All good things must come to an end, including sitcoms. This beloved genre has become the ultimate go-to for when we need a little cheering up after a hard day. With the right ensemble, running gags, and silly wholesomeness, sitcoms offer an escape from the tough realities of life. But every sitcom must eventually face its finale.
Ending a sitcom is no easy task. With most running for many years, it’s a challenge to honor its legacy while satisfying loyal fans. Some sitcoms, however, not only give their endings the respect they deserve but also pay tribute to the show itself. Without further ado, here are sitcoms with the best finales.
6
‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)
“The Finale” (Season 9, Episodes 23–24)
NBC’s President James Kimbrough offers Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld) and George Costanza (Jason Alexander) a deal to produce their pilot, prompting them to move to California. Jerry, George, Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) decide on a celebratory trip to Paris. On the plane, Kramer’s antics cause an emergency landing in Latham, Massachusetts, where they witness a carjacking. Arrested under the Good Samaritan law, they face trial with the countless character witnesses testifying against them. Despite legal defense by Jackie Chiles (Phil Morris), the jury convicts them of criminal indifference.
Nothing ties a finale better than a reunion, only this farewell is anything but sweet. Long-time fans of Seinfeld are in for a treat as past characters return for a brief appearance in court, eagerly delivering their negative testaments towards the groups. From Donald “Bubble Boy” Sanger (Jon Hayman), who’s hated George’s guts ever since he was wronged during Trivia night, to Babu Bhatt (Brian George), the Pakistan restaurateur whom Jerry indirectly got deported, “The Finale” is essentially a no-holds-barred roasting session. Seinfeld doesn’t do sentimentality, and that’s the point of the conclusion. They’re not here to say goodbye; they’re here to remind everyone that, no matter how ridiculous life can get, they have each other to tolerate each other’s shenanigans.
5
‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)
“The Stockholm Syndrome” (Season 12, Episode 24)
The Big Bang Theory‘s Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) finally achieves his lifelong dream of becoming a Nobel Prize winner. What’s even better is that his wife-slash-research partner Amy (Mayim Bialik) is also a winner, thanks to their joint research on the theory of Super Asymmetry. With the ceremony in Stockholm approaching, the pair extended their invitations to their close friends. Trouble arises when Leonard (Johnny Galecki) discovers Penny (Kaley Cuoco) is pregnant, but the two decide to keep it a secret momentarily. Meanwhile, Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg) try to arrange childcare for their two kids, only to end up in disaster.
One of the biggest running gags in The Big Bang Theory is Sheldon’s self-centeredness. Although he never intends to undermine his friends’ needs, he struggles to compromise, often putting his own interests first. This is on full display as the Nobel Prize ceremony approaches, where his ego initially dominates. He even prepares a speech that glorifies himself. Yet, in a heartwarming twist, Sheldon makes a last-minute change. He uses his moment not to boast, but to thank his friends, addressing each of them by their proper titles in front of the other Nobel laureates. Sheldon may never be the conventional friend who thinks before he speaks, but he has always cared deeply for those around him. It’s the best ending in the most Sheldon way possible.
4
‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
“Finale” (Season 9, Episodes 24–25)
The Office finale brings life to the folks outside of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Taking place one year after the Dunder Mifflin documentary aired, Scranton’s branch of the paper company reunited for the high-profile wedding of Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey). Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) orchestrated a series of elaborate pranks for Dwight’s bachelor party. At a public office panel, fans connected with the employees, Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper) met her birth parents, and Jim and Pam Halpert (Jenna Fischer) revealed plans to relocate to Austin for Jim’s new role at Athleap.
The Office has come a long way from its drab, gray cubicles. Despite the bureaucracy and mundane administration, at its heart, the show is about love in the most unexpected places — even in a boring office. The typically uptight Dwight evolves into an eccentric yet surprisingly compassionate manager, while the dimwitted Kevin opens a bar. The finale wouldn’t be complete without its tearjerking moments, including Erin finally discovering her birth parents. The cherry on top is Steve Carell‘s surprise appearance at Dwight’s wedding. While a finale’s job is tie up loose ends, The Office does justice to the characters by showing their growth after years of utter corporate chaos and childish pranks, all while remaining true to who they are.
3
‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)
“I, Done” (Season 6, Episodes 23–24)
Everybody has to move out someday, including Will Smith (Will Smith) in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. One by one, the Banks family is about to leave California, leaving Will stuck. With one year left of college, he has to find an apartment soon. However, apartment shopping seems to be difficult for a guy with no job, no credit, and no references. Time’s ticking, though. When Uncle Phil (James Avery) announces he’s selling the mansion to move to the East, Will has less than a week to pack his bags.
The series finale is more than just an episode about the Banks starting a new chapter. It is essentially Will showing that, despite still being a work in progress, he has come a long way since his irresponsible, careless self in the show’s premiere. As Uncle Phil embraces Will, who seems insecure about how he feels left behind, he tells Will that he has always been full of potential. The finale doesn’t show Will at the pinnacle of his potential; rather, it gives both him and audiences the validation they need in a world that demands perfection. In reality, progress is what truly matters.
2
‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)
“Happy Ending” (Season 6, Episode 14)
It all comes down to the biggest wedding in Schitt’s Creek. After four seasons of romancing, David Rose (Dan Levy) finally ties the knot with Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid). Unfortunately, their, or rather David’s, dream wedding is ruined when the storm literally blew their outdoor venue away. If that’s not enough, their original officiant cancels. Luckily, Schitt’s Creek comes to the rescue by providing them with the town hall to get married in. As for the officiant, it sounds like the right job for his mother, Moira Rose (Catherine O’Hara), who takes it up a notch and dresses as a pope for the occasion.
Nothing is sweeter — and a little hilarious — than a wedding finale between two complete opposites. Schitt’s Creek‘s David and Patrick have always been relationship goals, and David — once the fussy Rose sibling — shows just how much he’s grown through his heartfelt, and just a touch dramatic, vow. As everyone later packs their bags for California and New York, while David stays behind to be with Patrick, the Roses are officially in full bloom. No longer are they the entitled outsiders who resent socializing with commoners. They’ve grown wiser and more lovable, and it’s all thanks to Schitt’s Creek’s quirks and the people they now call friends.
1
‘Friends’ (1994–2004)
“The Last One” (Season 10, Episode 17–18)
It’s time for the Central Perk gang to hang up their apartment keys. In the Friends finale, Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) welcome twins, Erica and Jack, while Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) pack their belongings. Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) struggles to confess his love to Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) before she leaves for Paris, but airport mishaps delay her flight. Everyone eventually gets their much-needed closure, but not without a few Friends-style classic hijinks along the way.
What made Friends truly special isn’t just the gang’s chemistry — it is Monica’s apartment. That space felt like its own character; a witness to every joy and heartbreak. It’s why the finale features a specific scene where all of them leave their apartment keys on the countertop. Monica’s apartment saw Ross and Rachel’s infamous breakup, Monica proposing to Chandler, and Joey hilariously wearing all of Chandler’s clothes. Saying goodbye to the apartment feels like saying goodbye to a piece of all their lives, and the memories that fans have carried with them for years.
- Release Date
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1994 – 2004
- Showrunner
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Marta Kauffman
