TV Shows with Great Short Final Seasons

Introduction

When it comes to TV shows, the final season is often a critical point, serving as the culmination of years of storytelling and character development. While many shows opt for longer final seasons to tie up loose ends, there are some instances where a short final season has worked wonders for a series. In this article, we'll delve into the world of TV shows with great short final seasons, exploring how they managed to deliver satisfying conclusions in a limited number of episodes.

The cast of The Expanse in season 6

A shorter final season can be the result of various factors, including production issues, cancellations, or even creative decisions. Despite the challenges posed by having fewer episodes, some TV shows have defied expectations and delivered memorable and impactful final seasons. Let's take a closer look at some of these standout examples and examine the reasons behind their success.

Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen on Arrow Season 8

The Expanse

One of the notable TV shows with a short final season is The Expanse, a hit sci-fi series that concluded with its sixth season, comprising only six episodes. This marked a significant departure from its previous seasons, which typically had a higher episode count. Despite the brevity of its final season, The Expanse managed to maintain its consistency and thrill factor, thanks in part to a compelling time jump in the first episode.

Ben and Leslie go undercover at Gryzzl in Parks and Rec Season 7

The show skillfully wrapped up the characters' stories without feeling rushed, drawing from the source material to provide a satisfying conclusion. Furthermore, the time jump introduced the potential for a future revival, showcasing how a short final season can open new narrative possibilities.

All the characters on an elevator in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine Finale

Arrow

CW's Arrow bid farewell with its eighth and final season, comprising just 10 episodes, a significant reduction from its standard episode count. Despite the abbreviated season, Arrow's final outing is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Oliver Queen's (Stephen Amell) journey, featuring compelling twists and impactful time travel elements.

The final

The shorter season not only delivered a strong finale but also provided a powerful conclusion to the show's overarching narrative. Arrow's success in its short final season serves as a testament to the potential of concise storytelling in concluding long-running series.

Jake wearing a papoose and shower cap in the season 8 teaser

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation's final season, consisting of 17 episodes, showcased how a shorter stint can still make a lasting impact. Despite a slightly reduced episode count compared to previous seasons, the show effectively tied up the storylines of its beloved characters, leveraging a future timelines episode to provide a satisfying conclusion.

Holt and Kevin getting married in season 8 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

The season navigated a three-year time jump and introduced new plotlines for the Parks Department employees, demonstrating that a shorter final season can accommodate significant changes while maintaining narrative cohesiveness. Parks and Recreation's ability to wrap up with fewer episodes stands as a testament to its storytelling prowess.

Rosa Diaz on edibles in Brooklyn Nine Nine season 8