10 TV Shows With Endings That Were Planned From The Start

Warning! This article contains spoilers for the endings of several beloved TV series. Crafting the trajectory of a television show presents significant challenges, primarily influenced by character arcs and factors beyond a writer’s control. Nevertheless, many successful series have had their endings mapped out from the outset, allowing for intentional character development and story progression. Some even feature dramatic transformations that were part of the original vision.

Series such as Mad Men and How I Met Your Mother exemplify how carefully plotted narratives can lead to satisfying conclusions. Despite unexpected twists during their runtime, these shows maintain a sense of inevitability in their finales, demonstrating that writers had a cohesive vision that materialized by the series’ end. The convergence of character journeys and overarching themes creates an impactful and resonant conclusion true to the essence of each series.

10.Babylon 5 (1993–1998)

An Iconic Sci-Fi Series with a Clear Agenda

Babylon 5 has transcended its initial cult status to become a celebrated classic among science fiction enthusiasts. The strength of this series lies in its pre-planned conclusion. Creator Michael Straczynski ensured that the narrative reached a natural endpoint at the conclusion of its fifth season, avoiding the fate of many shows that faced premature cancellation.

By opting for serialized storytelling complemented by season-long arcs, Babylon 5 distinguished itself from contemporaries reliant on episodic formats. This meticulous attention to narrative detail not only enriched character development but also enhanced overall viewer experience.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Babylon 5 (1993–1998)	N/A	92%

Source: Screen Rant.

9.Mad Men (2007–2015)

A Reflection of American Evolution Through Don Draper’s Journey

Creator Matthew Weiner had a definitive vision for Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) from the very start of Mad Men. As a narrative deeply intertwined with America’s transformation from the 1960s to the 1970s, the series was structured around historical events that were pivotal to Don’s arc. Although his fate at the series’ conclusion surprised some viewers, it had been anticipated by Weiner.

The finale unfolds with Don at a California commune, eventually leading to the famed Coca-Cola ad “Buy The World a Coke.”This iconic imagery was part of Weiner’s conceptualization when pitching the pilot, showcasing a long-term plan and thoughtful execution throughout the series.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Mad Men (2007–2015)	94%	96%

Source: Rolling Stone.

8.How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

A Groundbreaking Sitcom Concludes with a Twist

As a hallmark of New York City sitcoms, How I Met Your Mother is notable for both its cast chemistry and its controversial finale. The overarching narrative follows Ted (played by Josh Radnor) recounting his quest for love to his children. Throughout the series, viewers encounter various potential candidates for the titular character, leading to misleading expectations.

Creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas knew from early in the series that Robin would ultimately reconnect with Ted, even though she was not the mother. By the end of season 8, Tracy is revealed (portrayed by Cristin Milioti), only for the finale to reveal her tragic fate and Ted returning to Robin. This narrative choice dramatically shifted audience perceptions of the series’ resolution.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)	84%	85%

Source: Screen Rant.

7.Spartacus (2010–2013)

A Gripping Action Series Centered on Sacrifice

Spartacus, featuring performances by Andy Whitfield and Liam McIntyre, follows the journey of the titular gladiator as he rises from enslavement by the Romans. The series finds its roots in the history that also influenced the 1960 film starring Kirk Douglas.

Creator Steven DeKnight stated his vision for Spartacus was clear from the beginning—his arc would either end in severe injury or death, culminating in a conflict with Marcus Licinius Crassus. The series finale stands out for its dramatic climax, illustrating the character’s ultimate sacrifice.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Spartacus (2010–2013)	64%	N/A

Source: Entertainment Weekly.

6.The Americans (2013–2018)

A Captivating Cold War Drama

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys star in The Americans, a critically-acclaimed series that explores the lives of undercover KGB agents in the U. S.The complex narrative culminates in a series finale that reveals the creators’ foresight in planning Philip and Elizabeth’s return to the Soviet Union.

The endings lay the groundwork for emotional stakes that resonate throughout the series. While the decision about their separation from their children lingered until the final episode, character development from the first to sixth season showcases consistent evolution, affirming a predestined storyline.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
The Americans (2013–2018)	96%	94%

Source: LA Times.

5.Bates Motel (2013–2017)

A Unique Take on a Classic Horror Story

As a prequel to Psycho, Bates Motel successfully acknowledges the tension of adapting such a well-known narrative. Rather than mimic the film’s ending, this series reimagines Norman’s fate—a decision made clear from the outset by the show’s producers.

In a departure from the original, Norman, portrayed by Freddie Highmore, meets his end at the hands of his brother rather than serving a life sentence. The tragic yet romantic conclusion emphasizes the gothic love story’s undercurrents, aligning with the producers’ vision from the very beginning.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Bates Motel (2013–2017)	93%	91%

Source: Comic Book Rant.

4.Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

The Inevitable Demise of an Anti-Hero

Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad exemplifies the archetype of the anti-hero with profound depth. From Walt’s initial cancer diagnosis, it was evident to viewers—and to the writing team—that his arc would likely culminate in a tragic end.

While multiple endings were considered during production, the series ultimately prepared audiences for Walter’s demise. The decision to conclude the series during its peak popularity significantly magnified the emotional weight of the finale.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Breaking Bad (2008–2013)	96%	97%

Source: Entertainment Weekly.

3.Merlin (2008–2012)

A Fresh Take on the Arthurian Legends

Merlin offers a creative reinterpretation of King Arthur’s legendary tales, focusing on the young warlock instead of the existing narrative perspective. Viewers engage with early characterizations of iconic figures like Merlin, Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, fully aware of their fates as foretold in legend.

Colin Morgan and Bradley James made an engaging duo, presenting a blend of drama and humor that captivated audiences. The predetermined conclusion contributes to the appeal of watching how the story unfolds, filled with elements of magic, camaraderie, and sacrifice.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Merlin (2008–2012)	85%	88%

2.Farscape (1999–2003)

A Beloved Series with an Unfinished Journey

Farscape stands as a poignant reminder of a series with a pre-conceived narrative arc that ultimately went unfulfilled, concluding with a significant cliffhanger at the end of season 4. While a miniseries titled The Peacekeeper Wars filled some gaps, it failed to capture the complete vision that creator Rockne S. O’Bannon had intended for the fifth season.

Fans were left yearning for resolution, although the miniseries offered some closure. Much like other successful sci-fi programs, Farscape remains an integral part of the genre’s legacy.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Farscape (1999–2003)	90%	87%

Source: Syfy.

1.Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)

Vanessa Ives’ Intense Journey Concludes with Shock

Upon the series finale of Showtime’s Penny Dreadful, it was revealed that creator John Logan always intended for the show to conclude after three seasons. The poignant demise of Vanessa Ives (played by Eva Green), while tragic, was an integral part of her carefully crafted character arc, which, despite being anticipated, left audiences shocked.

This concluding fate underscored the series’s thematic depth, and although viewers met with disappointment, it highlighted the purposeful trajectory laid out by the writers from the very start.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)	91%	90%

Source: The Hollywood Reporter.

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