Summary
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!Now, believe me when I say that I lovea good TV show cliffhanger. When Joffrey ordered theexecution of Ned Stark inGame of Thrones, I was utterly enthralled. The best part was that audiences would only have to wait a week to see the resolution of this cliffhanger. But then, I asked myself - what about those cliffhangers that take place at the end of a season? These, while certainly keeping me intrigued in the show, are no less infuriating when I look back upon them.
The thing is, when I had to wait that long for an answer, I started to come up with my own theories about what would happen. This made my idea of what was going to happen after the cliffhanger to be impossible to attain in reality, often leading to an initial sense of disappointment at the result. These cliffhangers do not necessarily tarnish the overall reputation of the show in my eyes, butthat doesn’t mean I forgive the showrunners for putting me through this emotional turmoil.
10 TV Show Cliffhangers That Really Annoyed Fans
The worst TV show cliffhangers, including character deaths and shocking revelations, frustrate viewers because they are not resolved for months.
10Kirkman’s Dilemma
The Ending of Designated Survivor Season 3
When I first started watchingDesignated Survivoron Netflix, I was very pleased to have found what proved to be one of the more unique political thrillers on TV. The story of Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) suddenly ascending from a lowly Cabinet position to President of the United States had me gripped from start to finish. The only problem was that the finish was a cliffhanger, andDesignated Survivorwas canceled after it.
What could have been a groundbreaking approach to the dehumanization of the political world was canceled, and I will never forgive Netflix for this.
In the final episode of the third season, Kirkman has just defied the odds and been re-elected President as an Independent candidate, having run his campaign on a promise not to be just a typical, sleazy politician. However, Kirkman ends the show by not revealing information that would incriminate his political campaign in order to gain political leverage, becoming the very thing he swore he wouldn’t. What could have been a groundbreaking approach to the dehumanization of the political world was canceled, and I will never forgive Netflix for this.
Designated Survivor
Cast
Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Designated Survivor is a Thriller and Political Drama television series that was created by David Guggenheim and ran for three seasons. The premise sees an explosion destroying the United States Capitol building, which causes the death of the President and each in the line of leadership succession except Thomas Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The journey chronicles Kirkman’s reign as president as he attempts to navigate a world he is very inexerperienced with.
9Hank Finds Out
“Gliding Over All” is the mid-season finale of Breaking Bad’s fifth season, and boy, is it a good one. Walter White (Bryan Cranston) seems to have finally tied up every loose end of his drug empire, having had his collaborators all killed, and seeming to have finally made enough money to stop making meth. At a family dinner by the pool, Walter’s brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris) leaves to go to the bathroom and picks up a book with an inscription in it.
He realizes that it is from Gale (David Costabile), a man implicated in the drug business. After reading that it is addressed to a “W. W”,Hank finally realizes that the mysterious Heisenbergis actually his brother-in-law, Walter. This was the last episode of Breaking Bad for eleven months. Obviously, I can go back on streaming and watch the entire show all the way through, but thefrustration of having to wait and wait to find out what happened next earns this cliffhanger its spot here. It’s still a great cliffhanger, but that doesn’t mean I forgive AMC for it.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg.
8The Dance Of The Dragons Begins
The Ending of House of the Dragon Season 2
It’s true that I could have written about the cliffhanger ending ofHouse of the Dragonseason 1, but given that season 2 wasn’t full of action (which is not necessarily a bad thing, by the way), I’ve decided to put that ending on here instead. After two seasons worth of build up, it seems like we will finally see the Targaryen Civil War, also known as the Dance of the Dragons, begin. Alliances have been made on both sides, their dragons and armies at the ready, withthe final scene ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2showing us how both the Greens and Blacks are preparing for war.
I’m okay with HBO taking their time producing it, they certainly don’t want to rush things, but it is a cruel jape of them to finish Season 2 on such a tantalizing cliffhanger.
I cannot wait for season 3 ofHouse of the Dragon, but it seems like I’ll sadly have to. If the wait between the first two seasons was anything to go by, it’ll probably be at least a year before I get to see dragons fighting dragons. I’m okay with HBO taking their time producing it, they certainly don’t want to rush things, but it is a cruel jape of them to finish Season 2 on such a tantalizing cliffhanger. Until season 3 premieres, I’ll be waiting with bated breath to see the true carnage of the Dance of the Dragons.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
7"I Take Thee, Rachel"
The Ending of Friends Season 4
Season 4 of the iconic sitcomFriendsis often seen as one of its best, and that is probably due in no small part to the insane cliffhanger that the showrunners ended the season on. It’s a two-part finale, telling the story of Ross' (David Schwimmer) wedding to Emily (Helen Baxendale). The two are at the altar, Emily has said her vows, and then, when it’s Ross' turn, he says what I think is probably the worst thing anybody could say when exchanging their vows:
“I take thee, Rachel.”
My jaw was on the floor. Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) was obviously Ross' ex-girlfriend, and evidently someone who he still had feelings for. And then, the season ends just like that. Now, while I wasn’t born when this season ofFriendswas still airing, that doesn’t mean I can’t imagine what this did to audiences back in 1998. It was a seminal moment in sitcom history, and one that I’m sure even the most diehard fans of Friends still haven’t forgiven, given that they had to wait for months to see the fallout from Ross' major blunder.
Friends
Friends is a television sitcom that debuted in 1994, revolving around six young New Yorkers navigating the complexities of adulthood. The series highlights their friendship as they support each other through personal and professional challenges, encapsulating the ups and downs of life in a comedic and relatable manner.
6The Death Of Howard Hamlin
The Ending of Better Call Saul Season 6A
The mid-season finale ofBetter Call Saul’s sixth season, “Plan and Execution”, is, in my opinion, the greatest episode of the show. After trying to defame Howard Hamlin’s (Patrick Fabian) character, he turns up at Jimmy (Bob Odenkirk) and Kim’s (Rhea Seehorn) apartment. It then gets even more interesting, as the villainous Lalo (Tony Dalton) appears. Howard was tragically in the wrong place at the wrong time, and is killed by Lalo on the spot.
I was absolutely horrified to seeHoward, a character with a tragic enough backstory, be gunned down like that. However, I was even more horrified when I realized that we had to wait almost two months to see the ramifications of his death. That may not sound like a lot now, but it was a torturous time. Reeling from Howard’s death, I tried to theorize what would happen next. Would Lalo kill Kim? Would Jimmy and Kim be implicated? Ultimately, I will not forgive AMC for making me wait that long to see whereBetter Call Saulwould go from there.
Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul follows small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill as he navigates the legal world to make ends meet. The series, set six years before his encounter with Walter White, chronicles Jimmy’s evolution into Saul Goodman, with notable interactions alongside fixer Mike Ehrmantraut.
5Grunkle Stan’s Secret
The Ending Of Gravity Falls Season 1
Gravity Fallswill always be a special show in my heart. It brought together whimsical animation, humor for kids and adults, and one of the best storylines you could ever hope to find in a show that was (primarily) targeted at children. One of the most memorable moments of the show is the ending of Season 1, where it is revealed that Grunkle Stan (Alex Hirsch) is building what appears to be some kind of portal underneath the Mystery Shack. The only problem was that it took a whole year for the second season to release.
As one of my earliest memories of a really gripping cliffhanger, the ending ofGravity Fallsseason one will always stick with me as one of the most memorable, and annoying, episodes of TV I have ever watched.
Yes, I was very satisfied when I finally found outwhat Stan had been building, but as a child watchingGravity Fallsrelease, I could have torn my hair out in frustration. As one of my earliest memories of a really gripping cliffhanger, the ending ofGravity Fallsseason one will always stick with me as one of the most memorable, and annoying, episodes of TV I have ever watched. Yes, I love the show, but no, I don’t forgive Disney Channel or DisneyXD for this.
Gravity Falls
When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town’s mysteries.
4Jon Snow’s “Death”
The Ending Of Game Of Thrones Season 5
There are lots of things to be angry about when it comes toGame of Thrones, particularly the disappointing ending. While I share those frustrations with the ending, I think that something that has gone under the radar is how frustrating the season 5 finale cliffhanger was. Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) is stabbed by a group of mutineers at Castle Black, as they believe that he has betrayed the Night’s Watch by being too lenient to the wildlings beyond the wall.The season ends with Jon’s death.
While it certainly had fans intrigued as to what would happen next (me included), this doesn’t mean that I should be any less frustrated with it. Of course, we had to wait ten months to see what would happen next, which is certainly annoying, but it was alsoa bad narrative decision to kill Jon Snow here. Especially considering that Jon was brought back to life just two episodes later, this cliffhanger is frustrating, not just because of the length of time it took to resolve it, but because it essentially lost all true meaning with the release ofGame of Thronesseason 6.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
3Moriarty’s “Return”
The Ending Of Sherlock Season 3
Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott) was my favorite character inSherlock, so when he died suddenly at the end of season 2, I was bitterly disappointed.Imagine how excited I feltwhen the ending of season 3 teased his return to the show. The final scene of the season shows Moriarty’s face on every screen in the country, with the words “Miss Me?” at the bottom. I was thrilled to see how season 4 would handle Moriarty’s return, especially his showdown with Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) himself.
Moriarty’s death sent Sherlock on a path of decline, but this particular cliffhanger has permanently tarnished the legacy of the show in my eyes.
How naïve I was. Moriarty never actually physically returned toSherlock, it was just a group of pre-recorded messages and intricate planning done by the criminal mastermind. This is probably one of the cruelest cliffhangers in TV history - teasing the return of a fan-favorite character and then doing basically nothing with the story.Moriarty’s death sentSherlockon a path of decline, but this particular cliffhanger has permanently tarnished the legacy of the show in my eyes.
Sherlock
In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.
2Kendall Roy Turns On His Father
The Ending Of Succession Season 2
Successionis one of my favorite TV shows of the last five years, telling the story of multimedia CEO Logan Roy (Brian Cox) and his dysfunctional family as they fight with each other for influence over their father and his company. At the conclusion ofSuccession’s second season, Logan has convinced his son, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) to take the fall for a cruise line scandal that has damaged the company’s reputation. At the press conference where Kendall was meant to sacrifice himself, he says this instead:
“The truth is that my father is a malignant presence, a bully and a liar, and he was fully personally aware of these events for many years and made efforts to hide and cover up… How much those of us who executed his wishes bear responsibility is for another day. But I think this is the day his reign ends”.
If you asked me to list the coolest cliffhangers in media history, it would be Barbossa’s return inDead Man’s Chest, closely followed byKendall’s mutiny against his fatherhere. However, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic meant that it was over two whole years before we could see what happened next inSuccession. The tension was already palpable between Kendall and his father, but here, it explodes. Obviously, the impact of the pandemic couldn’t be helped, but this makes it no less frustrating that we had to wait what felt like decades to see how Logan would react to this.
Succession
Succession is a Black Comedy and Satire television show created by Jesse Armstrong. It stars Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, and Kieran Culkin and follows the story of an aging conglomerate owner as he deals with his declining health and the sudden realization that one of his children will soon inherit his position and run his company.
1Negan’s Introduction
The most memorable and frustrating cliffhanger fromThe Walking Deadcame at the end of season 6, where the show finally introduced us to Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), after teasing the villain throughout the season. Armed with his iconic barbed baseball bat, Lucille, Negan tells Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group that he is going to kill one of them. The season ends from the point of view of his victim being beaten, though we never find out who it is until season 7.
Negan’s introduction was undoubtedly cool, but nevertheless was infuriatingly tantalizing, given that we had to wait months to see who Negan had killed. Many fans were angry after seeing who Negan killed, prompting the show’s ratings to plummet (viaThe Hollywood Reporter). I’ve never liked it when a season starts with a character’s death, as it seems to be a waste of an episode that could have been included in the previous season. Perhaps, ifThe Walking Deadhad revealed Negan’s victim(s) in the season 6 finale, its seventh season would have been better received.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is a television series that premiered on Aug 08, 2025. It follows Sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. He embarks on a journey to locate his family, encountering various survivors amidst the chaos.
