Finding a good show is not an easy feat. Some TV series tend to make a good first impression.
However, when it’s time to wrap things up the climax tends to fall flat, leaving viewers infuriated and disappointed. This kind of let-down has happened to us many times over the years, so much so that now we have a little PTSD about starting new shows.
Indeed, there is a slight frisson of fear because you never know if it’s going to end well just like the TV shows in this list, that Netizens voted as starting on a high note but left a bad taste in audiences mouths during the finale.
1 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
Strong Start: “Game of Thrones” began with intricate storytelling, deep character development, and a richly detailed world, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Weak Ending: The final season, especially the last few episodes, was criticized for rushed storylines, character arcs that felt unearned, and a conclusion that left many fans unsatisfied.
2 House Of Cards (2013-2018)
Strong Start: “House of Cards” was lauded for its sharp political drama, intense performances (especially by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright), and dark, Machiavellian storytelling.
Weak Ending: The show’s final season, which had to be restructured following Kevin Spacey’s departure, was criticized for its disjointed plot and unsatisfying resolution, failing to match the intensity and intrigue of earlier seasons.
3 Dexter (2006-2013)
Strong Start: Dexter was praised for its unique premise, following a serial killer who only targets other criminals, and Michael C. Hall’s performance was widely lauded.
Weak Ending: The original series finale was criticized for being anticlimactic and leaving too many questions unanswered, disappointing fans who had invested in the character’s journey.
4 Westworld (2016-Present)
Strong Start: The first season of “Westworld” was praised for its complex narrative, philosophical themes, and high production values, quickly becoming a critical and popular hit.
Weak Ending: Subsequent seasons were seen as overly complicated and lacking the emotional depth of the first, leading to a decline in viewership and critical reception.
5 Killing Eve (2018-2022)
Strong Start: “Killing Eve” was initially praised for its fresh take on the spy thriller genre, with strong performances by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Weak Ending: The later seasons were criticized for declining quality and inconsistent writing, and the series finale was seen as a disappointing end to a show that had started with so much promise.
6 How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
Strong Start: This sitcom was beloved for its innovative storytelling, humor, and relatable characters, especially the chemistry between the main cast.
Weak Ending: The finale was widely panned for its abrupt character changes and for the way it seemingly undid years of character development in its final moments.
7 Lost (2004-2010)
Strong Start: “Lost” captivated audiences with its mysterious island setting, compelling characters, and complex narrative structure that combined science fiction with human drama.
Weak Ending: The finale was polarizing, with many fans feeling that it failed to adequately resolve the show’s many mysteries, leading to a sense of frustration and disappointment.
8 Heroes (2006-2010)
Strong Start: The first season of “Heroes” was a massive hit, with its fresh take on superheroes in the real world and its serialized storytelling drawing in a large, dedicated fanbase.
Weak Ending: The series struggled after its first season, with declining quality and viewership, leading to a finale that felt like a whimper rather than the bang it started with.
9 The X-Files (1993-2018)
Strong Start: The early seasons of “The X-Files” were groundbreaking, blending horror, sci-fi, and procedural drama in a way that captivated audiences.
Weak Ending: The original series finale, and later the revival’s finale, were criticized for leaving many questions unanswered and not providing a satisfying closure to the overarching mythology.
10 Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
Strong Start: “Once Upon a Time” was initially praised for its imaginative blending of classic fairy tales with modern-day storytelling, captivating audiences with its unique premise.
Weak Ending: The later seasons suffered from repetitive plotlines and declining viewership. The finale was criticized for being rushed and failing to provide a satisfying conclusion to the complex narrative.
11 The Witcher (2019-Present)
Strong Start: “The Witcher” captivated audiences with its high production values, complex characters, and Henry Cavill’s charismatic performance as Geralt of Rivia, quickly gaining a strong fanbase.
Weak Ending: The show has seen declining ratings and mixed reviews in its later seasons, with some fans feeling that it lost its narrative focus and failed to deliver on the promise of its early episodes.
12 Two And A Half Men (2003-2015)
Strong Start: The show was a massive hit in its early years, largely due to Charlie Sheen’s comedic timing and the chemistry between the cast.
Weak Ending: After Sheen’s departure, the show struggled to find its footing, and the finale, which mocked Sheen’s character, was seen as a spiteful and disappointing conclusion.
13 The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
Strong Start: “The Walking Dead” was praised for its intense drama, strong characters, and its ability to mix horror with human emotion.
Weak Ending: As the show progressed, viewership declined due to repetitive storylines and character decisions. The final episodes received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling the ending didn’t live up to the show’s earlier seasons.
14 The 100 (2014-2020)
Strong Start: “The 100” was initially praised for its dark and gritty take on post-apocalyptic survival, with morally complex characters and unpredictable plot twists.
Weak Ending: The final season was criticized for inconsistent character arcs and a confusing, unsatisfying finale that didn’t live up to the show’s earlier promise.
15 Weeds (2005-2012)
Strong Start: “Weeds” was initially celebrated for its sharp writing and the way it tackled suburban life and the drug trade with dark humor and wit.
Weak Ending: The later seasons were seen as repetitive, and the finale was criticized for not giving a fitting conclusion to the characters’ stories.