When a series ends

RedEyedAbyss

And not in an undignified "cut short in the middle of the story" way. It's when the creator decides to definitively close the series forever, sometimes leaving no outlet for any follow-ups or expanded universe. It's strange that the biggest sign that creators care about their story is that they're willing to let go. In a world of media series that go on indefinitely, often turning into franchise zombies along the way, it's almost surreal for a series to have a dignified end.

But maybe indefinitely running series are just a trait of North American media, considering British Brevity. Then again, many of the major video game franchises are Japanese, and Britain has Doctor Who and Coronation Street, so maybe the long runners are just the ones that remain in the public consciousness longer.

GLORIOUSLeader

Like in a LOST way or a Six Feet Under way? 

Forzare

I think that there are series that work much better with a definite beginning, middle, and end, and series that work running forever.

Like, something like Doctor Who is very episodic to begin with, and there's no real overarcing story.  It's less likely to overstay it's welcome with fans.  It works as something that runs indefinitely.

But something like Lost, where there is a very important myth arc, works much better as something that has an end.  Some stories need endings.  Some stories can't sustain themselves forever.

If any of that made any sense.

glennmagusharvey

And this is one reason why I like Law & Order.  Episodic nature means that basically any competent actors can do it, anytime there's a new script.  And they can be watched completely out of order.

Nyktos

I largely prefer my series to have an ending, which is probably why most of the television I watch is British or anime. I mean, there are some never-ending series I quite enjoy and don't wish to end (Doctor Who), but they're a minority.

MillerCross

Pretty much what Nyktos said.

I like me some good endings.

Chagen

I prefer stories with a defined ending, but also a world so well-built that you could set another one inside of it.

More concisely, I like "This is but one of many stories to tell" kinds of works.

Nyktos

Those are good.