Chapter 1
How television learned to say goodbye
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Chapter 2
Divisive endings that split the world
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Chapter 3
Global farewells and anime endings
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Chapter 4
The science of saying goodbye
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The television finale
Ch 1 · How television learned to say goodbye
schopenhauer Classic TV Series Finales
When the screens faded black and they said goodbye, A million city toilets flushed the water supply.
schopenhauer Newhart delivered one of comedy's most famous twist endings by revealing the entire show was a dream.
schopenhauer The 1983 finale of MASH remains the most-watched scripted episode in television history.
BETA
schopenhauer Match classic TV finales to their decades to learn how famous shows said goodbye.
Fun Fact
MASH toilet flush: During the 1983 MASH finale, New York City water usage spiked massively during commercial breaks as millions of people synchronized their bathroom visits.
Glossary
finale (noun)
The last part of a piece of music, an entertainment, or a dramatic performance. In 1967, the final episode of The Fugitive established the modern tradition of resolved television narratives.
The last part of a piece of music, an entertainment, or a dramatic performance. In 1967, the final episode of The Fugitive established the modern tradition of resolved television narratives.
Quiz
Approximately how many viewers tuned in to watch the final episode of MASH in 1983?
Quiz
Which British public broadcaster aired the shocking, tragic finale of Blake's 7 in 1981?
Quiz
What physical action did the characters do together while crying in the 1977 Mary Tyler Moore Show finale?
Quiz
In the surreal 1968 finale of the UK show The Prisoner, who is revealed to be Number One?
Quiz
What object did the 1988 St. Elsewhere finale reveal the entire show existed inside of?
Quiz
What year did the record-breaking finale of the classic drama The Fugitive air?
Quiz
Which actress appeared in the final scene of Newhart in 1990 to reveal the dream twist?