With the amount of unfortunate and heartbreaking cancellations we get throughout the years, it's always a little shocking and thoroughly refreshing when a show is given the chance to go off on its own terms—as it was meant to. In recent years, because the former is the more popular outcome as opposed to the latter, it makes it that much more exciting when we can finally bid farewell as we were supposed to, allowing the stories to feel complete in a way that we can later revisit without harsh feelings.
From Stranger Things (2016) finally airing its fifth and last season to the conclusion of Big Mouth (2017), here are the six best TV shows ending in 2025 and where you can watch them on platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and more.
Stranger Things (2016-2025)
The final season of Stranger Things is a long, long time coming, and while the three-part split release during the upcoming holidays is frustrating to fans, it's going to be really exciting to see how a bit of reprieve finally comes to Hawkins. Despite the irritating release schedules, the series is inarguably one of the best things to come from Netflix, and such shows are always made better when they're given a short runtime as opposed to going on for years and years and ruining characters. We've had to wait a long time, but five seasons is the perfect place to stop.
The last time we saw these characters, Sadie Sink's Max was hospitalized, and every kid, teen, and parent was hanging by a thread. The series will presumably include a time jump to justify how much some of the actors have grown, and with it, we'll hopefully see all our favorite characters survive whatever the Upside Down and Vecna attempt to bring. For sci-fi fans with '80s nostalgia wanting to give it a chance, now's the best time to start.
Andor (2022-2025)
Tony Gilroy's Andor was also always meant to be a two-season arc with the events of the finale leading up to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). The thoughtful conclusion to the profoundly impactful series is also further proof of the fact that sometimes, a shorter run can be even more monumental. With impeccable performances from Diego Luna and the whole cast, Andor also leaves viewers with a surprising amount of hope, despite the end that we know is coming.
A large part of the series' appeal is also how timely its representation of a resistance is. The fight against the Empire began long before Luke, Leia, and Han Solo graced our screens in A New Hope (1977), and because of the show's attention to the people whose names aren't as popular, it's a must-watch series for anyone who's ever been curious about Star Wars. In truth, while some things might be left open-ended if fans don't continue with all the films, Andor is so effectively contained that it can be a solid starting point and significant series to watch.
Peacemaker (2022-2025)
With an even more gripping sophomore season than its debut, James Gunn's Peacemaker ends with a perfectly suitable episode that'll lead viewers to the events of Man of Tomorrow (2027). Though some fans are upset by the fact that we won't be seeing more of the unlikely vigilante heroes, like Andor, two seasons was always part of Gunn's plan with this series. Because of this, the writing is contained just enough to give each character the backstory necessary to evolve their arcs and ensure that the episodes feel fleshed out.
In addition, during its second and final season, every performance brilliantly amplifies the characters to great heights, giving the show the type of conclusion that's earned and unique on all fronts. For the new DC fans coming in after Superman (2025), Peacemaker is a compelling series to also dive into, and while it's certainly not as wholesome, it's surprisingly more vulnerable than I imagined it'd be.
Cobra Kai (2018-2025)
Prequels and sequels rarely hold a candle to the original properties they're based on, but Netflix's Cobra Kai is an outstanding series that not only expands upon The Karate Kid (1984) franchise but also makes the originals feel more heartwarming. In its sixth and final season, William Zabka, Ralph Macchio, and every other star deliver something thoroughly unforgettable during the show's run and especially in the final season
For fans of the original films, the sequel series isn't one to be missed. And now that it's over, you've got the luxury of binge-watching without having to wait after the cliffhangers some of the season delivered. Rich in storytelling, surprisingly dark at times, always hilarious and profoundly endearing, Cobra Kai ends its run with a tremendous win and one of the best series finales of 2025.
Big Mouth (2017-2025)
Netflix's Big Mouth is also another fan-favorite series that ended in 2025, with eight seasons under its belt to showcase that adult animation is thankfully still growing strong. While every series won't be The Simpsons (1989), Big Mouth's greatest appeal is its realistic storytelling with relatable characters and tremendous actors lending their voices to them.
As a streaming site, Netflix is widely known for canceling its series, so it's often a comforting detail that a show like Big Mouth was allowed to go out on its own terms. The final season currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with favorable reviews from longtime fans as well. It's perfect for anyone who wants solid comedy and an accurate representation of teenage experiences in animation form. The series is bound to deliver in a satisfying manner.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-2025)
Based on Jenny Han's trilogy of the same title, The Summer I Turned Pretty was always meant to be a three-season show. However, after its series finale, which aired on September 17th, longtime fans were rewarded with the news that they'd be getting one final movie to wrap up the story with more content.
This news is surely exciting for Belly and Conrad shippers who ultimately only get one episode with their favorite pairing, but romance aside, it's often exciting when there's bonus content, regardless. The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of Prime Video's most popular shows, delivering weekly buzz in a way that's been missing from fandom spaces. The series can be a great story to dive into for fans itching for the classic teenage love triangle drama.
