Sitcom Endings That Are Genuine Masterpieces from ‘New Girl’ to ‘Parks and Recreation’
Any beloved sitcom is defined by various elements: strong characters, relatable dialogue, and consistent humor. But ending such a show within this genre takes something greater. It can be a challenge to translate situational comedy into a memorable conclusion. It’s meant to wrap up a series that, traditionally, runs for many seasons while providing fan service to viewers who have remained loyal all these years.
Although some sitcoms fail to deliver, countless others have earned legacy status for doing just that. Whether marked by more profound emotional sentiment (The Good Place) or by nostalgia through callbacks to earlier seasons (New Girl), these sitcoms did just that. From Parks and Recreation to The Mary Tyler Moore Show, these sitcom endings can truly be considered masterpieces.
1
‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)
Season 6, Episodes 23 and 24 “I, Done”
Will’s (Will Smith) life may have turned upside down, but by the end of the series, he’s proven to find his place in this once-confusing and foreign world of Bel-Air. While the Banks family prepares to move to the East Coast, Will stays behind to finish college. Will is perhaps one of the greatest examples of character development, infusing deeper themes with the show’s signature humor.
Many sitcoms have done it before. The empty home at the end of a series. It’s a plot device used to signify change. But there is something about The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that makes this that much more emotional. The Banks’ Bel-Air mansion served as a character itself, a foil to Will’s upbringing in Philadelphia. So, as his cousin’s family prepares to leave for good, he — and the home — must move on, too.
2
‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)
Season 4, Episodes 13 and 14 “Whenever You’re Ready”
Each character received an ending appropriate for them; a welcome change from Season 1, as Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tahani (Jameela Jamil), and Jason (Manny Jacinto) endure a realm intended to do just the opposite. The Good Place placed these recently deceased characters in an illusion of heaven, or, as the series refers to it, “The Good Place.” While the realization that they were not actually there — presenting one of the greatest TV plot twists of all time — the finale rectifies this.
The fantasy series was applauded for its innovative depiction of the afterlife. That is, the great question of what happens when we die. And with the title “Whenever You’re Ready,” it’s apparent that this episode would provide a reckoning of sorts. The final moments of existence before their souls depart into some unknown place beyond their metaphysical beings. While The Good Place explored life and death through various theological and philosophical lenses, their moving on through a final door resembled the Buddhist concept of nirvana. It’s a dramatic exploration of humanity infused with consistently clever humor.
3
‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)
Season 7, Episode 8 “Engram Pattersky”
Yes, everyone must leave due to an unexpected eviction notice (that turns out to be fake). But perhaps it’s time for a change. “Engram Pattersky” takes audiences into the near future as they enter the next stage of adulthood — with families of their own. But it also serves fans as they box up their apartment and prepare to leave for the final time, with a montage of their best moments throughout the series. One final game of True American. Boxing up not just possessions but memories associated with them. And longstanding secrets are revealed — ahem, Winston (Lamorne Morris).
New Girl begins when Jess (Zooey Deschanel) is desperate to find somewhere to live, ending up in a loft with three guys and a lot of chaos. Over time, the roommates create strong bonds and even form relationships, as is standard for shows about friend groups in their 20s and 30s. With that, these shows present a harsh truth: all things must come to an end as they eventually enter the next stage of their lives.
4
‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)
Season 11, Episodes 26, 27, and 28 “One for the Road”
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