When the Best Is Saved for Last (Part 1)
The following series finales are the highest rated episode of their respective television show. Which of these final episodes* is your favorite?
*from live action TV shows with at least two seasons, 30,000 votes and a 6.5 rating
Note: episodes are listed in chronological order
Discuss here
See part 2 here.
*from live action TV shows with at least two seasons, 30,000 votes and a 6.5 rating
Note: episodes are listed in chronological order
Discuss here
See part 2 here.
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- DirectorRichard BodenStarsRowan AtkinsonTony RobinsonStephen FryBlackadder pretends that he's insane to avoid certain death carrying out the General's order for the "big push".Final and highest rated episode of Blackadder Goes Forth (1989) (fourth season of Blackadder)
Blackadder pretends that he's insane to avoid certain death carrying out the General's order for the "big push". - DirectorJames BurrowsStarsTed DansonKirstie AlleyRhea PerlmanWoody embarks on his new life as City Councilman. Norm embarks on his new life as civil servant as Woody pulled some strings to get him an accounting job at City Hall. And Rebecca and Sam embark on their new relationships... possibly. Don asks Rebecca to marry him. Will her regular "I've got to marry a rich man" impulse makes her say no? And after seeing her win an ACE Cable Award on television, Sam makes the decision to get in touch with Diane. Sam lies to her about how happy he is in his life, and he suspects that she too is lying about how happy her married life is. But only a visit by Diane to Boston may make both realize what they want in life, which specifically for Sam can be summed up by a comment from Norm: "You can never be unfaithful to your one true love". Cheers.Final and highest rated episode of Cheers (1982)
Woody embarks on his new life as City Councilman. Norm embarks on his new life as civil servant as Woody pulled some strings to get him an accounting job at City Hall. - 1996–200121mTV-PG8.6 (384)TV EpisodeDirectorTerry HughesStarsJohn LithgowKristen JohnstonFrench StewartElvis Costello entertains at the Solomon's going away party.Final and highest rated episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996)
Elvis Costello entertains at the Solomon's going away party. - DirectorKenneth R. KochStarsMelissa Joan HartElisa DonovanNick BakayOn the day of her wedding Sabrina is still trying to find whether her groom or Harvey is her real soul-mate.Final and highest rated episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996)
On the day of her wedding Sabrina is still trying to find whether her groom or Harvey is her real soul-mate. - DirectorGregory PrangeStarsJames Van Der BeekKatie HolmesMichelle WilliamsWith Jen in the hospital, the gang tries not to be too sad about it. Dawson helps Jen make a video for her infant daughter, asking her to never stop loving and dreaming. Jen also asks Joey as her last wish to end the chasing and running and to settle down. Jack tells Jen that she's his soul mate and asks to raise baby Amy for her. Jen finally passes away and while mourning the death of their close friend, the gang has to move on. Doug tells Jack he's willing to spend his life with him and wants to help raise Amy. Joey breaks up with Chris over the phone while she tries to decide whom she will choose: Dawson or Pacey. After Jen's funeral, Pacey suddenly tells Joey that she's "off the hook". Pacey explains to Joey that despite his endless love for her, he can't hold her back any more. Since both Joey and Pacey had troubled and painful childhoods and adolescences (Joey with her mother's death from cancer and her father's imprisonment for drug trafficking, and Pacey with his outrageously neglectful and abusive parents). But his point is that, as much as Joey wanted all her life was to get far away from Capeside and see the world, Pacey seems forever destined to be stuck there just like his alcoholic loser father, and grandfather, and so on. Before returning to New York, Joey sits with Dawson and confesses that even though they may never be together, he and she are soul mates and nothing should ever change that.Final and highest rated episode of Dawson's Creek (1998)
With Jen in the hospital, the gang tries not to be too sad about it. Dawson helps Jen make a video for her infant daughter, asking her to never stop loving and dreaming. Jen also asks Joey as her last wish to end the chasing and running and to settle down. - DirectorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisMartin FreemanMackenzie CrookTim's world is rocked when Dawn turns up at the office to say hello. Despite a stern warning from Gareth and wise words from Keith in Accounts, Tim can't help but get his hopes up again. Meanwhile, David Brent has been using the services of a dating agency and, in between making celebrity appearances in nightclubs, he meets up for drinks with a rather disappointing selection of single women. The office Christmas party kicks off like any other but there are a few surprises in store...Final and highest rated episode of The Office (2001)
Tim's world is rocked when Dawn turns up at the office to say hello. Despite a stern warning from Gareth and wise words from Keith in Accounts, Tim can't help but get his hopes up again. - 1998–200445mTV-MA8.8 (1.3K)TV EpisodeDirectorTimothy Van PattenStarsSarah Jessica ParkerKim CattrallKristin DavisCarrie has lunch with Petrovsky's ex Juliette B. who tells her he always gives priority to his art above his partner- she finds that true and has a generally bad time. Charlotte prepares with Anthony to receive her promised adoption baby's birth parents, but those changed their mind; ultimately she and Harry get another baby girl from China. Steve's ma Mary suffers memory loss after a mild stroke, and Miranda offers to take her in, which their maid Magda calls love. Samantha finally admits that Smith means enough to her, unlike any other man, to be jealous. Mr. Big has finally realized that he cannot be happy without Carrie and sets out to bring her back to New York, just when she was considering breaking up with the Russian anyhow.Final and highest rated episode of Sex and the City (1998)
Carrie has lunch with Petrovsky's ex Juliette B. who tells her he always gives priority to his art above his partner- she finds that true and has a generally bad time. - DirectorKevin BrightStarsJennifer AnistonCourteney CoxLisa KudrowPhoebe races Ross to the airport in a bid to stop Rachel from leaving for Paris. Monica and Chandler pack up their apartment ahead of their move to their new house, and Joey buys Chandler a new chick and duck as a leaving present.Final and highest rated episode of Friends (1994)
Phoebe races Ross to the airport in a bid to stop Rachel from leaving for Paris. Monica and Chandler pack up their apartment ahead of their move to their new house, and Joey buys Chandler a new chick and duck as a leaving present. - DirectorJeffrey BellStarsDavid BoreanazJames MarstersJ. August RichardsIn the series finale, Angel reveals that his questionable moral behavior has been part of a bigger plan: to destroy The Circle of the Black Thorn and show the Senior Partners that the power of good can still make a difference. Wesley struggles with helping Illyria adapt to the world, scolding her for her attempts to take on Fred's form. As Gunn continues his quest of self-discovery, Lorne becomes more aware of the lack of happiness in the world. Harmony attempts to seduce Marcus Hamilton for information, Lindsey makes an important decision regarding his alliance, and Eve continues to deal with being mortal. As Spike comes closer to understanding the nature of heroism, Angel pays a visit to the one person he truly loves. On Angel's bidding, the gang goes out and spends each day as if it were their last...Final and highest rated episode of Angel (1999)
In the series finale, Angel reveals that his questionable moral behavior has been part of a bigger plan: to destroy The Circle of the Black Thorn and show the Senior Partners that the power of good can still make a difference. - DirectorJames Whitmore Jr.StarsEllen MuthLaura HarrisCallum BlueIt's Halloween and reaper legend has it that the reapers can be seen as they were when alive; a serial killer stalks a neighbourhood, the reapers collecting his victims as he goes, George getting the bad guy; Joy and Reggie pay a late night visit to George's grave. So does George.Final and highest rated episode of Dead Like Me (2003)
It's Halloween and reaper legend has it that the reapers can be seen as they were when alive; a serial killer stalks a neighbourhood, the reapers collecting his victims as he goes, George getting the bad guy. - DirectorScott WinantStarsMichael J. AndersonAdrienne BarbeauClancy BrownIn the cliff-hanging season finale, Samson devises a grand plan by scheming with Ben, Jones, and the entire troupe to lure Brother Justin to Carnivale for his confrontation with Ben. Meanwhile, Stroud wants to protect Justin who correctly suspects that the carnival is setting a trap for him. Sofie finds herself locked in a dark shed after she tells Justin her conflicted thoughts about where her loyalties lay, and soon becomes terrorized by ghostly visions of her mother. Rita Sue is touched by Samson's generosity of giving her the money needed to pay off Stumpy's loan shark. Later, the final confrontation approaches when Brother Justin persuades Iris to overcome her fear of heights by riding the Carnivale Ferris Wheel where Jones traps both of them in for Ben to drain Justin's powers, and Ben performs his most important healing of Reverend Balthus, leading to Ben and Justin finally meeting face-to-face, and the visions of Ben and Justin coming full circle. At the same time, Joney sets out to rescue Sofie from Stroud, but soon realizes (way too late) that she has made her choice to which side her loyalties are.Final and highest rated episode of Carnivàle (2003)
In the cliff-hanging season finale, Samson devises a grand plan by scheming with Ben, Jones, and the entire troupe to lure Brother Justin to Carnivale for his confrontation with Ben. - DirectorAlan BallStarsPeter KrauseMichael C. HallFrances ConroyNate and Brenda's daughter Willa is born, but 2 months early and at only 2 lb. 4 oz., requiring a prolonged hospital stay. Nate is convinced she won't make it and insists that he can't accept it if she does and is "damaged", shaking Brenda's own confidence. Rico encourages David to sell the funeral home but instead he and Keith buy out Rico's 25% so he can start his own. David agrees to temporarily leave home, and goes to the funeral home. There he's confronted by Nathaniel about considering leaving the business and for his gayness, and is forced to fight his mysterious attacker back, then finally sees his face. Maya is returned to Brenda and Ruth has to face her own problems, until Maggie reveals Nate did see her, happily, as Brenda insisted. Claire takes up photography (of Ted) again and gets a job offer at a New York photo production company, but offers to be there for Ruth until she insists she go and unfreezes her account. Brenda gets a surprise visit from Nate, who finally shows love for his daughter, and someone else. Claire learns the company who gave the job offer has just failed, but Nate encourages her to go onto New York anyway.Final and highest rated episode of Six Feet Under (2001)
Nate and Brenda's daughter Willa is born, but 2 months early and at only 2 lb. 4 oz., requiring a prolonged hospital stay. Nate is convinced she won't make it and insists that he can't accept it if she does and is "damaged", shaking Brenda's own confidence. - DirectorDavid TrainerStarsMila KunisDanny MastersonLaura PreponIt is New Year's Eve and is the last day of the '70s. Kitty is having second thoughts about selling the house and moving to Florida, even though Red thinks she is happy they are moving. Donna has just broken up with Randy and is moving to college. Jackie realizes she loves Fez. Bob decides that he's moving to Florida and open a bait shop. Eric says he's coming home from Africa.Final and highest rated episode of That '70s Show (1998)
It's New Year's Eve and the last day of the '70s. Kitty is having second thoughts about selling the house and moving to Florida. Donna has just broken up with Randy and is moving to college. Jackie realizes she loves Fez. - DirectorJames L. ConwayStarsAlyssa MilanoRose McGowanHolly Marie CombsPiper, with the help of Coop, must travel back in time to change the events that lead to the deaths of her sisters.Final and highest rated episode of Charmed (1998)
Piper, with the help of Coop, must travel back in time to change the events that lead to the deaths of her sisters. - DirectorIan ToyntonStarsPeter GallagherKelly RowanBen McKenzieSix months after the earthquake, everyone makes decisions that will determine the rest of their lives.Final and highest rated episode of The O.C. (2003)
Six months after the trauma of the Newport earthquake, Ryan and the rest of the Cohens struggle with their living arrangements in the aftermath of the destruction of their house. - DirectorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisAshley JensenStephen MerchantAndy is unhappy with the fame he has achieved. When a new agent approaches him, Andy fires Darren and quits 'When The Whistle Blows'. Meanwhile, Maggie has hit rock bottom, having given up working as an extra and living in a tiny, dismal flat. Andy however is too self obsessed to notice Maggie's plight.Final and highest rated episode of Extras (2005)
Andy is unhappy with the fame he has achieved. When a new agent approaches him, Andy fires Darren and quits 'When The Whistle Blows'. - DirectorClark JohnsonStarsMichael ChiklisCatherine DentPaula GarcésAs Vic hopes his immunity deal will help keep his family together, and Shane takes extreme measures to keep his pregnant wife from being charged with murder, Dutch finds he's a suspect in the disappearance of a teenage serial killer's mother.Final and highest rated episode of The Shield (2002)
As Vic hopes his immunity deal will help keep his family together, and Shane takes extreme measures to keep his pregnant wife from being charged with murder, Dutch finds he's a suspect in the disappearance of a teenage serial killer's mother. - DirectorBill D'EliaStarsJames SpaderJohn LarroquetteChristian ClemensonBefore Alan and Denny go to the Supreme Court, they must fight an injunction to keep them from getting married to each other. Meanwhile, religious differences could threaten Shirley and Carl's upcoming wedding.Final and highest rated episode of Boston Legal (2004)
Before Alan and Denny go to the Supreme Court, they must fight an injunction to keep them from getting married to each other. Meanwhile, religious differences could threaten Shirley and Carl's upcoming wedding. - DirectorFrederick King KellerStarsDamian LewisSarah ShahiBrent SextonRoman Nevikov kidnaps Dani Reese and contacts Charlie with his ransom demand: he wants Charlie to bring him Mickey Rayborn. With the LAPD brass looking for Charlie as well, he's not spending much time at the office. He wonders if Rayborn is alive, but Ted Earley can't find any financial activity by Rayborn. Where and how, Charlie asks himself, could someone live without money? The answer to that question gives him the solution to Rayborn's disappearance. Also, Charlie finally learns why his friend and business partner Jason Seybolt was targeted by the crooked cops and what Rayborn and his pals were really after. In order to get Dani's freedom however, Charlie can only do one thing: exchange himself for his partner and take what comes.Final and highest rated episode of Life (2007)
Roman Nevikov kidnaps Dani Reese and contacts Charlie with his ransom demand: he wants Charlie to bring him Mickey Rayborn. - 2005–200921mTV-PG8.1 (323)TV EpisodeDirectorAli LeRoiStarsTerry CrewsTichina ArnoldTequan RichmondChris opts to take the G.E.D. over repeating the 10th grade, Drew tries to go on Amateur Night at the Apollo, Julius tries to get $25 back from somebody who owes him, and Tanya graduates from sixth grade.Final and highest rated episode of Everybody Hates Chris (2005)
Chris opts to take the G.E.D. over repeating the 10th grade, Drew tries to go on Amateur Night at the Apollo, Julius tries to get $25 back from somebody who owes him, and Tanya graduates from sixth grade. - DirectorRandy ZiskStarsTony ShalhoubTraylor HowardJason Gray-StanfordA videotaped clue from Trudy provides Monk with the clues he needs to solve her murder - but he has very little time to catch her killer while finding out what poisoned him.Final and highest rated episode of Monk (2002)
A videotaped clue from Trudy provides Monk with the clues he needs to solve her murder - but he has very little time to catch her killer while finding out what poisoned him. - 2008–200944mTV-148.9 (1.6K)TV EpisodeDirectorJeffrey G. HuntStarsLena HeadeyThomas DekkerSummer GlauSarah is in police custody, but John and Cameron disobey her orders and help her escape. The three then go to Zeira Corp so that Sarah can confront Catherine Weaver, and Cameron can confront John Henry.Final and highest rated episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008)
Sarah is in police custody, but John and Cameron disobey her orders and help her escape. - DirectorVictor Nelli Jr.StarsAmerica FerreraEric MabiusTony PlanaIt's the end of an era, but the beginning, Betty hopes, of something wonderful. In the series finale, which also features appearances by familiar faces from the past, Betty finds it hard to tell Daniel important news about her future. When she does, his reaction surprises her, but not Claire. Justin and Bobby enthusiastically consider taking advantage of a softening real estate market by apartment-hunting in Manhattan, but Hilda's resisting even the most amazing places. Amanda grapples with the death of her dog, Halston, and Marc wonders if he'll ever have a successful relationship.Final and highest rated episode of Ugly Betty (2006)
In the series finale, which also features appearances by familiar faces from the past, Betty finds it hard to tell Daniel important news about her future. - DirectorMichael WaxmanStarsKyle ChandlerConnie BrittonAimee TeegardenWith the decision to close the East Dillon Football program speculation runs wild on two fronts. Will the Lions be able to win State and go out in a blaze of glory; and will Coach Taylor agree to return to coach the Dillion Panthers and a super team with the best of both schools? Tami's PA job offer adds conflict in the Taylor home as does a new development with Matt & Julie. Meanwhile Tim Riggins and Tyra talk seriously about their futures and Luke & Becky clear the air.Final and highest rated episode of Friday Night Lights (2006)
With the decision to close the East Dillon Football program speculation runs wild on two fronts. - DirectorAndy MikitaStarsRobert CarlyleLouis FerreiraBrian J. SmithEli and Rush have found a way to identify the location of drone mother ships using Destiny's long range sensors. The bad news is that the drones seems to be awaiting them at every possible stop along Destiny's path. They find a temporary solution to neutralize the mother ships but realize that they cannot engage in a major battle every time they need to re-supply. Eli suggest that they use the stasis pods for the crew and jump to the next galaxy, a trip that will take three years. All goes well until they realize that one of the pods has been damaged and one person will have to stay behind in the hopes of fixing the unit in the short time available or die.Final and highest rated episode of Stargate Universe (2009)
Eli and Rush have found a way to identify the location of drone mother ships using the Destiny's long range sensors. - DirectorAlex WinterStarsDarin BrooksAlan RitchsonChris RomanoThe battle continues as the BMS and Blackwell teams fight it out on the corn field for bragging rights as to who the real champion is.Final and highest rated episode of Blue Mountain State (2010)
The battle continues as the BMS and Blackwell teams fight it out on the corn field for bragging rights as to who the real champion is. - DirectorSteve HoeferStarsMiranda CosgroveJennette McCurdyNathan KressCarly is sad when her father cannot escort her to a military dance; Sam and Spencer fix a motorcycle; Gibby gets his head stuck in an "artificial head machine" (because he sold his first one at the pawn shop); Freddie gets a new phone.Final and highest rated epsiode of iCarly (2007)
Carly is sad when her father cannot escort her to a military dance; Sam and Spencer fix a motorcycle. - DirectorMark PiznarskiStarsBlake LivelyLeighton MeesterPenn BadgleyIn a fashionable farewell to remember, our favorite Upper East Siders join forces for one last soiree; The identity of Gossip Girl is finally revealed.Final and highest rated episode of Gossip Girl (2007)
In a fashionable farewell to remember, our favorite Upper East Siders join forces for one last soiree; The identity of Gossip Girl is finally revealed. - DirectorDean DevlinStarsTimothy HuttonGina BellmanChristian KaneNate takes the team on one of its most dangerous missions, a con related to the death of his son.Final and highest rated episode of Leverage (2008)
Nate takes the team on one of its most dangerous missions, a con related to the death of his son. - DirectorBeth McCarthy-MillerStarsTina FeyTracy MorganJane KrakowskiLiz is dealing with being a stay-at-home mom while Jack tries to find true happiness. Kenneth and Tracy are both adjusting to Kenneth's new position as President of NBC.Final and highest rated episode of 30 Rock (2006)
Liz is dealing with being a stay-at-home mom while Jack tries to find true happiness. Kenneth and Tracy are both adjusting to Kenneth's new position as President of NBC. - DirectorRick JacobsonStarsLiam McIntyreManu BennettDustin ClareSpartacus and his outnumbered rebels make one last attempt to win freedom in an epic final battle against the Romans led by Marcus Crassus.Final and highest rated episode of Spartacus (2010) (dropped to second place after poll went live)
Spartacus and his outnumbered rebels make one last attempt to win freedom in an epic final battle against the Romans led by Marcus Crassus. - DirectorKen KwapisStarsRainn WilsonJohn KrasinskiJenna FischerOne year later, Dunder Mifflin employees past and present reunite for a panel discussion about the documentary and to attend Dwight and Angela's wedding.Final and highest rated episode of The Office (2005)
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. - DirectorMatt NixStarsJeffrey DonovanGabrielle AnwarCoby BellMichael must win back the trust of everyone he betrayed as James becomes obsessed with ending his life.Final and highest rated episode of Burn Notice (2007)
Michael must win back the trust of everyone he betrayed as James becomes obsessed with ending his life. - DirectorHettie MacdonaldStarsDavid SuchetHelen BaxendaleHugh FraserAn ailing Poirot returns to Styles with Hastings nearly three decades after solving their first mystery there in order to prevent a serial killer from claiming more victims.Final and highest rated episode of Poirot (1989)
An ailing Poirot returns to Styles with Hastings nearly three decades after solving their first mystery there in order to prevent a serial killer from claiming more victims. - DirectorJody HillStarsDanny McBrideSteve LittleKaty Mixon GreerKenny Powers is on the verge of achieving his dream - hosting his own talk show, but when a vicious head of the network asks him to emotionally finish off unbalanced Guy Young on-air in order to seal the deal, his moment of truth arrives.Final and highest rated episode of Eastbound & Down (2009)
Kenny Powers is on the verge of achieving his dream - hosting his own talk show, but when a vicious head of the network asks him to emotionally finish off unbalanced Guy Young on-air in order to seal the deal, his moment of truth arrives.