Top Five TV Finales That Emotionally Destroyed Us (And Still Do)

Every so often, a TV show sticks the landing so hard it leaves you hollow for days. Back in the days of actual appointment viewing — no spoilers, no streaming, just a nation weeping into its tea — a good finale could bring everything to a standstill.

These are the five TV endings that absolutely wrecked us, whether through heartbreak, nostalgia, or that crushing “What do I do with my life now?” feeling that followed the credits.

5. Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)

The setup: After four series of snark, cunning plans, and increasingly ridiculous schemes, Edmund Blackadder and his ragtag WWI comrades reach the end of their trench-bound journey.

The finale: They’re ordered “over the top,” and what follows is one of the most gut-punching tonal shifts in TV history. The laughter stops, the screen fades to poppies, and suddenly every British household is silently sobbing.

Why it still hurts: It’s one of the most powerful anti-war moments ever aired — somehow more devastating because it came from a comedy.

Emotional rating: 10/10 stiff upper lips quivering.

4. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1996)

The setup: After six seasons of jokes, charm, and Carlton dancing, Will faces growing up and moving out.

The finale: The Banks family sells the Bel-Air mansion and moves on, leaving Will alone in the empty house. He jokes about “a kid from Philly living in a mansion,” but the look on his face says it all — this really was the end.

Why it still hurts: Will Smith’s real emotion shines through — it’s less sitcom, more farewell to an era. Even the laugh track sounds like it’s crying.

Emotional rating: The sound of a thousand living rooms whispering, “Aw, man.”

3. Only Fools and Horses: “Time on Our Hands” (1996)

The setup: After years of dodgy deals, yellow three-wheelers and broken dreams, Del Boy and Rodney finally hit the jackpot — literally.

The finale: Okay, not the actual finale, but the one initially intended in the 90s. They sell an antique watch for millions, achieving the fortune they’d always dreamed of. But instead of pure joy, it’s weirdly bittersweet — the end of the struggle also means the end of the magic.

Why it still hurts: It felt like saying goodbye to family. Britain collectively cheered, cried, and immediately put the kettle on to recover.

Emotional rating: Lovely jubbly, with tears.

2. Friends (2004)

The setup: Ten seasons of coffee, chaos and questionable hairstyles come to an end as Monica and Chandler move out, Ross and Rachel reunite, and everyone leaves the iconic apartment.

The finale: The gang sets down their keys and heads to Central Perk one last time. “Where?” asks Chandler — the final joke of a decade-long phenomenon.

Why it still hurts: It’s the moment we all realised we were the friends now — just older, poorer, and still quoting it daily.

Emotional rating: Could we be any more heartbroken?

1. The Office (UK) Christmas Specials (2003)

The setup: After years of cringe, awkward silences and David Brent’s unbearable need for validation, we finally get a proper ending — and a chance for redemption.

The finale: Brent finds a little dignity, Dawn kisses Tim, and for a moment, everything is okay in Slough.

Why it still hurts: It’s the perfect balance of hope and melancholy — a reminder that sometimes, people do get happy endings, even if they take forever to arrive.

Emotional rating: A quiet sob into your paper party hat.