From "Game Of Thrones" To "Lost", Here Are 25 Shows That Started On A High And Ended On A Low

Finding a good show is not an easy feat. Some TV series tend to make a good first impression. However, when it’s time to wrap things up the climax tends to fall flat, leaving viewers infuriated and disappointed. This kind of let-down has happened to us many times over the years, so much so that now we have a little PTSD about starting new shows. Indeed, there is a slight frisson of fear because you never know if it’s going to end well just like the TV shows in this list, that Netizens voted as starting on a high note but left a bad taste in audiences mouths during the finale. 

#1 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Game of Thrones" began with intricate storytelling, deep character development, and a richly detailed world, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Weak Ending: The final season, especially the last few episodes, was criticized for rushed storylines, character arcs that felt unearned, and a conclusion that left many fans unsatisfied.

#2 House Of Cards (2013-2018)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "House of Cards" was lauded for its sharp political drama, intense performances (especially by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright), and dark, Machiavellian storytelling. Weak Ending: The show’s final season, which had to be restructured following Kevin Spacey’s departure, was criticized for its disjointed plot and unsatisfying resolution, failing to match the intensity and intrigue of earlier seasons.

#3 Dexter (2006-2013)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: Dexter was praised for its unique premise, following a serial killer who only targets other criminals, and Michael C. Hall’s performance was widely lauded. Weak Ending: The original series finale was criticized for being anticlimactic and leaving too many questions unanswered, disappointing fans who had invested in the character’s journey.

#4 Westworld (2016-Present)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The first season of "Westworld" was praised for its complex narrative, philosophical themes, and high production values, quickly becoming a critical and popular hit. Weak Ending: Subsequent seasons were seen as overly complicated and lacking the emotional depth of the first, leading to a decline in viewership and critical reception.

#5 Killing Eve (2018-2022)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Killing Eve" was initially praised for its fresh take on the spy thriller genre, with strong performances by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic. Weak Ending: The later seasons were criticized for declining quality and inconsistent writing, and the series finale was seen as a disappointing end to a show that had started with so much promise.

#6 How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: This sitcom was beloved for its innovative storytelling, humor, and relatable characters, especially the chemistry between the main cast. Weak Ending: The finale was widely panned for its abrupt character changes and for the way it seemingly undid years of character development in its final moments.

#7 Lost (2004-2010)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Lost" captivated audiences with its mysterious island setting, compelling characters, and complex narrative structure that combined science fiction with human drama. Weak Ending: The finale was polarizing, with many fans feeling that it failed to adequately resolve the show’s many mysteries, leading to a sense of frustration and disappointment.

#8 Heroes (2006-2010)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The first season of "Heroes" was a massive hit, with its fresh take on superheroes in the real world and its serialized storytelling drawing in a large, dedicated fanbase. Weak Ending: The series struggled after its first season, with declining quality and viewership, leading to a finale that felt like a whimper rather than the bang it started with.

#9 The X-Files (1993-2018)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The early seasons of "The X-Files" were groundbreaking, blending horror, sci-fi, and procedural drama in a way that captivated audiences. Weak Ending: The original series finale, and later the revival’s finale, were criticized for leaving many questions unanswered and not providing a satisfying closure to the overarching mythology.

#10 Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Once Upon a Time" was initially praised for its imaginative blending of classic fairy tales with modern-day storytelling, captivating audiences with its unique premise. Weak Ending: The later seasons suffered from repetitive plotlines and declining viewership. The finale was criticized for being rushed and failing to provide a satisfying conclusion to the complex narrative.

#11 The Witcher (2019-Present)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "The Witcher" captivated audiences with its high production values, complex characters, and Henry Cavill’s charismatic performance as Geralt of Rivia, quickly gaining a strong fanbase. Weak Ending: The show has seen declining ratings and mixed reviews in its later seasons, with some fans feeling that it lost its narrative focus and failed to deliver on the promise of its early episodes.

#12 Two And A Half Men (2003-2015)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The show was a massive hit in its early years, largely due to Charlie Sheen’s comedic timing and the chemistry between the cast. Weak Ending: After Sheen’s departure, the show struggled to find its footing, and the finale, which mocked Sheen’s character, was seen as a spiteful and disappointing conclusion.

#13 The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "The Walking Dead" was praised for its intense drama, strong characters, and its ability to mix horror with human emotion. Weak Ending: As the show progressed, viewership declined due to repetitive storylines and character decisions. The final episodes received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling the ending didn’t live up to the show’s earlier seasons.

#14 The 100 (2014-2020)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "The 100" was initially praised for its dark and gritty take on post-apocalyptic survival, with morally complex characters and unpredictable plot twists. Weak Ending: The final season was criticized for inconsistent character arcs and a confusing, unsatisfying finale that didn’t live up to the show’s earlier promise.

#15 Weeds (2005-2012)

Image source: pisodehive Strong Start: "Weeds" was initially celebrated for its sharp writing and the way it tackled suburban life and the drug trade with dark humor and wit. Weak Ending: The later seasons were seen as repetitive, and the finale was criticized for not giving a fitting conclusion to the characters’ stories.

#16 True Blood (2008-2014)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The show was praised for its original take on vampire lore, blending horror with Southern gothic elements, and its exploration of social issues through supernatural allegories. Weak Ending: The final season and especially the finale were criticized for abandoning many of the show’s earlier themes and for providing a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion.

#17 Supernatural (2005-2020)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Supernatural" built a dedicated fanbase with its mix of horror, humor, and strong brotherly bond between the two leads. Weak Ending: After 15 seasons, the finale was divisive, with some fans feeling it didn’t do justice to the show’s legacy or its beloved characters.

#18 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The first season was praised for its bold and unflinching portrayal of sensitive topics like suicide and bullying. Weak Ending: Later seasons were seen as unnecessary, and the show was criticized for its handling of certain issues, leading to a finale that many felt was drawn out and unsatisfying.

#19 Glee (2009-2015)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Glee" was celebrated for its energetic musical numbers, diverse cast, and its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Weak Ending: The later seasons struggled with inconsistent writing and character development, and the finale was seen as a lackluster end to a once-popular show.

#20 Riverdale (2017-Present)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Riverdale" attracted a large audience with its dark, edgy reimagining of the Archie Comics characters, combining teen drama with murder mystery. Weak Ending: As the series progressed, it became known for increasingly bizarre and outlandish plot twists, with many fans feeling that the show lost its way, especially in its later seasons.

#21 Scrubs (2001-2010)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "Scrubs" was beloved for its unique blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy, and it was praised for its emotional depth and character development. Weak Ending: The show originally ended on a high note, but the ninth season reboot, featuring a mostly new cast, was poorly received and seen as unnecessary.

#22 The Umbrella Academy (2019-Present)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "The Umbrella Academy" was praised for its quirky characters, inventive storyline, and unique take on the superhero genre, quickly becoming a fan favorite on Netflix. Weak Ending: While still ongoing, recent seasons have received more mixed reviews, with some fans and critics noting a decline in narrative coherence and character development, raising concerns about how the series might conclude.

#23 American Horror Story (2011-Present)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: Each season of "American Horror Story" introduced a fresh and intriguing concept, with the first few seasons, particularly "Murder House" and "Asylum," receiving widespread acclaim. Weak Ending: While the anthology format allows for varied storytelling, some later seasons, such as "Roanoke" and "Apocalypse," were criticized for convoluted plots and lackluster conclusions, leaving some storylines unresolved.

#24 Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: The show drew in a large, devoted fanbase with its intriguing mystery, relatable characters, and constant twists and turns. Weak Ending: As the series progressed, the plot became increasingly convoluted, and the final reveal of the main antagonist was widely panned by fans, leaving many unsatisfied.

#25 House (2004-2012)

Image source: episodehive Strong Start: "House" was praised for Hugh Laurie’s brilliant performance as the misanthropic Dr. Gregory House and its unique take on the medical drama genre. Weak Ending: The final seasons were seen as repetitive, and the series finale was criticized for its sudden shift in tone and the ambiguous fate of the main character.