History Main / GrandFinale

* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' had possibly the grandest of grand finales: a four episode/two hour movie special that had been built up to for three seasons. With the exception of the [[spoiler:ultimate fate of Zuko's mother]] (which is a major focus of ''[[ComicBook/AvatarTheLastAirbenderTheSearch The Search]]''), most plot threads were tied up neatly, and it finally put a definitive end to the ShippingWars for the primary pairings (or at least what's canon) with a BigDamnKiss as the final shot of the series.

* ''Film/HarryPotter'': ''[[HarryPotter/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows Deathly Hallows]]'' Part 1 and 2.

* ''HarryPotter/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows''

* ''MST3K'' had a Grand Finale both for when it was canceled on Comedy Central (necessitating a PostscriptSeason when it returned), and later, when it was canceled on the Sci-Fi Channel.

* ''LastExile'' -- final episode "Resign" pretty much wraps it up in style.

* ''TheDarkKnightReturns'' provides a definitive end to {{Batman}}'s career, and ends his conflict with SelfDemonstrating/TheJoker on the side....until ''TheDarkKnightStrikesAgain'' came out. After that, ''Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader'' (a direct reference to the above) became more fitting an end.

* ''CrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. Grand Finale to the SilverAge (though it was actually released at the end of the BronzeAge)? Check. Grand Finale to the DC Multiverse? Check. Grand Finale for [[TheFlash Barry Allen]], {{Supergirl}}, Earth-2 {{Superman}}, and just about everyone else in the DC Universe? Check. Became the comic event by which all previous and succeeding comic events would be judged? Double Check. Became [[strike:one of]] the only company-wide comic event to permanently rip the TimeyWimeyBall a new one, and do it so as to be universally praised? Gigantic freakin' Check.

** [[spoiler: Worse, we, the readers, will never learn exactly what the heck "getting it right" will mean, because Stephen King wrote himself into a corner after creating such a divine mystery as to whatever is at the top of the Dark Tower. IF you ever want to see what's up there, forget it.]]

* ''Series/LittleHouseOnThePrairie'' ended with a bang, '''literally'''. Walnut Grove gets purchased by a JerkAss developer, but instead of allowing the townspeople to buy the land back from him, he decides to allow everyone to stay...as his employees. In retaliation, [[spoiler:they have a meeting at the church/school and decide that they'd rather blow the town up and leave with nothing rather than allow the developer to have everything they have worked for. So all the men get dynamite and they blow up Walnut Grove]]. JerkAss returns to the town with the Army in tow and demands that everyone be arrested. The Army refuses to do so, and [[spoiler:the citizens of what used to be Walnut Grove leave singing "Onward Christian Soldiers"]].

* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' serves as the ultimate conclusion of over ten years of ''Franchise/MetalGear'' lore (twenty if one counts the early [=MSX2=] games as well). Of course, while there has been at least [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidPeaceWalker two new]] [[VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance games in the series]] released since ''[=MGS4=]'' (the former being a prequel and the latter being a sequel), and a [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidVThePhantomPain two-parter]] that is also a prequel, taking place after ''Peace Walker'' but before the MSX ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' game.

* ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'' was the finale to the ''Mother'' series. Itoi has even said himself that was not making any more Mother games, he'd prefer playing them. ([[http://mother4.dcmsoftware.net/ Of course, that didn't stop fans from making their own Mother 4.]])

* Case 3-5 of the ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'' series is notably longer than most others, pretty much wraps up all unanswered plot threads, brings back multiple characters that were PutOnABus just in time for the finale, and features unusual and awesome sections such as playing as Edgeworth for a while and Phoenix teaming up with Franziska for an investigation.

* VideoGame/MortalKombatArmageddon was the Grand Finale for the original MortalKombat canon. It gathered literally ''every single playable character'' up to that point, and set them all in a gigantic battle intended to prevent the apocalypse. As VideoGame/MortalKombat9 shows, it ends up being a DownerEnding, as everyone aside from [[BigBad Shao Kahn]] and [[GodOfEvil Shinnok]] was killed in the battle.

* ''{{Girly}}'' ended with a sufficiently grand finale, featuring at least a cameo from pretty much everyone. You'd think Chris was trying to get every single character into the last page of his comic.

*** Doubt ahead! Jossed by pretty much everyone in the company, going on record to say that if people are still watching it (which they are) there will be no end in sight to Red vs Blue. Season 10, however, IS the confirmed finale to the Project Freelancer saga.

** It should be noted that the title is a reference to the notorious movie ending of ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion''.

** Interestingly, this was the show's '''third''' Grand Finale: The writers had believed that ''Justice League'' was to be canceled after the second season, and therefore ended it with a three-part episode involving an alien invasion, a traitor in the League's ranks, and shattering a romance that had been built up throughout the series... among other things. Then the show was renewed and re-tooled as ''Justice League Unlimited''. It was believed that it was to be canceled again in its second (or fourth depending on how you look at it) season, and thus a four-part episode was created to end things with a bang, followed by a lower-key episode that served as a coda for the entire {{DCAU}}. Of course, it was [[PostScriptSeason then renewed]] for a second and final time, eventually resulting in the two-parter mentioned above.

* Surprisingly, ''WesternAnimation/CampLazlo'' ends with one of these. As appropriate to the tone and style of the series, it's not so much flashy as spectacularly weirder than anything that's happened previously -- and this is a series where an entire episode revolves around one character getting stuck up another's nose. It still qualifies as definitively and permanently changing the core axioms on which the show depends, though.
** Not to mention the fact that Scoutmaster Lumpus [[spoiler:turned out to NOT be the camp's scoutmaster]]. Samson, the ButtMonkey of the series said it best: "I think it just got to the point where things can't possibly get any weirder."

** It's also interesting to note that the segment included in said "Super Special" was a lengthy one entitled "Star Warners," and despite originally airing as an ''Animaniacs'' episode is treated as the final one for ''WesternAnimation/PinkyAndTheBrain'', thus making it the Grand Finale to that as well.

** ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'', of course, had its own Grand Finale, changing Cybertron in a way that inspired controversy and even ''death threats.''
* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' managed to wrap up nearly all the remaining plot threads in "Endgame". Megatron makes his final assault and is thwarted by the combined efforts of the Autobots, and we finally get the Optimus Prime/Megatron beatdown we've been waiting three seasons to see. The fact that Optimus returns to Cybertron [[spoiler:with the Magnus Hammer and what appears to be the Matrix also indicates that he might become the next Magnus.]] And of course, [[spoiler:Prowl and Starscream both die.]] And Blackarachnia and Waspinator [[spoiler:are both left for dead in an unknown jungle.]] And Thundercracker, Skywarp, Slipstream, Soundwave, Laserbeak, Lockdown, Team Chaar, and the Constructicons are all probably still at large.

* ''WesternAnimation/LiloAndStitchTheSeries'' got a Grand Finale in the movie "Leroy and Stitch", where basically all the experiments are recovered, Gantu does a HeelFaceTurn against Dr. Hamsterville, whose JokerImmunity wears off, and all the experiments in the series are listed by name in the credits.

* The animated ''WesternAnimation/ConanTheAdventurer'' which was vastly underrated, had an awesome Grand Finale. It was actually the first show that built up a plot and had the heroes defeat their ultimate Big Bad. [[spoiler:Not to mention restore Conan's family back to normal after Wrath-Amon turned them to stone.]] I couldn't believe it actually ended, and loved it... opened new possibilities.

* The three-part ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'' episode "Hunter's Moon" was effectively this for the show; while technically only the second season finale, neither WordOfGod nor most of the fanbase considers season three canon, while "Hunter's Moon" was epic in scope, brought the story full circle, had lots of callbacks to eariler episodes, and culminated in thwarting [[BigBad Demona's]] master plan. Of course, the release of a shortlived but canon comic continuation somewhat muddies the waters.

* ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheBraveAndTheBold'''s last episode basically said "if we're going down, [[NoFourthWall we're taking the fourth wall with us]]". The plot was actually driven by the fact that it was the last episode. Bat-Mite, bored with the show after [[SixtyFiveEpisodeCartoon 65 episodes]], decides to make the show [[JumpingTheShark Jump the Shark]] in hopes of chasing off viewers and getting it canceled, to make way for a new, DarkerAndEdgier take on the Dark Knight. Ambush Bug fights valiantly to keep the show from losing viewers, and ultimately fails -- but then explains to Bat-Mite that the DarkerAndEdgier show Bat-Mite wants has no place for a silly character like Bat-Mite, and thus he just wrote himself out of existence. The show ends on a wrap party in the Batcave, as every hero and villain that appeared on the show mingles and stagehands haul away parts of the "set", while a hopelessly-confused-about-what's-real-and-what's-not Batman promises the viewers that he'll keep fighting for justice, no matter what happens.

May often involve GondorCallsForAid or SaveTheWorldClimax. Expect TearJerker on a massive scale — the longer (or more beloved) the show, the more tears will flow. Contrast with CutShort, TheResolutionWillNotBeTelevised, TooGoodToLast, and SeriesFauxnale. Compare with SeasonFinale and sometimes WrapItUp, though if the HolyShitQuotient is high enough it can qualify as a WhamEpisode.

* The final track on the Abbey Road album, and the last recording they did together, "the medley" consisting of "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight", and the aptly titled "The End" is quite the grand finale for Music/TheBeatles.

* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' serves as the ultimate conclusion of over ten years of ''Franchise/MetalGear'' lore (twenty if one counts the early [=MSX2=] games as well). Of course, while there has been at least [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidPeaceWalker two new]] [[VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance games in the series]] released since ''[=MGS4=]'' (the former being a prequel and the latter being a sequel), and a [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidGroundZeroes two]]-[[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidVThePhantomPain parter]] that is also a prequel, taking place after ''Peace Walker'' but before the MSX ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' game.

* ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoIII''. {{Word of God}} says that represents the grand finale of all adaptations of the GTA III Era. This was a sequel set since 1986 (from GrandTheftAutoViceCity) and finally ending in 2001 with GTA III.

* ''{{Friends}}'' concludes with Ross and Rachel ''finally'' getting past their WillTheyOrWontThey woes with a declaration of their love and a vow to "stop being stupid" while Monica and Chandler watch their children being born, and Phoebe and Joey accept the changes occuring. The friends also go their separate ways, leaving the apartment complex and city that was their home for so long. The episode ends with the friends going to the coffee house one last time and one last look at the now-empty apartment.

* ''{{Friends}}'' concludes with Ross and Rachel ''finally'' getting past their WillTheyOrWontThey woes with a declaration of their love and a vow to "stop being stupid". The friends also go their separate ways, leaving the apartment complex and city that was their home for so long. The episode ends with the friends going to the coffee house one last time and one last look at the now-empty apartment.

-->-- '''[[Creator/SteveBlum TOM 4.0]]'''; [[TearJerker delivering]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCAX4cgszCU the closing bumper]] [[TearJerker of]] ''Creator/{{Toonami}}'''s [[UnCancelled original run]]... 'til 2012 [[UnCancelled gave it new life]]

-->-- '''[[Creator/SteveBlum TOM 4.0]]'''; [[TearJerker delivering]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCAX4cgszCU the closing bumper]] [[TearJerker of]] ''Creator/{{Toonami}}'''s [[UnCancelled original run]]

* For many, the episode "Ball of Revenge" from ''WesternAnimation/CourageTheCowardlyDog'', could be seen as the grand finale of the series, as several loose ends are resolved.
** Others believe it was the last episodes "Remembrance of Courage Past" and "Perfect", as they resolve Courage's inner turmoils and set several problems stright.

* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' serves as the ultimate conclusion of over ten years of ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'' lore (twenty if one counts the early [=MSX2=] games as well). Of course, while there has been at least [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidPeaceWalker one new game in the series]] released since ''[=MGS4=]'', and [[VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance two]] [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolidGroundZeroes more]] currently in development, the former is a sequel, and the latter two being a side-story and another prequel. It's also been suggested that the fifth game [[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-12-08-could-the-phantom-pain-be-the-new-metal-gear-solid has already been announced, but in a very stealthy way]].

[[folder:Web Comics]]

* ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom'', "Phantom Planet": After some humiliation competing against a new ghostbuster team, Danny decides to remove his powers and retire. However, the world is imperiled and needs Danny again. With great difficulty, Danny regains his powers and succeeds in saving the world. As a result, Danny is honored throughout the world while he and Sam hook up for good in his new and busy life.

* WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirls "rock opera" episode "See Me, Feel Me, Gnomey" has been widely thought to be the series' grand finale, even though it was a season five episode (and has never been screened in the U.S.). The last original first-run episode screened was "What's The Big Idea?".
** Many though find the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th Anniversary special]], ''The Powerpuff Girls Rule'', to be a more fitting finale as [[spoiler: Mojo actually achieves his goal of taking over the world...and making it a better play much to the surprise of everyone. However he gets bored of peace and goes right back to causing mayhem, which in turn forces the girls to resume their hero duties.]]

* The Grand Finale of Creator/StephenKing's magnum opus ''DarkTower'' series is infamous for ending with [[spoiler: an AnticlimaxBoss confrontation with the King Multiverse's BigBad (who turns out to be a pathetic, powerless loony), followed by the protagonist walking through a door that turns out to be a big ResetButton that boots him back to the first scene of the series, with the implication that this has already happened many times before and that hopefully he'll eventually get it "right".]]

* ''WesternAnimation/CatDog'' had TheMovie titled "The Great Parent Mystery" as the grand finale. In spite of this, it still had a few episodes after it, including a ''very'' short revival in 2004.

* ''[[WesternAnimation/AvengersEarthsMightiestHeroes The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'' ends with "Avengers Assemble," which pits the Avengers, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, some SHIELD agents, the Heroes For Hire, and some of Red Skull's former minions against the planet-devouring Galactus and his Heralds.

** Even just a theory, it is believed that the grand finale of the GTA IV Era ended with GrandTheftAutoIVTheBalladOfGayTony, and many confirmed that ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'' will be a new canonical axis.