As a longtime fan of classic TV shows, I must say that it’s always bittersweet when a favorite series comes to an end, especially when it’s abruptly or unexpectedly. Each of these shows left a lasting impression on me and their final episodes were as much a part of the viewing experience as any other episode.
Even the best shows need to end, and some of the classics had endings that are still remembered to this day. Apologies if you don’t see some of your favorites like Lost or The Sopranos on this list, as those series ended outside of the “classic” cutoff of 2004. But now, let’s get into some comfort shows, cult favorites, and overall stunners, and see how they all ended.
Cheers
In “One For The Road,” it was almost time for Sam Malone (Ted Danson) to leave once more with Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). However, after realizing they work best separately, Sam returns to the bar known as “Cheers.” This finale turned out to be one of the most highly-rated TV episodes on IMDb and wouldn’t have been overshadowed by any future appearances on a Frasier Crane spinoff.
Newhart
Following eight seasons, the final episode of “Newhart,” titled “The Last Newhart,” appeared to have sold off the entire town where the Stratford Inn was located… except for the inn run by Dick Loudon (played by Bob Newhart). In a stroke of TV genius, it was later revealed that the whole series was actually a dream conceived by Dr. Robert Hartley, a character from “The Bob Newhart Show” (also played by Bob Newhart). This show undeniably belongs to the exclusive club of television shows that concluded satisfactorily.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
WJM-TV’s 6 o’clock news team members were let go, except for everyone’s beloved chatty Ted Baxter (Ted Knight). As the cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, known for their comedic talents, shared a poignant farewell hug and reached for the same box of tissues, they bid adieu to this long-running sitcom in “The Last Episode” with warm laughter echoing as it did when it first started.
Friends
Thank goodness, “The Last One” is not among the silliest episodes of Friends. It’s impossible for it to be, given that the two-part finale showcases the gang transitioning into their individual lives. Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) officially commit to each other by deciding they will be together, and beloved couple Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) relocate to the suburbs to start their family life.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
After years of supernatural turmoil, Sunnydale’s infamous Hellmouth eventually crumbles, taking the town once known as Buffy The Vampire Slayer’s home with it. However, before its demise, it took the lives of beloved characters such as Spike (James Marsters) and Anya (Emma Caulfield). But in a bittersweet twist, this collapse helped Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) understand that there are numerous other Slayers who need her help in a world still teeming with the supernatural. And to make “Chosen” an appropriate farewell, fan favorites like Angel (David Boreanaz) and Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) reappeared.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Rob Petrie, portrayed by Dick Van Dyke, pens a memoir titled “The Last Chapter,” taking us back to the final episode of the beloved series “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” However, the publisher seems less than thrilled with his work, unlike his wife Laura (Mary Tyler Moore). Fear not, as Alan Brady (Carl Reiner) intends to transform this memoir into a TV show, providing a humorous and satisfying conclusion for this timeless sitcom.
Angel
In simpler terms, the character Angel, played by David Boreanaz, appears to vanquish evil from Wolfram & Hart in the series finale “Not Fade Away”. However, the spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer leaves viewers on a suspenseful edge, and fans may feel it’s not a satisfying conclusion. The demise of character Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) remains a contentious point among viewers, as creator Joss Whedon confessed to A.V. Club that Wesley would have lived if the show hadn’t been canceled.
Roseanne
The sitcom “Roseanne” produced by ABC didn’t just come back, but it also led to the spin-off series called “The Connors“. However, the original run of Roseanne Barr’s popular show ended mysteriously. In its final season, the storylines grew increasingly strange and inappropriate. The character Roseanne Conner was depicted as a writer, while her husband Dan (played by John Goodman) was shown to have passed away… a plot twist that would be later reversed in the series revival years after it ended.
Frasier (NBC)
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the poignant departure of Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), a beloved character we all know and cherish. Moving forward in his life, he’s set for a fresh start in the vibrant city of Chicago, where new opportunities and the woman he adores await him. The emotional farewell in “Goodnight, Seattle” was undeniably a fitting conclusion to his journey, one that wouldn’t be overshadowed by any potential future revival series on Paramount+.
Blackadder
For four seasons, “Blackadder” featured Rowan Atkinson and an array of renowned British comedians such as Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Rik Mayall, and Miriam Margolyes, satirizing history with humor. However, the series finale “Goodbyeee” was set in World War I, concluding with the characters launching into a final battle, which shifted to a field of poppies as a solemn reminder – Lest we forget.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Just like Star Trek: The Next Generation always does, it demonstrates again that all good things eventually finish. Q (John DeLancie) continues his case against humanity, which he started in the first episode. In the finale, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) steps up to protect humanity. He even joins the regular poker game, hinting at a future of movies and potential sequels.
ER
The long-running TV series based at Cook County General Hospital, titled “ER,” concluded much as it began, with an episode named “And In The End…” Dr. Carter (Noah Wylie) and his team were once again overwhelmed by cases stemming from a similar industrial accident. This scenario seems to set the stage for Rachel Greene’s (Hallee Hirsh) medical career, while remnants of past friendships remain, suggesting that life continues in its usual chaotic pace.
Seinfeld
In simpler terms, it’s challenging to find a conclusion as debated as “The Finale” of Seinfeld. Characters Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), George (Jason Alexander), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Kramer (Michael Richards) all end up in court for breaking the Good Samaritan law in Massachusetts, thanks to numerous witnesses who testify that they are indeed the most unhelpful. Interestingly, the finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm would revisit this decision and seemingly rectify it, in a hilarious manner, several years later.
Beverly Hills, 90210
In the 90s, one of the most iconic TV shows, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, came to an end in 2000, concluding the journey of its characters from West Beverly High School into adulthood, with a fitting rendition of “Ode To Joy”. Rest assured, Kelly (Jennie Garth) and Dylan (Luke Perry), who were central characters, eventually made their relationship official. This decision is unlikely to be reversed by any potential spin-off series on The CW, even decades later.
M*A*S*H
Instead of saying “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” was simply the last episode of M*A*S*H, it was a poignant two-and-a-half hour TV movie that elegantly bid adieu to the soldiers of the 4077 as they exited the Korean War and prepared for their transition back to civilian life. The cast, in a touching finale, paid tribute to the war’s end. However, before parting ways, B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell) delivered a powerful farewell message to Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda), one that left an indelible mark on television history.
The Fugitive
“The Judgment” finally brought an end to The Fugitive’s search for the One Armed Man, with Dr. Richard Kimble (David Janssen) being exonerated for the murder of his wife. In a two-parter that was staggered between two weeks of airtime, Part II was billed as “The Day The Running Stopped,” with Dr. Kimble and his dogged pursuer Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse) parting ways as friends.
St. Elsewhere
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “In the final episode of St. Elsewhere’s Season 8, ‘The Last One,’ they hinted that the whole series was actually crafted by Tommy Westphall (Chad Allen), an autistic character and son of Dr. Donald Westphall (Ed Flanders). This twist birthed what fans called ‘The Tommy Westphall Universe.’ It suggests that shows like Cheers, Homicide: Life on the Streets, and even Law and Order: SVU share the same universe, thanks to various crossovers and nods.
The Golden Girls
In a twist not unlike “One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest,” the beloved sitcom “The Golden Girls” bid farewell as Dorothy (Bea Arthur) wed Lucas (Leslie Nielsen), Blanche’s uncle. This union sealed the Lanai doors for good, marking the end of a seven-season network TV staple. However, this closure paved the way for one of television’s great spin-offs that you might have overlooked – “The Golden Palace.
Dinosaurs
Though Dinosaurs may appear brief compared to certain TV giants, ABC’s four-season sitcom left a significant impact with its series finale “Changing Nature.” Just as Pangea met its end in the onset of an ice age, Earl Sinclair (Stuart Pankin) and his family grapple with finding hope amidst the bleakest circumstances.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The final episodes of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” titled “I’m Leaving Now” generated a popular meme due to the scene where Will Smith (the character played by Will Smith) takes one last look around the mansion he lived in for six seasons. As the Banks family embarks on new life chapters, the Philadelphia transplant decides to remain in California, determined to pursue education and establish his own reputation.
Family Matters
Initially serving as a secondary character for humor, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) on “Family Matters” evolved significantly over nine seasons. In the final episode titled “Lost in Space Part 2,” we witnessed this transformation, with Steve not only engaged to Laura Winslow (Kellie Shanygne Williams), but also taking center stage as the show’s protagonist. This shift occurred even though the show changed networks from ABC to CBS during its run, and despite a space mission that concluded in an unexpected manner, leaving many feeling it was not the traditional series finale.
Star Trek
Star Trek’s initial five-year voyage on NBC spanned only three seasons, as demonstrated by the episode “Turnabout Intruder.” This sudden cancellation was evident when Captain Kirk (William Shatner), seemingly in another ordinary day aboard the USS Enterprise, swapped bodies with his former lover, Dr. Janice Lester (Sandra Smith). In her new form, she attempted to eliminate Kirk and seize command. By the story’s end, everyone returned to their original bodies, with cinematic adventures awaiting them shortly!
Home Improvement
In the three-part climax titled “The Long and Winding Road,” the sitcom “Home Improvement” concluded in a unique fashion, blending sweetness with utter craziness. The main characters Tim (Tim Allen) and Jill (Patricia Richardson) made an unexpected decision to remain in Detroit following Al’s (Richard Karn) wedding in their own backyard. Interestingly, Randy, portrayed by Jonathan Taylor-Thomas, was absent for the series finale. However, the series concluded with a truly eccentric move from the Tool Man: he planned to tow and drag the family home wherever they chose to relocate in the future.
The Wonder Years
In a manner reminiscent of the poignant nostalgia portrayed by “The Wonder Years,” “Independence Day” wraps up with a final narration from an older Kevin (Daniel Stern). The relationship between young Kevin (Fred Savage) and Winnie (Danica McKellar) didn’t turn out as we anticipated, but old wounds within the family were mended, and life continued on.
Quantum Leap
To any fan of Quantum Leap, casually mentioning that Sam Becket didn’t go home would be like insulting their favorite pet. And that’s precisely how NBC’s beloved sci-fi series concluded in the episode “Mirror Image: August 8, 1953”. Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) was destined for this tragic end, a fate sealed by a misspelled name in the final title card, leaving us all heartbroken.
Dallas
In a show as unpredictable as “Dallas”, it was almost inevitable for the conclusion to be chaotic and surprising. True to form, the two-part Season 14 finale titled “Conundrum” delivered just that. The character J.R. Ewing (played by Larry Hagman) experienced a life without his existence – only to apparently shoot himself upon witnessing the outcome. Five years later, the TV movie “Dallas: J.R. Returns” revealed that he did not in fact take his own life, keeping the Texas oil baron’s reign of soap-opera chaos intact.
The Cosby Show
After 8 seasons and 201 episodes, “The Cosby Show” concluded with the episode titled “And So We Commence,” marking the end of the Huxtable family saga. The story begins with Cliff (played by Bill Cosby) finding himself in another humorous predicament over graduation tickets. As the plot unfolds, it leads to their son Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) graduating from college. In the final moments of the show, we see Cliff and his wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad) dancing joyously as they fix a newly repaired doorbell.
ALF
The series “Consider Me Gone” concluded abruptly after four seasons on NBC, leaving fans hanging with a cliffhanger titled “To Be Continued…”. As the character ALF/Gordon Shumway (Paul Fusco) tried to return home to Melmac, he was caught at the last moment by the evil Alien Task Force. This was the last we saw of our humorous alien until six years later when the sequel movie “Project ALF” gave a conclusion, albeit one that fell short of expectations, declaring our extraterrestrial jokester as an official ambassador of Earth.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
In the final two-part episode titled “The Seven Wonders of the World Affair,” The Man from U.N.C.L.E. concluded, with Napoleon Solo (played by Robert Vaughn) and Ilya Kuryakin (David McCallum) ultimately ensuring that good would prevail over evil in the final showdown. Unfortunately, Guy Ritchie’s highly-acclaimed film adaptation didn’t share this triumphant ending.
Benson
Originally, Benson didn’t plan for an inconclusive ending, but that’s what “And the Winner is…” delivered to viewers at the close of Season 7. Interestingly, Salon disclosed that not one, but three different conclusions were shot… with a tie being the predicted outcome, setting up the imaginary Season 8. However, due to certain circumstances, Benson (Robert Guillaume) and Governor Gatling (James Noble) will remain in an eternal tie for the governorship.
Get Smart
In a clever imitation of Ian Fleming’s James Bond stories, the series finale of Get Smart mirrored the opening scene of The Man with the Golden Gun. In “I’m Curiously Yellow,” Maxwell Smart (Don Adams), under the control of a malevolent KAOS operative, was manipulated to undermine his own agency, CONTROL. However, as one would anticipate, the situation was ultimately resolved… in an ending that seemed almost like another ordinary workday.
Freaks And Geeks
It’s sad that the popular and enchanting first season of “Freaks and Geeks” on NBC came to an end with the episode titled “Discos and Dragons.” Over the course of 18 episodes, viewers grew attached to Linda Cardellini’s character, Lindsay Weir. In a poetic, though unfortunate twist, she chose to abandon an academic event to join the Grateful Dead on tour instead. This seemingly symbolic ending was a bittersweet way for creator Paul Feig’s cherished series to conclude.
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2024-10-02 18:38