Hailey Watson
We Still Talk About Them: 12 Sitcom Finales That Were Truly Perfect
Some sitcoms give us years of laughter, lovable characters, and inside jokes—only to completely drop the ball when it’s time to say goodbye.
Others, though?
They somehow pull off the impossible: a finale that feels satisfying, heartfelt, and genuinely earned.
That’s the magic of the sitcoms on this list.
These shows stuck the landing, delivering endings that felt true to their stories without relying on cheap gimmicks or dragging things out.
Fans still talk about these finales because they managed to wrap things up in a way that felt warm, nostalgic, and—above all—right.
So if you’re looking for series that end on a high note, these sitcoms didn’t just finish strong.
They finished perfectly.
1. The Good Place (2020)
Nothing hits quite like a finale that makes you laugh and contemplate the meaning of existence at the same time.
This show spent four seasons exploring ethics, the afterlife, and what it truly means to be a good person.
The final episode pulls everything together with emotional depth and philosophical clarity.
Chidi and Eleanor’s goodbye is tender, thoughtful, and painfully human.
Michael’s arc ends with a clever twist that rewards his entire journey toward understanding humanity.
Even Jason’s storyline gets a surprisingly beautiful sendoff.
The writers stuck to their premise instead of overstaying their welcome, choosing quality over extra seasons.
Few finales deliver closure with this much care.
It’s rare for a sitcom to land both intellectually and emotionally, but this one manages it flawlessly.
2. Parks and Recreation (2015)
Every once in a while, a finale understands exactly what fans need.
“Parks and Rec” delivers that through its time-jump structure, showing where each character lands years down the road.
Leslie’s future feels hopeful and fitting, especially with her continued rise in public service.
Ben finally gets the dream moment of launching his beloved “Cones of Dunshire.”
Ron’s storyline at the national park embodies his soul perfectly.
Even minor characters get meaningful updates.
Many sitcoms struggle to give every cast member a satisfying goodbye, but this one pulls it off without feeling rushed.
The tone remains earnest and optimistic, true to everything the show stood for.
It’s the rare finale that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll.
3. The Office (2013)
Plenty of fans still consider this one of the strongest sitcom finales ever.
Bringing back the documentary crew as an active part of the story was a clever full-circle moment.
Pam’s decision to finally sell the house and support Jim’s dreams feels like growth rather than compromise.
Dwight and Angela’s wedding provides exactly the blend of awkwardness and heart that made the show special.
The return of Michael Scott—even with just a few lines—was the perfect emotional payoff.
The writers honored nine seasons of character development without forcing drama or nostalgia.
Interviews with the documentary team add depth to the finale’s themes about ordinary life.
It’s heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly reflective.
Few long-running sitcoms wrap up this cleanly.
4. Schitt’s Creek (2020)
Something about this finale feels like watching your kids graduate.
Every character begins and ends the series in a vastly different emotional place, and the finale celebrates that growth.
David’s wedding is heartfelt, stylish, and delightfully chaotic—very on-brand.
Moira’s over-the-top officiating, complete with her high-fashion wardrobe, is unforgettable.
Alexis and Ted’s bittersweet goodbye reminds viewers that healthy endings don’t always mean staying together.
Johnny and Moira’s new career chapter feels earned after so much rebuilding.
Fans and critics praised the finale for being warm without being syrupy.
The emotional resonance comes from genuine character evolution rather than forced sentiment.
The final shots echo the show’s core message: love and belonging can come from the most unexpected places.
5. Friends (2004)
Nothing captures early-2000s pop-culture nostalgia quite like the “Friends” finale.
The show closes out ten seasons by focusing on the group’s bond rather than contrived drama.
Rachel almost boards the plane, and the “I got off the plane” moment instantly became TV history.
Monica and Chandler’s adoption storyline provides a sweet foundation for their move to the suburbs.
Phoebe brings her quirks and humor until the very last line.
Even Joey gets a soft setup for future adventures without losing his charm.
The empty apartment shot is now iconic, symbolizing the end of an era.
It’s a finale that manages to be emotional without tugging too aggressively.
Fans still rewatch it today because it manages to feel final—but still full of love.
6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2021)
Anyone who loves the Halloween Heist episodes knew the finale had to deliver something special.
The writers built the entire finale around one last heist, giving fans exactly what they wanted.
Every character receives a meaningful moment, especially Holt and Jake.
Jake stepping down to focus on fatherhood shows real maturity and growth.
Rosa’s storyline highlights her independence in a refreshingly non-sentimental way.
Amy’s promotion fits perfectly with her long-term goals.
Inside jokes from across the series appear as clever callbacks, not lazy references.
The final “cool cool cool” moment ties it all up with a bow.
It’s a heist, a farewell, and a love letter to the characters—everything in one episode.
7. Cheers (1993)
No sitcom ending feels quite as quietly profound as “Cheers.”
The finale doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or emotional fireworks.
Instead, it returns Sam to the bar—the place he truly belongs.
Diane’s reappearance adds closure without rekindling unnecessary romance.
Cliff, Norm, Carla, and the gang all get moments that reflect their personalities perfectly.
The final line, “Sorry, we’re closed,” feels both literal and symbolic.
The writers resisted the urge to create a glossy sendoff and chose authenticity instead.
This was the most-watched TV episode of the year and still ranks among the most-viewed finales ever.
It remains a masterclass in giving characters exactly the ending they deserve.
8. Frasier (2004)
Nothing about this finale feels rushed or gimmicky.
“Frasier” ends with a clever twist: instead of starting over in San Francisco, he chooses to follow love to Chicago.
The misdirection is classic Frasier Crane—dramatic, romantic, and slightly impulsive.
Martin’s wedding provides a touching moment of father-son connection.
Niles and Daphne’s new chapter as parents adds warmth without overshadowing Frasier’s journey.
Roz gets a promotion that feels well-deserved.
The final speech about taking “a leap of faith” resonates deeply with long-time viewers.
Kelsey Grammer delivers it with sincerity that lands perfectly.
It’s a finale that respects Frasier’s intellect, flaws, and hopefulness.
9. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1977)
No list of perfect sitcom endings is complete without this classic.
The final episode balances sharp humor with genuine emotion.
The group-hug shuffle—where the cast moves in one clump to reach the tissue box—is legendary.
Mary’s final goodbye to the newsroom is simple yet heartbreaking.
Even Ted Baxter gets a moment of unexpected depth.
The cast didn’t know Ed Asner would start crying during the scene, adding real emotion to the take.
This ending marked the first time a major American sitcom allowed itself a bittersweet conclusion.
It proved that comedy could have dramatic weight when needed.
The finale continues to appear on critics’ “best ever” lists for good reason.
10. New Girl (2018)
Nothing sums up this finale quite like its perfect mix of chaos and sweetness.
Jess and Nick’s relationship comes full circle with a wedding that feels heartfelt and quirky—exactly like them.
The prank-based flash-forward offers a fun glimpse into the gang’s future dynamics.
Schmidt and Cece’s daughter, Ruth, adds adorable charm without becoming a prop.
Winston’s elaborate prank on the whole group reminds everyone why he’s the wild card.
The finale sticks to the show’s core themes of friendship, found family, and ridiculous antics.
Fans appreciated that it didn’t go overboard with sentiment.
It’s warm but still silly, emotional but not heavy.
A perfect balance—just like the show itself.
11. Modern Family (2020)
Something about this finale feels like watching a family scrapbook come alive.
Each branch of the extended Pritchett-Dunphy clan gets its own moment of bittersweet change.
Claire and Phil hit the road in their RV after a chaotic but loving household shakeup.
Mitchell and Cameron’s move to Missouri adds a bold new chapter to their lives.
Gloria and Manny’s storyline highlights growth and independence.
Lily’s personality shines through in every scene.
The show wraps with a simple but effective image: porch lights turning on across households to symbolize ongoing connection.
It’s heartfelt without drifting into melodrama.
The finale celebrates change while honoring the bonds that never truly break.
12. The Big Bang Theory (2019)
Little moments often make finales memorable, and this one delivers plenty.
Sheldon’s emotional shift during the Nobel Prize ceremony shows genuine character evolution.
His speech thanking his friends—especially Amy—marked the first time he publicly acknowledged how much they meant to him.
Penny and Leonard’s surprise pregnancy reveal adds a meaningful future twist.
Raj, Howard, and Bernadette each get satisfying, grounded arcs.
The elevator finally working becomes a hilarious full-circle detail after years of jokes.
Showrunners famously rewrote the finale multiple times to avoid clichés.
The result feels honest rather than overly sentimental.
It’s a surprisingly warm ending for a show built on awkward humor and scientific banter.
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