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Few things frustrate viewers more than a TV show ending with a cliffhanger. From unexpected twists to romantic moments between favorite characters, cliffhangers often leave fans anxious for answers, emotionally drained, and questioning everything they thought they knew about the series. Some of the most impactful cliffhangers can even alter viewers’ entire perspectives on a show.
Series such as Game of Thrones are notorious for leaving fans in suspense, agonizing over the future of the story and its characters. The excruciating wait for revelations can be both heartbreaking and exhausting.
10
‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)
Season 3
Image via HBO
His Dark Materials, adapted from Philip Pullman‘s acclaimed book series, follows the determined Lyra Belacqua ( Dafne Keen ) as she navigates through parallel universes and uncovers dark truths. In the Season 3 finale, Lyra and Will’s deep connection is tested when they discover that to prevent disaster, all paths between worlds must be severed, forcing them to part ways despite their love.
This moment is heart-wrenching for fans, as they see two youthful lovers sacrificing their happiness for the greater good. Although this emotional cliffhanger marks the end of His Dark Materials, there remains hope for a continuation. Philip Pullman’s companion trilogy, The Book of Dust, delves into events post-series, with discussions about adaptations underway.
9
‘Friends’ (1994-2004)
Season 4
Image via NBC
The beloved sitcom Friends chronicles the lives of six friends in New York City. In the two-part Season 4 finale, the group travels to London for Ross Geller’s ( David Schwimmer ) wedding to Emily Waltham ( Helen Baxendale ). As Rachel Green ( Jennifer Aniston ) grapples with her lingering feelings for Ross, she attends the wedding intending to confess, but ultimately chooses not to intervene. When Ross says Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s during the vows, fans are left in shock.
This blunder left audiences gasping, torn between horror and excitement over the possibility of Ross and Rachel rekindling their romance. The abrupt season finale left viewers anxious to see what would happen next.
8
‘Alias’ (2001–2006)
Season 2
Image Via Disney+
Alias is a spy-action series centered around CIA double agent Sydney Bristow ( Jennifer Garner ) as she juggles challenging missions and personal issues. In the Season 2 finale, “The Telling,” Sydney confronts her nemesis, Arvin Sloane ( Ron Rifkin ), and her mother, Irina Derevko ( Lena Olin ), who are assembling a mysterious device. After a fierce battle, Sydney loses consciousness, only to awaken two years later in Hong Kong.
The moment when Sydney grapples with the reality of losing two years of her life and the changes that occurred is both disorienting and heartbreaking, leaving fans devastated. This cliffhanger raises questions about time and trust throughout the series.
7
‘The 100’ (2014–2020)
Season 5
Image via Netflix
This sci-fi drama follows a group of survivors returning to Earth from space. In the Season 5 finale of The 100, “The Damocles: Part 2,” the group enters cryosleep in space. Upon awakening, they realize they have been asleep for over a century and are now missing two members—Monty ( Christopher Larkin ) and Harper ( Chelsey Reist ).
Fans were devastated as they witnessed the time lost for their beloved characters. The emotional impact intensified when they discovered Monty and Harper left a message explaining their absence and what they left behind. This cliffhanger left viewers in tears and eager to see what awaited the remaining survivors.
6
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)
Season 3
Image via Max
The Vampire Diaries is a beloved supernatural series that follows Elena Gilbert ( Nina Dobrev ) as she navigates a world filled with supernatural events. In the Season 3 finale, “The Departed,” Elena becomes involved in a car crash and drowns. However, she had consumed vampire blood earlier, leading to her awakening with newfound abilities.
Viewers experienced a whirlwind of emotions as they witnessed the intense scene, filled with irony—Elena’s parents faced a similar fate but lacked the supernatural means to survive. The Season 3 finale marks the end of Elena’s human life, delivering a poignant sense of loss.
5
‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)
Season 3
Image via Fox
Fringe centers on a specialized FBI division tackling extraordinary events and scientific mysteries involving parallel universes. In the Season 3 finale, Peter Bishop ( Joshua Jackson ) activates a device to save two universes from destruction. However, after succeeding, he mysteriously vanishes, leaving the remaining characters with no memory of him.
This haunting moment left fans in emotional turmoil. The scene of Peter’s disappearance is gut-wrenching, creating a void that alters the dynamics of the series. The cliffhanger raised numerous questions, primarily concerning the reasons behind Peter’s disappearance.
4
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)
Season 5
Image via The WB
This iconic supernatural drama captivated audiences with its compelling narrative. Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers ( Sarah Michelle Gellar ), a young woman destined to battle supernatural threats. In the Season 5 finale, Buffy sacrifices herself to save her sister and prevent the apocalypse, resulting in her tragic death.
Fans were heartbroken by Buffy’s selfless act. Viewers mourned both the character and the show, as her absence signified the end of vampire slaying. The emotional weight of “The Gift” underscored themes of sacrifice and loss, securing its place among the most memorable cliffhangers.
3
‘Lost’ (2004–2010)
Season 3
Image via Netflix
The series Lost is well-known for its intricate reveals and cliffhangers. The narrative follows plane crash survivors stranded on a secretive island. The Season 3 finale, “Through the Looking Glass,” features scenes that initially appear as flashbacks but are ultimately revealed to be flash-forwards.
This shocking twist left fans questioning whether escaping the island would resolve their struggles. Viewers were left to grapple with the unsettling notion that the future held numerous challenges, creating a mix of dread and anticipation for what lay ahead.
2
‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)
Season 6
Image via AMC
The acclaimed series The Walking Dead depicts a group of survivors navigating a zombie-infested world. In the Season 6 finale, Negan ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ) captures the group and decides to make an example of them by brutally killing one member. The episode ends with a suspenseful game of “eeny, meeny, miny, moe,” leaving fans in the dark as the screen fades to black.
This cruel season-ending cliffhanger left viewers on edge. The tension in “Last Day on Earth” was palpable, culminating in a moment that filled fans with dread and uncertainty about who would meet their demise. It stands as one of the most chilling cliffhangers in television history.
1
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)
Season 5
Image via HBO
Game of Thrones captivated audiences with its intricate power struggles among noble families vying for the Iron Throne. In the Season 5 finale, Jon Snow, a beloved character and commander of the Night’s Watch, faces betrayal regarding his decisions involving the Wildlings. Labeled a traitor, Jon Snow ( Kit Harington ) is brutally stabbed by those he trusted, with the final blow delivered by Olly ( Brenock O’Connor ), whom Jon held dear.
The Season 5 episode “Mother’s Mercy” hit fans hard, leaving them stunned by Jon’s tragic fate. His shocking death, despite his unwavering honor and loyalty, plunged viewers into emotional chaos, sparking numerous theories about his potential return. The suspense left fans anxiously anticipating what would unfold next, solidifying its place as one of the most heart-wrenching cliffhangers in television.
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