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20 Most Shocking TV Show Ending Twists Of All Time - Screen Rant

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Summary

  • The shocking twist of Daenerys Targaryen burning King's Landing in Game of Thrones challenged viewers' perceptions of her character and sparked debates about power and morality.
  • The revelation that the mother was dead the whole time in How I Met Your Mother reframed the narrative and sparked controversy, questioning storytelling choices and character arcs.
  • The unexpected unmasking of Dan Humphrey as Gossip Girl in Gossip Girl raised questions about narrative consistency and the credibility of the character, becoming a defining moment in the show's legacy.

For good or bad, the most shocking TV show ending twists of all time have made their mark on television history. Many of these surprising conclusions sparked debates, leaving a lasting impact on the shows' legacies and shaping discussions about the unpredictability of TV finales. Whether they left long-time viewers satisfied or not, unexpected finale twists tend to linger in audiences' minds long after they air.

From the darkest TV show finales to series endings that conclude on hopeful or inspiring notes, shocking last twists captivate audiences by subverting their expectations in different ways. This includes seemingly fated lovers not ending up together after all, weak characters rising to the occasion, or certain choices completely upending established dynamics. While sudden developments like this can sometimes seem forced, they can also lead to inspiring revelations about a series' intricate plot lines or character development. Either way, the most shocking TV show ending twists ever are famous for a reason.

Related: The 50 Best TV Shows Of All Time, Ranked

20 Daenerys Targaryen Massacres King's Landing

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game Of Thrones
Release Date
April 11, 2011
Cast
Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Richard Madden, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Maisie Williams, Alfie Allen, Peter Dinklage
Genres
Drama, Action, Adventure

Daenerys Targaryen - also known as the Breaker of Chains - took a surprisingly dark turn by burning King's Landing in the Game of Thrones ending. Viewers were shocked as her character had a history of freeing slaves and promoting justice. The sudden shift from a hero to a ruthless conqueror was unexpected. The destruction of a major city, including innocent lives, showcased the complexities of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. This twist challenged viewers' perceptions and left them questioning the nature of leadership and morality in the series. The fate of King's Landing greatly upset many viewers, but also ignited productive debates about character development.

19 The Mother Was Dead The Whole Time

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

How I Met Your Mother
Release Date
September 19, 2005
Cast
Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, Bob Saget
Genres
Comedy, Drama

In the finale of How I Met Your Mother, the revelation that the mother was dead the whole time was a shocking and divisive twist. Fans had invested in Ted's journey to find love, only to have the story take a somber turn. The twist reframed the entire narrative, leaving some viewers disappointed and others in emotional turmoil. The choice to reunite Ted with Robin stirred controversy, as it contradicted the series' initial premise. As it was revealed that showrunners planned this from the start, the unexpected ending triggered debates about storytelling choices, character arcs, and the impact of long-term narrative planning.

Related: How I Met Your Mother: All The Clues To The Mother’s Death

18 Gossip Girl Is Actually Dan Humphrey

Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey looks at his phone in Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl
Release Date
July 8, 2021
Cast
Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak, Tavi Gevinson, Thomas Doherty, Emily Alyn Lind, Eli Brown
Genres
Drama, Romance

Gossip Girl's finale delivered a shocking revelation by unmasking Dan Humphrey as the elusive Gossip Girl. Initially, viewers were confused as the character who seemed disconnected from the gossip world turned out to be its orchestrator. The twist raised questions about the consistency of the narrative and the credibility of Dan's actions throughout the series. Some appreciated the unexpected turn, while others found it challenging to reconcile the reveal with Dan's past behavior, exposing faults within the logistics and feasibility of the storyline. Whether it added complexity or inconsistency to Dan's character, the revelation of Gossip Girl's true identity became a defining moment in the show's legacy.

17 Earl Is Dodge's Biological Father

My Name Is Earl (2005-2009)

Jason Lee as Earl Hickey looking confused in My Name is Earl
My Name Is Earl
Release Date
September 20, 2005
Cast
Ethan Suplee, Jason Lee
Genres
Sitcom

My Name Is Earl's finale delivered a shocking twist by revealing that Earl is the biological father of Dodge, the boy he had been caring for throughout the series. My Name Is Earl's father reveal turned the established narrative on its head, surprising audiences who had followed Earl's journey of redemption. The unexpected paternity added layers to Earl's character and redefined the dynamics of his relationships. Viewers were taken aback by the unforeseen connection and the emotional impact it had on Earl's quest for redemption. The show was canceled before it could reveal Earl Jr.'s father or whether Earl completes his list - but this surprise sufficiently shocked audiences.

16 The Story Is Set In The Past, Not The Future

Battlestar Galactica (2003-2009)

Collage of Jamie Bamber as Lee
Battlestar Galactica
Release Date
October 18, 2004
Cast
Grace Park, Katee Sackhoff, Mary McDonnell, Tahmoh Penikett, Tricia Helfer, Edward James Olmos, Aaron Douglas, James Callis, Alessandro Juliani, Michael Hogan, Jamie Bamber, Kandyse McClure
Genres
Adventure, Drama, Action

In a shocking twist, the Battlestar Galactica's finale revealed that the series was set in the ancient past, not the future as the show implied. The revelation that Battlestar Galactica greatly preceded modernity challenged viewers' expectations of sci-fi narratives, showing how the perception of time can be highly relative. Audiences were surprised as the show's futuristic elements turned out to be a distant history, blurring the lines between science fiction and ancient mythology. Exploring themes of cyclical history and the timeless nature of human struggles, the unexpected shift greatly contributed to the evolution of contemporary science fiction and storytelling conventions, solidifying the show's legacy in the genre.

Related: Why Battlestar Galactica's Controversial Finale Is Actually Great

15 The Gang Goes To Prison

Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine, Jerry Seinfeld as Jerry, and Jason Alexander as George Costanza talking to someone in a car on the street in Seinfeld
Seinfeld
Release Date
July 5, 1989
Cast
Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards
Genres
Comedy

The Seinfeld finale took a surprising turn as the main cast found themselves in prison in a silly narrative twist. Audiences were shocked by the formative show's unexpected divergence from typical sitcom resolutions. The humorous take on legal consequences left viewers divided, with some appreciating the absurdity and others expecting a more conventional ending. The departure from traditional sitcom norms sparked discussions about risk-taking in finales and the balance between humor and closure. While the prison scenario was a departure from expectations, it became a memorable aspect of the show's legacy, contributing to ongoing debates about the effectiveness of unconventionally dramatic conclusions in the comedy genre.

14 Ben/Leslie Became President

Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt and Ame Poeher as Leslie Knope surrounded by Secret Service agents in the Parks and Recreation finale
Parks and Recreation
Release Date
April 9, 2009
Cast
Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, ​Chris Pratt2, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, Retta, Jim O'Heir, Aziz Ansari, Rob Lowe
Genres
Sitcom, Comedy, Mockumentary

Did Leslie Knope become president after Parks and Recreation's final episode? Although there's no definite answer to this question, the shocker is that it is heavily implied that either Leslie or her partner Ben Wyatt rose to the highest position in the U.S. government. This unexpected twist in the show's future timeline left viewers surprised and delighted, and it continues to spark speculation among audiences today. The surprising leap into the future showcased the characters' growth and achievements, providing a satisfying yet open-ended conclusion. While not everyone enjoyed Parks and Recreation's finale, the unexpected political twist gave the show an intriguing and optimistic legacy.

13 The Characters Are In A Coma

Alice in Borderland (2020-present)

Kento Yamazaki as Ryōhei Arisu and Tao Tsuchiya as Yuzuha Usagi speaking inside a hospital in the Alice in Borderland season 2 finale
  • Release Date: 2020-12-10
  • Cast: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Nijiro Murakami
  • Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
  • Seasons: 2

Alice in Borderland season 2 ends by revealing that the characters being forced to play death games in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo were actually in a coma. It's also revealed that the massive destruction of the city shown earlier in the series is a result of a meteorite crash, which put the characters in a coma and left them fighting for their lives. The games essentially represent their internal trials as they lie at the border of life and death. While the second season's finale stands as one of the most shocking TV show ending twists of all time, the story is expected to continue in Alice in Borderland season 3.

Related: Alice In Borderland Season 3: Renewal, Release Date Prediction & Everything We Know

12 The Death of Bill

Big Love (2006-2011)

Bill Paxton as Bill Henrickson looking determined while wearing a suit in Big Love
  • Release Date: 2006-03-12
  • Cast: Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny
  • Genre: Drama
  • Seasons: 5

Big Love's finale delivered a shocking twist with the death of Bill Henrickson, the central character in the acclaimed drama series. Audiences were taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, as Bill was a focal point of the show's intricate narrative about Mormon fundamentalist lifestyles and polygamy. The sudden loss reshaped the dynamic of the series, which is known for its exploration of faith and complex human relationships. Bill's unexpected fate added a layer of unpredictability to the finale, sparking discussions about the show's thematic choices and the implications for the characters that the patriarch left behind.

11 The Death of Dexter

Dexter (2016-2013) Dexter: New Blood (2022)

Dexter: New Blood
Release Date
November 7, 2021
Cast
Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, Julia Jones, Alano Miller, Jennifer Carpenter, Clancy Brown, Johnny Sequoyah
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery

The Dexter: New Blood finale took an unexpected turn with Dexter's death, a twist made even more surprising as his own son, Harrison, delivered the fatal blow. The revelation of Dexter's demise by his son added layers of emotional complexity to the series' examination of justice and redemption. This is especially true after Dexter initially envisioned that his son would take after his cold-blooded ways. The shocking ending sparked discussions about the consequences of Dexter's actions coming full circle and the legacy he left behind. While it's not completely surprising that Dexter died, the unexpected patricide left a lasting impression on viewers, contributing to the series' reputation for unpredictable storytelling.

10 The Jennings Get Separated

The Americans (2013-2018)

The Americans
Release Date
January 30, 2013
Cast
Keidrich Sellati, Richard Thomas, Holly Taylor, Annet Mahendru, Matthew Rhys, Keri Russell, Noah Emmerich, Maximiliano Hernández
Genres
Mystery, Drama, Crime

The Americans concluded with a shocking ending as the Jennings - deep-cover Soviet spies - got separated between Russia and the U.S. While Elizabeth and Philip ended the series in Russia, the big twist was that their daughter Paige chose to stay in the U.S. with his brother Henry. The final division of the family between two opposing nations subverted expectations, challenging the conventional outcomes of spy dramas. The unexpected separation also sparked discussions about the sacrifices and consequences of a life of espionage - raising questions about the nature of loyalty and the complexities of navigating a double life.

Related: The Americans Ending Explained - Why Did Paige Get Off The Train?

9 Sam and Diane Part Ways

Cheers (1982-1993)

Cheers
Release Date
September 30, 1982
Cast
Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Bebe Neuwirth
Genres
Sitcom
Seasons
11

The final episode of Cheers surprised the world by toying with the possibility of Sam and Diane finally ending up together - only to have them ultimately choose to part ways. This was a truly unexpected twist in the longstanding romantic tension between the two characters. The reversal of expectations subverts the typical romantic resolution seen in sitcoms. How the most iconic TV couple of the 20th century went their separate ways contributed to discussion about the realism of relationships in television. The unexpected ending became a defining moment in Cheers' legacy, showcasing the series' ability to challenge traditional sitcom conventions and provide a nuanced portrayal of love and connection.

8 Jimmy's Final Testimony

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Better Call Saul
Release Date
February 8, 2015
Cast
Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, Giancarlo Esposito
Genres
Comedy, Drama, Crime

In a shocking twist, Jimmy McGill's courtroom testimony in Better Call Saul's finale made redemption attainable for Saul Goodman. Jimmy's sincerity and vulnerability in that moment challenged perceptions of his moral compass and hinted at the possibility of redemption for one of modern TV's greatest villains. Combined with Jimmy using his deception skills to set up his own redemption arc, the twist is a clever discussion on the nature of transformation. The unexpected glimmer of redemption became a focal point of post-finale conversations, leaving viewers with a sense of hope for Jimmy's future as he navigates the complex moral landscape of Breaking Bad's universe from behind bars.

7 The Giant Asteroid Arrives

Space Force (2020-2022)

From L to R: John Malkovich as Dr. Adrian Mallory, Steve Carell as General Mark R. Naird, Jimmy O. Yang as Dr. Chan Kaifang, Tawny Newsome as Captain Angela Ali, Ben Schwartz as F. Tony Scarapiducci, Diana Silvers as Erin Naird, and Spencer House as Duncan Tabner looking up at the monitor in the Space Force finale
Space Force
Release Date
May 29, 2020
Cast
Jimmy O. Yang, Diana Silvers, Tawny Newsome, Ben Schwartz, Steve Carell, Don Lake, John Malkovich
Genres
Comedy

It's confirmed that a giant asteroid is headed for Earth in the ending of Space Force. Though the series is hinged on the main cast resolving one giant crisis after another, the asteroid was a surprising twist for a show that primarily poked fun at military and government bureaucracies. What was even more shocking was how the cast reacted to the sight of the asteroid heading for Earth - by harmonically singing The Beach Boys' "Kokomo" in unison in Space Force's main control room. Overall, this twist shows how a comedic series can end on a devastatingly serious note without sacrificing humor.

Related: Space Force Season 2 Ending Explained: It's Basically Don't Look Up 2

6 Buffy's Sacrifice

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Michelle Gellar as Buffy with cuts on her face in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Release Date
March 10, 1997
Cast
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Dan Rubin, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, James Marsters
Genres
Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Supernatural

Buffy had to sacrifice herself to save the world in the ending of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, an unexpected twist that showcased the weight of her responsibilities as the Slayer. The decision to give up her life added a poignant and heroic dimension to her character - especially as the emotional impact of Buffy's sacrifice defied audience expectations for a victorious resolution. The twist remains a compelling examination of the nature of heroism, selflessness, and the sacrifices inherent to the Chosen One trope. It left a lasting impression on viewers and solidified her legacy as a complex and iconic character.

5 The Death of Heisenberg

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Bryan Cranston as Walter White during his final moments in Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad
Release Date
January 20, 2008
Cast
Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk, Aaron Paul, RJ Mitte, Anna Gunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt, Bryan Cranston, Jonathan Banks
Genres
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Even though it's not one of the most shocking deaths in Breaking Bad, the final moments of Walter White still surprised even the show's most loyal viewers. Walt died after taking out his remaining enemies with a rigged machine gun, succumbing to his wounds from the ensuing firefight before the police arrive at the scene. On one hand, some audiences expected this grim fate for the great Heisenberg. On the other hand, most of Breaking Bad is about Walt's intelligent survival skills, which is what makes his death in the ending an unexpected twist. In fact, Walt's fate was heavily debated by viewers - until El Camino confirmed his death.

4 Jonah Kills Mel

Ozark (2017-2022)

Skylar Gaertner as Jonah Byrde holding a rifle in the ending of Ozark
Ozark
Release Date
July 21, 2017
Cast
Julia Garner, Katrina Lenk, Damian Young, Felix Solis, Joseph Sikora, Sofia Hublitz, John Bedford Lloyd, Charlie Tahan, Jessica Frances Dukes, Ali Stroker, Lisa Emery, Adam Rothenberg, Laura Linney, Skylar Gaertner, CC Castillo, Jason Bateman, Bruno Bichir, Alfonso Herrera
Genres
Thriller, Drama, Crime

The last episode of Ozark ignited debates about modern antihero crime stories because of its many twists, but its most shocking beat is how Jonah unhesitatingly shoots Mel. After the Byrdes successfully covered all their bases, the private detective Mel appears at their home holding the urn of Ben's ashes, threatening to expose the rising political family. Jonah suddenly shooting Mel dead - and breaking the urn in the process - was not only an effective jump scare, it also showed how Jonah chose to embrace the life of crime his family seemed to excel at. Ultimately, the biggest twist is that even Jonah was corrupted by his parents' actions.

Related: Ozark Season 4 Part 2 Ending Explained (In Detail)

3 Tom Becomes CEO

Succession (2018-2023)

Matthew Macfadyen as Tom Wambsgans and Sarah Snook as Siobhan
Succession
Release Date
June 3, 2018
Cast
Hiam Abbass, Alan Ruck, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Natalie Gold, Nicholas Braun, J. Smith-Cameron, Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Friedman, Brian Cox, Arian Moayed, Jeremy Strong, Rob Yang, Dagmara Dominczyk
Genres
Drama, Comedy

Tom Wambsgans was arguably the most unlikely successor to Logan Roy's corporate empire, which is why Tom becoming CEO of Waystar RoyCo was an astounding twist in Succession's finale. Tom's fate was a crucial lesson for Logan's children - none of which proved worthy of the title thanks to Tom's subtle maneuvering. This was one of the most shocking TV twist endings of all time - not just for the audience - but especially for Logan's daughter and Tom's fiancee Shiv, who spent most of Succession undermining and mistreating Tom. In the end, Succession's twist ending perfectly captured the brutal unpredictability of corporate power plays - especially among family-owned companies.

2 BoJack Goes to Prison

BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

Will Arnett as Bojack Horseman looking at himself in the mirror.
BoJack Horseman
Release Date
August 22, 2014
Cast
Amy Sedaris, Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, Paul F. Tompkins
Genres
Drama, Animation, Comedy

BoJack Horseman's ending surprised audiences by initially hinting at BoJack's death - and then taking a different turn by sending him to prison. The unexpected twist added complexity to the character's redemption arc. Instead of a more traditional resolution, the series delved into the consequences of BoJack's actions, particularly regarding his treatment of women. The finale's focus on accountability and the legal ramifications of his behavior sparked discussions about the show's commitment to addressing dark social themes. BoJack's sudden incarceration served as a powerful commentary on accountability, consequences, and the complexities of personal growth. The surprising ending left a lasting impact, particularly in light of the #MeToo era.

1 Hot Priest Leaves Fleabag

Fleabag (2016-2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag and Andrew Scott as the priest sitting at a bus stop in the Fleabag finale
Fleabag
Release Date
June 21, 2016
Cast
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott, Brett Gelman
Genres
Comedy, Drama

Arguably the best modern subversion of traditional romantic resolutions, Fleabag ended with the Hot Priest deciding to end things with the unnamed protagonist. Even though Fleabag has a reputation for toying with tragedy, viewers held out hope that the show's protagonist would somehow find love amid her own incessant pessimism. In the end, audiences were deeply touched by the poignant and bittersweet nature of their farewell, as the Hot Priest decided to prioritize his faith over their connection. Both moving and heartbreaking, the surprising ending left viewers with a mix of emotions, solidifying Fleabag's reputation for its nuanced exploration of love, loss, self-discovery, and forgiveness.

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20 Most Shocking TV Show Ending Twists Of All Time - Screen Rant
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