The 15 Best Series Finales of the 2020s (So Far): A Critical Analysis
The 2020s have been a golden age for television, with a plethora of critically acclaimed series finales that have left a lasting impact on audiences. From heartfelt coming-of-age stories to gripping political dramas, these finales have provided closure and satisfaction to fans, marking the end of an era for some beloved shows.
- 'Life is a Promise' (Yellowstone)
Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western epic, 'Yellowstone', concludes with a focus on family and legacy. The series explores the impact of John Dutton's actions on his children, particularly in the final showdown between Beth and Jamie. The finale ties into the seven-generation promise, offering a satisfying conclusion to the family's cycle of violence over land.
- 'Sleep, Dearie Sleep' (The Crown)
Peter Morgan's 'The Crown' finale, 'Sleep, Dearie Sleep', delves into the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the impact of mortality. The episode humanizes historical figures, bringing back Claire Foy and Olivia Colman as younger versions of the Queen. The final moment between Elizabeth and Philip brings a bittersweet end to the romantic arc.
- 'The Agreement' (Derry Girls)
'Derry Girls' finale, 'The Agreement', acts as an epilogue, jumping forward a year to a time when the political turmoil has largely settled. The series explores the weight and wonder of maturity, with the final montage tying the characters' coming-of-age directly into history.
- 'Dig' (Reservation Dogs)
'Reservation Dogs' finale, 'Dig', focuses on the meaning of growing up for the Indigenous teenagers. The episode offers a holistic perspective, capturing the idea that maturity can mean both moving on and coming home.
- 'AGG' (Somebody Somewhere)
'Somebody Somewhere' finale, 'AGG', centers around the characters' acceptance of grief and the importance of being present in each other's lives. The small, radical acts of vulnerability in the episode feel cathartic and satisfying.
- 'Us' (This Is Us)
'This Is Us' finale, 'Us', emphasizes the importance of gratitude and the impact people have on each other. The episode provides a bittersweet moment for each character, with Sterling K. Brown delivering a tear-jerking performance that makes the meaning of life feel profound.
- 'Jedha, Kyber, Erso' (Andor)
'Andor' finale, 'Jedha, Kyber, Erso', challenges the 'Star Wars' universe by recontextualizing the destruction of the Death Star as the result of thankless sacrifices. The episode offers a subtle yet direct critique of the series' larger themes.
- 'Prisoners of War' (Homeland)
'Homeland' finale, 'Prisoners of War', delivers a near-perfect conclusion to the series, with Claire Danes' performance as Carrie Mathison landing one of the riskiest and most compelling twists. The episode explores the character's descent into the role of a foreign asset, providing a bold and necessary narrative shift.
- 'Happy Ending' (Schitt's Creek)
'Schitt's Creek' finale, 'Happy Ending', celebrates the Roses' journey with a heartwarming and irreverent tone. The episode showcases the characters' growth and their ability to love and support each other, even as they remain big.
- 'wow' (Barry)
'Barry' finale, 'wow', solidifies the show's commitment to breaking down its genre and exploring the darker aspects of comedy. The episode presents a bleak and unforgiving view of violence, challenging the traditional dynamic of antiheroes and their moral turmoil.
- 'No Lessons Learned' (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale, 'No Lessons Learned', ends the series with a deliberately antagonistic episode, relitigating an argument that hasn't mattered to anyone in years. The meta storytelling and Larry David's comedic genius make this finale a unique and satisfying conclusion.
- 'It Was All a Dream' (Atlanta)
'Atlanta' finale, 'It Was All a Dream', explores the subjective nature of reality and the question of achieving dreams without changing one's identity. The episode's title and structure offer a quadruple entendre, capturing the show's core character-driven question.
- 'Nice While It Lasted' (BoJack Horseman)
'BoJack Horseman' finale, 'Nice While It Lasted', provides a bittersweet glimpse into the characters' growth and the consequences of their actions. The episode showcases the characters' ability to find a way to keep living, even after committing horrible, unforgivable acts.
- 'With Open Eyes' (Succession)
'Succession' finale, 'With Open Eyes', answers the question of who will lead the family's company into the future with a clear and devastating conclusion. The episode is a showcase of the best acting TV has seen, with Jeremy Strong's final meltdown as Kendall Roy selling a boardroom argument as an epic and pathetic climax.
- 'Saul Gone' (Better Call Saul)
'Better Call Saul' finale, 'Saul Gone', brings the series to a close with a question of identity and desire. The episode interweaves past and present timelines, reflecting on the characters' identities and the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to a sense of peace for Saul/Jimmy/Gene.
