Avenge the endgames

No one wants 11 seasons of the same show, a prequel and a spin-off. Why do some series drag on, no end in sight?

- Karishma Kuenzang

The thing about any good story is that it must ultimately end. But the way things are going, on TV and streaming networks, it seems like ends only spawn loose ends. Shows drag on and on. Finales, when they finally approach, serve as set-ups for sequels, prequels and spin-offs. Whatever happened to one satisfying climax?

Curb Your Enthusiasm, on since 2004, has followed the misadventures of TV writer and producer Larry David for 24 years. Season 12, which aired recently, will be the last one. We've been watching Homer fumble through life for 35 seasons of The Simpsons (Those of us who are still watching, anyway). Meanwhile in Shondaland, Grey's Anatomy is 20 seasons old. Meredith Grey, after whom the show is named, has left. McDreamy, her love interest, who gave us soulmate goals, was killed off in Season 11. Grey's BFF, Christina Yang, left in Season 10. What's everyone still watching, for, exactly?