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We've all been there – stuck watching a show that has captivated us for years and yet feels never-ending. Very few shows have mastered the art of ending at the right time. Quite a few, like "Supernatural," drag on and lose meaning. If you're looking for a long-running TV show with an excellent ending to sit back and watch, click through the slideshow.
Note: For the sake of this article, long-running TV shows are those that last for five seasons or more. Also, since this slideshow discusses finales, there are spoilers ahead.
"The Big Bang Theory"
The ending of "The Big Bang Theory" was a tearjerker. This incredibly popular and well-loved show ran for 12 seasons – this includes a whopping 279 episodes. The show ends with a heartfelt speech from Sheldon to his friends as he and Amy win the Nobel Prize.
"Parks and Recreation"
Although not as long as "The Big Bang Theory," "Parks and Recreation" was still long. Any longer, and it would have dragged. This hilarious show ran for seven seasons and ended on a high note. The last episode is a sweet goodbye to the characters fans watched for years.
"Breaking Bad"
The "Breaking Bad" finale is not a happy ending, and yet it worked so well. If directors/producers attempted another season, the finale would not hit as hard. Walter, in the end, accepts that he has hurt his family and loved ones. He dies alone right after saving Jesse.
"Dexter"
"Dexter's" ending brings a lot of differing opinions. Some viewers hate that it went on for so long, while others loved the ending. Technically, it's not a full ending, as Dexter's story continues in "Dexter: New Blood." At the end of "Dexter," the titular character fakes his death and goes on to live in Oregon, alone and under a new name.
"The West Wing"
"The West Wing" was on for seven seasons. It starred incredible actors like Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, and Allison Janney. The last episode was emotional and ended on a great note. The last season, in general, was nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards.
"The Fairly OddParents"
Did you expect to see a children's animated series on this slideshow? "The Fairly OddParents" ended in 2017 and ran for ten seasons, although with pauses in between. While it didn't have a proper finale that concluded each story or answered all our questions, it was time.
"Seinfeld"
Who hasn't heard of "Seinfeld?" This very popular show ran from 1989 to 1999 and included nine seasons. The last episode was perfect, including plenty of callbacks and the friends in prison, doing what they do best – cracking jokes.
"The Office"
"The Office" was on for nine seasons. Although still funny by the last season, it was time to end the show. Any longer, and the TV series could have continued losing viewership. The ending for this show was perfect and showcased the lives of the main characters after the documentary was aired.
"Buffy The Vampire Slayer"
The final episode of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" still brings goosebumps to fans' skin. Spike sacrifices himself as Buffy finally confesses her feelings – she loves him. This devastating ending was perfect. Truly, nothing could have topped it.
"Charmed"
"Charmed" ran for eight seasons and 178 episodes. When we refer to "Charmed" in this slideshow, we are discussing the original series released in 1998, not the new reboot, which premiered in 2018. Interestingly, while most fans weren't in love with the eighth season, the final episode is the opposite. On IMDb, it's rated a 9.1 with nearly 2,000 reviews.
"House"
After eight seasons, "House" ended with a powerful episode titled "Everybody Dies." During this last episode, House fakes his death, which frustrates Wilson, who is terminally ill with cancer. He finds out that House faked his death and they go on a cross-country motorbike trip, spending their last moments together.
"Psych"
From 2006 to 2014, "Psych" stole the hearts and minds of viewers all around the nation. As sad as it is to see favorite shows come and go, this one had a perfect ending. It couldn't have ended at a better time. The last episode ends with a comedic chase as Shawn, Gus, and Juliet run after the thief who steals the engagement ring.
"Bones"
"Bones" also ended right where it should have. By the end, the series had already spanned 12 seasons, including 246 episodes. The heartwarming last episode features callbacks, sweet moments, and a goosebump-rising question and answer from Bones and Booth.
"Young Sheldon"
"The Big Bang Theory" was so popular that it received a spin-off, all about Sheldon called "Young Sheldon." This series went on for seven seasons ending with an emotional episode. It merged both past and present Sheldon.
"BoJack Horseman"
"BoJack Horseman" is another show that ended at the right time. It lasted six seasons. While the ending wasn't incredibly dramatic, it is gut-wrenching as BoJack doesn't receive a happy ending. One of the last scenes is between BoJack and Diane where she cuts him out of her life, for good. It isn't outright said, but the tension and message is clear.