Why Do The Best TV Series Have Disappointing Endings?

Even the most critically acclaimed TV series can leave viewers feeling let down by their conclusions. The ending can be a source of disappointment, frustration, or even utter disbelief, and often stems from several common factors.

High Expectations

As a series progresses, viewers develop strong emotional connections to the characters and plotlines. The longer a show runs, the more these expectations escalate, making it increasingly difficult to meet them. A finale that fails to resonate can lead to a sense of letdown among fans who have invested significant time and emotion into the characters.

Complex Narratives

Many successful series feature intricate plots and character arcs that are challenging to summarize in a single episode. Attempts to wrap up these complex narratives often result in rushed conclusions or unresolved storylines. Characters' journeys are intricate, and a simple resolution might feel inadequate, leaving plot holes and unanswered questions.

Creative Fatigue

Over time, writers may experience creative burnout or face pressure to keep the story engaging. This can lead to writing decisions that prioritize shock value or quick resolutions over coherent storytelling. Writers might feel that they need to shock the audience to keep them interested, but this doesn't always resonate with the viewers who have grown attached to the characters and their arcs.

Network and Studio Influence

External pressures from networks and production studios can force writers to change their intended endings. Studios often have specific goals and priorities, and these can conflict with the writer's vision. This can lead to compromises that dilute the overall quality of the show. Sometimes, these influences result in ambiguous or open-ended conclusions that leave audiences feeling unsatisfied.

Character Development

A show's characters often evolve significantly over time. If the ending doesn't align with this development, it can feel disjointed or unsatisfactory to viewers who have followed the characters' journeys. Every character arc must come to a satisfying conclusion, but when this is not the case, the sense of closure is lost.

Fear of Finality

Some creators struggle with the idea of ending a beloved series. They may prefer to leave the audience on a cliffhanger or with unanswered questions. This can lead to ambiguous or open-ended conclusions that, while intriguing, may not provide the closure that viewers are seeking.

Audience Division

With a large fanbase, it's impossible to please everyone. Different viewers have different interpretations and desires for how a story should conclude. This makes it nearly impossible to craft a universally satisfying ending. Despite the best efforts of the writers, some fans will be disappointed.

While your imagination might envision a perfect conclusion, the reality of time constraints, budgets, and studio influence often limits the freedom of the writers. The ending might take eight hours of television to do justice, but the time and financial constraints make this unrealistic. Special effects and epic scenes are often compromised to stay within budget, and studio pressures may force writers to make changes that were never intended.

Writers aim to satisfy their own creative visions, but they also juggle the expectations of their audience. If they are satisfied with their ending, they hope that the fans will be too. Ending a TV series is a delicate balance between artistry and commercial success, often resulting in an ending that, while it may not satisfy everyone, still holds a special place in the hearts of dedicated viewers.