20 Greatest TV Finales of the 21st Century So Far

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.

The shows 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, and perfect 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, Hannibal is 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

Hannibal ended 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 Crane returned to the small screen to 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 of Frasier and 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.

Frasier

Release Date

September 16, 1993

Seasons

11

18 “Saul Gone” – Better Call Saul (2015 – 2022)

Better Call Saul is 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 of Better Call Saul was 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 turned Better Call Saul into an unparalleled prequel in the television landscape. Stream on Netflix.

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 Office creates its own brand of humor and 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 Office not 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.)

Release Date

2005-00-00

Cast

Steve Carell , Jenna Fischer , John Krasinski , Ellie Kemper , Rainn Wilson , Angela Kinsey , Melora Hardin , Rashida Jones , Mindy Kaling , Creed Bratton , B.J. Novak , Ed Helms , Brian Baumgartner

Seasons

9

16 “The End” – Lost (2004 – 2010)

Entering the television landscape at a time when the science-fiction/mystery genre was taking shape, Lost saw 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

Release Date

September 22, 2004

Seasons

6

Studio

ABC

15 “Finale” – Fleabag (2016 – 2019)

Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag is 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, Fleabag is about the titular character’s journey of 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.

Fleabag

Release Date

July 21, 2016

Seasons

2

14 “Veep” – Veep (2012 – 2019)

Mercilessly profane but undeniably hilarious, Veep is 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, Veep is 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.

Veep

Release Date

April 22, 2012

Seasons

7

Studio

HBO

13 “Happy Ending” – Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)

Schitt’s Creek is 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 Creek ends on a warm and wise note. Stream on Hulu.

12 “Person to Person” – Mad Men (2007 – 2015)

Starring Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, and January Jones among many others, Mad Men takes you inside the stylish confines of 1960s Madison 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 of Mad Men to 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 for Mad Men’s eternal reflections on human nature, desire, and the search for fulfillment. Stream on AMC+.

Mad Men

Release Date

July 19, 2007

Seasons

7

Studio

AMC

11 “Made in America” – The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

David Chase’s most significant masterpiece was this mobster drama. The Sopranos documents 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 of The Sopranos as “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

Release Date

January 10, 1999

Seasons

6

Studio

HBO

10 “Felina” – Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

With Better Call Saul making it to the list, Breaking Bad obviously deserves a spot. The show revolves around a meek high school chemistry teacher named Walter White, who is diagnosed with cancer and worried about his family’s financial sustainability. He turns to manufacturing and selling meth with a former student, Jesse Pinkman. What begins as a short-term money-making scheme soon spirals into a web of madness and imminent danger.

All Bad Things Must Come to an End

Vince Gilligan meticulously crafted Breaking Bad into an astonishing and fresh examination of midlife crises. He extends the same precision and expertise in fleshing out the series finale. Gilligan wraps everything up like a tiny present – as Walter races to tie up loose ends on his final day, he reunites with former business partners, makes sure his family will be taken care of, helps Jesse escape the meth-making captivity, and finally accepts his fate and goes out on his own terms. Stunning scenes and poetic justice make this finale the absolute best. Stream on Netflix.

9 “Four Minutes” – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 – 2023)

Another period piece, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel delivers five seasons worth of knockout comedic delight, a myriad of hats, and richly crafted empowerment. Set in 1950s New York, the show introduces us to Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who has it all – the perfect husband, two adorable children, and a lavish apartment. But when her husband suddenly leaves, her life takes an unexpected turn and she discovers a hidden talent for stand-up comedy.

Takes You on One Last Ride

A comedy-drama about a ahead-of-her-time comedian fighting for respect and recognition in a man’s world should have some obstruction but under Amy Sherman-Palladino’s unparalleled direction, the series plays out at a whip-smart pace. The glamorous finale jumps in between two timelines, one where Mrs. Maisel is at the height of her career, performing at the Gordon Ford show, who later whispers “You’re fired” to her, and the other where she’s famous, in her 70s and still performing, and joking with Susie, now retired. A brief encounter with Bruce also leaves fans utterly satisfied with the episode. Stream on Prime Video.

8 “Sozin’s Comet” – Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)

Avatar: The Last Airbender introduces a world that is divided into four nations, each representing elements water, earth, fire or air. Only the Avatar, the master of all four, has the ability to maintain balance between the nations. When the Fire Nation’s war against the other nations reaches a boiling point, only twelve-year-old Aang, who is also the last survivor of Air Nation, can end it. The story unfolds over three seasons and consists of epic wars, adventure, humor, and heart.

Lands Perfectly Well

Sozin’s Comet is the final episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and while it is just as spectacular in action as the rest of the series, it provides a dramatic conclusion. We see Aang letting Fire Lord Ozai live but taking his firebending from him. Their face-off is genuinely a delight to watch because it lives up to the grandeur and ends a 100-year war. Emotionally moving yet thoughtful, it was a landmark moment in animated storytelling. Stream on Netflix.

Related: 10 Most Inspiring Quotes from Avatar: The Last Airbender

7 “-30-” – The Wire (2002 – 2008)

Created by former police officer David Simon, The Wire is a gritty crime drama that offers a glimpse into institutions that are struggling to survive, that are overlooked by most. Led by Dominic West, who plays Detective Jimmy McNulty, the show takes audiences to Baltimore, where the shady alliance between cops and criminals bleeds into the political sphere. As seasons progress, the city’s underlying “war on drugs” elevates, and so does the intrigue.

Returns to Where it All Started

Effectively concluding a bunch of narrative arcs, the poignant finale of The Wire lingered on the quiet aftermath of the previous season’s pivotal moments. Dukie finds enough money to start a new life but ends up spending it the wrong way, Daniels gets promoted but chooses to step down from the position due to his principles, and McNulty has a moment of clarity. Both ambiguous and fitting, it honors the show’s tone. Simply put, there was no better way to say goodbye to the memorable characters. Stream on Max.

The Wire

Release Date

June 2, 2002

Seasons

5

6 “Always” – Friday Night Lights (2006 – 2011)

Set in a small town, Friday Night Lights is among the few critically acclaimed sports dramas on television. The heartwarming series went on for five seasons and over seventy episodes. It followed the pressures and triumphs of a high school football team as it prepared for championships. From players and coaches to families and community, the show nestled enough vivid action and remarkable sentiments.

Very Satisfying Conclusion

The finale of Friday Night Lights is just as emotionally rewarding as the entire series. It proves that the show was never really a love letter to football but about the bonds and lessons cultivated along the way. While reminiscing on pivotal moments, it brought the fates of beloved characters like Coach Taylor, Julie, and Tami to perfect closure. Plus, there’s a Texas-sized worth of romance in the finale too. Stream on Netflix.

5 “The Last One” – Friends (1994 – 2004)

One of the greatest, most acclaimed sitcoms of all time, Friends provided laughter, tears, escapism, and comfort to fans for a decade. Through the ups and downs of six friends – sarcastic Chandler, compulsive Monica, clumsy Rachel, quirky Phoebe, goofy Joey, and sentimental Ross – the show gave us an adventurous, hilarious, and indulgent time to remember.

The One Where They Bid Adieu

Creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman had perfected the art of ensemble comedy. However clichéd it may seem today, the show laid the groundwork for several that came after. In a finale that felt like a warm hug from old friends, each beloved character found closure in ways that brought tears and smiles. Chandler and Monica have a baby, Joey finds himself still feeling adventurous enough for another game of foosball, and most of all, Friends wrapped up a decade-long will-they-won’t-they romance between Ross and Rachel with an iconic background score. Stream on Max.

Friends

Release Date

September 22, 1994

Seasons

10

4 “With Open Eyes” – Succession (2018 – 2023)

With a great ensemble, Succession became one of television’s finest tales of power and dysfunction. It centers around media mogul Logan Roy and his family, who may appear to be close-knit on the surface, but running the empire together comes with a price. Especially after the family patriarch retires and leaves Waystar RoyCo to his children, who connive, backstab, and scrap over his throne. In just four seasons, Succession weaves an addicting drama of opulent rage and ruthless fun.

Fitting End to an Epic Family Saga

The saga’s end was only recently written, and in the event of Succession ending on a note that left jaws on the floor, it is the right time to appreciate it. Jesse Armstrong carries out a sublime execution of tension and intoxicating stakes. For those who haven’t watched the show yet, no spoilers. But the finale really pushes relationships to breaking point, with a certain vicious conference room showdown between the three siblings taking center stage – for better or worse. Stream on Max.

3 “START” – The Americans (2013 – 2018)

Loosely based on the true story of a cell of Russian Sleeper agents, The Americans is a spy thriller that is set in the early 1980s. Elizabeth and Philip Jennings are a married couple raising a perfect family in suburban D.C. But they have a secret – they are two highly trained Soviet KGB intelligence officers on an undercover mission. The Cold War/espionage genre has never been so immersive and brilliant before.

To New Beginnings

From fake marriage to real parenthood, The Americans leaves no dramatic stone unturned in its sprawling six-season run. Cleverly titled ‘START,’ the last episode of the series ties the central theme of flashy, slow-burn escape together with perfection. We see Philip and Elizabeth respecting their one chance at survival and escaping to Russia after bidding a bittersweet goodbye to their children – Paige, an American by birth who decides to stay and take care of her younger brother. Not only does the choice depict maturity, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in their respective lives. Rightfully, the critics call the show “The Sopranos of this decade.” Stream on Hulu.

2 “The Book of Nora” – The Leftovers (2014 – 2017)

Set in a world where 2% of the global population suddenly vanishes, The Leftovers documents the lives of those left behind. Their struggles to cope in a small town make for an intriguing psychological drama. Kevin Garvey, a police chief, his family, a grieving widow named Nora Durst, and Reverend Matt Jamison, are seen wrestling with loss and faith after the unexplained Departure.

Makes its Legacy More Memorable

Throughout the show, Damon Lindelof maintains a thematic depth (the same one that made Lost such a cult hit) and ambient storytelling. A masterpiece in every sense, the series concludes with Carrie Coon’s Nora Durst and her life-changing revelation about detailing what could have happened during the Sudden Departure. The entire time, Kevin sits across from her and chooses to believe her, proof or not. Enigmatic and moving, the episode wraps the haunting saga and strengthens its legacy. Stream on Max.

1 “Everyone’s Waiting” – Six Feet Under (2001 – 2005)

Six Feet Under is a character-driven drama that isn’t afraid to go deep and dark. It chronicles the Fishers, an eccentric Los Angeles family who run an independent funeral home. Before the patriarch, Nathaniel Fisher Sr. dies, he passes the reins of their business to his two sons, Nathaniel Samuel Jr and David. In its five-season runtime, the show infuses dark humor and compelling conflict into emotional storytelling.

A Quiet Reflection on Life and Death

Created by Alan Ball, who was specifically asked to “make [the show] just a little more f**ked up?” when he presented the first draft to HBO, Six Feet Under breathed life and relatability into the most complicated characters seen on TV. Its entire trademark was to balance beautiful with bittersweet, so it is only fitting that the series finale would bring closure. In the devastating and glorious final 10 minutes of the show, we bid farewell to each character as they pass on, either peacefully, or too soon. But its grace and reflections on life are truly moving. Stream on Max.