season finale

Meaning

A 'season finale' is the final episode of a specific season of a television series. It often contains major plot resolutions, dramatic climaxes, or cliffhangers designed to keep viewers excited for the next season. It is distinct from a 'series finale,' which is the final episode of the entire show.

Examples

• Don't ruin the season finale for me; I haven't watched it yet!

  Don't ruin the season finale for me; I haven't watched it yet!

• The season finale ended on a massive cliffhanger that left everyone shocked.

  The season finale ended on a massive cliffhanger that left everyone shocked.

• We are hosting a watch party tonight for the season finale of our favorite show.

  We are hosting a watch party tonight for the season finale of our favorite show.

• Many fans were disappointed by how the writers handled the season finale.

  Many fans were disappointed by how the writers handled the season finale.

• The show's ratings reached an all-time high during the season finale.

  The show's ratings reached an all-time high during the season finale.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I can't wait to watch the season final tonight.

  ✓ I can't wait to watch the season finale tonight.

  'Final' is used for sports tournaments (e.g., 'the World Cup final'). For TV show episodes, the Italian-derived word 'finale' (pronounced fi-NAH-lee) is always used.

• ✗ Since the show is ending forever, next week is the season finale.

  ✓ Since the show is ending forever, next week is the series finale.

  A 'season finale' ends a single block of episodes (usually a year's run), while a 'series finale' ends the entire television show permanently.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The show has been renewed, so the upcoming ___ will probably end on a cliffhanger.

  💡 The final episode of the current season.

  Show answer

  season finale

• I missed the ___ last night because I had to work late, so please don't spoil it.

  💡 The last episode of a television season.

  Show answer

  season finale