1. Who Shot J.R.? – Dallas
The 1980 cliffhanger of Dallas remains one of the most iconic and infuriating in TV history. J.R. Ewing, the scheming oil tycoon, was shot in the season finale, leaving fans guessing for months. The show’s popularity soared as viewers speculated wildly about the identity of the shooter. “Who Shot J.R.?” became a cultural phenomenon, with fans wearing T-shirts and placing bets. However, the long wait for the resolution tested everyone’s patience. The shooter turned out to be Kristin Shepard, J.R.’s sister-in-law and mistress, but many fans felt underwhelmed by the reveal. The buildup made the payoff feel anticlimactic, and some even questioned the logic behind Kristin’s motives. For weeks, the mystery overshadowed the show’s other storylines, making it feel like a publicity stunt.
Although it’s remembered fondly now, the cliffhanger’s impact on fans at the time was divisive. It’s hard to deny the clever marketing strategy behind it, but the frustration it caused also set a precedent for TV cliffhangers. Fans didn’t just want suspense; they wanted a satisfying answer. You could say this moment paved the way for both the best and worst of serialized television.
2. The Hatch – Lost
Lost had a way of teasing mysteries that kept fans coming back, but the season one finale left viewers fuming. After spending much of the season focusing on the mysterious hatch in the jungle, the show ended with Jack and Locke finally opening it. Instead of revealing what was inside, the camera simply showed a ladder descending into darkness. Fans were left screaming at their screens, wondering what all the buildup was for. The lack of answers felt like a betrayal to many, as the hatch had dominated much of the season’s narrative.
When season two eventually revealed what was inside, the answer was both fascinating and confusing. The hatch housed a research station tied to the mysterious Dharma Initiative, raising even more questions. While some fans appreciated the depth of the mystery, others felt manipulated by the writers. The show’s tendency to pile mystery upon mystery without clear resolutions became a recurring source of frustration.
3. Glenn’s Fate – The Walking Dead
Season six of The Walking Dead played a cruel trick on its audience with Glenn’s fake-out death. In one episode, Glenn appeared to be devoured by a horde of zombies, only for the show to reveal episodes later that he had survived by hiding under a dumpster. Fans were angry not only because of the emotional rollercoaster but also because it felt like cheap storytelling. Many felt the writers were toying with their emotions without any real payoff.
When Glenn’s actual death occurred in the season seven premiere, it felt even more devastating. After the dumpster incident, viewers had hoped the character might stick around for a while longer. Instead, his brutal demise at Negan’s hands left fans heartbroken and bitter. The prolonged fake-out made the loss feel even more cruel and unnecessary.
4. The Red Wedding Build-Up – Game of Thrones
Fans of Game of Thrones knew to expect the unexpected, but the lead-up to the infamous Red Wedding left viewers outraged. Throughout season three, the show teased a sense of hope for the Stark family. Robb Stark’s campaign against the Lannisters seemed to gain momentum, and alliances appeared solid. The season’s penultimate episode shattered all those expectations in one bloody twist. For fans who hadn’t read the books, the sudden carnage was shocking and devastating.
While many praised the scene’s bold storytelling, others felt betrayed. Why build up the Starks’ victories only to snatch them away so brutally? The episode became a defining moment for the series but also divided the fanbase. Some admired the show’s commitment to surprise, while others struggled to stay invested after such a brutal turn.
5. The Finale Fake-Out – How I Met Your Mother
The series finale of How I Met Your Mother left fans furious for a multitude of reasons, but the biggest gripe was how it handled Ted and Robin’s relationship. After spending nine seasons building up Ted’s love story with the titular “Mother,” the finale killed her off in a flash-forward. To make matters worse, Ted ended up with Robin, undoing years of character development. Fans felt betrayed by the decision to prioritize a twist over a satisfying conclusion.
The backlash was immediate, with fans taking to social media to express their disappointment. Many felt the writers had wasted their time, investing in a storyline that ultimately didn’t matter. The show’s legacy remains tarnished by the controversial ending, even though earlier seasons were beloved. It’s a classic example of how a cliffhanger can go horribly wrong when it doesn’t respect the audience.
6. Nikki and Paulo’s “Death” – Lost
Another Lost cliffhanger that caused frustration involved the ill-fated characters Nikki and Paulo. Introduced in season three, the duo was meant to add intrigue to the island’s mysteries. Instead, they were universally disliked by fans. In a bizarre twist, their storyline ended with them being buried alive after being paralyzed by a spider bite. The suddenness of their demise left fans scratching their heads, feeling like the writers had wasted precious screen time.
While some fans appreciated the dark humor of their ending, most were left unsatisfied. Nikki and Paulo’s arc felt like a distraction from the main story, and their deaths didn’t advance the plot. The episode became infamous among fans as a low point for the series. It’s proof that not every twist lands the way writers hope.
7. Will They, Won’t They? – Friends
When Ross and Rachel finally got together in season two of Friends, fans rejoiced. But the on-again, off-again nature of their relationship soon grew tiresome. The season three finale, where Ross cheats on Rachel, left viewers furious. The couple’s breakup felt unnecessarily dramatic, especially after all the buildup. Many fans felt the writers were dragging out the storyline to keep viewers hooked.
While the show’s humor helped soften the blow, the constant teasing of their relationship wore thin. Fans wanted resolution, not endless complications. The “we were on a break” debate became iconic but also highlighted the frustration with the show’s refusal to let the couple evolve. It’s a classic example of how dragging out a storyline can alienate fans.
8. Donna’s Choice – Beverly Hills, 90210
In one of Beverly Hills, 90210’s most talked-about cliffhangers, Donna Martin had to choose between two love interests: David and Noah. The season finale left fans hanging as Donna wrestled with her decision. Viewers were divided over which suitor she should pick, and the unresolved tension was maddening. The storyline felt dragged out, making the cliffhanger feel more like a cheap tactic than a natural plot progression.
When the next season premiered, Donna’s choice didn’t feel as impactful as fans had hoped. The prolonged wait for an answer diminished the storyline’s emotional weight. Many felt the show had mishandled a pivotal moment, prioritizing shock value over storytelling. It’s a reminder that even beloved shows can stumble when trying to keep fans guessing.
9. Jon Snow’s Death – Game of Thrones
When Jon Snow was stabbed to death by his own men at the end of Game of Thrones season five, fans were devastated. The shock of losing such a beloved character was compounded by the show’s refusal to confirm whether he was truly gone. Speculation ran rampant during the hiatus, with fans dissecting every detail for clues. The lack of closure left viewers in a state of emotional turmoil.
When season six revealed that Jon had been resurrected, many fans felt relieved but also manipulated. The fake-out death felt like a cheap way to generate buzz, rather than a meaningful narrative choice. While the show recovered from the backlash, the cliffhanger remains a sore spot for many viewers. It’s a prime example of how playing with fans’ emotions can backfire.
10. Kenny’s “Permanent” Death – South Park
For years, South Park made a running joke of killing off Kenny in almost every episode. However, the season five episode “Kenny Dies” took a more serious tone, suggesting that his death might actually be permanent. Fans were left reeling, unsure if the character would ever return. The lack of a clear resolution was unsettling, as Kenny had become an integral part of the show.
While Kenny did eventually return, the storyline felt like an unnecessary emotional detour. Fans struggled with the tonal shift, which felt out of place in the otherwise irreverent series. The cliffhanger highlighted the challenges of balancing humor and drama, especially in a show known for its absurdity. It’s a reminder that even the most satirical shows can stumble when trying to be serious.
11. Mulder’s Abduction – The X-Files
In the season seven finale of The X-Files, Mulder was abducted by aliens, leaving Scully and fans in a state of shock. The series had always teased the possibility of alien involvement in Mulder’s quest, but his disappearance came at a pivotal moment. Fans were left grappling with the implications of his abduction, as well as the uncertainty of whether he’d return. The cliffhanger left viewers desperate for answers but also frustrated by the lack of resolution.
When the show returned for season eight, Mulder’s absence was a central storyline, but many fans felt his abduction was more of a plot device than a meaningful development. The unresolved tension between Mulder and Scully only added to the frustration. While the show continued to explore its core mysteries, the decision to sideline one of its main characters alienated some of its audience. It’s an example of how bold narrative choices can sometimes backfire.
12. The “Goodbye” Note – Grey’s Anatomy
In the season eight finale of Grey’s Anatomy, the lives of several main characters were left hanging in the balance after a plane crash. Amidst the chaos, fans were particularly heartbroken by the ambiguous fate of Lexie Grey. Her tragic death was confirmed, but other characters’ outcomes were left uncertain. To add insult to injury, the finale ended with Meredith reading a cryptic goodbye note from Mark Sloan, leaving fans questioning his future.
When the next season premiered, Mark’s death was revealed, leaving fans devastated once again. The drawn-out nature of these revelations felt unnecessarily cruel to many viewers. While the show has always been known for its dramatic twists, this particular cliffhanger felt like emotional manipulation. It remains a point of contention for fans who feel the series sometimes prioritizes shock value over genuine storytelling.
13. The “Who Lives, Who Dies” Game – Scandal
Shonda Rhimes is no stranger to cliffhangers, and Scandal delivered one of its most nerve-wracking moments in the season three finale. As Olivia Pope’s team faced a life-or-death situation, the episode ended with no clear answers about who survived. Fans were left speculating about the fates of beloved characters, with no resolution until the next season. The emotional toll of the cliffhanger left many viewers feeling frustrated.
While the show eventually resolved the storyline, the prolonged suspense didn’t sit well with everyone. Some fans felt the cliffhanger overshadowed the rest of the season, while others appreciated the tension. It’s a divisive moment that highlights the risks of leaving too much unresolved. For better or worse, Scandal kept fans on their toes, but not everyone enjoyed the ride.
14. Booth’s Arrest – Bones
The season nine finale of Bones took a shocking turn when Seeley Booth was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. The episode ended with Booth being taken away in handcuffs, leaving fans reeling. The injustice of the situation and the uncertainty about Booth’s fate made for a nail-biting cliffhanger. Fans were desperate to see how Brennan and the team would clear his name.
When the next season premiered, the resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying to some viewers. The storyline’s potential wasn’t fully realized, leaving fans wondering why such a dramatic moment wasn’t given more weight. While Bones often delivered compelling drama, this particular cliffhanger left many feeling let down. It’s a reminder that a strong setup needs an equally strong follow-through.
15. The “Purge” Ending – The Sopranos
The final moments of The Sopranos remain one of the most controversial endings in TV history. The screen cut to black mid-scene, leaving fans to wonder if Tony Soprano had been killed or if life simply went on. The abrupt ending divided viewers, with some praising its boldness and others feeling robbed of closure. The lack of resolution sparked endless debates and theories, keeping the show in the public consciousness long after its finale.
While the ambiguity of the ending has its defenders, many fans were left frustrated by the lack of a definitive answer. The decision to leave Tony’s fate open-ended felt unsatisfying to those who had invested years in the series. It’s a cliffhanger that continues to polarize audiences, proving that not all risks pay off. Whether you love it or hate it, the ending of The Sopranos remains a landmark moment in TV history.