The Art Of A Perfect Ending
When most shows drag on forever, it's refreshing to see one that knows when to wrap things up. These gems knew the art of a perfect ending, even though it left us wanting more.
Game Of Thrones
Game of Thrones finally came to an end in 2019, giving fans a big finish, but as usual, people had differing opinions about it. The last episode, with a big fight for the Iron Throne, was loved by some, but others were apprehensive.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011-19)
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Fans had strong reactions to the ending. Some people expressed disappointment, while others were okay with it. Although many disapproved of Bran Stark becoming king, they liked seeing Jon Snow with his wolf, Ghost, again.
Dealing With Negative Feedback
David Benioff and Dan Weiss, who created Game of Thrones, discussed the negative reactions to season eight. The public backlash was terrible, so they went off the internet for a while. It did help lower their stress, showing how much public opinion can impact the mental health of creators.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hurried Ending?
After Game of Thrones, many fans thought Benioff and Weiss hurried the ending for money. But they surprised everyone by refusing easy producer credits on spinoffs like House of the Dragon. They believed it was wrong to take money without working on it.
Suzi Pratt, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Good Place
In an interview, Mike Schur, who made The Good Place, talked about the last episode of the show. He said the writers spent time thinking about how paradise should end. A main idea of the show is that being happy all the time can become boring.
Immense Growth
The finale, called "Whenever You're Ready," shows how the characters decide to leave the afterlife. Jason goes first, and Tahani aims to be the first human afterlife architect. Chidi and Eleanor deal with their connection as she struggles with him leaving, learning that stopping him would be selfish.
Fremulon, The Good Place (2016-2020)
Differing Beliefs
Schur points out that it is very important for viewers to have a good ending that connects with their feelings. Inspired by different beliefs about what happens after death, the show depicts how being happy forever could feel like a punishment.
The Good Place Official Trailer by IGN
New Perspective Pulls Viewership
The Good Place was very popular while it was on TV. In its first season, about 5.7 million people watched each episode, and the reviews were fantastic. The show kept people watching with clever writing, interesting characters, and its new perspective on the afterlife.
Fremulon, The Good Place (2016-2020)
Mad Men
Matthew Weiner, who created Mad Men, felt it was the right time to end after seven seasons. He thought each character's story had reached a natural finish. Weiner knew how he wanted it all to end from season 4, guiding each character's journey toward that goal.
Don Draper's Journey
Each character grew in important ways, especially Don Draper. His journey in advertising ended with him possibly creating Coca-Cola's famous "Hilltop" ad, which symbolized unity and peace. This ad idea showed how Don's personal struggles and new understanding of life shaped his work, making his goodbye feel meaningful and complete.
Lionsgate, Mad Men (2007–2015)
Critics Loved It
The show Mad Men received a lot of praise from fans and critics. It was known for paying close attention to details and showing what advertising was like in the 1960s. Creator Matthew Weiner worked hard to make it all realistic, from the style of the time to important events.
Lionsgate, Mad Men, (2007–2015)
Derry Girls
Derry Girls is a hilarious British show set in 1990s Northern Ireland. Made by Lisa McGee, it follows Erin and her friends as they deal with their teenage years during the Troubles. The show takes us on their silly adventures at an all-girls school (except for James) and makes history feel easy to understand.
Lisa McGee on Derry Girls being a labour of love by Royal Television Society
Derry Girls Has Won Hearts
Since its start in 2018, Derry Girls has won the hearts of many fans. The show's mix of funny moments and real events, like the 1994 IRA ceasefire, connects well with viewers. The show even inspired a mural in Derry that celebrates its characters.
Derry Girls | Best Bits of Series 2 | Part 2 by Channel 4 Comedy
Complete Ending (With Twists)
Derry Girls ended in 2022 with a sweet ending and a special episode about an important time in Northern Ireland's history. McGee said she loves the show but thinks the story is complete. Michelle working in Dennis' shop, by the way? HILARIOUS!
Derry Girls Ending by No Watermark Clips
Proud Of The Journey
Though McGee will miss the characters, she thinks they had a full journey. She said that as a writer, it's easy to tell when a story is done. The bond between the characters and the audience is strong, and she's proud of how she developed them in the series. And she should be.
Award winner, WRITER: COMEDY - Derry Girls, Lisa McGee by Mad Dog 2020 Casting
The Wire
The Wire brought together many simple but powerful stories, each showing life in Baltimore. The last episode covered the police, drug dealers, schools, news, and politics. Key characters, like McNulty's struggles and Bubbles' path to recovery, got a meaningful goodbye, showing both life's challenges and growth.
Lucky Number 5
After six years of creating Baltimore's story, David Simon (the creator) said leaving it was hard. By the second season, Simon already had a plan to show more of the city's sides each season. Stopping after season five felt right to him; he thought they showed the city's struggles and its people clearly.
David Simon on why he created The Wire | Observer Ideas by Guardian Live
Brave Topics
Reviewers liked how The Wire showed real life in Baltimore, from crime to everyday problems. Each season got high ratings, with Seasons 3 and 4 getting top scores. Still, not many watched it at first. Today, it's one of the best shows, known for bravely discussing tough issues.
Fleabag
Fleabag was a tough goodbye for the fans. Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it follows a young woman in London as she deals with loss, family, sisterhood, love, and finding her way in life. Fleabag breaks the fourth wall, which makes her struggles feel even more real.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge on Fleabag by Golden Globes
Powerful Ending
Phoebe Waller-Bridge felt the story should end after two seasons. She thought Fleabag's journey, from feeling lost to accepting the conditions and learning to be okay with it, was complete. Fleabag changed a lot, and her final, quiet look at the camera was a powerful end.
Fleabag's Ending Scene | Fleabag | Prime Video by Prime Video
Hot Priest
Hot Priest became very popular because of how well he connected with Fleabag. His unique charm (and his beautiful neck) made the show special. People loved him for his kindness and acceptance. Waller-Bridge and Andrew Scott were happy but surprised by how much fans liked the Hot Priest.
Fleabag & Hot Priest - Drive by Mpriarty
Fleabag At 50
Even if it seems finished to Waller-Bridge, she has said she might think about bringing the character back someday. She joked about what Fleabag might be like at age 50. For now, Waller-Bridge thinks Fleabag's story should stay as it is: a story about growing, forgiving, and moving on.
Two Brothers Pictures, Fleabag (2016–2019)
Seinfeld
According to Jerry Seinfeld, he thought about when to end the show with his co-stars' input. They realized that after nine great seasons, it was smart to finish while they were on top. With smiles and good memories, they decided it was time to say goodbye.
Observational Comedy
The show's observational comedy clicked with fans just right. Each episode usually started or ended with Jerry doing stand-up and making jokes that matched the story. Instead of sticking to a set story, it looked at daily life, helping people laugh at simple things.
Castle Rock, Seinfeld (1989-1998)
The Seinfeld Curse
The "Seinfeld curse" is a funny anecdote, where the stars of Seinfeld had a hard time making new shows after it ended. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards all tried new sitcoms, but most were canceled fast. But Emmy-winner Louis-Dreyfus did well with The New Adventures of Old Christine.
Castle Rock, Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Schitt's Creek
Dan Levy wanted the ending of Schitt's Creek to be about growth. He thought each character's happy ending was important because it showed how love and support will always help people be happy. It was especially great to see Twyla receive her own ending, which did not take away her essence.
Condé Nast, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Doing Right By The Characters
While writing the perfect ending for each character, Levy and his team looked at many ideas, thinking about what the characters needed more than what the audience wanted. He wanted the ending to be surprising and good, not easy to guess.
Schitt's Creek (2015-2020), CBC
Working With Family
Levy was elated about how the cast and crew got along during and after the filming. Creating something as a family (Dan and Eugene Levy) was incredibly important and a learning moment for him. Seeing Twyla trending was also special for him because that was his own sister!
Waiting for Guffman (1996), Sony Pictures Classics
The Farewell
The creator knows that people want more shows or reunions, but he feels the show ended well. He thinks the ending really showed how the characters changed, which will leave an impactful legacy. And to top it off, you can watch their documentary, Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt's Farewell, if you wish to cry.
Schitt's Creek Final Scene - Season 6 by coffee & tv
Succession
The end of Succession examines the problems of the Roy family. The characters are deeply flawed, but you can't help but sympathize with them. Season 4, the last season, lets Kendall face his past and hints at lingering issues for a strong ending.
Satisfaction In The End
The writer of Succession, Jesse Armstrong, chose to end the show after four seasons to give viewers a clear end. He wanted fans to know this was the last season, avoiding any feeling of being left hanging. Armstrong thinks that clear endings help both viewers and actors feel satisfied.
Succession showrunner Jesse Armstrong accepts his RTS Fellowship by Royal Television Society
Ah, Logan Roy
He wanted the story to wrap up naturally. The show looks at the complicated relationships in the Roy family, where getting along is tough. Logan Roy loves his children, but what he does often hurts them, leading to betrayal and sadness.
Closure
Finishing a show is hard, but Succession did it well. The last season brought excitement and gave each character a strong ending. Fans liked how it was planned, so the end provided well-deserved closure. Glad the team decided to end the story at the right time.
The Succession Finale is Perfectly Upsetting and Here's Why… by Film The Right Thing
Barry
Barry's final season started to take shape when Season 3 production stopped because of the pandemic. This break gave Bill Hader and Alec Berg time to think about where the story should go. HBO wasn't sure about stopping, but Hader felt the story was complete.
Bill Hader and Alec Berg of HBO's Barry | Produced By Conference by Producers Guild of America
Not Forcing Extra Content
Hader and the writers realized Barry had a natural conclusion during Season 4's writing. They felt the story would reach its end without forcing extra content, so they chose to conclude the series rather than drag it out. A very smart move.
Emotional Journey
Ending Barry is deeply emotional for Hader, who describes it as a life-changing experience. He's grateful for the journey and growth it gave him, comparing it to his time on SNL, where he learned invaluable skills for show creation.
Trainwreck, Universal Pictures
Parks And Recreation
The popular comedy show ended after its seventh season, and the team believed it was time. Co-creator Michael Schur and actress Amy Poehler thought Leslie Knope's journey had reached a good point, and they wanted to give viewers a nice conclusion to her story.
Ron Loves Lil' Sebastian | Parks and Recreation by Parks and Recreation
About The Show
The mockumentary follows Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, who is a hardworking and optimistic worker in the Parks Department of Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie cares deeply about her town and wants to make it a better place for everyone. She has some flaws, but who doesn't?
The Politics of Parks and Rec by vlogbrothers
Wins
The show earned a lot of awards and nominations throughout its time on air. In 2010, Amy Poehler received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress. The show even won a Peabody Award and was nominated for the GLAAD Media Award and TCA Awards.
Parks and Recreation, Universal Television
The Perfect Ending
NBC agreed with their plan for the show's ending. They let the team have a shorter last season, which helped them finish the story well. The aim was to make a happy ending that fans would like and remember. Each character is loved by the viewers in spite of their flaws.
Parks and Recreation, Universal Television
The Leftovers
The series ran for three seasons, moving from Mapleton, New York, to Jarden, Texas, and then to Australia. Each place brought new problems for the characters as they faced their past and beliefs. The series mixed drama and mystery, asking hard questions about life, faith, and what it means to really live after losing someone.
HBO, The Leftovers (2014-2017)
The Ending Was Natural
The writer of The Leftovers, Damon Lindelof, wanted to give the show a good ending. He felt that every TV series should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. As season two finished, he noticed the characters were close to finishing their stories. This idea pushed him to plan one last season.
The Leftovers - Damon Lindelof interview by VicScreen
Planning
In season three, part of the story takes place in Australia, but they start filming in Texas. Lindelof suggests that there are still important stories to share in Texas before the characters move. This planning shows how much he cares about ending the show in a way that does justice to the characters.
The Leftovers Season 3 Look Up Promo (HD) by TV Promos
Ambiguous Ending
We'll never know if Nora was telling the truth. Lindelof himself mentioned that some questions are not meant to be answered, and viewers can believe what they want to. That's the beauty of an open ending; everybody wins.
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