The medical drama St. Elsewhere concluded in 1988, with 22.5 million viewers watching its finale, which featured one of the most talked-about twists in TV history. The show, known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of life in an urban hospital, became famous for its ensemble cast and complex storylines.
In the finale, it was revealed that the entire series had taken place inside the imagination of an autistic boy. This controversial ending has remained a topic of discussion for decades, and St. Elsewhere is still remembered as a groundbreaking series in the medical drama genre.
The beloved family sitcom Full House aired its final episode in 1995, drawing 24.3 million viewers. The show had captured the hearts of audiences for eight seasons with its wholesome portrayal of a widowed father raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend.
Full House wrapped up with a touching finale that emphasized the importance of family. Michelle Tanner's horseback riding accident resulted in her temporary memory loss. The entire Tanner family rallies around her, helping her remember the special moments they’ve shared.
In 1992, The Golden Girls concluded with 27.2 million viewers tuning in to say goodbye to Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia. The show, which followed four older women living together in Miami, was groundbreaking for its portrayal of aging and friendship. The finale saw Dorothy marrying and moving out, leaving her friends behind.
In the Golden Girls finale, Dorothy marries Blanche's uncle, Lucas, and leaves the house for a new chapter in her life. The episode, titled “One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's Nest,” is an emotional send-off that sees Dorothy (played by Bea Arthur) say heartfelt goodbyes to her housemates, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia.
Newhart aired its series finale in 1990, with 29.5 million viewers tuning in for one of the most surprising and iconic endings in TV history. For eight seasons, the show followed Bob Newhart’s character, Dick Loudon, as he ran a small inn in Vermont.
In a twist ending, the entire series was revealed to be a dream, with Newhart waking up in bed with his wife from his previous show, The Bob Newhart Show. This clever, unexpected twist delighted fans and cemented Newhart’s place in TV lore.
In 1984, Happy Days came to an end with 30.5 million viewers watching the finale, “Passages.” The beloved sitcom, which had run for 11 seasons, became a cultural icon of the ‘70s and ‘80s, chronicling the lives of Richie Cunningham, Fonzie, and their friends in 1950s America.
The show’s nostalgia for simpler times, combined with memorable catchphrases and lovable characters, made it a hit. The finale celebrated new beginnings, including Fonzie adopting a son, and gave fans a heartwarming farewell to the Cunningham family.
Gunsmoke, the longest-running primetime drama at the time, ended its impressive 20-season run in 1975, with 30.9 million viewers tuning in. The show, set in the American West, followed Marshal Matt Dillon as he maintained law and order in the town of Dodge City. .
The finale, titled “The Sharecroppers,” ended on a relatively lighthearted note. The episode focuses on Festus, who becomes involved in a dispute with a family of farmers after accidentally destroying their crops. The resolution involves humor and the usual challenges of frontier life.
Star Trek: The Next Generation came to a close in 1994, with 31 million viewers watching the two-part finale, "All Good Things..." This series reinvigorated the Star Trek franchise and introduced fans to Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.
The finale was praised for its complex storytelling, as Picard traveled through time to prevent a cosmic disaster. TNG stood out for its character-driven plots and philosophical themes, making it a fan-favorite within the sci-fi genre and cementing its place in television history.
In 2005, Everybody Loves Raymond said farewell to 32.9 million viewers with its finale, "The Finale." The show, which centered on Ray Barone and his hilariously dysfunctional family, had been a fan favorite for nine seasons.
In “The Finale,” the Barone family faces a health scare when Raymond undergoes a routine surgery. Things take a serious turn when there’s a momentary complication during the procedure, causing panic among the family members. Thankfully, Raymond recovers, but the near-loss shakes the usually lighthearted tone of the show.
The iconic soap opera Dallas ended its original run in 1991, with 33.3 million viewers watching the dramatic two-hour finale, titled "Conundrum." Known for its intense family feuds, betrayals, and the infamous "Who shot J.R.?" storyline, Dallas was a cultural phenomenon during its time.
The finale, which saw J.R. contemplating his life choices in an It's a Wonderful Life-style episode, brought back major characters and gave fans a final dose of the scheming and drama they loved. Dallas’s legacy lives on, known for shaping the soap opera genre.
Frasier wrapped up its successful 11-season run in 2004, with 33.7 million viewers tuning in for the final episode, titled “Goodnight, Seattle.” The show, a spinoff of Cheers, followed Frasier Crane, a snobby yet lovable radio psychiatrist, navigating life and relationships in Seattle.
Known for its witty humor, highbrow jokes, and stellar ensemble cast, Frasier stood out for its sophisticated comedy. The finale brought heartfelt closure, with Frasier making a major life decision to leave Seattle, reminding fans of the importance of family and self-discovery.
In 1999, Home Improvement ended its successful run with 35.5 million viewers tuning in. The show followed Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, played by Tim Allen, as he navigated family life, work, and his love for tools. The finale brought closure to the Taylor family’s journey, with Tim and his wife Jill making important life decisions.
Known for its humor and heart, the show resonated with viewers for its portrayal of family life and suburban American culture in the '90s.
The 1989 finale of Family Ties was watched by 36.3 million people, bidding farewell to the Keaton family after seven seasons. The show reflected the generational divide between the liberal parents, Elyse and Steven, and their conservative son, Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox.
The finale was emotional, especially as Alex left for a new job in New York, signaling the end of a beloved series that captured the hearts of American families in the '80s.
All in the Family aired its final episode in 1979 to 40.2 million viewers. The show, known for its bold take on social issues and its depiction of working-class America, centered on Archie Bunker, a man whose stubborn and often politically incorrect views reflected the societal debates of the time.
In the finale, titled "Too Good Edith," the focus is on Edith's health. She is suffering from a serious illness but hides it from Archie so she can continue to care for him. Despite being weak, Edith still cooks for Archie's St. Patrick's Day event. When Archie finally discovers her condition, he's deeply concerned, showing a softer side of their relationship.
In 1992, 44.4 million viewers tuned in for the finale of The Cosby Show, a groundbreaking series that had redefined the American sitcom. The Huxtable family’s blend of humor, warmth, and life lessons made it a favorite in households across the country.
In the series finale, titled "And So We Commence," the Huxtable family celebrates Theo's college graduation. The episode highlights the family’s pride in Theo’s academic journey, which reflects his personal growth throughout the series. In the final moments, Cliff and Clair Huxtable dance together in the living room, symbolizing the end of the show with a joyful and intimate scene.
In 1988, Magnum P.I. said farewell to 50.7 million viewers. Starring Tom Selleck as the charismatic private investigator Thomas Magnum, the show was a fan favorite for its mix of action, mystery, and charm, all set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii.
The finale gave closure to Magnum's adventures and his relationships with characters like Higgins and T.C., while also offering a surprising twist with Magnum’s near-death experience. The series remains iconic for its humor, suspense, and Selleck’s unforgettable mustache.
The 2004 Friends finale, watched by 52.5 million people, brought closure to the beloved group of six friends who had entertained audiences for 10 seasons. Known for its humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable catchphrases, Friends became a defining show of the '90s and early 2000s.
In the series finale titled “The Last One,” the storyline wraps up key elements in the characters’ lives. Ross realizes he's still in love with Rachel and rushes to the airport to stop her from leaving for Paris. After some emotional moments, Rachel decides to stay with Ross. Monica and Chandler welcome their adopted twins and prepare to move out of their iconic apartment. The episode ends with the group sharing one last cup of coffee together at Central Perk, bringing closure to their decade-long friendship.
In 1998, Seinfeld bowed out with 76.3 million viewers for its controversial finale. The show, often dubbed "a show about nothing," followed the lives of four quirky New Yorkers—Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer.
In "The Finale," the four main characters—Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer—are arrested for violating a Good Samaritan law after failing to help a man being robbed. The trial brings back numerous characters from the show's past to testify against them, revealing all their selfish and immoral behavior over the years. Ultimately, they are found guilty and sentenced to prison. The series ends with them sitting in a jail cell, having a mundane conversation, reinforcing the show's "show about nothing" theme.
The 1967 finale of The Fugitive captivated 78 million viewers, a staggering number for the time. The show followed Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully convicted of his wife’s murder, as he eluded capture while searching for the real killer.
The finale was highly anticipated as it finally resolved the mystery, revealing the identity of the infamous "one-armed man." The series was a trailblazer for serialized storytelling and suspenseful drama, making its conclusion one of the most iconic in television history.
In 1993, 80.4 million viewers tuned in to say goodbye to Cheers after 11 seasons. The finale, "One for the Road," marked the end of the iconic bar where "everybody knows your name."
In the finale, titled "One for the Road," Sam Malone, the bar owner, prepares to close the bar for good. In an emotional farewell, the characters reflect on their memories, with many sharing heartfelt moments. The episode features significant interactions, particularly between Sam and Diane, who rekindle their romance. The series ends with Sam locking the door and turning off the lights, symbolizing the end of an era.
The series finale of MASH, titled "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen," aired in 1983 and became the most-watched television episode in U.S. history, drawing in 105 million viewers. MASH followed the lives of doctors and staff at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, blending comedy and drama.
The staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital faces the end of the Korean War. The episode culminates with the team departing the camp, encapsulating their shared experiences and friendships.
