6. Friday Night Lights
First Episode: October 3rd, 2006 Final Episode: February 9th, 2011 What a strange ride this little show was. A series based on a movie based on a book. Nearly canceled by NBC after the second season, and then rescued by Direct TV. A catch phrase adopted by Mitt Romneys presidential campaign. How is it possible to keep a story about small town football compelling for five seasons? Peter Berg found a way. It was exciting, hilarious, and moving. This finale does not disappoint. Every main character (who is still part of the show at the end) gets one last struggle, one final decision to make before walking off the field. At the end, we know these characters still have a lot of their lives ahead of them, but were given just enough material for some strong resolution. With Breaking Bad, I have a hard time imagining an ending that will imply life going on for the White family.