Eight TV Series Finales That Defy Expectations
The Atlantic's editors and writers have selected eight television series finales that they consider exceptional, despite the inherent difficulty of concluding a beloved show. The list includes 'Fleabag,' 'Twin Peaks,' 'Nathan for You,' 'Cowboy Bebop,' 'Insecure,' 'The O.C.,' 'The Jinx,' and 'St. Elsewhere.' Each entry explains why the finale works, often highlighting emotional payoff, narrative closure, or surprising twists. For instance, 'Fleabag' ends with the protagonist's unrequited love for the Hot Priest, while 'Twin Peaks' delivers a mind-bending conclusion that underscores the futility of fixing the world's evils. 'Nathan for You' offers a poignant meditation on loneliness, and 'Cowboy Bebop' provides a fitting end to its characters' arcs. 'Insecure' shows its characters' future birthdays, 'The O.C.' gives fans a satisfying flash-forward, 'The Jinx' features a shocking confession that led to a real-life conviction, and 'St. Elsewhere' reveals the entire series was a dream. The article also includes spoilers and is part of The Atlantic Daily newsletter.
Key facts
- The Atlantic's writers and editors selected eight TV series finales they consider great.
- The finales include 'Fleabag,' 'Twin Peaks,' 'Nathan for You,' 'Cowboy Bebop,' 'Insecure,' 'The O.C.,' 'The Jinx,' and 'St. Elsewhere.'
- The article contains spoilers for the shows mentioned.
- Fleabag's finale features the protagonist's unrequited love for the Hot Priest and a message that 'It'll pass.'
- Twin Peaks' 2017 finale, 'Part 18,' ends with a chilling scream and a cliff-hanger.
- Nathan for You's finale, 'Finding Frances,' is a feature-length meditation on love and loneliness.
- Cowboy Bebop's 1998 finale rounds out each character's arc.
- Insecure's finale shows each character's birthday in the future.
- The O.C.'s finale includes a flash-forward showing Seth and Summer's wedding and Ryan helping a young boy.
- The Jinx's Season 1 finale features Robert Durst seemingly confessing to murder on mic.
- St. Elsewhere's 1988 finale reveals the entire series was the dream of an autistic boy named Tommy Westphall.
- The article is from The Atlantic Daily newsletter.
- The article also includes news briefs about Luigi Mangione, the USS Abraham Lincoln, and oil prices.
Entities
Artists
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge
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- Mark Frost
- Kyle MacLachlan
- Nathan Fielder
- Issa Rae
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