SPN, Blacklist & More: Most Disappointing TV Finales of All Time

Many popular shows last for years, if not decades, and during that time, they develop a loyal fan base that grows along with the characters. Even when we binge-watch shows, we become just as attached, if not more so. It's all the more painful when we realize our favorite show is ending.

However, endings aren't always bittersweet; on the contrary, the finales of excellent shows can be just bitter with zero sweetness when a show ends abruptly, leaving issues unresolved and story arcs hanging in the air or wrapped up hastily. No, it doesn't make it easier to let go of our favorite franchises, as a lingering sense of disappointment stays with us forever. Here is a list of the most disappointing TV series endings.

The Blacklist

2023 was truly disappointing, not only because of the cancellation or hiatus of some shows but also because of the terrible endings of others. The Blacklist, with James Spader as the lead, was on the air for ten years, keeping us guessing at Red's true identity and secrets. Unfortunately, all we got was the final shot of Red's lifeless body being mangled by a bull.

Riverdale

Equally disappointing this year was the ending of Riverdale. It has to be said the show never aspired to be all serious, but the finale, in which the main characters chose to only retain happy memories from the original timeline, completely undid the plot and character development from the show's seven seasons.

Supernatural

After 15 years on the air, the ending of Supernatural got absolutely everything wrong. The anticlimactic way Dean died (given his numerous past deaths and resurrections), Sam's poorly executed aging makeup and wig, and Dean's rejection of Castiel, who had finally confessed his love to him, left a lingering sense of disappointment that never seems to go away.

Game of Thrones

For fans of George R. R. Martin's book saga, things went downhill after Seasons 6-7, as the show's storyline began to outpace the books. Still, nothing could make us sadder than the finale: Daenerys' death, Jon's inexplicable banishment, and Bran's coronation left everyone utterly confused.

How I Met Your Mother

For nine years, we wondered who the show's titular character was. When we found out it was Tracy, played by Cristin Milioti, the writers threw us a curveball—she had died a long time ago, and Ted's primary life partner had always been Robin (even after she married Barney!). What was the point of all that?