10 Recent TV Series Finales That Were Perfect (2024)

A series finale is a contentious moment for everyday television watchers. Ideally, a series finale should close out the main plot threads, although said closure can appear on screen in a myriad of ways. A strong series finale may not leave everyone satisfied, but acts as a sensible conclusion to a series of arcs that have been blossoming throughout the show's run.

It sometimes seems as though a show concluding a story without being canceled is a one in a million occurrence. With the controversial cancelations of shows like Westworld and Genera+ion, many took to social media to discuss the impact that corporate greed has on the success and longevity of shows that have a loyal, niche audience. With this added pressure, a series finale is expected to deliver on the showrunners' promises and entertain their audiences with one last hurrah.

These select series finales not only deliver one last perfect moment for fans to see their favorite characters but act as the end of a cycle: tracking the results of characters' journeys throughout the years. For better or for worse, these celebrated shows left their fans with an important set of lessons and transformative conclusions that highlight the significance of creativity and storytelling.

10 "Like A Prayer" - Physical (2023)

Physical

Release Date

June 18, 2021

Cast

Rose Byrne , Lou Taylor Pucci , Rory Scovel , Paul Sparks

Main Genre

Comedy

Despite a rocky third season, the Apple TV+ dramedy saw Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) ascend from a life of monotonous misery to a mogul through her journey with aerobics. Meeting with colorful characters like her best friend-turned manager Greta (Dierdre Friel), her aerobics partner Bunny (Della Seba), Bunny's boyfriend Tyler (Lou Taylor Pucci), and the crass CEO John Breem (Paul Sparks), Sheila's metamorphosis is far from feasible.

Physical offered audiences an earnest story about misogyny and the many ways that capitalism harms the very folks it claims to serve and benefit. Furthermore, the messy bundle of fear, ambition, and pride that is Sheila Rubin is a protagonist you can't help but invest in.

What Makes "Like A Prayer" a Perfect Series Finale

After coming to terms with her divorce, her failing relationships, and her worrisome downwards spiral, Sheila manages to slowly pick the pieces up and forms a new, healthier life for herself. The final piece lies in Mexico, where her adulterous lover John has retreated to. Her former business partner, Bunny, also resides in the same town, rebuilding the aerobics empire that Sheila practically usurped her from.

In the final moments of the series, Sheila comes to a necessary consensus that serves as a bridge between her current disillusionment and a greater bliss.

Stream on Apple TV+

9 "... Said Goodbye" - Never Have I Ever (2023)

Never Have I Ever

Main Genre

Comedy

For anyone who had the fortune of watching the impulsive Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), the series finale of Never Have I Ever was a fulfilling and endearing episode to complete. The Netflix phenomenon chronicles Devi's high school journey, following her from the first day of her sophomore year to her final moments before college.

Alongside earnest familial stories and hilariously uncomfortable moments, Never Have I Ever was a refreshing teen comedy that gave audiences a comical yet authentic look into the lives of teenage girls, immigrant families, and seemingly innocent yet complicated love.

What Makes "...Said Goodbye" a Perfect Series Finale

Throughout the fourth and final season, fans follow Devi as she attempts to juggle her pursuits for a college career at Princeton with her many established relationships. A series of secrets revealed and heated confrontations understandably stand in the way of her squeaky imagination for her future, but it wouldn't be Never Have I Ever if Devi wasn't culpable in one way or the other.

Treated to episodic arcs of maturity, the finale perfectly commemorates the end of this chapter in the community's story. The writing and strong performances work in synergy to deliver fans a finale that leaves them with a warm sensation in their heart but also enough time to reflect on their teenage years, ensuring all that their worst thoughts about themselves are not objective truths.

Stream on Netflix

8 "Veep" - Veep (2019)

Veep

Comedy

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).

Release Date

April 22, 2012

Cast

Julia Louis-Dreyfus , Anna Chlumsky , Tony Hale , Reid Scott , Timothy Simons , Matt Walsh , Kevin Dunn , Gary Cole

Seasons

7

The political satire that entertained audiences for years on HBO has been commended for its wit and recognized for its predictions on the state of the American government today. Veep let viewers into the life of the aspirational yet cold Selina Meyer, portrayed by Julia -Louis-Dreyfus. Throughout its seven seasons, Selina's ambitions have produced some of the most unforgettable scenes in recent memory.

The show lures audiences in with scenes so ridiculous, one can't help but laugh. However, that all goes away when the character's truly callous moments are captured on screen. Climbing alongside Selina's ascent to the most powerful position in the world, avid fans were thoroughly entertained by a fantastic mockumentary-esque dramedy that proved to be quite revealing about recognizable institutions.

What Makes "Veep" a Perfect Series Finale

The best aspect of learning a protagonist's ambition early on is the ability to watch the journey all the way through. After clawing her way closer to the Oval Office itself, Selina stands alone on the eve of what she considers the most important night of her life.

As Selina has exemplified time and time again, there's seemingly nothing she won't do to obtain what she desires, even if it will inevitably cause the demise of personal relationships. These connections are constantly treated as ephemeral in comparison to the grand legacy of the presidency and, in its final moments, Veep lets out the tragic truth of the series after excellently illustrating the underlying drama behind Meyer's campaign.

Stream on Max

7 "Whenever You're Ready" - The Good Place (2020)

The Good Place

Release Date

September 19, 2016

Cast

Kristen Bell , Ted Danson

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

4

The Good Place still holds a special place in people's hearts and for a plethora of good reasons. With an extensive ensemble cast and a stimulating premise, the NBC series began as a seemingly innocuous exploration of the afterlife. What ensued was a comical yet conscious look into different philosophies, opening audiences up to a fairly optimistic yet earnest look inside the many mysteries of life and morality.

Led by the self-centered Eleanor (Kristin Bell), the series follows a core group navigating the afterlife with relatable perspectives and insightful epiphanies. After their guide Michael (Ted Danson) shares a shocking secret in the season one finale, the rest of the series sees their relationship evolve into something truly beautiful.

What Makes "Whenever You're Ready" a Perfect Series Finale

Sometimes, series end as soon as a resolution to the overarching predicament is achieved. Others, like The Good Place, conclude with a look inside the various, precious lives continuing on after said resolution.

While combining a plethora of philosophies and religions into the premise of a show can be difficult, The Good Place did an excellent job at highlighting the similarities of each belief system. Remaining in line with the fictional universe's warm and relatable atmosphere, leaving the main characters was less heartbreaking after learning of their successful fates. The conclusion of each arc leaves audiences a bit more hopeful and considerate about life itself: individual experiences and the collective relationships between folks.

Stream on Netflix

6 "So Long, Farewell" - Ted Lasso (2023)

Ted Lasso

TV-MA

Release Date

August 14, 2020

Cast

Jeremy Swift , Phil Dunster , Hannah Waddingham , Nick Mohammed , Brendan Hunt , Jason Sudeikis , Brett Goldstein , Juno Temple , Toheeb Jimoh , James Lance

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

3

In under three seasons, the Apple TV+ series captivated audiences with its optimistic perspective of problem-solving while also serving as a love letter to football. Following American football coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and his assistant coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) to London, the series follows the trajectory of AFC Richmond: professionally and personally.

What Makes "So Long, Farewell" a Perfect Series Finale

Ted Lasso made worthwhile strides in discussions about mental health, masculinity, corporate culture, and trauma. The series finale sees beloved characters like Ted, Rebecca, Nate (Nick Mohammed), and Keeley, coming to terms with the various paths they've traveled, the successes and failures that came as a result, and the future they have planned for.

It's truly an endearing experience to witness and while the final moments of the show proved to be controversial, fans leave their favorite characters in a healthier and happier standing than when they met them.

Stream on Apple TV+

5 "The Struggle" - Snowfall (2023)

Snowfall

Release Date

2017-07-00

Cast

Sergio Peris-Mencheta , Michael Hyatt , Amin Joseph

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

3

The Damson Idris-led Snowfall has long been considered underrated greatness by the show's most enthusiastic fans. However, the FX drama seemingly cemented itself as one of the channel's most riveting series with its series finale. The series follows an ambitious young man named Franklin (Idris), a kingpin and leader of "The Family.

" Throughout the show's tenure, fans followed Franklin and the growth of his empire during the rise, peak, and fall of the crack epidemic. Aside from the rampant substance use and drug trade, Snowfall delves into issues of government surveillance, many facets of identity, and greed. At its best, critics have celebrated the show for being a great example of a dark and gritty drama that uses its complex characters to drive the engaging plots present.

Related: FX's Snowfall: Why You Should be Watching This Stellar Crime Series

What Makes "Sins Of The Father" a Perfect Series Finale

Much of Snowfall rests on Franklin's personal journey in Los Angeles of the '80s. As the turn of the decade nears, Franklin's pursuit of power leads to a dark metamorphosis. Despite the many warnings from loved ones like Cissy (Michael Hyatt) and Leon (Isaiah John), Franklin's desire ultimately becomes isolating.

While many shows have explored the ways that power corrupts, Snowfall's series finale manages to showcase the devastating effects without creating a spectacle out of the downfall chronicled, instead doing what it does best, telling a riveting story within the context of a tumultuous period that occurred not too long ago.

Stream on Hulu

4 "Saul Gone" - Better Call Saul (2022)

Better Call Saul

Release Date

February 8, 2015

Cast

Bob Odenkirk , Jonathan Banks , Rhea Seehorn , Patrick Fabian , Michael Mando , Tony Dalton , Giancarlo Esposito

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

6

Only a few shows can successfully launch an equally captivating spin-off, one that transcends beyond the established world and dives deeper into familiar faces while also introducing exciting characters who contribute immensely to the plot. While it is officially billed as a prequel, many fans of Breaking Bad would concur that Better Call Saul is an amazing follow-up. Set before Walter White's infamous escapade into the life of drug trafficking, audiences meet Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) before he is enlisted by the former.

What Makes "Saul Gone" Perfect For Better Call Saul?

After following Saul's collusion with Walt White alongside separate foul plots, the series concludes with a distinct resolution compared to the widely beloved "Felina" and the film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. The episode excellently explores the complex feelings surrounding Saul's final predicament.

The showrunners balance both positive and negative consequences of Saul's crimes while collecting all the nuance in between to leave audiences with an authentic but still astonishing end to this portion of Saul Goodman's life.

Stream on Netflix

3 "It Was All a Dream" -Atlanta

atlanta

Release Date

September 6, 2016

Cast

Donald Glover , Brian Tyree Henry , LaKeith Stanfield , Zazie Beetz , Khris Davis

Main Genre

Comedy

Atlanta has been commemorated for being an exemplary surreal dramedy to some and a vivid depiction of Black American life for others. While retaining some faults, the Donald Glover-led adventure has gone onto be a staple series for FX.

After dropping out of Princeton, Earnest "Earn" Marks (Glover) sets out to prove his loved ones wrong. From his skeptical ex-girlfriend Van (Zazie Beats) and their daughter Lottie, to his own parents, the pressure leads Earn into becoming a manager for his cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry), performing under the name "Paper Boi."

Alongside their Nigerian-American friend Darius (LaKeith Stanfield), the trio embark on bizarre adventures in hopes of propelling Paper Boi to fame while also confronting their personal obstacles. Many episodes have been seasoned with dream-like sequences that blur reality and imagination.

What Makes "It Was All A Dream" a Perfect Series Finale

As much as Atlanta has been recognized for its fantastical depiction of the Black American experience, it never strayed away from unveiling authentic stories and cherishing the vastness that is blackness.

The final season finds the characters reconvening with their exes during one of the most embarrassing moments in their lives, while also tackling deep issues such as sexual abuse, mistrust, and paranoia. While the episodes gift the audience with a sense of closure for characters like Earn, Vanessa, and Alfred, it is Darius who leads them to the final moments of the show. In Darius fashion, his final adventures bounce between whimsical and dark before settling somewhere in between a pleasant purgatory.

Stream on Hulu

2 "Hello Elliot" - Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot continues to be celebrated as an engaging thriller that also manages to speak to the fears of many, particularly concerns about surveillance, cyberterrorism, and yes, capitalism.

Starring Rami Malek alongside Christian Slater and Carly Chaikin, the series follows Elliot Alderson (Malek), a cybersecurity engineer by day and hacktivist by night. Convening with a group of hacktivists who plan to render consumer debt obsolete, Elliot strives to make a tangible difference in the world while also dealing with his mental health.

As someone going through clinical depression, dissociative identity disorder, and anxiety, Elliot's adventures into the surreal as well as symptoms such as anti-social behavior, have made viewers living with mental health issues feel both acknowledged and attached to him.

What Makes "Hello Elliot" a Perfect Series Finale

Throughout the series, Elliot appears to be on a self-discovery journey that mirrors the inevitable transition from adolescence to adulthood. Despite the near-death experiences and logic-defying missions Elliot embarks on, at his core, Elliot is an amalgamation of collective dreams, fears, and pain that many millennials have experienced. With an overall dependence on technology and growing awareness in mental health, Mr. Robot speaks to its puzzled, curious, and frightened audience with an authentic voice.

The series finale is a powerful resolution that sees the use of hacking and technology itself as a reliable vehicle in exploring the emotional capacity of individuals and more importantly, the power of love. While it may come off as saccharine, the manner in which love operates in the show, and more importantly, in the finale, speaks to its real life abilities. The final, tender seconds of Mr. Robot make a moving moment that leaves the series on a positive note.

Stream on Prime Video

1 "WIth Open Eyes" - Succession

Succession

TV-MA

Release Date

June 3, 2018

Cast

Brian Cox , Kieran Culkin , Nicholas Braun , Matthew Macfadyen , Alan Ruck , J. Smith-Cameron

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

4

From its inception in 2018, Succession has been a phenomenon like none other. Following the fictional Roy dynasty and the management of the multi-million-dollar media conglomerate "Waystar Royco," people across the world convened every Sunday to watch the delightfully deplorable schemes of Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin) among others, like infamous presidential candidate Connor (Alan Ruck), Stewy (Arian Moayed), and of course, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) himself.

Related: What Is Succession About and Based On?

What Makes "With Open Eyes" a Perfect Series Finale

As stated above, many fans have taken pleasure in the show's seemingly lighter moments, such the sibling rivalry or Tom (Matthew MacFadyen) and Greg's (Nicholas Braun) working relationship. However, the show has never shied away from the cutthroat reality of the Roy family and the lives they impact. With fans and critics alike picking up on the strong Shakespearean influences, the series finale underpins just how much of a tragedy Succession really is.

Everyone expected the end of the Roys' story to be nothing short of a mess given the personalities involved, but their downfall was made even more impactful by the surprising amount of hope and togetherness that preceded it. Let's hear it once more for Tom Wambsgans.

Stream on Max