When a beloved TV show comes to an end, the conclusion can be heartbreaking for devoted viewers. Older shows that lasted for eight, nine, or even 10 seasons are still brought up in conversations today. By the time finale episodes premiere on television, viewers are typically ready to watch fabulous conclusions unfold and say “goodbye” to their favorite characters. A lot of the time, finale episodes are extremely satisfying. A great finale comes into play when every storyline is perfectly tied up with reasonable believability. When all the loose ends are resolved and all the main characters have a happy ending, audiences are pleased.
Other times, finale episodes can be super disappointing. Disappointment might occur if show writers get lazy or distracted with other projects. It’s on their shoulders to write solid endings for long-lasting TV shows that viewers are invested in. One example of a finale that disappointed tons of viewers was the last episode of “Game of Thrones.” In fact, the entire final season of “Game of Thrones” has been heavily critiqued by audiences. Another example would be the last episode of “Dexter.” The finale was such a let-down to viewers that many vowed to never rewatch the show again in the future. When it comes to TV finales that actually impressed the masses, the list is also pretty lengthy.
One top-of-the-line show with a brilliant finale was “Seinfeld.” The sitcom premiered in 1989 and lasted for nine seasons until the cast wrapped things up in 1998. With lovable characters like Kramer, George, Elaine, Newman, and Seinfeld himself in the mix, there was no way the writers of the show could go wrong. Each episode of “Seinfeld” was full of hilarious jokes, witty banter, and silly dialogue that put a smile on everyone’s faces. It isn’t shocking that the finale matched the show’s overall level of perfection. (While we’re on the topic of unforgettable sitcoms, check out the 23 classic sitcoms every American should watch at least once.)
To compile this list of the most-watched TV series finales of all time, 24/7 tempo consulted several entertainment sources, including IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and ScreenRant.
10. “Home Improvement”
- Series finale air date: May 25, 1999
- Series finale episode: “Backstage Pass”
- Series finale viewership: Around 35 million
With 35 million viewers tuning in, it’s obvious the finale did a fabulous job wrapping up the incredibly dynamic ABC TV show. Lead actors Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, and Earl Hindman showed up to contribute cast interviews, bloopers, and funny outtakes that were filmed across eight incredible years.
9. “Family Ties”
- Series finale air date: May 14, 1989
- Series finale episode: “Alex Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”
- Series finale viewership: About 36.3 million
Many viewers weren’t ready for “Family Ties” to come to an end when it did. It first premiered in 1982 and came to an end in 1989. The finale focused on Alex as he packed his bags to relocate to New York City. All his loved ones showed up to wave him off – including his ex-girlfriend, Lauren. The emotions in the episode ran high.
8. “All in the Family”
- Series finale air date: April 8, 1979
- Series finale episode: “Too Good Edith”
- Series finale viewership: Approximately 40.2 million
Everything changed for TV lovers in 1971 because “All in the Family” first premiered on television. The finale nine seasons later, pulled in millions of viewers who were curious about the ending in which Edith struggled to keep her health diagnosis a secret from Archie in the midst of St. Patrick’s Day party planning.
7. “The Cosby Show”
- Series finale air date: April 30, 1992
- Series finale episode: “And So, We Commence”
- Series finale viewership: Around 44.4 million
Family-centered sitcoms have always been a pleasure to watch. That same rule applied to “The Cosby Show” when it initially landed on television in 1984. During the show’s unforgettable finale eight seasons later, viewers watched Theo graduate from college. He walked the stage at his university with pride.
6. “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”
- Series finale air date: March 31, 1992
- Series finale viewership: About 50 million
Talk shows were popular in the ’90s and they’re still popular today. Plenty of modern talk show hosts get inspiration from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” which premiered in 1962 and had a remarkable 30-year run. Many viewers weren’t ready for it to end when it did. The finale focused on Carson himself bidding farewell to all of his devoted fans with a heartfelt “goodbye and good night.”
5. “Magnum, P.I.”
- Series finale air date: May 1, 1988
- Series finale episode: “Resolutions”
- Series finale viewership: Around 50.7 million
The late ’80s was the perfect era for crime-centered television shows. “Magnum, P.I.” was a total hit among audiences. The final episode focused on Magnum himself reflecting on his life, his career, his marriage, and all his deepest personal experiences. It also showcased Magnum’s hasty travel between Virginia and Hawaii.
4. “Friends”
- Series finale air date: May 6, 2004
- Series finale episode: “The Last One”
- Series finale viewership: Approximately 52.5 million
After 10 epic seasons of “Friends,” plenty of diehard fans weren’t ready to say goodbye to the lovable characters for good. The hourlong finale showcased the main group of friends parting ways to move on with their lives. One of the most iconic scenes from the finale happened when Ross and Phoebe raced to the airport to catch Rachel before her flight to Paris.
3. “Seinfeld”
- Series finale air date: May 14, 1998
- Series finale episode: “The Finale”
- Series finale viewership: About 76.3 million
When “Seinfeld” officially came to an end, the writers did a top-notch job making sure the conclusion would be worthwhile to diehard fans. Anyone who had been watching the show from day one was bound to be satisfied with the finale. The last episode showcased George and Jerry landing an impressive production deal with NBC. The deal came with travel plans that moved them straight out of their small town to the stunning city of Paris.
2. “Cheers”
- Series finale air date: May 20, 1993
- Series finale episode: “One for the Road”
- Series finale viewership: Around 80.4 million
Millions of people made time to watch the last episode of “Cheers” after 11 marvelous seasons. It focused on the main characters pursuing new life paths, including Woody’s career as a city councilman and Norm’s new job as a civil servant. It also shed light on Sam and Rebecca’s blossoming romantic relationship.
1. “M*A*S*H”
- Series finale air date: Feb. 28, 1983
- Series finale episode: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”
- Series finale viewership: Approximately 105.9 million
“M*A*S*H” was the hit TV show that pulled in more attention than any other show when it came to its final episode. About 105.9 million viewers watched the lead characters of “M*A*S*H” go their own separate ways when it was time after 11 seasons. The episode has since been labeled the “perfect ending” to one of TV’s greatest series in the world. As of now, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” is the most-watched TV finale of all time. (This show and other sitcoms will go down in history. Click here to uncover the best sitcoms of all time.)