These shows have recently aired their final episodes — did you say good-bye? (5)
Last year, when Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory both ended their lengthy runs, the buzz was significant. The two shows, although vastly different in content, were among the most acclaimed shows of their era. They shared several elements — tremendous viewership, consistent day-after discussions, and extraordinary anticipation of how the writers would wrap things up. Both shows garnered significant ratings for the final episodes.
This year, as with every year, a number of programs concluded. But really none of them grabbed much attention. Modern Family, after 11 years, finished its run, tying up loose ends, and yes it received some media, the stars made the talk-show rounds and it had the now-requisite retrospective. But it didn’t make much noise.
Will & Grace ended, also after 11 seasons, but in its new version, only three. It also provided a retrospective — of course! — and wrapped nicely. Again, though, there was minimal buzz.
At ten seasons, one would think Hawaii Five-0 would get more love upon exiting but it simply left. How about a Criminal Minds grand finale? Fifteen long years, and no party! Homeland said goodbye — and who isn’t a Carrie and Saul fan? The final episode barely created a blip — neither is the finale of How to Get Away with Murder, which wraps tomorrow. With eight and six seasons respectively, one would think that there would be more excitement — alas, there was not. Another six-season program, Madame Secretary concluded along with 2019 and few noticed.
The 100 and Arrow had long runs on CW — maybe they deserved some consideration. Stars of Schitt’s Creek did their late-night show rounds, promoting the end of that series, but it didn’t add up to big news — although it might have generated new viewers.
What makes a show worthy of excitement, a crescendo, when it reaches its final episode? M*A*S*H knew the formula. Cheers, Friends, and Seinfeld certainly made their departures “must-see TV.” The excitement doesn’t surround beloved sitcoms only. The Sopranos, Lost and The Americans all produced series finales that viewers wanted to watch live.
But this year, there were no major productions on the shows that met their ending. Some wrapped up in a slip-shod way such as God Friended Me. Others exited without anyone realizing it — including Ray Donovan.
Are there any shows on TV right now that you believe merit a celebration as they end their time on TV? Which ones deserve a finale that everyone talks about?
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