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TV shows can build worlds, bring to life unforgettable characters, and weave storylines that keep us hooked for years. We become emotionally invested, keep track of character development closely, and wonder how it will all fit together in the end. But occasionally, when that long-awaited, much-hyped finale finally comes, it collapses under the weight of its own expectations. Whether it is because of rushed storytelling, out-of-character moves, or lingering plot threads, a disappointing finale can ruin the reputation of even the most beloved shows.
Over the last few years, viewers have grown increasingly vocal about how much a finale impacts their general impression of a series. Social media outrage, fan petition campaigns and edits commonly follow a lackluster finale. And while some series achieve redemption through spin-offs or revivals, others go down as cautionary tales in television history.
This article dives into 15 such TV shows that captivated fans during their run but ultimately left them disappointed with how things wrapped up. From fantasy epics to medical dramas and teen mysteries, no genre is immune to a misfire in its final hour. So if you’re curious about which endings missed the mark and why, read on for a roundup of television’s most underwhelming farewells.
Note: This article reflects the author's personal opinions.
TV shows that had underwhelming endings
1) Game of Thrones
Even with nearly a decade of dominating television, Game of Thrones imploded under its own hype in Season 8. Followers were disappointed with rushed character arcs. Daenerys' fall from hero to tyrant came too quickly, and the ascension of Bran the Broken to king perplexed many. The last season had an audience score of 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, a steep drop from the earlier seasons. Cast members such as Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington have since had ambivalent reactions. The future House of the Dragon spin-offs are HBO's attempt to revive the magic, but for many, the finale had left Westeros frozen in disappointment.
2) How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother had foreshadowed a ten-year mystery surrounding the mother of the title, only to kill her off in the final minute and recast the story onto Robin. Fans attacked the program for invalidating character development and resorting to a twist that was lazy instead of clever. Fans even produced alternate versions of the finale. Tellingly, the creators re-released an "alternate ending" on DVD following backlash. With How I Met Your Father going for a spiritual reboot, showing the original's legacy, it is still a warning against how not to write a sitcom ending.
3) Dexter (Original Run)
Dexter's initial run concluded in 2013 with the show's titular anti-hero faking his own death and becoming a lumberjack, a decision that left fans and critics confused. Later, Michael C. Hall himself admitted that the finale was short on closure. The backlash was so intense that it ultimately led to the production and release of Dexter: New Blood in 2021, which set out to offer a more conclusive, albeit still divisive, ending, which was met with mixed reception. The finale of the show is commonly used as an example of a good concept being brought down by indecisive writing and poor pacing towards the end.
4) Lost
J.J. Abrams' Lost revolutionized serialized storytelling in the genres of mystery and mythology, but its 2010 finale left viewers bewildered. With almost 7 years' worth of questions left barely answered, the last episode centered on a spiritual "flash-sideways" story that many took to be purgatory. Even though the showrunners explained that the characters were not dead throughout, the harm was already done. The finale was accused by critics of favoring emotion over reason, thus leaving sci-fi enthusiasts disappointed. Nevertheless, Lost continues to be a cultural touchstone in serialized drama. The ending remains the subject of heated debates on Reddit and fan sites, evidence that unresolved questions at the end of long-running shows can frustrate audiences years after the screen goes black.
5) The Sopranos
The infamous cut-to-black finale of The Sopranos in 2007 is one of the most discussed moments in television history. Some applauded its open-endedness and ambiguity as a stroke of genius, while others felt it was a cop-out. Creator David Chase later confessed he was dismayed at the finale's backlash, even unwittingly confirming the death of Tony years later. The unexpected blackout became so notorious that it misled viewers into believing their TVs had malfunctioned. The Sopranos remains a landmark seriesIts prequel, The Many Saints of Newark, renewed interest—but couldn't extinguish the controversy surrounding that legendary fade-out.
6) True Blood
True Blood wooed viewers with its supernatural melodrama, but by the end of its final season in 2014, most viewers complained of the mess that it had become. The show's former sizzling love triangle of Bill, Sookie, and Eric grew lukewarm, and the concluding fight against the "Evil Hep V" virus seemed secondary. Audiences were also frustrated by hasty character resolutions, with most disappointed by Sookie's ultimate choice to end up with Bill, after years of emotional foreplay. Even creator Alan Ball admitted that the show overstayed its welcome. Thus, its finale stands as a lesson in knowing when to end a story.
7) Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars is infamous for leaving viewers with questions rather than answers by its 2016 conclusion. Fans theorized about "A's" identity for years, only to be left with a reveal that felt tangled and disappointing. The last season managed to balance several twists and red herrings, but when the identity of A.D. was finally revealed, it left many feeling underwhelmed. The finale did not give a neat wrap-up to every character, and the fans condemned it for indulging in sensationalism instead of tying up its intricate storylines. Nevertheless, PLL is still a cultural phenomenon, and the recent spin-off Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin attempts a fresh start.
8) Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl concluded its 6-year run in 2012 with a twist that stunned some and frustrated others. The series finale revealed that Dan Humphrey was the mysterious Gossip Girl, a decision that left many viewers unhappy. The grand reveal seemed to distract viewers from the overall mystery of the show, particularly because Dan had been established as an outsider and not an insider to the high-society intrigue. Even though the finale was problematic, the show's influence remains with the 2021 revival trying to recapture the magic of Upper East Side drama, but without the original spark.
9) House of Cards
House of Cards had a difficult journey ahead following Kevin Spacey's departure, but even the show's last season without him was not impressive. Its portrayal of power and political intrigue had always been its selling point, but by the time it ended in 2018, it had lost steam. Claire Underwood's ascension to presidency was rushed to the point, and the built-in cynicism of the show rang false with no stinging writing and character work that characterized the better first seasons. The last few episodes felt like an appendage outside of the themes of the series, making some see the finish as an exercise in squandering.
10) That '70s Show
The 2006 finale of That '70s Show tied up the series' favorite characters but did so in a manner that didn't sit well with viewers. Having Eric come back for a brief reunion with Donna, only to have them go their separate ways shortly thereafter, appeared to be a forced decision. The show also dabbled in too many storylines: Kelso's romance with Jackie, Fez's secret crush on Jackie, and Red and Kitty's empty nest are left unresolved in a satisfying manner. Although the legacy of the show as a nostalgic comedy still stands, its ending was highly disappointing.
11) Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Men concluded its 12-year run in 2015 with a finale that felt like a rushed effort to bring everything to a close. Charlie Harper's disappearance after Charlie Sheen left was referenced in a strange twist as a character returned from the dead. The series finale, rather than offering a genuine emotional goodbye, seemed heavy with slapstick comedy and absurd situations that alienated loyal fans. While the series did have its moments of brilliance, the finale was widely regarded as a confusing and disappointing conclusion to a mostly good sitcom.
12) Roseanne (Original Series)
The first run of Roseanne abruptly ended in 1997 with a bewildering finale. During the last season, the premise of the show was a fantasy, and Roseanne announced that the entire show was her composing a novel about her family. Not only did the twist feel disruptive, but it took away from the emotional core of the show. Although the 2018 reboot captured headlines, it was unable to reverse the damage caused by the original series' controversial finale, leaving a sour aftertaste for fans who were anticipating a sentimental wrap-up.
13) Scrubs (Season 9)
After eight seasons of success, Scrubs came back in 2009 with a ninth season that alienated viewers. The Season 8 finale provided a perfect conclusion, leaving the audience content, but introducing a new crop of medical interns for Season 9 diverted the show's attention from its central characters. Though there were some humorous moments, the season fell short of the charm and emotional depth that made Scrubs a favorite among fans. The finale did not feel integrated with the original series, and most fans saw it as a mistake that tainted the show's otherwise solid legacy.
14) Killing Eve
Killing Eve exploded onto the scene with tense suspense and multi-dimensional characters, especially the cat-and-mouse game between Eve and Villanelle. But the 2022 series finale was roundly panned for its hasty, unsatisfying resolution. With four seasons of rich character development, the finale's sudden choice to conclude the feud with a deadly shooting felt earned. The climax left too many questions unanswered and did not have the emotional payoff audiences had been expecting. Even with praise from critics, Killing Eve's conclusion has been considered a great disappointment for a series once full of potential.
15) The 100
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Following seven years of post-apocalyptic drama, The 100 wrapped up in 2020 with a conclusion that left most of the fans upset. The series finale had Clarke Griffin, the protagonist, make an impossible choice, and while it tried to provide closure, it failed to deliver on the long-standing themes of survival and leadership. The show's sudden treatment of character arcs, such as Bellamy's death, was criticized for diminishing the emotional stakes. Even with the show's intricate world-building and remarkable character development, the finale left viewers craving more depth instead of a hasty wrap-up.
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