13 TV series finales that brought you to tears
We finally said goodbye to Leslie Knope and the gang at "Parks & Recreation." But it may not have been the biggest tear-jerker among TV finales.
From "Six Feet Under" to "Lost," here's a look at some of the most emotional TV series finales.
"Battlestar Galactica" (2009)
The reboot of "Battlestar Galactica" ended with the beleaguered, war-weary main characters finally finding a peaceful home.
"Cheers" (1993)
The series centered around finding happiness in a world filled with melancholy. When Sam Malone announced “We’re closed,” 84.4 million viewers knew that the alcoholic former ball player had, finally, found that inner peace.
"Friends" (2004)
More than 52 million people tuned in to see Rachel ditch a plane to Paris in favor of soulmate Ross — a love story a decade in the making. The finale was such a emotional event that people turned up to watch it in Times Square.
"30 Rock" (2013)
For a comedy, this sitcom finale was surprisingly emotional for fans, thanks to a touching scene between Liz and Tracy.
"Family Ties" (1989)
Alex P. Keaton finally got his dream job in New York, breaking up the TV family that defined the 1980s. The final curtain call during the live performance elicited even more emotion for the episode’s more than 36 million viewers.
"Friday Night Lights" (2011)
The closing of the East Dillon Football program provided plenty of fodder for weep-worthy moments between the main characters, including Coach’s decision to set aside his own ambitions to support his wife in following her bliss.
"Breaking Bad" (2013)
We loved Walter White. We hated Walter White. But "Breaking Bad" fans weren’t ready to say a final goodbye to Walter White, even after five seasons of his lying, murdering, drug-cooking ways.
"M*A*S*H" (1983)
The Korean-War sitcom lasted longer than the conflict it took place in. By the time the two-and-a-half-hour finale was over, so was the war. An iconic visual — the word “goodbye” spelled out in rocks for a colleague departing on a helicopter — left plenty of the episode’s 105.9 million viewers in tears.
"Parenthood" (2015)
It’s a rule: A character played by Craig T. Nelson dies, it’s automatically sad.
"Six Feet Under" (2005)
Perhaps no other series finale get away with killing off all of its main characters in a way that made sense. That’s exactly what this send-off did, all to the unforgettable song, “Breathe Me,” by Sia.
"The Cosby Show" (1992)
Before Bill Cosby’s name became synonymous with rape allegations, there was his groundbreaking sitcom. And the finale of that sitcom, featuring Cliff and Clair waltzing off the set, was tear-inducing perfection to many of its 44.4 million viewers.
"Lost" (2010)
Maybe you cried for the wrong reason; plenty of people hated this finale, and with good reason. But if you cared for any of the characters, it was nice to see them all together in the hereafter.
"The Wire" (2008)
Quite possibly the most heartbreaking finale in TV history, the finale episode shows a younger generation of Baltimore residents stepping into the shoes of their elders…largely for the worse.