Ending a TV series well is an art form. For every show that sticks the landing, there are countless others that fumble, leaving fans frustrated. Over the last decade, a handful of shows have managed to conclude their stories with grace, emotional weight, and narrative satisfaction. Here are the five greatest TV endings of the past ten years, ranked.
5. Chernobyl (2019)
HBO's miniseries Chernobyl is a harrowing account of the 1986 nuclear disaster. The finale doesn't shy away from the systemic corruption that caused the catastrophe. Scientist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris) is pressured to blame operator error, but instead tells the truth in court, exposing the government's cover-up of the reactor's design flaws. His honesty costs him his reputation and ultimately his life, but his recorded testimony ensures the world knows the truth. The ending is a powerful reminder that integrity often comes at a great price.
4. The Good Place (2016–2020)
NBC's philosophical comedy The Good Place reimagined the afterlife as a points-based system that's impossible to navigate in modern times. The finale sees Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) and her friends finally earn their way into the real Good Place, only to discover that eternal bliss isn't the point. Instead, they choose to walk through a final door into oblivion, having completed their journeys of self-improvement. The show's message—that the journey matters more than the destination—resonates deeply, making it one of the most satisfying conclusions in recent memory.
3. Mare of Easttown (2021)
Kate Winslet's Mare of Easttown is a slow-burn crime drama that builds to a devastating reveal. Detective Mare Sheehan, still grieving her son's suicide, finally solves the murder of a young mother. The killer turns out to be her best friend's husband, a shocking twist that forces Mare to confront her own emotional walls. The finale offers a glimmer of hope as Mare begins to heal, but it's the raw, unflinching look at grief and redemption that makes it unforgettable.
2. Succession (2018–2023)
HBO's Succession ended with a gut-punch: Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) fails to take control of Waystar Royco, losing to his sister Shiv (Sarah Snook) in a boardroom betrayal. The finale mirrors the show's themes of power, family, and moral decay, leaving viewers with the chilling realization that the Roy children are destined to repeat their father's mistakes. It's a perfect, tragic ending that cements the series as one of the best of the decade.
1. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
The Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul delivered a finale that redefined redemption. Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) finally admits his true identity as Saul Goodman, accepting a 86-year prison sentence to protect his love, Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn). The black-and-white flash-forward to his life as Gene Takovic ends with him choosing honesty over freedom. It's a poignant, earned conclusion that honors the character's journey while offering a glimmer of hope.
These five shows prove that a great ending can elevate a series from good to legendary. Whether it's the truth-telling of Chernobyl or the emotional catharsis of Better Call Saul, these finales remind us why we love television.
