Top 8 TV Series That Deserved Better Endings: Alternate Conclusions We Wish We'd Seen
Explore the alternate endings of popular TV series that could have provided more satisfying conclusions than what was ultimately aired. From 'How I Met Your Mother' to 'Supernatural', here are the finales that fans still wish had made the cut.
8. 'Supernatural': A Heavenly Reunion
The cult-favorite 'Supernatural' was expected to end its 15-season run with an emotional bang. Imagine a finale that brought back a host of familiar faces, celebrating the Winchesters' legacy with a grand heavenly reunion. The original plan was to have Dean welcomed by everyone the brothers had saved, offering a sense of closure and a tribute to the show's long history. However, the pandemic had other plans, limiting the ending to a more intimate, though arguably less impactful, conclusion with just Bobby and the Impala.
Dean Hears Carry On Wayward Son in the Impala in Heaven in the Supernatural Finale
7. 'Gossip Girl': Eric as the True Mastermind
The reveal of Dan Humphrey as Gossip Girl left many viewers scratching their heads. However, an earlier theory had pointed towards Eric Van Der Woodsen, a choice that would have been more coherent with the narrative. This twist was scrapped when the New York Post leaked Eric as the prime suspect, forcing the writers to pivot to keep fans on their toes. If only they had stuck with the original idea, the finale could have had a more logical and satisfying payoff, aligning with the series' intricate web of secrets and lies.
Eric Van Der Woodsen Talking on His Cell Phone in Gossip Girl
6. 'Gilmore Girls': Lorelai's Surprise Announcement
The beloved 'Gilmore Girls' could have ended with a twist that mirrored the start of the series. Instead of Rory's pregnancy revelation, an alternate ending hinted at Lorelai announcing her own pregnancy with Luke. This full-circle moment would have provided a sense of continuity and renewal, celebrating both the show's past and its future. It would have allowed Rory to embark on her own journey, free from the echoes of her mother's earlier life, while Lorelai and Luke could start a new chapter together.
Rory and Lorelai Smiling at Each Other in Gilmore Girls
5. '13 Reasons Why': Hannah's Second Chance
The heavy and controversial '13 Reasons Why' could have taken a different path with Hannah Baker surviving her suicide attempt. This alternative ending would have shifted the focus towards themes of recovery and second chances, potentially offering a more hopeful narrative that still maintained the show's emotional depth. It could have presented a message of resilience and the possibility of healing, providing a different kind of conversation about the issues faced by the characters.
Hannah Looking in the Mirror Before She Ends Her Life in 13 Reasons Why
4. 'The Originals': Klaus and Caroline's Eternal Romance
In 'The Originals', fans were deprived of what could have been an epic love story culminating in Klaus and Caroline traveling the world together. This ending would have honored their complex history and the growth they both experienced throughout the series. Instead, the altered finale of 'The Vampire Diaries' led to a ripple effect that concluded with Klaus's untimely death, leaving many viewers yearning for the original, more romantic conclusion.
Caroline and Klaus Hold Hands and Look Sad in The Originals
3. 'The Vampire Diaries': The Ultimate Sacrifice of the Salvatore Brothers
The finale of 'The Vampire Diaries' was bittersweet, with Stefan giving his life for his brother Damon's happiness. Yet, there was a time when the show's creator imagined a more poetic end: both Salvatore brothers dying to save Elena. This gesture would have been the ultimate act of redemption for the characters, providing a more profound and equal resolution to their centuries-long saga. The impact of Nina Dobrev's departure from the show changed the course of this storyline, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
Stefan and Damon Standing Together with Their Arms Crossed in The Vampire Diaries
2. 'Friends': Ross and Rachel's Uncertain Future
The 'Friends' finale almost left Ross and Rachel's relationship up in the air, with Rachel not getting off the plane. This ending would have challenged the traditional happily-ever-after and reflected the complexity of their on-again, off-again relationship. While this may have disappointed some fans, it could have also provided a more realistic portrayal of love and the idea that life doesn't always tie up neatly with a bow. Sometimes, the most fitting endings are those that embrace life's uncertainties.
Rachel Arrives at Ross' Apartment After Getting Off the Plane in Friends Finale
1. 'How I Met Your Mother': A True Happy Ending for All
Imagine an ending to 'How I Met Your Mother' where Ted and Tracy live happily ever after, Robin and Barney's relationship stands the test of time, and the group remains intact. This alternate finale would have respected the character development throughout the series and provided a satisfying conclusion to the long-winded tale of how Ted met the mother of his children. The original ending faced a backlash for undoing years of storytelling, making the alternate one a fan-favorite 'what if'.
Ted and Tracy Standing Under a Yellow Umbrella in How I Met Your Mother
