A number of major TV series finales both delightful and disappointing.
It can be a huge blow when a TV show you've watched for multiple seasons comes to an underwhelming conclusion, such as the tame ending to The Sopranos' did.
The following TV shows all did at least one of those things, and often more. There have been some truly exceptional TV series finales between 2010-2019, whether it was a series that had lost its way or had a seemingly impossible weight of expectation, and these are the very best of them. With major spoilers, of course.
15. How I Met Your Mother - "Last Forever"
Although divisive, How I Met Your Mother's ending respects the past, but pushes on into the future.
14. Fleabag - "Episode 6"
series finale of Fleabag was never likely to go out with a huge bang; Phoebe Waller-Bridge is too subtle and smart for that. It's not even really an end. The part we get to see is over, and came to a close with a funny, emotional story about love: for others and, more importantly, yourself. Fleabag may end up with the Priest, but that's not what matters. As she leaves the viewers behind, it's with us safe in the knowledge that we've helped her on this journey, to a point where she can love herself again. The show may be over, but Fleabag's going to be ok.
13. Community - "Emotional Consequences Of Broadcast Television"
By the time of Community's finale is a poignant reminder of their time together, while also leaving plenty of hope for the #AndAMovie part of the show's slogan.
12. Parks & Recreation - "One Last Ride"
Parks & Recs' finale is all about saying goodbye. It couldn't have done so in a better way.
11. Game Of Thrones - "The Iron Throne"
Game of Thrones' ending gives us an emotional send-off that mixes twists, spectacle, and pure character-driven drama to deliver a bittersweet conclusion to the biggest TV show of all time.
10. Halt And Catch Fire - "Ten Of Swords"
Halt and Catch Fire was a show about the past, but its finale, "Ten of Swords", made sure to look to the future, leaving us on an optimistic note for the characters we'd come to care so much about. This was a show all about getting "to the thing", and that's exemplified by its finale: it gives Joe a surprising but fitting ending as he becomes a teacher for the next generation, but best of all is in the way it professionally reunites Donna and Cameron. They're the show's greatest strength, and we leave them knowing their own future is secured, together, and exciting.
9. Sharp Objects - "Milk"
Sharp Objects had ended with Camille and Amma making it out and being happy, it still would've been an excellent finale. But it's the last surprise that makes it such a stunner. With the discovery of some teeth and three little words - "Don't tell mama." - we're given a plot twist for the ages, followed by some of the most haunting imagery to come from a TV screen in recent memory.
8. The Office - "Finale"
Considering how The Office calls closing time on its nine-season arc by giving all of its characters a happy ending, but in a way that feels right rather than forced, and even finds time for one last "that's what she said."
7. 30 Rock - "Hogcock!"/Last Lunch"
How else could 30 Rock stays true to itself by filling its two-part finale with more gags than most sitcoms could deliver in a season. It's nostalgic, warm, and emotional, but laugh-out-loud funny too, proving just how great 30 Rock was at doing both.
6. Lost - "The End"
Before Game of Thrones' finale, there was Lost's finale might not offer up easy answers, but it didn't need to; it just had to provide closure. What was more important than the mysteries were these characters, and the way their journeys are ended is beautifully done. It's a funny, weird, heartfelt, emotional, thrilling, and above all else satisfying conclusion to a show that should've been almost impossible to end.
