Podcast #1203: Top Series Finales of Network/Cable TV Shows

On this week’s show we look at our favorite TV Series Finales from Network and Cable TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• TCL Will Add Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to QD-Mini LED TVs
• Apple’s smart home hub could reportedly make its debut later this year
• YouTube leads US TV viewing for 3rd consecutive month

Top Series Finales of Network/Cable TV Shows

Here is a rundown of our favorite TV Series Finales. What are your favorites?

M*A*S*H – "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" (CBS, February 28, 1983)  

This 2.5-hour finale remains the highest-rated scripted TV episode in U.S. history, with a 72% audience share. It masterfully blended comedy and drama, reflecting the show’s tone. The Korean War ends, and the 4077th unit disbands, with emotional farewells like Hawkeye’s helicopter spotting B.J.’s "GOODBYE" in stones. 

The Sopranos - “Made in America” (HBO, June 10, 2007)

The final episode leaves viewers with a cliffhanger that remains open to interpretation. Tony Soprano is at a diner with his family when the screen cuts to black as a suspicious-looking man glances at him. The ending doesn't explicitly confirm whether Tony is killed, but rather leaves the audience to wonder if he will continue to live under the threat of violence inherent to his mob life. The episode's iconic music, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," plays in the background, adding to the tension and suspense.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show – "The Last Show" (CBS, March 19, 1977)  

When WJM-TV’s new owner fires the entire newsroom except the incompetent Ted Baxter, the team shares a tearful group hug, and Mary delivers a poignant monologue. Her final act of turning off the studio lights became an iconic TV trope.     

Snowfall - “The Struggle” (FX, April 19, 2023)

The Snowfall saga chronicled the origins and spread of crack cocaine in South Central and how it ultimately threw Los Angeles neighbourhoods into chaos. Anti-hero Franklin Saint, who we first met on a bright summer day full of promise and big dreams, ended the series on that same street hopeless, delusional and destitute. He was last seen wandering away from the house he bought for his mother - his final possession -  as officers from the L.A. Sheriff’s Department swooped in to evict him over unpaid property taxes.

Newhart – "The Last Newhart" (CBS, May 21, 1990)  

This finale is legendary for its meta twist. After eight seasons of running  a Vermont inn, Dick Loudon  (Bob Newhart) is hit by a golf ball and wakes up as Dr. Bob Hartley from The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978), next to his wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), revealing the entire series was a dream.  

The Office - “Finale” (NBC, May 16, 2013)

One year later, Dunder Mifflin employees past and present reunite for a panel discussion about the documentary and to attend Dwight and Angela's wedding.The episode features cameos and wraps up several character storylines, with characters attending the wedding and reflecting on their lives and experience. Pretty much everyone gets a happy ending - “That’s what she said.”

Asian Jim - The Office US

Cheers – "One for the Road" (NBC, May 20, 1993)  

Watched by over 80 million viewers, this 98-minute finale wrapped up the Sam-Diane romance with honesty. Diane (Shelley Long) returns, but instead of a fairy-tale ending, Sam chooses his bar—his true love—over rekindling their relationship. The final line, “Sorry, we’re closed,” delivered to a late-night customer, symbolizes the show’s end.  

Justified - “The Promise” (FX, April 14, 2015)

After five seasons of rivalry and dare we say friendship, Justified’s sixth and final season saw Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens put his "nemesis" Boyd Crowder behind bars. But that isn't what made the finale so incredible. Aside from giving just about every character a bit of closure, there was one scene that we'll never forget: Raylan sitting across from Boyd in prison as he lies about Ava's death and then, when asked why he traveled long and far to deliver the news in person, he finally admitted the one thing viewers have always known - that Boyd isn't his enemy. Goggins then perfectly delivered the line that said everything about their relationship: "We dug coal together." 

The Big Bang Theory – "The Stockholm Syndrome" (CBS, May 16, 2019) 

Sheldon and Amy’s Nobel win, paired with his heartfelt tribute to his friends, closed the sitcom with sentimentality and growth, though some felt it was overly tidy

Friends – "The Last One" (NBC, May 6, 2004)  

With 52.5 million viewers, this finale delivered closure for the six friends’ arcs. Monica and Chandler move to the suburbs with their twins, Ross and Rachel reunite, and the group leaves Monica’s apartment for the last time. It balanced humor, nostalgia, and emotional payoff without overstaying its welcome. 

 

The Good Place – "Whenever You’re Ready" (NBC, January 30, 2020)  

This philosophical comedy concluded with the characters choosing when to leave their afterlife, reflecting the show’s themes of morality and growth. Emotional farewells, especially Eleanor’s influence on Chidi, resonated deeply, set against a hopeful yet bittersweet tone.  There is a really  good series twist at the end of season one as well. Which brings up the concept of season ending cliffhangers. Maybe for another show!