Unfortunately, every TV show must come to an end. We've certainly seen some amazing finales, but there are some that really end up catching us unaware. Here are some of the series endings that have thrown everything completely off-balance, changing the general form of the show. Up to this day, these series finales still have their fans talking and debating about how everything ended.
Lost
Lost fans were way in over their heads with the series finale. Everyone was just waiting for them to get off the island, after all the trouble they'd been through. The bad news is, the survivors had been dead the whole time. That scene at the church had fans in a complete panic. Damon Lindelof, co-creator of the series, said that the shocking ending was the story he wanted to share with the viewers. He said on 'The Verge' that he stood by his decision and that he takes full authorship and responsibility for what went down, and he is at peace with his own emotions about how the series ended.
Six Feet Under
Given the tone of the show Six Feet Under, fans had been expecting the worst when the time came for the series to end. Years of watching the Fisher family suffer through different trials and difficulties involved in running a funeral home can leave you less than optimistic for the characters. The last episode fast-forwards to show viewers how each of the main characters dies. According to Peter Krause, when he read the script for the final episode, it felt like a huge bomb of mortality. He said that they'd been attacking their viewers for years not only emotionally but existentially as well, and the last episode was the final blow of death, meant to have vicious repercussions. The final episode of the season also gave way to Sia's first big hit, with 'Breathe Me' as the soundtrack for the last episode.
Roseanne
One of the biggest twists in 90s television is probably in the series Roseanne. The majority of what occurred prior to the series finale was a lie. The family never won the lottery and Dan had died way back during the 8th season, due to a heart attack. Roseanne, as a writer, felt compelled to switch things up a bit for her memoir.
How I Met Your Mother
The series How I Met Your Mother started off with Ted telling his kids a simple story about their mother. Fans of the series finally met their mother, Tracy, at the start of the last season. However, it was revealed that Tracy had died 6 years prior to the story being told. Various petitions from fans for an alternate ending was granted and shot for the series' 9th season DVD. The alternate ending showed Tracy still alive.
The Sopranos
Fans immediately assumed that Tony would finally get to meet his maker when the final season of the series was announced. However, things ended controversially as the scene cut to black after the diner door started to open. According to David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, he initially wanted to kill Tony following a meeting with Phil Leotardo as the season finale. Chase shared with 'Deadline' that he changed his mind and decided to do the unconventional ending instead, thinking that it would be more interesting to viewers.
ChatGPT
Regrettably, all good things must conclude, and television shows are no exception. While some series finales are remembered for their brilliance, others take unexpected turns that leave audiences in awe. Here are a few notable examples of series endings that defied expectations and sparked ongoing discussions among fans.
1.Lost: The Island's Cryptic Conclusion
Lost, a show that captivated viewers with its mysterious plot, took an unexpected turn in its finale. The survivors, who had endured countless challenges on the island, were revealed to have been deceased all along. The scene at the church left fans bewildered, but co-creator Damon Lindelof defended the shocking ending, expressing on 'The Verge' that it was the story he intended to tell. Lindelof took full ownership and stood by his decision, finding peace with the emotional impact of the series conclusion.
2. Six Feet Under: Confronting Mortality
Given the somber tone of Six Feet Under, fans anticipated a heavy conclusion. The final episode took a unique approach by fast-forwarding to depict the deaths of each main character. Peter Krause, one of the actors, described reading the script as a bomb of mortality, concluding a series that had emotionally and existentially challenged viewers throughout its run. The episode also introduced Sia's breakthrough hit, 'Breathe Me,' as its poignant soundtrack.
3. Roseanne: A Narrative Twist
Roseanne, a sitcom from the '90s, delivered one of the era's most significant twists. The events leading up to the series finale were revealed to be a fabrication, with the family never winning the lottery, and Dan having passed away earlier due to a heart attack. Roseanne, portrayed as a writer, admitted to fictionalizing elements in her memoir.
4. How I Met Your Mother: Tragic Revelation
How I Met Your Mother commenced with Ted sharing a simple story about meeting the mother of his children. However, the final season unveiled the tragic truth – Tracy, the mother, had died six years before the story was told. Responding to fan petitions, an alternate ending was shot for the series' 9th season DVD, revealing Tracy still alive.
5. The Sopranos: Ambiguous Closure
Anticipation surrounded the fate of Tony Soprano in the final season of The Sopranos. Contrary to expectations, the series concluded with a controversial cut to black as the diner door started to open. Creator David Chase originally considered Tony's demise but opted for an unconventional ending, believing it would captivate viewers in a more intriguing manner, as shared with 'Deadline.'
These series finales, with their unexpected twists and unconventional closures, continue to fuel discussions among fans, showcasing the enduring impact of television storytelling.