The world of television has given us countless memorable endings, but some truly stand out for their ability to leave a lasting impact and evoke strong emotions. From heartwarming family moments to bittersweet farewells, these finales have become iconic, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impression. Here, we explore some of the most uplifting and moving endings in TV history, as shared by readers of The Guardian.
The Joy of Family Reunions
One of the most heartwarming endings comes from the British sitcom Friday Night Dinner. After nine seasons, the show concludes with a chaotic dinner where the Goodman family finally meets the girls their sons have brought home. The episode is a whirlwind of chaos, with Martin ruining the food, Jackie having a meltdown, and Jim running in with bags of dog vomit. But amidst the madness, the family comes together in a beautiful moment as both girls announce their pregnancies. The final scene, where they boogie to the theme song, is a testament to the joy of family and the importance of embracing life's celebrations, even in the face of chaos. This ending is made all the more poignant by the untimely death of Paul Ritter, who played Martin, the year after the broadcast.
A Satisfying Conclusion to a Friendship
Superstore, a US sitcom, offers a deeply satisfying finale that focuses on the central pairing of Amy and Jonah. The show gently points out the flaws of capitalism and US employment law while making you fall in love with its flawed characters. The final series sees Amy and Jonah's arc compromised due to America Ferrera's brief departure, but she returns to wrap things up beautifully. The finale is a testament to love, endurance, and friendship, leaving fans with a sense of satisfaction and a glimpse into the future.
A Perfect Wrap-Up
Heated Rivalry, a short six-episode series, ends on a perfect note. The show, set in a drag bar, captures the magic of the first season and avoids the pitfalls of tragic or whitewashed portrayals of gay men. The ending is a perfect wrap-up, leaving fans with a sense of closure and a longing for more. The show's ability to maintain its charm and integrity throughout is a testament to its writing and the talent of its cast.
A Rare Gem
The Good Place is an extraordinary comedy that stands out for its funny characters and uplifting narrative. The first series' ending raises questions about the show's potential trajectory, but the subsequent seasons remain a gem. The finale sees the four principal protagonists creating their own heaven and deciding to leave it all behind, finding happiness in their own ways. This ending is beautiful and uplifting, making viewers feel happy and content.
A Perfect Swan Song
Scrubs concludes with a two-parter that serves as a perfect swan song for the show. The finale sees JD accepting a job at a new hospital to be closer to his son, and he goes to great lengths to have the perfect farewell. He says goodbye to his best friend, Turk, learns the name of the janitor who tormented him, and has a final moment with his mentor, Dr. Cox. The grand finale sees JD realizing the importance of accepting the future and all its uncertainties, as he walks through the hospital's halls, watching a montage of his journey, set to Peter Gabriel's 'The Book of Love'.
A Moving and Life-Affirming End
Ghosts ends on a moving and life-affirming note, showcasing the show's ability to land moments without lingering on them. The final three episodes are a perfect blend of sadness and joy, with the fifth episode revealing the Captain's backstory and the sixth episode seeing Alison and Julian's relationship come full circle. The Christmas special adds a layer of happiness and satisfaction, with Pat teaching the Captain how to do baby talk and the characters finding moments to be themselves. The show's ending is a testament to its ability to balance emotions and leave a lasting impression.
A Perfect Show
Sleepers, a post-glasnost spy comedy, offers a unique ending. The show sees Soviet agents Warren Clarke and Nigel Havers building lives they're happy with in Britain. The finale sees them captured and drugged, only to wake up and be returned to their homes. The missing monkey, Maurice, adds a layer of humor and adventure. The show's ending is a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and satisfaction.
A Tear-Jerking Farewell
MASH* ends on a tear-jerking note, beautifully anti-war with top-drawer writing and brilliant characters. The ceasefire announcement leads to a party, and the members of the 4077th take down the camp for the last time. The final scene sees Hawkeye spell out his goodbye in rocks, which BJ can only view from the air as he lifts off in a chopper. The show's ending is a powerful and emotional farewell, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
A Special Ending
Six Feet Under concludes with a unique ending, seeing the weight of the show's themes lifted from the characters. Claire escapes her mother's influence, Rico runs his own funeral home, David finds happiness with Keith, and Brenda becomes a good mother. The closing montage, set to Sia's 'Breathe Me', is one of the greatest on TV, leaving a lasting impression and a sense of satisfaction.
A Sublime Moment
Schitt's Creek ends on a sublime note, offering the joy of David and Patrick's wedding and the beautiful denouement of the show. The finale sees the characters move on with their lives, back to success but differently than they imagined. The ending is a perfect blend of happiness and bittersweetness, leaving fans sobbing and satisfied. The show's ability to give everyone a simple, happy ending without compromise is a testament to its writing and the talent of its cast.
