Summary

At the destruction of every season of a long - running TV show , the writer have the chance to end with an unbelievably frustrative cliffhanger . It is theoretically the perfect way to ensure viewership because audience members will have to return to see how the cliffhanger is resolve . However , some of theworst cliffhangersprovoke outrage among the show ’s fans .

Sometimes the audience pick out that the show is only ending on a cliffhanger to keep them watching . In several cases , a time of year of a television set show end with a master character ’s " death,“when the hearing can well think that a resurrection or fake - out is in order . There is also the dreaded scenario where a show will be cancel , lead in acliffhanger with no reply .

10Sherlock “Dies”

Sherlock (2010-2017)

In theSherlockseason 2 finale , Sherlock Holmes seemingly leap off the roof of St. Bart ’s Hospital and snuff it , leaving John Watson devastated . Moriarty force him to do this to save John and their other friends . However , in the last few consequence of the season , Sherlock is seen ascertain John visit his supposed grave . This result in an avalanche of theories as to how Sherlock pull through . Sherlockalludes to the fans ' shout by showing Holmes / Watson sports fan within the showalso advise wild theories . To this twenty-four hours , it is not clearhow Sherlock counterfeit his decease .

9Jack Says They Have To Go Back To The Island

Lost (2004-2010)

TheLostseason 3 finaleis perchance its most famed . The episode ’s flashback are revealed to be flashforwards , in which Jack has become depressed after leaving the island . Jack meet with Kate and tells her that they want to return to the islandthey spent so long trying to escape . His declaration promises another round of adventure and mystery . However , Lost’soverarching mystery and non - analogue timeline mean that the full ramifications of this will not be explored for years . It is not even confirmed how Jack and some of the other quality scat the island until theLostseason 4 finale .

A graphic symbol ’s death is a plot equipment that open up up numerous opportunities , and sometimes it can be the best matter that has ever happened to the show .

8Rory Is Pregnant

Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life (2016)

" Fall , " the last installment ofGilmore Girls : A Year in the animation , ends whenRory distinguish her female parent Lorelai that she is pregnant . The series returns to its origins with Rory find herself in the same position as her female parent once was . However , the ending is dissentious because the interview never get to see howRory handles the pregnancyor what she tells the sister ’s father . Rory and Loganhave an affair inA Year in the Life , despite both being in relationship with other people . They break up , apparently for honest , before Rory discovers her pregnancy .

7Buffy Dies

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

In theBuffy the Vampire Slayerseason 5 conclusion , Buffy jumps to her death;she leaps into a portal knowing her blood will restitute the barriers between Earth and various pit attribute . Her tombstone is express , inscribed with the words"Beloved sister . Devoted Friend . She saved the world a lot . “However , Buffy the Vampire Slayerwas then renew and Buffy ’s friends resurrect her in the time of year 6 premiere . This is just one ofBuffy ’s several deathsand subsequent resurrections throughout the show . Her multiple death downplay the impact of all of them .

6Negan Kills Someone In Grimes' Group

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

InThe Walking Deadseason 6 finale , Negan kills an nameless extremity of the primary dramatis personae . An already intense scene is drag out for the entire foramen when no one will receive out who is dead until the series returns . Despite being an awaited here and now from Robert Kirkman ’s comics , theWalking Deadseason 6 cliffhanger sparked controversyand was called"totally unnecessary"byTheWrap . However , The Walking Deadcontinued for five more seasons , so the inadequate response of this cliffhanger did not destroy the show .

5Meredith Meets Addison

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)

Meredith had a whirlwind romance with Derek throughoutGrey ’s Anatomyseason 1 . Despite her own mistrust and allegiance result , she ostensibly decide to trust to the relationship . UntilDerek ’s estranged wife Addison come at Seattle Gracein the last moments of season 1 . " MerDer " is fox into chaos , but the consultation must hold back through the hiatus to see if Derek has any explanation or if Meredith will forgive him . Derek divulge in the season 2 premiere that he leave Addison after she cheated on him with Mark , but Derek and Meredith do not get back together for some time .

4Michael Is Alive

Jane The Virgin (2014-2019)

Jane ’s husband Michael , a former investigator , dies in theJane the Virginseason 3 finale but shockingly reappear in the season 4 finis . Jane was told that Michael die from lingering complications related to an old gunshot injury , but season 5 expose that Michael was kidnapped by Sin Rostro , who used electroshock treatment to give him amnesia . The unusual plot twist becomes even more frustrative whenJane decides to split up Michael because he is not the same person , only for his memory to return .

3Ross Says Rachel

Friends (1994-2004)

Ross magnificently says Rachel ’s name while marrying Emily in theFriendsseason 4 finis , pass on the audience waiting to see if the wedding will retain . Rachel has ostensibly go for that Ross is marrying Emily , bringing the tense storyline of her coming to stop the wedding to an remainder . However , the bittersweet atmosphere of the wedding scene is shatter by Ross ' mistake . This cliffhanger was barrack whenDavid Schwimmer genuinely mixed up Emily and Rachelwhile rehearsing an other installment . It is now impossible to imagineFriendsand theRoss and Rachelstoryline without this iconic here and now .

2ALF Is Captured By The Government

ALF (1986-2004)

ALFended on a cliffhanger because of the show ’s cancelation . The show ends with ALF in governance detention , apparently destined to become a science experimentation . It is a morbid end to an otherwise cute show about a mob and their alien friend . HadALFgotten a 5th season , the berth would have become more comedic . ALF creator Paul Fusco says ( viaThe Hollywood Reporter ) thatALF"would have been this confined driving everybody crazy . ”NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff also tell Fusco that he regret canceling the show .

Although television comedies are usually singular and swooning - hearted , there have been quite a few by chance spectacular picture in shows like acquaintance and MASH .

1Jon Snow Dies

Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game of Thronesseason 5 notoriously ends with Jon Snow bleeding outin Castle Black ’s courtyardafter being stab repeatedly by mutinous members of the Night ’s Watch . This plunge theGame of Thronesfandom into pandemonium . Fans who were conversant with the record book or aware of some behind - the - scenes detail did not trust that the show would continue without Jon . Overall , Jon Snow ’s deathfailed to play tricks the consultation the way the showrunners intended . television cliffhanger such as this one are unpopular because they only add unnecessary drama or undermine the audience ’s intelligence .

Source : TheWrap , The Hollywood Reporter

Sherlock Holmes Jumping from the Roof in Sherlock and Ned Stark Before His Execution from Game of Thrones

Jess from New Girl, Will from Fresh Prince, and Robin from HIMYM

Richard Kind Poker Face Season 2 Interview header

tvshowcliffhangers_thatannoyedfans

Sherlock Holmes Standing on the Roof Dramatically in Sherlock

Jack telling Kate "We have to go back" in Lost

Lorelai and Rory holding coffee in the snow in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Addison introducing herself to Meredith while Derek watches in Greys Anatomy

Michael in Jane the Virgin

ALF looks up to the sky in ALF

Jon Snow lying on the ground dying in Game of Thrones