Best TV Drama Finales of the Last 10 Years

Ending a television series carries heavy expectations: viewers want their time rewarded, and drama shows in particular are judged on whether their finales feel satisfying. The streaming era has raised the stakes for creators and audiences alike; the article notes Game of Thrones as a high-profile example of a finale that damaged a show’s legacy.

Several finales are highlighted for delivering emotional closure and narrative payoff. Homeland’s “Prisoners of War” is praised for a realistic ending to Carrie and Saul’s relationship, while Peaky Blinders’ “Lock and Key” ties up the Shelby succession and includes a last-minute twist about Thomas’ destiny.

Andor’s “Jedha, Kyber, Erso” provides a bittersweet lead-in to Rogue One and a poignant moment with Bix’s pregnancy, and The Curse’s “Green Queen” surprises by leaning into the fantastical and showcasing Nathan Fielder alongside Emma Stone. The Leftovers’ “The Book of Nora” strips away spectacle to focus on Nora and Kevin and leaves viewers debating the truth of its final monologue.

tv drama, series finales, game of, homeland, peaky blinders, andor, the leftovers, rogue one, emotional closure, green queen