.
Some sense of closure is needed to count for the list.
Also, a show being revived doesn't undo a finale's finale status.
As well as rating the episode individually, I've also included star rating out of 5 as to how well it serves as an ending for the series.
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- DirectorPeter AvanzinoStarsBilly WestKatey SagalJohn DiMaggioProfessor Farnsworth invents a button that can take a person 10 seconds back in time, inadvertently causing major consequences.10/10
***** - DirectorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisMartin FreemanMackenzie CrookTim's world is rocked when Dawn turns up at the office to say hello. Despite a stern warning from Gareth and wise words from Keith in Accounts, Tim can't help but get his hopes up again. Meanwhile, David Brent has been using the services of a dating agency and, in between making celebrity appearances in nightclubs, he meets up for drinks with a rather disappointing selection of single women. The office Christmas party kicks off like any other but there are a few surprises in store...10/10
***** - DirectorJohn FortenberryStarsJason BatemanPortia de RossiWill ArnettAfter returning home from Iraq, George Sr. is finally cleared of all charges, and Michael is relieved to be the head of a successful company for a change. The real brains behind the madness is revealed, and just as the family begins to celebrate their victory, a whole new set of problems emerge.10/10
***** - 2009–201527mTV-Y9.4 (6.6K)TV EpisodeDirectorRob SchrabStarsJoel McHaleGillian JacobsDanny PudiAs their sixth year at Greendale draws to a close, Abed asks everyone to imagine pitching a TV show about what they would do in season seven.10/10
***** - DirectorBret HaalandStarsBilly WestKatey SagalJohn DiMaggioFry makes a deal with the Robot Devil so he can get robot hands to play the holophoner and impress Leela. In a twist of fate, Fry trades hands with the Robot Devil and writes a masterpiece opera about Leela. However, the Robot Devil has evil plans of his own.10/10
****
(Served as the show's finale after its first cancellation, prior to revival). - DirectorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAnna GunnAaron PaulWalter White returns to Albuquerque one last time to secure his family's future and settle old scores.9.5/10
***** - DirectorPeter GouldStarsBob OdenkirkJonathan BanksRhea SeehornRevelations. Regrets. RICO violations. Jimmy's worlds - and identities - converge in one final showdown.9.5/10
***** - DirectorRick JacobsonStarsBruce CampbellRay SantiagoDana DeLorenzoElk Grove undergoes a major battle that takes place on the streets, Ash rides high in a military tank, speeding across shaky, post-apocalyptic Elk Grove. Ash fights the biggest battle of them all - a sixty foot tall Kandarian demon.9.5/10
**** - DirectorJohan RenckStarsDouggie McMeekinJamie SivesMichael SochaValery, Boris and Ulana risk their lives and reputations to expose the truth about Chernobyl.9/10
***** - 1994–199546mTV-148.2 (293)TV EpisodeDirectorDominic BrigstockeStarsSteve CooganRebecca FrontKevin EldonAlan presents a one-off Christmas edition of "Knowing Me, Knowing You".9/10
***** - DirectorKen KwapisStarsRainn WilsonJohn KrasinskiJenna FischerOne year later, Dunder Mifflin employees past and present reunite for a panel discussion about the documentary and to attend Dwight and Angela's wedding.9/10
***** - DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggJessica HynesKaty CarmichaelTim, Daisy, Mike, and Brian go into panic mode and try to find Marsha to get her to come back after they find out that she's selling the house. Sophie is offered a job at Marvel Comics in Seattle, and decides to take it. And, with the future of her current living situation looking bleak, Daisy decides to head back home to work at a local newspaper. After executing a "bloody spectacular" plan, the guys succeed in getting Marsha to come home. But, Daisy doesn't know that. Tim decides to rush to the train station to get Daisy, while Mike is tasked with taking Sophie to the airport, not giving Tim a chance to say goodbye. Everyone ends up happy in the end.9/10
**** - DirectorDewi HumphreysStarsJulia DavisRalph BrownAngus DeaytonDon confesses his love for Sue; Jill falls over the edge of the cliff.8.5/10
***** - DirectorBill HaderStarsBill HaderStephen RootSarah GoldbergBarry, having received a call from NoHo Hank, leaves to go save his family from his grasp. Barry then is confronted with a choice as he learns Mr. Cousineau is blamed for the death of Janice.8.5/10
***** - DirectorNathan FielderStarsNathan FielderWilliam HeathCornelius LaddNathan attempts to help a Bill Gates impersonator reunite with his long-lost love.8/10
***** - DirectorHarry BradbeerStarsPhoebe Waller-BridgeOlivia ColmanAndrew ScottAs the wedding draws nearer, the relationship between Fleabag and the Priest becomes more intense - but how will it be resolved?8/10
**** - DirectorLinwood BoomerStarsJane KaczmarekBryan CranstonChristopher MastersonHaving been denied a very lucrative job in a software company, Malcolm accepts the vision his parents have for him. The first US president that will actually keep in mind the best interests of poor people like his own family.8/10
**** - DirectorKyoung Hee LimStarsMike JudgeKathy NajimyPamela AdlonHank is thankful to have something in common with Bobby after his knowledge of beef earns him a spot on a college team bound for the state championships.8/10
****
(Although it wasn't the last episode of the series, it was produced as a finale and was the last episode to air on Fox. The other episodes that aired afterwards were merely holdovers that hadn't aired by the time that Fox decided to stop airing the show). - DirectorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisAshley JensenStephen MerchantAndy is unhappy with the fame he has achieved. When a new agent approaches him, Andy fires Darren and quits 'When The Whistle Blows'. Meanwhile, Maggie has hit rock bottom, having given up working as an extra and living in a tiny, dismal flat. Andy however is too self obsessed to notice Maggie's plight.8/10
***** - DirectorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsWarwick DavisRicky GervaisStephen MerchantHaving admitted that he exploited his diminutive clients in the past, Warwick finally comes good for them before receiving a visit from 'Willow' co-star Val Kilmer, anxious to make a sequel. However, he tells Warwick that he must provide some of the funding, so Warwick persuades Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson to do a series of pub gigs to get the finance. They are a huge hit and at the investors' meeting Warwick secures his capital. Agents Gervais and Merchant are wary and ask Warwick to consider why a potential blockbuster needs private money while factions appear in the comeback trio, requiring the intervention of spiritual guide Bryan Medici. As Warwick realises that Val may well have cheated him, there is at least huge reassurance in the solidarity which now exists with his clients.8/10
**** - DirectorMichael SchurStarsAmy PoehlerAziz AnsariNick OffermanAs the team gathers one final time before they go their separate ways, we look 10 years into the future for each team member.8/10
**** - DirectorEd ByePaul JacksonStarsAdrian EdmondsonRik MayallNigel PlanerIt's the end of the term at College, and Vyvan, Rick, Mike and Neil are having a lazy summer holiday. But they end up getting evicted by Mr. Bolowski and decide to rob a bank, before making a getaway on a bus.8/10
*** - DirectorRichard LaxtonStarsRussell ToveySarah SolemaniRicky ChampAs the disco starts, Laura, drunk, miserable and more poisonous than ever following her discovery, is up for it with any man in sight and, when Steve turns down her proposition, she tells him that Becky has told Lee of her pregnancy because she really loves him, not Steve. Sneaky Lee is indeed out to steal Becky from Steve whilst Steve himself is asked by Paul whether he should stay with his awful wedded wife or run away with Graham and forfeit access to his daughter. Ultimately Paul makes his decision, Dan defends Shelly from bride's father Nigel's lustful advances and Becky gives Steve her news, assuring him that he is the only man for her.8/10
** - DirectorShane MeadowsStarsHelen BehanNeil BellPerry BensonLol & Woody continue to plan their wedding, with unwanted help from their parents. Harvey makes a discovery about Kelly, much to Gadgets dismay. Combo & Milky meet and discuss the past.8/10
**** - DirectorBeth McCarthy-MillerStarsTina FeyTracy MorganJane KrakowskiLiz is dealing with being a stay-at-home mom while Jack tries to find true happiness. Kenneth and Tracy are both adjusting to Kenneth's new position as President of NBC.8/10
*** - DirectorBill LawrenceStarsZach BraffSarah ChalkeDonald FaisonJ.D. continues his last day at Sacred Heart, and tries to hold out hope for a great sendoff.8/10
*****
(Produced as a finale, though the show ultimately continued for a re-tooled 9th season). - 1993–2011TV-148.4 (280)TV EpisodeDirectorMike JudgeYvette KaplanStarsMike JudgeMasako KanayamaKristofor BrownBeavis and Butt-head are believed to be dead after not going to school for 3 weeks.8/10
***** - DirectorMandie FletcherStarsRowan AtkinsonTony RobinsonHugh LaurieBlackadder's militant cousin McAdder arrives in London as the Prince Regent seduces some relatives of the fiery Duke of Wellington.8/10
***** - 2018–202222m7.9 (164)TV EpisodeDirectorTim van DammenStarsMike MinogueKaren O'LearyMaaka PohatuMinogue and O'Leary go back in time to the 90s but on returning, discover they've created an apocalyptic new timeline where Sarge was never a cop.8/10
**** - DirectorJody HillStarsDanny McBrideSteve LittleKaty Mixon GreerKenny Powers is on the verge of achieving his dream - hosting his own talk show, but when a vicious head of the network asks him to emotionally finish off unbalanced Guy Young on-air in order to seal the deal, his moment of truth arrives.8/10
***** - DirectorRichard BodenStarsRowan AtkinsonTony RobinsonStephen FryBlackadder pretends that he's insane to avoid certain death carrying out the General's order for the "big push".8/10
***** - DirectorBecky MartinStarsDavid MitchellRobert WebbBart EdwardsJeremy is worried about turning 40 and Mark is running out of time to win over April. How is it all going to end for the El Dude Brothers? Are they going to be alright?8/10
*** - DirectorMandie FletcherStarsRowan AtkinsonTim McInnernyTony RobinsonBlackadder and Melchett are kidnapped by a neurotic German spy just after the Queen announces she is sick of paying ransom to kidnappers.8/10
**** - DirectorJustin BensonAaron MoorheadStarsTom HiddlestonSophia Di MartinoOwen WilsonLoki learns the true nature of 'glorious purpose' as he rectifies the past.8/10
**** - DirectorPeter AvanzinoStarsBilly WestKatey SagalJohn DiMaggioThe team visits New Vegas. Leela tries to save eco systems. Fry gets mind-reading abilities - useful at the poker championship. Bender has an affair with the robot mafia boss's wife. Can the team stop Wong's space "mini" golf project?"Part 4"
8/10
***
(Produced as a finale for the series before Comedy Central revived it). - DirectorAndy De EmmonyStarsDermot MorganArdal O'HanlonFrank KellyAfter saving a fellow priest from suicide, Father Ted is invited to work at an American parish.7.5/10
*** - DirectorJoaquim Dos SantosStarsKevin ConroyGeorge NewbernSusan EisenbergThe resurrected Darkseid leads his force on an all-out attack on Earth in revenge against Superman and the Justice League and Secret Society must join forces to stop him.7.5/10
**** - DirectorKevin BrightStarsJennifer AnistonCourteney CoxLisa KudrowPhoebe races Ross to the airport in a bid to stop Rachel from leaving for Paris. Monica and Chandler pack up their apartment ahead of their move to their new house, and Joey buys Chandler a new chick and duck as a leaving present.7.5/10
***** - 2008–201229mTV-MA8.1 (46)TV EpisodeDirectorSteve DildarianStarsSteve DildarianM.J. OttoNick KrollThe Boss invites Tim to be the 'token white boy'; after an ecological disaster involving Omnicorp, the company publicist chooses Tim to be the face of their apology.7.5/10
**** - DirectorHiro MuraiStarsDonald GloverBrian Tyree HenryLaKeith StanfieldEarn, Al and Van try to support a black-owned sushi restaurant. Darius has a sensory deprivation session.7.5/10
** - DirectorLynn SheltonStarsGillian JacobsPaul RustClaudia O'DohertyGus and Mickey make a major decision in their lives and decide to go to Catalina island with their close friends to celebrate7.5/10
*** - DirectorPeter BaynhamStarsAmelia BullmoreSteve CooganJulia DavisLife away from Vivi-Sec UK just hasn't worked out. Unsurprisingly, Julian gets less than a hero's welcome when he shows up again, bent on finishing the job of setting our animals free. An already tense situation escalates into a full-scale siege when Mark finally snaps and goes mad with a gun. With the house surrounded by armed police and Julian issuing a demand that all animals everywhere are given free passage to "somewhere nice, like Tuscany," it looks like the end for our furry fugitives.7.5/10
**** - DirectorMichael SchurAlexander J. VietmeierStarsSeth MeyersD'Arcy CardenManny JacintoFollowing the airing of the final scripted episode, Seth Meyers hosts a live Q and A with the primary cast of The Good Place (2016). The cast talks about their feelings on the end of the series, filming the show which would have required a good rapport as actors to have that chemistry as comrades on-screen, and watching the final episode several months after it was actually filmed (partly in Paris and Athens). To cap off, Seth asks each cast member to provide a toast to a fellow cast mate, one toast received and given per cast member.7/10
***** - 2000–200522mTV-Y78.5 (115)TV EpisodeDirectorKirk Van WormerStarsJackie ChanJames SieStacie ChanDrago has all 8 Demon Chi, and begins to summon his demon brethren. With the ultimate threat, Section 13 must accept help from whomever is willing. The series finale.7/10
**** - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsSarah Michelle GellarNicholas BrendonEmma Caulfield FordAfter killing Caleb, Buffy conceives a plan to defeat the First once and for all. Willow invokes a magic spell that alters the ancient Slayer spell and gives Buffy the allies she needs to fight the Uber-Vamp army. An epic battle ensues and several good friends are lost. At the end, Buffy faces a completely new problem -- one she's glad to have.7/10
**** - DirectorJeffrey KlarikStarsMatt LeBlancStephen ManganTamsin GreigThe Finale orbits back to the beginning. S&B react to MLB's betrayal by writing the show that tells of their experiences in Hollywood. Lovers unite.7/10
***** - DirectorLoren BouchardStarsBrendon SmallJanine DitullioMelissa Bardin GalskyAfter the Brendon, Jason and Melissa's latest movie is berated in a focus group, the kids begin wondering when they lost their passion for filmmaking. They return to their roots and and try to inspire themselves by watching the first film they ever made, only to find that they never created an ending. As Jason and Melissa set out to produce a conclusion, Brendon finds his creativity diluted and wonders whether he should stop looking at life through a camera lens. Meanwhile, Paula asks McGuirk to set up her new backyard grill. Jason becomes disillusioned with what the group has become, Melissa grasps for femininity, and Brendon reflects on the purpose of his movies.7/10
**** - DirectorMatt ShakmanStarsElizabeth OlsenPaul BettanyKathryn HahnWanda battles Agatha and Vision fights his S.W.O.R.D. counterpart as Hayward launches an attack on Westview.7/10
**** - DirectorAaron LongStarsWill ArnettAmy SedarisAlison BrieA celebration brings people together.7/10
**** - 2009–201624mTV-MA7.6 (101)TV EpisodeDirectorBen GregorStarsDavid CrossWill ArnettSharon HorganTodd is on trial for his life. The public wants him to hang and that seems the most likely outcome. A number of "friendly" witnesses are called to the stand but each one backfires. Meanwhile, Alice finds the evidence needed to clear both their names and is in a race against time to make it to the courthouse.7/10
***** - DirectorDavid MandelStarsJulia Louis-DreyfusAnna ChlumskyTony HaleThe nominating fight between Selina and her rivals reaches its climax, as their race comes to an historic finish.7/10
**** - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsJemaine ClementBret McKenzieRhys DarbySeason Two finale. Unable to pay off their back rent, Bret and Jermaine move in with Mel and Doug; Murray looks to cash in on a stage play about the Conchords' travails.7/10
**** - DirectorTony RocheStarsJoanna ScanlanOlivia PouletWill SmithThe witnesses from the Goolding Inquiry nervously await the result. A further crisis looms over the number of police staff being cut by the Home office, leading to a backlog of paper work and queues outside police stations. Whilst Mannion and his advisers panic, Ollie sends Dan on a fact finding mission to Lewisham police station though it is not very productive. After delivering a rant to Ollie about his inadequacy as a replacement, Tucker tries to create a smoke screen by getting himself arrested, though this also falls flat. Glenn also quits, tearing strips off his colleagues and resolving to turn himself in for perjury - though he changes his mind on the police station steps. Nicola is persuaded to give a face-saving interview with the Daily Mirror journalist who has been shadowing her, dressed as a giant pork chop, and Pearson gets the sack and everybody else is left wondering whether they will still be left in the thick of it.7/10
**** - 2006–200811mTV-MA8.4 (81)TV EpisodeDirectorMack WilliamsAdam ReedMatt ThompsonStarsNeal HolmanKiller MikeAmber NashDifferences are put slightly aside.7/10
**** - DirectorKaren DisherStarsGeoffrey ArendRand BridgesLisa CollinsDaria, Jane, and the rest of the Lawndale High seniors face graduation and college in this series finale TV-movie from MTV's "Daria."7/10
**** - DirectorAlex HardcastleStarsJack DeeRaquel CassidySean PowerRick's prison hostage situation has made him a bankable celebrity again - though Marty is suspicious of the true facts - and he is invited to host the Brave Britain awards. However Clive uses the event to coerce Rick into approving a ramp for his mother's wheelchair,forcing Rick to take drastic action whilst Donald sends a messenger to make Rick admit publicly how he really escaped from the siege. One of these events will increase Rick's popularity but the other will have the opposite effect.7/10
** - DirectorMartin ShardlowStarsJohn CarlisleBert ParnabyRoy EvansWhen Edmund loses his title of Duke of Edinburgh, he snaps, fires Baldrick and Percy and hires some of the most cruel men in England; Sir Wilfred Death, Three-Fingered Pete, Guy de Glastonbury, Sean the Irish Bastard, Friar Bellows and Jack Large to help him take over the kingdom.7/10
***** - DirectorJenni KonnerStarsLena DunhamAllison WilliamsBecky Ann BakerHannah embarks on a new chapter.7/10
**** - DirectorChris CarterStarsDavid DuchovnyGillian AndersonMitch PileggiMulder and Scully rush to find an on-the-run William while the Cigarette Smoking Man pushes forward with his ultimate plan.7/10
*** - DirectorClaire ScanlonStarsAndy SambergStephanie BeatrizTerry CrewsThe squad takes stock of their eight years together and look towards their future.7/10
**** - DirectorStuart McDonaldStarsChris LilleyAsolima TauatiIro UtaifeauThe curtain rises on Mr. G's musical, Ja'mie is dumped by her school formal date and Jonah's future changes forever.7/10
**** - DirectorJonathan KriselStarsJohn C. ReillyTim HeideckerFred ArmisenWhen an angry group of ranchers threatens the team for invading their land, they must decide between abandoning the mission or stand their ground. Skip hatches a risky plan that requires all their training to pull it off. Season finale.7/10
**** - DirectorDwayne Carey-HillStarsAbbi JacobsonEric AndréNat FaxonWith the fate of Dreamland hanging in the balance, a mother battles her daughter for beauty, power and immortality. But living forever comes at a price.7/10
**** - 2000–202324mTV-149.1 (214)TV EpisodeDirectorCraig HartinMatthew I. JenkinsMatt MaiellaroStarsCarey MeansLarry MurphyDana SnyderAfter 15 years of animated entertainment, The Aqua Teen Hunger Force takes a bow. This is the last episode, seriously.6.5/10
**** - DirectorSam LeiferStarsDan ClarkLaura HaddockDavid ArmandIt's Christmas time in the Danbury household and Don is making a final desperate attempt to lead a normal life. But he has to contend with an out-of-control OAP, a violent Santa and someone close to home winning over his dream girl.6.5/10
***** - DirectorNeasa HardimanStarsKrysten RitterRachael TaylorEka DarvilleAn old friend visits Jessica as she sets out on an agonizing mission and learns the true cost of being a hero.6.5/10
*** - DirectorArmando IannucciStarsHugh LaurieJosh GadZach WoodsWith the ship divided, both sides find themselves in an all-out fight to survive, while dooming the other half of Avenue 5 to imminent death. Then, Ryan takes part in a shotgun wedding, and Rav reaches a personal breakthrough.6.5/10
*** - DirectorJason BloomStarsRose McIverMalcolm GoodwinRahul KohliThe human/zombie war finally comes to a head.6.5/10
*** - DirectorJeff SchafferStarsLarry DavidJeff GarlinSusie EssmanLarry returns to Atlanta, where he gets involved in Richard's love life and reveals a secret about Cheryl.6.5/10
** - DirectorPierre CerratoCasey WillisStarsCarlos AlazraquiH. Jon BenjaminZ. GillispieWith the UN voting to outlaw independent spy agencies, Archer and the gang have to work outside the law to save the world from an unlikely duo.6.5/10
*** - DirectorMark MylodStarsNicholas BraunBrian CoxKieran CulkinAhead of the final board meeting on the Waystar-Gojo Deal, Kendall and Shiv try to shore up their opposing interests...and get a fix on the whereabouts of a physically and emotionally bruised Roman.6.5/10
** - 1990–200140mTV-PG8.8 (221)TV EpisodeDirectorChristine GernonStarsRichard WilsonAnnette CrosbieJonathan CecilMargeret finds it hard to cope after the death of Victor, but what will she do when she is face to face with his killer?6/10
*** - CreatorJenji KohanStarsTaylor SchillingDanielle BrooksTaryn ManningConvicted of a decade-old crime of transporting drug money, ordinarily law-abiding Piper Chapman is sentenced to 18 months behind bars and quickly discovers the realities of life-changing prison time.6/10
*** - DirectorSteve ShillStarsMichael C. HallJennifer CarpenterDesmond HarringtonSeries finale. Dexter is faced with impossible odds as a brewing hurricane makes its way towards Miami.6/10
** - DirectorShelley JensenStarsWill SmithJames AveryDaphne ReidAs members of the Banks family and Geoffrey prepare for their moves, Will tries to pretend that he also has big plans for moving forward. After admitting the truth, Will makes a decision to stay in California and finish school.6/10
**** - DirectorJason BatemanStarsJason BatemanLaura LinneySofia HublitzEvery desperate deal. Every broken promise. Every bloody murder. Eager to leave their murky past behind, the Byrdes make a final bid for freedom.6/10
*** - DirectorAlexander YellenStarsKellita SmithDJ QuallsKeith AllanThe heroes try to bring Estes and Pandora to justice. Cooper reappears and shocks Warren with a new revelation.6/10
** - DirectorKim MannersStarsDavid DuchovnyGillian AndersonRobert PatrickMulder's return leads to him being tried for murder before a military tribunal where he seeks to prove the very existence of an alien conspiracy and justify the maintenance of the X-Files.(Part 2)
5.5/10
*** - DirectorGary HalvorsonStarsRay RomanoPatricia HeatonBrad GarrettRay undergoes a routine surgery. The medical personnel have difficulty waking him for a while causing most of the family to panic. Ray finally wakes up, and everyone is a little nicer to him afterward.5/10
**** - DirectorVictor CookStarsFrank WelkerMindy CohnGrey GriffinDiscovering the true Heart of the Jaguar, the Mystery Inc gang work as a team to stop the Evil Entity from bringing about the end of the world.5/10
***