Six Feet Under: The Best TV Finale Ever on HBO
Is Six Feet Under the best TV finale ever aired on HBO? Many critics and viewers believe that the show's ending surpasses even the most popular series finales in television history, offering a poignant and unforgettable conclusion.
While HBO has produced some truly iconic series, including the widely discussed Game of Thrones and The Sopranos, Six Feet Under stands out for its deeply moving and universally acclaimed final episode. The show, created by Alan Ball, explores the lives of a dysfunctional family who run a funeral home, ultimately celebrating life amidst death.
Over its five seasons, Six Feet Under delves into complex themes such as infidelity, religion, and familial relationships. These storylines all converge in the series finale, "Everyone's Waiting," which aired on August 21, 2005, and garnered widespread praise.
Why Six Feet Under's Finale Remains the Best TV Finale
What makes Six Feet Under's finale so extraordinary? Unlike some finales that on shocking twists or unresolved storylines, "Everyone's Waiting" offers a balanced blend of hope and mortality.
The episode distinguishes itself from prior episodes right from the start. Instead of opening with a death, as was customary for Six Feet Under, the finale begins with a birth. The birth of Willa Fisher Chenowith represents a new beginning, contrasting with the show's usual on endings.
The finale skillfully balances an optimistic outlook for its characters with the show's inherent exploration of mortality. Isn't that what makes it so special?
A Bittersweet Farewell: Hope and Mortality
A truly satisfying series finale should provide closure for its characters, setting them up for positive new chapters while staying true to the show's original themes. Six Feet Under achieves this with a montage of flash-forwards, depicting key moments in each character's life, ultimately culminating in their deaths.
This approach offers a bittersweet yet fitting farewell to the beloved characters. It serves as both an uplifting celebration of life and a poignant reminder of our shared mortality. The final line, delivered as Nate visits Claire one last time – "You can’t take a picture of this. It’s already gone" – is considered one of television's most iconic closing lines.
While many series finales contend for the title of "best ever," Six Feet Under's "Everyone's Waiting" remains a powerful and unforgettable example of how to end a television show on a high note, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.