The Marvelous Mrs Maisel concludes with Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) achieving her breakthrough on a late-night show, delivering a powerful monologue about ambition. Her family, initially opposed to her career, cheers from the audience. Gordon Ford (Reid Scott) introduces her as "the magnificent, the magical, the marvellous Mrs Maisel." The emotional peak comes when Midge looks at her manager Susie Myers (Alex Borstein), who has a tear in her eye and her hand on her heart. The final scene jumps decades ahead, showing the duo joking over the phone while watching Jeopardy.
30 Rock's Meta Farewell
The 30 Rock finale, aired as two back-to-back episodes in 2013, subverts expectations by having Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) marry and adopt mid-season, then return to work. The show-within-a-show TGS is uncancelled for one last episode, tying up storylines. Highlights include callbacks, the Rural Juror song, Kenneth's ascendance, and Jack's (Alec Baldwin) heartfelt speech to Liz from a boat, which she interrupts to say she platonically loves him. The episode ends with a group shot and the line "See-through dishwasher for all!"
Detectorists' Gentle Continuity
Detectorists ends with Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Becky buying a dilapidated house, while Toni prepares to move in with Lance (Toby Jones). The friends realize they already have everything they need: friends, lovers, a pub, modest homes, and a shared passion for metal-detecting. Their gold dance symbolizes the continuity of their happiness.
Derry Girls' Historic Vote
In the Derry Girls finale, Erin and Orla celebrate their 18th birthday and first communion with a party themed around literary monkeys. The group votes on the Good Friday Agreement. Granda Joe says, "What if no one else has to die? What if all this becomes a ghost story you'll tell your weans one day?" They all choose yes, choosing hope and an end to the Troubles. The scene is soundtracked by the Cranberries, and Chelsea Clinton receives their letter decades later. Michelle declares, "Being a Derry Girl is a fuckin' state of mind."
Hacks' Bittersweet Turn
Hacks ends with Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) revealing a terminal cancer diagnosis and planning assisted dying. At the last moment, she changes her mind, deciding to write another comedy special, delivering the line: "I may not have 30 years – but I think I have another hour." The moment brings chills and happy tears, as viewers see Deborah choose life and comedy.
Only Fools and Horses' Double Ending
Only Fools and Horses offers two happy endings. The 1996 finale sees Del and Rodney become millionaires after finding an antique watch, followed by a bittersweet montage. The 2000s Christmas specials provide a more modest windfall, closure for Rodney, and a long-awaited baby for him and Cassandra, offering a relatable happiness.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Heist Finale
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine finale features an elaborate heist episode, the most over-the-top yet. It includes callbacks to the first case, the Backstreet Boys interrogation, and Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) telling Peralta (Andy Samberg) he'd be proud to have a son like him. The precinct lights are turned off as the team steps into the lift together. A bonus scene a year later shows them planning another heist, ending with the motto: "Nine-Nine!"
Sex and the City's Parisian Choice
Sex and the City's two-part finale sees Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) choosing between moving to Paris with Aleksandr Petrovsky (Mikhail Baryshnikov) or staying in New York with Mr Big (Chris Noth). Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) grips Big's arm and gasps, "Go get our girl!" Carrie runs across wet cobbles to moody French hip-hop, culminating in a reunion with Big.
Parks and Recreation's Time-Jump
Parks and Recreation's two-part finale jumps forward in time multiple times, exploring the futures of Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and the Pawnee crew. Leslie possibly becomes president, while Jerry/Garry/Larry becomes mayor and lives to 100. The ending celebrates "friends, waffles, work" (Knope's life priorities).
Mr Inbetween's Grinning Exit
Mr Inbetween ends with Ray Shoesmith (Scott Ryan) giving up killing to become a rural cab driver. When two hoodlums enter his cab, Ray breaks the fourth wall and grins, implying he will horribly murder them. The final shot is a sly acknowledgment of the audience's expectations.
The Leftovers' Hopeful Reunion
The Leftovers concludes with a long-separated couple reuniting. The woman (Carrie Coon) claims she visited an alternative dimension where the missing 2% live in peace, a story that brought her comfort. The man (Justin Theroux) says he believes her. They cry, hold hands, and smile, offering emotional truth over logical explanation.
Gavin and Stacey's Wedding Intervention
Gavin and Stacey's finale became Britain's most-watched scripted show in over two decades. Five years after Nessa (Ruth Jones) proposed to Smithy (James Corden), he is set to marry Sonia. At the altar, Smithy calls it off and rushes to Southampton docks, where Nessa is about to sail. He proposes, and they marry in Barry, with 21 million viewers weeping with joy.
