5 Sitcoms That Nailed Their Series Finales

by

It’s incredibly difficult for a TV show to end on a high note, but some classic sitcoms have managed to deliver perfect finales. Throughout television history, we’ve seen both brilliantly concluded shows, such as Breaking Bad and The Wire, and disappointing endings, like those of Dexter and How I Met Your Mother.

Sitcoms often struggle with satisfying endings because the format isn’t really built for finality. Unlike dramas, which usually revolve around solving a central problem – like figuring out who would take over in Succession – sitcoms thrive on keeping things consistent. That’s why sitcoms that do manage a strong ending are so remarkable.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Mary Tyler Moore Show is a truly groundbreaking sitcom. It was the first to really show coworkers becoming like a family – an idea we’ve seen in later shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Beyond defining the workplace comedy, it also set the standard for how to end a sitcom with a memorable finale.

The series finale perfectly wrapped up the stories of its characters and powerfully delivered the show’s feminist themes, making for a truly moving experience. It was a heartfelt goodbye not just to the characters, but also to the viewers, and set a high bar for emotional impact in every sitcom finale that followed.

Derry Girls

Lisa McGee’s Derry Girls is a funny and heartwarming show that follows the lives of five teenagers as they navigate growing up during the final years of conflict in Northern Ireland. The series brilliantly balances typical teenage experiences with the serious realities of bomb scares and checkpoints, and this contrast was especially effective in the show’s finale.

As the vote on the Good Friday Agreement approached, the girls found themselves caught between different sides. Erin and Orla’s 18th birthday party was upstaged by a much bigger and more lavish party thrown by Jenny Joyce, which led to some chaotic events. This also caused a disagreement between Erin and Michelle, but they eventually made up.

The final episode of Derry Girls perfectly captures everything that made the show so great – it’s hilarious, moving, brilliantly written, and features fantastic performances. The episode ends with a particularly touching scene: these teenagers, who’ve only known life amidst conflict and uncertainty, get to vote, hoping for a brighter future.

Frasier

As a big fan, I thought the Frasier finale was perfect. It didn’t feel like a true ending at all, but more like a fresh start. It wrapped up everything with Dr. Crane’s life in Seattle, but also beautifully set him up for a new adventure – moving to San Francisco, and finally getting to be with Charlotte! It felt hopeful and exciting, not sad that it was over.

The final episode of Frasier truly feels like a satisfying ending to the series. During Frasier’s last radio show, with loved ones nearby, it’s clear Kelsey Grammer is speaking directly to the audience watching at home, not just to those listening on the radio. His reading of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses” is particularly moving and perfectly captures the emotional weight of the moment.

The series finale wasn’t just an ending for Frasier – it paved the way for happy futures for everyone. Marty and Ronee get married, Daphne and Niles welcome a baby, and Roz is promoted to station manager at KACL. Even now, Frasier’s heartfelt goodbyes – particularly to his father, Martin, with whom he rebuilt their relationship throughout the show – are incredibly moving.

The Office (UK)

The original British version of The Office was short, with just 12 episodes, but it ended with a memorable Christmas special considered one of the best series finales ever. The special revisits the characters after the documentary crew has stopped filming, showing viewers what happened to everyone afterward – a kind of ‘where are they now?’ update.

The series finale perfectly captures the show’s unique blend of awkward humor, relatable sadness, and realistic portrayal of everyday life. It’s both funny and heartbreaking, but ends with a satisfying outcome for everyone: David finds a relationship, Gareth gets promoted to manager, and Tim and Dawn finally become a couple.

M*A*S*H

The final episode of MASH* drew over 100 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV broadcasts ever – a record that’s unlikely to be broken. After eleven seasons depicting the Korean War, the show concluded with a special, extended finale titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen,” which showed the war’s final days.

With the ceasefire announced, the team at the 4077th throws a farewell party and begins dismantling the camp for good. The MASH* finale delivers a satisfying conclusion for fans, filled with emotional goodbyes and a memorable final message, while also thoughtfully exploring the lasting mental and emotional effects of the war on everyone involved.

Read More

2025-11-30 20:29