Television history is often marked by shows that begin strong but conclude disappointingly. Even highly praised series like Lost and Game of Thrones have suffered from divisive final episodes that overshadowed their otherwise stellar runs.

However, occasionally, a series achieves perfection from its inception right through to its final moments. The greatest TV episodes of all time frequently serve as series finales, providing beloved, long-running shows with the emotional and thematic closure necessary for a perfect story arc.

Masterful Endings: Eight Series Finales That Achieved Perfection

These final episodes stand out as the crowning achievement for their respective series, whether they were comedies, dramas, or a blend of genres.

1. The Leftovers: “The Book of Nora”

Based on Tom Perrotta's 2011 novel, The Leftovers is a supernatural drama co-created by Perrotta and Damon Lindelof. The series examines life following the “Sudden Departure,” a baffling global event where 2% of the world's population vanished without explanation.

The show features an ensemble cast, including Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Christopher Eccleston, navigating their altered realities. Critics widely regard the series for its exceptional performances, direction, writing, and thematically deep plot.

The finale, titled “The Book of Nora,” is celebrated for its devastating beauty. It centers on Carrie Coon’s character, Nora Durst, as she explores an experiment that might reunite her with her lost family. This episode is frequently cited by critics as one of the finest series conclusions ever produced.

2. Better Call Saul: “Saul Gone”

Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, Better Call Saul serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed crime drama Breaking Bad. It tracks the transformation of small-time attorney Jimmy McGill into the morally compromised Saul Goodman, starring Bob Odenkirk.

The series, which also features Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, and Giancarlo Esposito, is often considered equal in quality to its predecessor. It garnered numerous awards for its thrilling, darkly humorous, and thematically rich narrative, maintaining a flawless episode record.

The finale, “Saul Gone,” forces Jimmy to confront the repercussions of his actions. The episode culminates in his first reunion with former wife Kim in six years, delivering poetic justice and concluding the massive franchise successfully. Notably, the finale includes a guest appearance by Bryan Cranston as Walter White, the original series' central figure.

3. Fleabag: The Final Episode

Fleabag is a semi-autobiographical tragicomedy written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The series follows the title character in London as she manages a café, navigates complex relationships, and attempts to process the grief from a friend's death.

The show, featuring Sian Clifford and Olivia Colman, is lauded as one of the most acclaimed comedies of the 21st century for its raunchy wit and exploration of deep emotional trauma. The second season became a cultural touchstone, particularly due to the doomed romance between Fleabag and Andrew Scott’s character, the Hot Priest.

The final episode provides a bittersweet resolution. It shows Fleabag achieving a measure of growth and closure, while the Hot Priest must ultimately choose between his feelings for her and his commitment to God. The series famously utilizes fourth-wall breaking to enhance its unique comedic style.