Originally Posted by movieguru

In general, modern serialized dramas and shows have an easier time about providing a proper finale than shows of the previous generations. Most shows now, have most of the entire series mapped out and have some sense of how the show will or should end. Older shows were much more open ended and they went episode by episode or season by season. They would also more than likely just get cancelled before the writers could plan a decent series finale.

Not many older shows (2000 or earlier) had an ending in mind as they hoped it would last indefinitely. In the very early days there would be a show like The Fugitive where you know where the show would eventually end, the same with MASH. Same thing with Star Trek Voyager. Three's Company ended their's with them all moving out and on with their life. But those shows were more the exception than the rule back then.

I think situation comedies also have a much more difficult time coming up with a decent finale or resolution for the series. Cheers left open with the impression that life was going to go on the same with them all continuing to hang out a bar every day. That was the writers' intentions, but it didn't make a good finale because of it.