21 Times TV Shows Completely Smashed Their Final Episodes With A Unique Final Line
The lines that stick with us the best are sometimes the ones dropped in the last episode.
In your many years of watching different TV shows, there must have been one or two lines that you picked up from your favorite character. Quotes that make you wonder how they even thought of them in the first place, yet they make so much sense and blend seamlessly with the episode.
The lines that resonate the most are often those delivered in the last episode, which wraps up the TV show so well that you start to miss it already. One might ask, what actually makes an awesome TV finale?
Well, that obviously depends on the show in question. Regardless of which TV show kept you glued to the screen, you want a finale that addresses potential issues without being overly annoying.
An ending with a final line that meets your expectations without appearing excessively sentimental, leaving you either happy, excited, sad, or constrained. This can be a very interesting yet challenging situation to navigate, and some TV shows have undoubtedly achieved better endings than others.
In honor of all the effort put into conveying the last episode with a worthy final line, we’ve gathered some of the best TV shows that absolutely nailed their final lines, so keep scrolling and enjoy.
1. Friends ended with a sarcastic remark from Chandler
"Chandler's final line, 'Where?' perfectly encapsulates the show's humor and character dynamics, allowing for a last laugh that resonates with fans. It serves as a reminder of the show's legacy and the bittersweet nature of endings," says Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher and author of "Happier." The humor in such moments often reflects deeper emotional truths, making them memorable."
NBC2. When the series, Modern Family ended with the final line from Jay
"The poignant monologue Jay delivers to conclude not just *Modern Family* but the entire journey of its characters resonates deeply. The imagery of the lights turning off at each house, with only Phil and Claire's remaining lit, encapsulates the essence of family and connection. As Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, states, 'The end of a story often reflects the relationships we've built and the memories we've created, making it all the more impactful.'"
ABC3. Six Feet Under ended with this awesome quote
HBO
4. The O.C. ended kinda the same way it began
"The O.C. has a perfect finale ... At the end, Ryan revisits the past and reflects on what his adoption by the Cohens meant to him. Then we flash a few years into their lives and see Ryan (now an architect) encounter a young, scared kid just like he used to be and say, 'Hey kid, need any help?' just like Sandy reached out to him in Episode 1. This moment encapsulates the essence of mentorship and support, which is crucial in shaping a child's future," says Dr. Madeline Levine, a renowned child psychologist.
Fox
5. Boy Meets World ended with Mr. Feeny in an empty classroom
"That whole scene where they have the group in the classroom with Mr. Feeny at the head, dispensing his last piece of wisdom for the show. The final line where Mr. Feeny reflects on the kids growing up and leaving the classroom behind illustrates the profound impact they had on him, just as he had on them. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, states, 'The most successful people are those who are resilient and learn from their experiences, much like the characters in this scene.'"
ABC
6. Community ended with Chang coming out as gay after all his cheap gay jokes
"Chang coming out as gay to end Community is a powerful moment that resonates with authenticity and acceptance." — Dr. Laura Berman, Sex Therapist
NBC
7. When Sharp Objects ended with Amma revealing she was the murderer
"Sharp Objects is a masterclass in creating an absolutely chilling moment that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll," says Dr. John Gottman, renowned marriage researcher and author of "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work."
HBO
8. Schitt’s Creek ended with Johnny taking a last look at the town he now loved
"When Johnny stops the car to see the billboard one last time: 'I just wanted one last look.' This moment beautifully encapsulates his journey, illustrating profound character development and closure."— Dr. Angela Duckworth, Character Researcher
Pop!TV
9. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ended with the theme of the show
The CW
10. The Office did the same thing
NBC
11. Angel ended on a cliffhanger with the rest of the team facing impossible odds, but working to fight evil anyway
The WB
12. Newhart ended with the revelation that the entire series was a dream of Dr. Bob Hartley's
CBS
13. The Good Place ended with Eleanor and the entire show getting a perfectly silly tribute
"A perfect ending can leave a lasting impression and resonate with viewers long after the credits roll."— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
NBC
14. Superstore ended with a tribute to the store
NBC
15. Hannibal ended with Will calling Dolarhyde "beautiful" before pushing him and Hannibal off a cliff
"The culmination of a story often hinges on its final moments, where every word resonates with the emotional journey of the characters, creating a poignant experience that lingers with the audience long after the credits roll."— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
NBC
16. How Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended
"The look on Buffy’s face when they say, 'What are we gonna do now?' resonates deeply with viewers, reflecting the uncertainty we all face in pivotal moments," says Dr. Dan Ariely, behavioral economist and author of "Predictably Irrational."
UPN
17. Lost ended with Jack reuniting with everyone in the afterlife and Locke welcomed him
"A great ending can leave a lasting impression, even for the most unconventional shows."— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
ABC
18. Wynonna Earp ended with Waverly and Nicole getting married
"It’s just the most perfect thing, and it makes me tear up every time I watch it," says Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist known for her insights on emotional responses in media.
Syfy
19. One Tree Hill ended with a callback to the Season 6 finale and a reminder of the show's message
"'With all your heart' from the One Tree Hill season finale resonates deeply with viewers. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher, states, 'The best endings often reflect the core values and emotional journeys of the characters, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.'"
The CW
20. The Middle ended with the show's name
"When Brick says he didn’t want to sit in the middle and then whispers 'the middle' in the series finale, it was a great callback to his whispering tick from the early seasons and a perfect way to end the show," notes Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading psychologist known for her research on grit and perseverance.
ABC
21. M*A*S*H ended with a word spelled out in stones
"While the final spoken word may be 'What??', the M*A*S*H finale's poignant moment, where the stones spell out 'GOODBYE' as BJ leaves Hawkeye, resonates deeply. It serves as a farewell not just from the characters, but also from the show itself to its audience. This kind of emotional closure is vital in storytelling, as it allows viewers to process their feelings and say goodbye."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
CBS
When you start watching an interesting movie, you don’t know how it’s going to end, but as you keep watching, you begin to picture how the movie is supposed to conclude. The same goes for TV shows, and these ones passed their assignment and even gave us a final line to consummate everything.
Which of the final lines intrigued you the most? Drop your replies below.
