Best TV Finales That Left a Lasting Impact

While many television series have delivered disappointing finales, there are a few that captured hearts and minds with their poignant and memorable conclusions. In opposition to the other posts about terrible TV finales, let's explore some series that had a great ending. Two of the most notable are 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and 'Newhart'.

Newhart - An Unforgettable Dream

'Newhart' went beyond the conventional approach to a series finale when they aired the episode titled 'The Dream Conglomerate'. It seemed that Bob Newhart's life as a psychologist was merely a dream, and his life running an inn in Vermont with his wife Joanna Mary Frann and his eccentric staff was the reality. This episode cleverly folded the entire series into a single moment of narrative resolution. Bob wakes up in bed next to wife Suzanne Pleshette (who was previously portrayed as Emily in the series "The Bob Newhart Show"), saying, 'I just had the strangest dream.' This left viewers with a question and a lasting impression.

Everybody Loves Raymond - A Lasting Happy Ending

Raymond, on the other hand, chose a much simpler and yet equally impactful finale. The series ended with a fade-out showing the extended Raymond family bickering more or less happily at the dinner table. Personally, I like to imagine they are all still out there, just as they were in that final moment, making their usual funny bickering and occasional head slaps.

Babylon 5 - A Emotional and Fitting Finale

Another show that left a significant impact was 'Babylon 5', which had a sad but fitting finale. The series saw the authority of the original cast/characters handed over to their replacements. The final scene on the command deck, where the new crew gathers to watch the old crew leave, is both moving and profound.

Each main character said a heartfelt farewell to Babylon 5 in their own unique way. The alien ambassadors, including the beloved John Sheridan, passed their authority to their replacements. The main crew members each had their final moments on the station, marking the end of an era but also the start of a new one. The final moment before the credits rolled featured a maintenance man and a cameo by J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of the series, turning off the lights for the last time as Babylon 5 was deactivated.

This was a very satisfying and emotional ending to a show and characters we had grown to love over the years. While the show has finished airing, Babylon 5 continues to be remembered in the hearts of many fans.

Other Notable Finales

While 'Newhart', 'Everybody Loves Raymond', and 'Babylon 5' are some of the standout finales, there are many other series that delivered memorable endings. 'Lost', 'Fringe', 'Alias', 'Battle Star Galactica', 'Cheers', 'NYPD Blue', 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', 'Star Trek: Voyager', and 'Serenity' (the finale of 'Firefly') are just a few examples. Each of these series left its own mark, whether with closure, dramatic upheaval, or emotional farewell.

Ultimately, what makes a great TV finale is one that resonates with the audience and leaves them with a sense of fulfillment or at least a conversation piece. These finales are not just the end of a show, but a celebration of the journey and the characters involved.