As networks canceled and concluded several favorite TV shows this year, fans tuned in to say farewell. Here’s a look back at how 14 finales finished.
“30 Rock”
Oct. 11, 2006-Jan. 31, 2013, 7 seasons
Amidst the cancellation of the sketch show “TGS,” head writer Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) and the rest of the cast came full-circle in the NBC series finale that drew in approximately 4.7 million viewers.
“90210”
Sept. 2, 2008-May 13, 2013, 5 seasons
The CW reprise of “Beverly Hills, 90210″Â lost more than 400,000 viewers over its 114-episode run, prompting the network to cancel the rom-com drama.
“Body of Proof”
Jan. 25, 2011-May 28, 2013, 3 seasons
Despite a growing viewership, ABC pulled the crime drama starring Dana Delany as medical examiner Megan Hunt after 42 episodes.
“Breaking Bad”
Jan. 20, 2008-Sept. 29, 2013, 5 seasons
More than 10.3 million viewers tuned in to see how the journey ended for Walter White (Bryan Cranston). A spin-off to the series, entitled “Better Call Saul,” is rumored to debut in 2014 on AMC.
“Burn Notice”
June 28, 2006-Sept. 12, 2013, 7 seasons
Five million viewers watched as dishonored Miami spy Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) tried to win back trust in the finale that ended the 111-episode USA Network series.
“CSI: NY”
Sept. 22, 2004-Feb. 22, 2013, 9 seasons
After 197 episodes, CBS canceled the “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” spin-off starring Gary Sinise as Mac Taylor. The original, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” continues to air Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
“Dexter”
Oct. 1, 2006-Sept. 22, 2013, 8 seasons
Showtime took a note from serial killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) and axed the series with a finale that brought in a record audience of approximately 2.8 million.
“Futurama”
March 28, 1999-August 10, 2003; March 23, 2008-Sept. 4, 2013, 7 seasons
The future looks bleak for Fry, Leela and Bender. Although Comedy Central syndicated and then re-started production on the former FOX favorite five years ago, the network has decided not to renew the show.
“The Office”
March 24, 2005-May 16, 2013, 9 seasons
In the one-hour NBC finale, 5.7 million viewers reconnected with the Dunder Mifflin paper crew — Michael Scott (Steve Carell) included — at Dwight and Angela’s (Rainn Wilson and Angela Kinsey) wedding.
“Private Practice”
Sept. 19, 2007-Jan. 22, 2013, 6 seasons
The ABC finale of the “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off yielded 5.2 million viewers and happy endings for Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) and the rest of her Seaside Wellness Center co-workers.
“Rules of Engagement”
Feb. 3, 2007-May 20, 2013, 7 seasons
Although CBS broke up with the relationship-centered sitcom after 100 episodes, the finale left the six central characters in marital — and baby — bliss.
“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”
Sept. 3, 2008-June 3, 2013, 5 seasons
Graduation day brought about flashbacks and reflection for the teens on the ABC Family drama, but not a lot of closure. About 1.5 million viewers tuned in for the last of the show’s 121 episodes.
“Smash”
Feb. 6, 2012-May 26, 2013, 2 seasons
After 32 episodes, NBC closed the curtain on this musical drama, starring Debra Messing and Katharine McPhee, with two back-to-back episodes that brought in approximately 2.4 million viewers each.
“What Not to Wear”
Jan. 18-2003-Oct. 18, 2013, 12 seasons
Style gurus Stacy London and Clinton Kelly checked in on past makeovers in the TLC finale, concluding their decade of fashion-overhaul with the makeover of one last style-victim in Las Vegas.
Information gathered from http://www.imdb.com and http://www.tvseriesfinale.com
