The Ultimate TV Show Finales That Will Leave You Speechless
The most unforgettable final lines from beloved TV shows, capturing the essence of characters and leaving a lasting impact Discover the powerful words that linger in our hearts and minds, resonating long after the last episode fades to black
TV shows, from Cheers to Better Call Saul, are known for their memorable final lines. Whether a series finale is hailed as one of the best, such as Six Feet Under or The Office, or met with controversy like Lost and The Sopranos, the last line always leaves a lasting impression on fans. The closing line of a TV series allows the writers to encapsulate the essence of the story and its message in a profound way.
Creating a satisfying ending is challenging, particularly in television where shows are designed to continue indefinitely. When a TV series reaches its conclusion, the writers must find a way to bring closure to a narrative that has unfolded over the course of several years. Viewers develop emotional connections to the characters, who have become familiar faces in their living rooms. While most TV show endings offer a sense of contentment, like the cast of Friends finding themselves in a positive place, bidding farewell can still be painful.
15 "I'm Ready." – Leslie Knope (Parks And Recreation)
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The series finale of Parks and Recreation, “One Last Ride,” flashes forward into the distant future to reveal the fates of its main characters. Andy and April become parents, Ron becomes the superintendent of the Pawnee National Park, and it’s implied that either Leslie or Ben becomes the President or Vice President of the United States. But the final scene comes back to the present day as Leslie and the gang take a picture together. Ben asks if Leslie is ready, and Leslie smiles at the camera and says, “Yes, I’m ready.” As a bright future awaits her, this final line not only captures Leslie’s optimism; it validates it.
14 "How's Annie?" – Dale Cooper (Twin Peaks)
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In the series finale of Parks and Recreation titled "One Last Ride," the storyline jumps ahead to the distant future, shedding light on the destinies of the main characters. Andy and April embrace parenthood, Ron assumes the role of Pawnee National Park superintendent, and it is suggested that either Leslie or Ben ascends to the position of President or Vice President of the United States. However, the final scene brings us back to the present day where Leslie and her friends gather for a group photograph. Ben queries Leslie if she is prepared, to which she responds with a beaming smile directed towards the camera, saying, "Yes, I'm ready." This concluding line not only encapsulates Leslie's boundless optimism, but also affirms and validates it.
14 "How's Annie?" – Dale Cooper (Twin Peaks)
The cancellation of Twin Peaks after its second season left the show's ending on an unresolved note. In a haunting scene, Special Agent Dale Cooper enters the bathroom and confronts his reflection in the mirror, only to discover the malevolent presence of his doppelganger, BOB. Amidst manic laughter, he repeatedly inquires, "How's Annie? How's Annie?" Though unintended by the creators, this cliffhanger effectively bid farewell to the audience in a disturbing manner, consistent with David Lynch's surreal and audacious storytelling in this iconic soap opera.
13 "I Went Ahead And Ordered Some For The Table." – Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)
12 "I'm Definitely Gonna Miss You, C." – Will Smith (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)
The final episode of the acclaimed TV series The Sopranos, titled "Made in America," stirs controversy due to its bold decision to abruptly cut to black during a crucial moment in the story. However, leading up to this unexpected ending, the episode serves as a remarkable farewell to the beloved and iconic characters of the show. Towards the conclusion, Tony Soprano reunites with his family, including his wife Carmela, son A.J., and daughter Meadow, in a diner setting. Observing a plate of onion rings being served, Tony casually remarks that he had ordered them for everyone at the table. This seemingly innocent line manages to subtly capture the central dysfunction within the Soprano clan, as Tony's involvement in the criminal underworld dragged his loved ones into a perilous existence without their consent.
As the Banks kids prepare to leave home in the final episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, titled "I, Done," Will reflects on his future and expresses his love for Carlton by saying, "I'm definitely gonna miss you, C." This heartfelt and simple line encapsulates the deep bond that has formed within the Banks family. Not only will the characters miss each other, but the audience will also dearly miss them.
11 "If You Can Find Someone To Love The You That You Love, Well, That's Just Fabulous." – Carrie Bradshaw (Sex And The City)
In the concluding episode of Sex and the City, titled "An American Girl in Paris," Carrie finally receives the long-awaited affirmation from Big. Throughout the series, the characters of Sex and the City faced romantic setbacks and grappled with finding the ideal partnership. In her final line, Carrie beautifully expresses her desire and imparts a universal message: "to find someone who loves the true essence of yourself."
10 "This Time Next Year, We Could Be Billionaires." – Del Boy (Only Fools And Horses)
In the final episode of Only Fools and Horses, titled "Time on Our Hands," Del Boy closes down his business and reflects in his empty apartment. He assures Rodney that although Trotters Independent Traders has ceased trading, it is not the end for them; it is just the beginning. As they walk away, the sunrise filled with animation, Del tells Rodney that they could become billionaires within a year. This concluding statement perfectly captures Del's charmingly naive optimism.
9 "I Just Wanted One Last Look. Driver, We're Ready." – Johnny Rose (Schitt's Creek)
At the conclusion of the final episode of "Schitt’s Creek," titled "Happy Ending," Johnny and Moira bid farewell to Schitt’s Creek and embark on a journey to California. However, before their departure, Johnny asks their driver to pause, allowing him to take one last glimpse at the town. Although the Rose family initially acquired Schitt’s Creek as a mockery, the town unexpectedly grew to hold profound significance for them. Residing in Schitt’s Creek revitalized the Roses' outlook on life and aided them in rediscovering what truly mattered.
8 "We've Been Waiting For You." – John Locke (Lost)
"The End," the final episode of Lost, is famous for dividing viewers with its resolution of the show's long-standing mysteries. Consequently, some fans were inevitably disappointed upon receiving answers to the questions they had been pondering. Nevertheless, as a heartfelt farewell to the show's beloved characters, the Lost finale forcefully tugs at the heartstrings. In an emotionally charged reunion at the church, Jack is reunited with John Locke and the other survivors of Oceanic 815, prompting the group to express their close-knit emotional connection by simply stating, "We've been waiting for you."
7 "Should We Get Some Coffee?" "Sure. Where?" – Rachel Green & Chandler Bing (Friends)
As the group bids farewell to the vacant apartment in the final episode of Friends, dubbed "The Last One," Rachel suggests grabbing a cup of coffee, prompting Chandler to quip, "Absolutely. Where to?" This clever remark serves as the perfect conclusion to the series, evoking uproarious laughter from the audience due to their deep connection and familiarity with the show itself (and the iconic Central Perk coffeehouse set). By concluding the series with one last sarcastic one-liner from Chandler, it serves as a heartwarming testament to the countless moments of laughter that Friends has delivered over the years, as well as a poignant reminder of just how cherished these beloved characters truly are.
6 "You Can't Take A Picture Of This. It's Already Gone." – Nate Fisher (Six Feet Under)
In the finale of Six Feet Under titled "Everyone's Waiting," Nate pays Claire a final visit before her departure to New York. As she prepares to capture the moment with a photograph, Nate imparts, "You can't capture this. It's already in the past." This enigmatic statement, initially perplexing, serves as the ideal culmination to this profoundly introspective series. Nate is conveying to Claire that this chapter of her life has concluded. Preserving it through a picture won't prolong its existence; instead, she must embrace the future and embark on the next chapter.
5 "Goodbye." – B.J. Hunnicutt (M*A*S*H)
4 "Sorry, We're Closed." – Sam Malone (Cheers)
: In the final days of the Korean War, as the individuals of the 4077th dismantle the camp and bid their farewells, the concluding installment of M*A*S*H, titled "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen," unfolds. While B.J. offers Hawkeye a ride to his helicopter, he informs him about leaving a note this time. Upon witnessing Hawkeye's helicopter ascend into the sky, his spirits soar as the word "GOODBYE" materializes on the helipad, crafted from rocks. This gesture not only symbolizes B.J.'s farewell to Hawkeye but also signifies the entire cast and crew's embrace of their dedicated audience.
The final episode of Cheers, titled "One for the Road," concludes with a poignant moment as Sam Malone turns away a patron at the renowned bar that is known for its familiar atmosphere. In the closing scene, Sam gazes around the deserted bar and expresses, "I am incredibly fortunate." When a customer arrives, Sam regretfully informs him, "Apologies, but we are closed." Not only is the bar closed within the show's universe, but it is also bidding farewell to the real world, as viewers take their final trip to their beloved Boston watering hole.
3 "This Is Nice." – BoJack Horseman (BoJack Horseman)
In the series finale of BoJack Horseman, titled "Nice While It Lasted," BoJack attends Princess Carolyn's wedding, seeking reconciliation with those he had wronged throughout the years. The closing scene features BoJack sitting on the rooftop alongside Diane. Recounting the expression, "Life's a b****, then you die," BoJack receives a thought-provoking response from Diane. She counters, "Sometimes, life's a b****, then you keep living. But tonight is serene, isn't it?" BoJack concurs, stating, "Yes, this is pleasant." Together, they gaze silently at the stars. After BoJack Horseman spent a substantial portion of its narrative immersed in despair, the finale implores its audience to delight in the little moments.
2 "But With Good Behavior, Who Knows?" – Jimmy McGill (Better Call Saul)
In the Better Call Saul finale called "Saul Gone," we witness Jimmy having to defend himself as he finally faces the consequences of his actions. Initially, his sentence is reduced to just seven-and-a-half years. However, everything takes an unexpected turn when Kim shows up in the courtroom. Jimmy decides to be honest and ends up talking his way into an 86-year sentence. Kim later visits him in prison, and they share a lighthearted moment where Jimmy jokes about the possibility of being released early due to good behavior. The conclusion of Better Call Saul is both bitter and sweet. On one hand, Jimmy's confession allows him to reconnect with Kim, and on the other hand, he is treated with more respect while incarcerated than he was as a free man.
1 "There's A Lot Of Beauty In Ordinary Things. Isn't That Kind Of The Point?" – Pam Beesly (The Office)
The concluding episode of The Office serves as a "where are they now?" reflection on the documentary being filmed within the show's universe. Towards the end, Pam expresses her appreciation to the camera crew for capturing the beauty within the seemingly mundane setting of a paper company's regional office. She contemplates whether this revelation highlights the core message of the show: that beauty can be found in ordinary aspects of life. This ultimate statement effectively encapsulates the underlying theme of the series: beauty exists everywhere.
