Crafting a successful TV show is no small feat, and concluding it on a satisfying note is an even greater challenge. While some series soar to new heights with their finales, others crash and burn, leaving fans disheartened.
From rushed conclusions to baffling creative decisions, let’s look at 10 of the worst TV season finales that missed the mark, ranked from bad to downright catastrophic.
10. Lost
“The End”
Few TV shows captured the imagination like ‘Lost’, with its smart mysteries and complex characters. However, the finale left many fans scratching their heads. Instead of providing clear answers, the show doubled down on its convoluted mythology.
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It delivered a twist that revealed much of the story occurred in a form of purgatory. Moreover, what began as a groundbreaking exploration of survival, faith, and science became a muddled mess. It seemed as if the writers prioritized ambiguity making the ending unsatisfactory to many.
9. The 100
“The Last War”
What started as a gripping post-apocalyptic drama devolved into chaos by the seventh season of ‘The 100’. The series abandoned its grounded storytelling for convoluted mythology involving transcendence, alien beings, and weird plotlines.
Fan-favorite character Bellamy Blake’s arc, in particular, left viewers reeling with frustration. The mishandling of Bellamy’s character, combined with the finale’s unsatisfying resolution, made it clear that the show had lost sight of what once made it compelling.
8. Gilmore Girls
“Bon Voyage”
The absence of creator Amy Sherman-Palladino in ‘Gilmore Girls’ final season was glaring. The signature sharp, witty dialogue and nuanced character development were replaced with rushed storylines and inconsistencies.
Lorelai and Christopher’s brief marriage felt unnecessary, and Rory’s career arc lacked the depth fans had come to expect. While the finale attempted to tie things up with a heartfelt goodbye, it couldn’t undo the damage of a lackluster TV season.
7. Glee
“The Untitled Rachel Berry Project”
By its fifth season, ‘Glee’ was already struggling. However, the finale cemented its decline. Rachel Berry abandoning her Broadway dreams for Hollywood felt like a betrayal of the character’s entire journey.
The show’s once-beloved charm had been overshadowed by inconsistent writing and melodramatic twists. Moreover, while the performances were impressive, they couldn’t save a finale that undermined its core themes. For fans who had stayed loyal through the show’s ups and downs, this ending felt like a slap in the face.
6. Sherlock
“The Final Problem”
‘Sherlock’ began as a brilliant reinvention of a classic detective story. However, by its fourth season, it had lost its way. The introduction of Sherlock’s secret sister, Eurus, felt like a forced twist, and her elaborate mind games in the finale bordered on absurdity.
Instead of focusing on clever deductions, the finale relied on complex plot devices and emotional manipulation. Additionally, for a series that once thrived on its sharp writing and logical puzzles, “The Final Problem” felt more like melodrama.
5. Dexter
“Remember the Monsters?”
Dexter Morgan’s journey in ‘Dexter‘ as a sympathetic serial killer captivated audiences for years, but the series finale left fans enraged. Instead of delivering a fitting conclusion, the episode saw Dexter fake his death and assume a new identity as a lumberjack.
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This decision was baffling to loyal fans of the show. The finale undermined the emotional stakes built throughout the series, robbing viewers of the closure they deserved. Though ‘Dexter: New Blood’ provided a different conclusion for the character, the original finale remains a blunder.
4. House of Cards
“Chapter 73”
After Kevin Spacey’s departure, ‘House of Cards’ faced an uphill battle. The series shifted focus to Claire Underwood as the new President. However, the finale failed to deliver on its promise of a fresh start. Instead, it remained mired in Frank Underwood’s legacy.
This then culminated in a lackluster confrontation between Claire and Doug. The decision to make Frank’s shadow loom over the final season rendered Claire’s arc stagnant. Moreover, the finale felt more like a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking ship.
3. How I Met Your Mother
“Last Forever: Part Two”
Fans spent nine seasons waiting to meet the mother in ‘How I met your mother‘, only for the finale to rush through her introduction and then kill her off. To add insult to injury, Ted ended up with Robin, undermining the entire premise of the series.
The finale’s reliance on tired tropes and disregard for character growth left the TV show’s fans outraged. Additionally, what could have been a heartfelt conclusion turned into one of the most divisive TV finales of all time.
2. Killing Eve
“Hello, Losers”
‘Killing Eve’ began as a thrilling exploration of obsession and desire. However, its finale betrayed everything that made it great. After finally bringing Eve and Villanelle together, the show shockingly killed off Villanelle in a move that felt more like shock value than meaningful storytelling.
Fans were left devastated by the abrupt ending which deviated from the source material. For a series that once redefined the spy genre, this finale was a huge disappointment.
1. Game of Thrones
“The Iron Throne”
No finale has sparked more debate than ‘Game of Thrones’. After years of intricate world-building and character development, the series rushed to a conclusion in a truncated final season. Major character arcs, including Daenerys Targaryen’s descent into madness, felt rushed and unearned.
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The finale’s lack of resolution for many storylines left fans feeling betrayed. What could have been one of the best shows in modern cinema, turned into a mess fans wanted no part of.
