Top 20 Memorable Disney Channel Series Finales
#20: “Band of Brothers” “Jonas” (2009-10)
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“Jonas” was such a fun show, especially for those of us who’d long-since been swooning over the brothers and their music. One of our favorite things about the show was the friends-to-lovers romances between Stella and Joe, and Nick and Macy. In the finale, though, the former’s relationship is put on the line – and after fans waited so long for them to get together in the first place! Joe neglects to mention he’ll be leaving LA to film a movie and Stella is understandably hurt by it. In a “Friends”-esque romantic gesture, Joe follows Stella to the airport to explain himself. When that’s sorted, the Jo Bros also have one last concert. Happy endings all around plus great music – sign us up!
#19: “New Girl” “Sonny with a Chance” (2009-11)
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This finale comes as a result of real-life circumstances. It’s been said that the creators of “Sonny with a Chance” had a different ending in mind but Demi Lovato’s decision to quit the show in order to focus on her mental health meant having to wrap things up more abruptly than they were expecting. Still, this ended up being a pretty nuanced ending for a Disney Channel show. Chad and Sonny’s will-they-won’t-they shebang comes to a head, with Chad clearly still not over her and Sonny still processing the breakup. The ending leaves things up in the air between them and, though we may never know for certain know if worked out between the two, we appreciate it being left up to the viewers.
#18: "Remember Me" “Shake It Up” (2010-13)
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When we were kids, nothing more dramatic could happen on a show than a character completely losing their memory. That’s exactly what happens in this closing episode when CeCe walks the catwalk in shoes she probably shouldn’t have worn, and ends up falling off the stage. The result is CeCe forgetting her identity, her family, and her best friend Rocky. We always loved the more dramatic episodes of Disney shows and this was definitely a way to go out with a bang (a bang to the head, that is). Luckily, CeCe recovers her memories and we get a nice refresher of the iconic duo’s most memorable moments over the years.
#17: "the new york experiANTs" “A.N.T. Farm” (2011-14)
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“A.N.T. Farm” was one of those series that only improved as it went on. The characters grew from stereotypes into well-rounded, more complex people and we really cared about them by the end. Saying goodbye to Chyna, Olive, and Fletcher was harder than we thought it’d be. In the finale, everyone goes to New York City for the opening of the new flagship Z-Store. Here, Fletcher gets the opportunity of a lifetime. He intends to pass up on it, with far too much to miss back home, including Olive. Olive, though, breaks up with him on the spot – brutally, might we add – so that nothing will hold him back. The two do ultimately reconcile amicably, but our hearts are pretty broken over the end of their relationship.
#16: “Duets & Destiny” “Austin & Ally” (2011-16)
Flash forwards are always a fun way to close out a series and “Austin & Ally” gave us the epilogue to end all epilogues. Years down the line, as it turns out, Austin and Ally have broken up and refuse to see each other. When they do reunite, it’s clear they want one another back in their lives. One heartfelt conversation, a stunning duet, and a promise to make things work results in Austin and Ally’s happily ever after. We see exactly how everything pans out for this quartet, including the relationships Trish and Dez end up in, and everyone’s kids. The true tragedy of it is that Trish and Dez don’t end up together but, in hindsight, maybe that was for the best.
#15: "The Hardest Thing" “Amphibia” (2019-2022)
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Many fans took issue with the ending of “Star vs. the Forces of Evil”, and feared “Amphibia” with its similar “fish out of water” premise would go a similar route. The finale of “Amphibia”, however, was something bittersweet and carefully thought out. It made Anne’s time with the Plantars truly special because it was fleeting, and gave us the exact right amount of closure for both the Plantars and Anne, Marcie, and Sasha. Plus, the episode itself is just stunning. From Anne’s moving sacrifice to a beautifully vibrant fight sequence, there’s a lot to love about this series’ end.
#14: “Girl Meets Goodbye” “Girl Meets World” (2014-17)
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Riley Matthews has lived her entire life in New York with her family and her best friend, Maya. But her Mom, Topanga, has a huge decision to make. After realizing the bakery is Topanga’s happy place, the Matthews stay in New York. And when Shawn presents Maya with adoption papers, it’s so thrilling that these two finally get the family they deserve! The joy Riley and Maya share over not having to separate proves how much they need each other. Their bond was the backbone of the show and ending on that note is incredibly special to see. This finale draws fans of the original in, while providing enough laughs and heartfelt moments for a whole new generation to enjoy.
#13: "Last Day of Summer" “Phineas and Ferb” (2007-15; 2023-)
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While “Phineas and Ferb” is bound to have a different finale on the horizon with its recent reboot, we’ve still got to give credit to the series’ original end. After four seasons of insane, delightful adventures, it felt like summer would never end. It had already been years of summer for us watching at home, but we would have happily taken years more. There’s a lot to feel emotional over in this episode, including some touching callbacks. But, luckily, the final song does hint that it’s not the end. While it was a wonderful way to close out such a beloved show, we’re over the moon that it’s decided to make good on this little promise to its fans.
#12: “Leavin’ Stevens” “Even Stevens” (2000-03)
In the show that made Shia LaBeouf a household name, he plays Louis, the youngest child in the Stevens family. His dysfunctional relationship with Ren was like looking in a mirror - at least to those of us who have suffered at the hands of our siblings. In the series finale, once Eileen wins a seat in Congress, Louis comes to the horrifying conclusion he will be leaving California. His looming departure leads him to confess his feelings for Tawny. And their declarations of love are some of the most romantic we’ve ever seen from Disney. The sheer heart each character brings to the show overall and this emotional finale is really the reason we’re still obsessed today.
#11: “Back to the Future (Not the Movie)” “Phil of the Future” (2004-06)
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In this Disney original, we really felt for Phil Diffy as he struggled to adjust to life in a foreign place - who can’t relate to that? That’s why we were jumping for joy when Phil finally asks out his best friend, Keely, in the series finale. But we were devastated to learn the Diffys would now be making their highly anticipated return to the future shortly after. After promising to wait for her, Phil and his family hop on their time machine, and he leaves Keely behind to live a life without him. Although facing different circumstances then Romeo and Juliet, Phil and Keely were simply destined to be star-crossed lovers. Still, we couldn’t help but hope they would have ended up together.
#10: "Watching and Dreaming" “The Owl House” (2020-23)
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Even though Disney put “The Owl House” through the ringer, it’s undeniable how well-executed the series finale was. Despite creator Dana Terrace and her team having to rework all of season three, they managed to come up with something magnificent and oh-so magical. From Luz’s powerup to finally getting to meet the Titan, to the moving end credits, there’s so much to be absolutely enamored with. While we would have of course loved to see Terrace’s story the way it was intended to be told, we’re certainly happy with the closure we got. A brilliant end to a brilliant series.
#9: “Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back the Falls” “Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Fans of “Gravity Falls” who watched the show while it was airing on Disney Channel remember just how anticipated this episode was. A three-parter finale was the perfect way to end such an overarching, captivating, and creative mystery. With Bill going down as one of the most iconic cartoon villains of all time, seeing his rise and fall in “Weirdmageddon” was just everything. The drama and high stakes of it all was also rather unprecedented in a show geared towards kids at the time. Alex Hirsch did that! What a phenomenal close to a tightly-written final season, full of that bittersweet ambiguity we love to see in endings.
#8: “Jessie Goes to Hollywood” “Jessie” (2011-15)
Making a name for herself here as a Disney legend is Debby Ryan, who plays the titular Jessie, a nanny to a multicultural and obscenely rich family. Their love for each other is proof that there are many different ways to make a family! In the finale, after Christina Ross finally returns, she sends Jessie away to Hollywood out of jealousy. While the children chase after her, Jessie ultimately chooses to stay in Hollywood. While she loves them, she decides she deserves to put herself first for once. Seeing a young woman chase her dreams is an empowering moment that we will never get tired of watching.
#7: “End-a-Rooney” “Liv and Maddie” (2013-17)
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In the show that won actress Dove Cameron her first Emmy, she plays twins: Liv and Maddie. Liv is an actress who has moved home after living in Hollywood, while Maddie is a tomboy still living in their Wisconsin hometown. Disney worked their magic on this one and showed that having differences doesn’t have to tear you apart, but instead can bring you closer. In the finale, after all the summer plans unexpectedly change, everyone must say goodbye. In a moving scene, Liv so passionately points out that we cannot be afraid of the future. And she’s so right: life moves fast and we have to slow down and enjoy the special moments with the ones we love.
#6: “We Were Here” “Andi Mack” (2017-19)
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It would be inconceivable not to include this groundbreaking series on the list. This show made history when Andi’s best friend, Cyrus, was the first gay main character on a Disney Channel Original show. In that, and many other instances, “Andi Mack” paved the way for all of us who just want to be our authentic selves. In the series finale, Andi is accepted into a performing arts school. Watching Andi break the news to Cyrus and Buffy that she will be leaving them, is so difficult. However, as with the aforementioned Jessie, her drive to follow her dreams is refreshing. If eighth graders can love and accept each other unconditionally, well, hopefully that’ll serve as a reminder for the rest of the world.
#5: "Graduation" “Kim Possible” (2002-07)
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If you haven’t seen “Kim Possible” since the reruns they used to play on Disney, here’s your sign to go rewatch it. The humor is fantastic, the characters have heart, and Kim and Ron’s bond is everything we’ve ever wanted. This show always did its big movies and finales really well, and “Graduation” is certainly no exception. A greater evil brings Kim, Drakken, Ron, and Shego together to save the world. There are space adventures, the stakes are higher than ever, and we finally get to see Ron step up like we’ve never seen before. When a series manages to make their goodbye feel like a “see you later”, you know they’ve done right.
#4: “Graduating on Deck” “The Suite Life on Deck” (2008-11)
After saving their mother’s job and reliving some of their best moments at the Tipton Hotel, in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” finale, the boys set sail on the SS Tipton. In the finale of this watery sequel, Zack and Cody are graduating high school, with uncertain futures ahead. In a touching and unexpected moment, Mr. Moseby admits he will miss the boys, despite all the trouble they have caused. After practically raising her, Moseby has an emotional moment with London that had us reaching for the tissues. While “Suite Life” will always have a place in our hearts, watching Zack and Cody grow up and stand by each other, has made “ . . .on Deck” a Disney series we love to rewatch.
#3: “Good Bye Charlie” “Good Luck Charlie” (2010-14)
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After starting the video diaries as a way to help Charlie navigate life in the wacky Duncan household after Teddy moves out, they’re coming to an end. She’s finding it difficult to make the last video diary and leave her family. In the final moments of the show, Teddy is finally inspired to make her last video. She realizes how lucky she is to be a Duncan, and her videos give her a way to remember this. As long as Charlie has the Duncans, she’s going to be OK. The family all has a part in the final video, and it serves as the ideal ending to the show because Teddy has provided Charlie with everything she needs, and it’s time for her to move on.
#2: “Wherever I Go” “Hannah Montana” (2006-11)
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After enjoying wild success as Hannah Montana, Miley is offered a dream role in a movie that will take her to Paris. Unfortunately, this means she won’t be able to go to college with her best friend, Lilly. After breaking the news to Lilly, they agree their lives are heading in separate directions. In the show’s final moments, Miley shows up at Lilly’s dorm, having given up the movie to go to college. It’s the perfect way to end the series, as Lilly has always been there for her. Miley giving up a huge opportunity to go to college with her friend is the best way to show their connection. Not to mention, ending with a moment between friends rather than a love story is exactly why we will always remember this Disney classic.
#1: “Who Will Be the Family Wizard” “Wizards of Waverly Place” (2007-12)
After much anticipation, the time has finally come to compete for being the Family Wizard. After seemingly losing the competition and becoming mortals, the Russo siblings band together and show that it wasn’t magic that made them close. Ultimately, Justin is the champion over his brother and sister. However, he gives the title up to Alex, who was about to win, but returned to help him. While they all end up on different paths in life, if there’s one thing they have taught us — and themselves — it’s that they will always have each other’s backs. The series finale was one of the most watched in Disney history, with nearly 10 million viewers, and the franchise has won multiple Emmy awards, making it a permanent fan-favorite.
