The past two decades have been an amazing time for television. With the 21st century ushering a new golden age and producing one great show after another, our attention shifts weekly. It’s almost as if we’re saying goodbye to one favorite show and there’s another breathtaking contender ready to take its place.
Theshows on this list are timeless. Over the years, we have spent countless hours of our lives getting to know the characters, we have followed their stories, and we have closely examined their ups and downs. But all great things eventually come to an end, and as heavily invested as we’ve been in these fictional worlds, they do leave a void in our hearts.
Now, wrapping up a television series in the right, if not perfect, way is an incredibly difficult task. Some shows simply leave fans disappointed or end abruptly. Others, however, nail their landing. Through emotion, surprise, tension, callbacks, andperfect pacing, these TV finales provide a closure that is fitting, profound, and unforgettable. The hard part is ranking the best of the best. And yet, we have tried to pick out the 20 greatest TV finales of the 21st century so far. Here goes.
20“The Wrath of the Lamb” - Hannibal (2013 – 2015)
Created by Bryan Fuller with as many bloody confrontations and plot twists as possible,Hannibalis a grounded masterpiece that stars Mads Mikkelsen opposite Hugh Dancy. The former is a forensic psychiatrist and part-time cannibalistic killer and the latter is a troubled FBI profiler. When put together, they form a complex relationship that evolves into one of the greatest hunter-and-prey games ever seen in the history of television.
A Feast for the Senses
Hannibalended after three seasons, and even though fans wished they’d gotten a fourth, it was the shocking and equally satisfying finale that made it memorable enough. In the episode, there is a climactic showdown between Will and Hannibal, where Will uses Hannibal as bait to catch Francis Dolarhyde, their common foe. What happens next brings their broken partnership to a gut-wrenching end. In a way, it does justice to the show’s audacious storytelling.Stream on Prime Video.
19“Goodnight, Seattle” - Frasier (1993 – 2004)
After first witnessing him hang out at the Boston bar with Sam Malone and the gang, psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Cranereturned to the small screento bless fans with endless laughter and warranted emotions. For 11 seasons, Kelsey Grammer’s beloved character navigated life in Seattle. Whether he was dealing with his father and brothers, or the eccentric people on his radio show, Frasier always managed to charm his way into making us feel good.
Bittersweet Endings
After 264 episodes, when it was finally time to say goodbye to the iconic comedy, fans were heartbroken to say the least. The series finale brought the individual storylines ofFrasierand company to beautiful and sentimental conclusions, giving each one a proper send-off while staying true to their person. As for Frasier himself, we see him quoting a portion of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses” and subtly urges all to take risks and put themselves out there. It was a heartfelt final episode, perfectly summing up more than a decade of joy and laughter.Stream on Hulu.
18“Saul Gone” - Better Call Saul (2015 – 2022)
Better Call Saulis the spin-off and prequel to Breaking Bad we didn’t know we needed. It documents the complex transition of a former con artist Jimmy McGill into the cunning and flamboyant criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. Over six long seasons, we witness the slow-burn storytelling and Bob Odenkirk’s outstanding performance tightening its hold and revealing a dark side of humanity and morally questionable actions.
It’s All Fun and Games, Until it’s Not
The finale ofBetter Call Saulwas spectacular. Years of narrative threads are tied together in the span of one momentous hour, but what’s particularly striking is how the show reinvents itself as a story about two star-crossed lovers. Because of his love and admiration for Kim Wexler, Jimmy finally decides to do the right thing and face the consequences of his actions. There are parallels with the original series, and while not groundbreaking, the finale honors what makes the complex character study so worthwhile through reflection and turnedBetter Call Saulinto an unparalleled prequel in the television landscape.Stream on Netflix.
Better Call Saul
Related:Better Call Saul: All of Jimmy McGill’s Personas, Ranked
17“Finale” - The Office (2005 – 2013)
Despite being adapted from a BBC series of the same name (which is just as clever and entertaining),The Officecreates itsown brand of humorand delivers touching character moments. The beloved sitcom, chronicling the daily lives of employees at the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin paper company, made fans chuckle and guffaw for nearly a decade. With Michael Scott’s eccentric boss and a hilarious crew of employees, it almost felt like returning to family.
Leaves a Lasting Impression
It’s like they say, all good things must come to an end.The Officenot only departed with a bang, but it also had fans reaching out for tissues. Steve Carell’s manager left the show after the seventh season, and while that was a bummer, we’re glad the ongoing seasons found a footing and continued the treasured stories of characters like Jim, Pam, Dwight, Angela, and the rest. With the cast commenting on the documentary they spent years making, Michael also makes an unforgettable return to leave the ultimate lasting impression.Stream on Peacock Premium.
The Office (U.S.)
16“The End” - Lost (2004 – 2010)
Entering the television landscape at a time when the science-fiction/mystery genre was taking shape,Lostsaw the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 crash landing on a mysterious island. First believing they had to find out a way to keep going, they soon discover a web of time-traveling mysteries and supernatural phenomena engulfing them. Creator J.J. Abrams sets a distinct tone from the first season itself, and later dives into profound character backstories in a way that is compelling and addictive.
More Than What Meets the Eye
The question with concluding a show that explored several avenues across six seasons was: will it be able to close all loose ties? Sure, not all questions were answered in the hotly debated and overly sentimental finale. Yet the truth in every moment provided closure and reset. Almost all the passengers of Flight 815 return to prove that no matter how much time passes, or what fate intervenes, they will always be bound together by a greater force. Overall, it ends in full circle, and that’s what the creators wanted all along.Stream on Hulu.
Lost is a mystery drama series created for TV that follows a group of survivors of a plane crash and tells its story between the past, present, and future via flashbacks. When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crashes and lands on a mysterious island in the pacific ocean, the castaways discover their new temporary home may have a mind of its own, as strange supernatural events keep them locked to the island. From an unknown black smoke creature to dangerous islanders, the passengers must work together to survive the island’s seemingly deadly intentions.
15“Finale” - Fleabag (2016 – 2019)
Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge,Fleabagis a groundbreaking comedy that centers around an outspoken, angry, and sexually liberated young woman living in London, trying to cope with the death of her best friend. She frequently breaks the fourth wall to reveal the trauma behind her charismatic facade with the help of snappy remarks. In just two seasons, Fleabag gets praise for being “scathingly funny” and “quite devastating.”
An Absolute Tearjerker
At its core,Fleabagis aboutthe titular character’s journeyof learning to love again, but the beautifully ambiguous series finale is far from a happy ending. It is the right one, though. A well-earned one. On the one hand, it forces Fleabag and The Priest to confront their feelings and, on the other hand, we witness the wedding, which puts a lot of things in perspective. Andrew Scott’s recitation of the speech written by Waller-Bridge, and particularly the line, “I was taught if we’re born with love, then life is about choosing the right place to put it.” really leaves the audiences feeling hopeful.Stream on Prime Video.
14“Veep” - Veep (2012 – 2019)
Mercilessly profane but undeniably hilarious,Veepis a seven-season-long political satire that follows former Senator Selina Meyer as she ascends the ranks and becomes Vice President of the United States. As her inept staff of flunkies manages Washington’s cutthroat landscape of power, the show skewers the dysfunctions within the pristine walls with a viscous and unmatched humor.
Just as Piercing as the Rest of the Series
Led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who dominates the landscape as someone who would sell her own grandchildren for votes,Veepis filled with biting jabs that never let up. The show’s conclusion, on par with the same glorious and madcap hilarity, bursts with energy and emotion in equal proportion. Few would expect the finale to be anywhere near heartbreaking, and that’s probably why it is so interesting to watch Selina pass her title on to Jonah and break ties with her boyfriend.Stream on Max.
Former Senator Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) has accepted the call to serve as Vice President of the United States. The job is nothing like she imagined and everything she was warned about. Veep follows Meyer and her staff as they attempt to make their mark and leave a lasting legacy, without getting tripped up in the day-to-day political games that define Washington. Meyer’s inner circle includes: her chief of staff Amy (Anna Chlumsky), longtime press spokesperson Mike McClintock (Matt Walsh), right hand and body man Gary (Tony Hale) and secretary Sue (Sufe Bradshaw) all of whom often do battle with Dan Egan (Reid Scott) an ambitious interloper and smug White House liaison Jonah (Tim Simons).
13“Happy Ending” - Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)
Schitt’s Creekis among the most underrated family dramas/fish-out-of-water comedies out there. Its premise follows the formerly wealthy Rose family suddenly going broke, losing all their money and estate, and being forced to move to Schitt’s Creek, a small town Johnny once purchased for David as a joke. The show sees them go through hardships and breakdowns in the quirky town with their chin up the entire time.
Truly a Happy Ending
‘Happy Ending’ is the triumphant finale that took Daniel Levy only three hours to write. The episode witnesses David spiraling into stress because of the rain and how it could ruin his wedding with Patrick. But not only does his family pull it off, but Moira (played iconically by Catherine O’Hara) also makes an unforgettable appearance and at some point exclaims, “Our lives are like little bébé crows, carried upon a curious wind.” That said,Schitt’s Creekends on a warm and wise note.Stream on Hulu.
Schitt’s Creek
Starring Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, and January Jones among many others,Mad Mentakes you inside thestylish confines of 1960sMadison Avenue ad agency Sterling Cooper. Created by Matthew Weiner for AMC, the show’s central character is Don Draper, whose erratic and mysterious personality has cemented him as a genius in the industry. As he deals with the personal lives and conflicts with people around him, it explores society amidst change and unrest.
A Debatable Finale
Some consider the final episode ofMad Mento be convoluted, others poetic. While Don Draper’s mysterious past has haunted him all along, the finale comes with a subtle (and untold) realization that he’s simply an adman. Not a husband, not a lover, not a father. The episode also concludes the narratives of its other characters, like Peggy, Stan, and Betty. The callbacks are thematically fitting forMad Men’seternal reflections on human nature, desire, and the search for fulfillment.Stream on AMC+.
11“Made in America” - The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)
David Chase’s most significant masterpiece was this mobster drama.The Sopranosdocuments the life of New Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano as he balances his relationship with his family and his involvement in organized crime. The show has six seasons and over eighty episodes, across which, the story delves into inquisitive examinations of masculinity, therapy, and mortality. Of course, it’s not all violence and drama. The Soprano is a satisfying amalgamation of humor and humanity like no other.
Rattling, but Epic Conclusion
Another finale that shocked fans to the point of writing off the entirety ofThe Sopranosas “disappointing,” ‘Made in America’ eventually earned a lot of respect. In the jarring conclusion, we see Tony’s abrupt and reckless cut-to-black exit, and after a painfully long moment of silence, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” fills the room. Was it death? Is Tony alive? Did Chase actually plan this or was it a hasty attempt at ending an epic saga? Fans frantically discussed, anchoring it as one of the greatest TV finales of the 21st century.Stream on Max.
The Sopranos
