18 Famous Shows That Had Totally Different Endings Overseas

Television shows can change a lot depending on where they air. Sometimes, international audiences get a version of the story that ends in a completely different way. These surprising changes often come from cultural differences, censorship, or marketing decisions.

Tricia Quitales
May 6, 2025
4 min read

18 Famous Shows That Had Totally Different Endings Overseas — cottonbro studio on Pexels

TV shows don’t always end the same way around the world. Whether due to censorship rules, cultural preferences, or different production deals, some international versions of popular series have alternate endings. Fans who only saw one version may be shocked by how different the finales can be. Here are 18 famous shows that ended in totally unexpected ways overseas.

1. Friends (China)

Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions on Wikimedia

In the Chinese version, the famous final scene where Rachel gets off the plane was cut. The ending was changed to focus more on friendship than romance, and this edit downplayed the romantic closure that fans loved.

2. How I Met Your Mother (UK)

self on Wikimedia

The UK DVD release replaced the original ending with an alternate one, in which the mother doesn’t die. Viewers preferred the more optimistic wrap-up, which they felt better honored the title. It became the standard version for many UK fans.

3. Lost (Japan)

American Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia

In Japan, a narrated recap followed the final episode, offering more answers than the U.S. version. This helped viewers understand the complicated plot, and many fans felt the Japanese version gave better closure.

4. Breaking Bad (Germany)

AMC on Wikimedia

Some German airings of the final episode included an extended dream sequence hinting that Walt survived. It added ambiguity that wasn’t present in the original U.S. version. This small change left viewers wondering about the true fate of Heisenberg.

5. The Office (India)

Jo9100 on Wikimedia

The Indian remake of The Office had a different final message, focusing on teamwork over romance. The story was adapted to better reflect workplace dynamics familiar to Indian viewers, leaving out some of the emotional elements from the U.S. finale.

6. The Simpsons (Middle East)

20th Television Animation on Wikimedia

Some episodes aired with heavily edited endings to remove references to alcohol, religion, or politics. This meant entire punchlines were cut or rewritten, and the endings often felt incomplete compared to the original versions.

7. Dexter (Australia)

Dha on Wikimedia

Australian broadcasts used an earlier version of the finale that didn’t show Dexter becoming a lumberjack. Instead, it ended with him lost at sea, presumed dead. Many viewers felt this version was more emotionally satisfying.

8. Sailor Moon (North America)

Naoko Takeuchi / Kodansha / Toei Animation on Wikimedia

The original Japanese ending was significantly altered in its U.S. release. Romantic relationships, especially same-sex ones, were removed or changed, and the emotional impact of the original finale was lost in translation.

9. The Sopranos (France)

HBO, Chase Films on Wikimedia

In France, the infamous cut-to-black ending was followed by a short epilogue in reruns, explaining Tony’s fate. It was meant to give clarity for confused viewers. This addition turned a mysterious ending into a clear conclusion.

10. Naruto (Latin America)

Masashi Kishimoto / Pierrot on Wikimedia

Some Latin American dubs changed the final battle scenes to make them less violent. This affected how dramatic the ending felt, softening the emotional intensity of the original story.

11. House (Russia)

JESHOOTS.com on pexels

Russian TV changed House’s ending to show him going back to work instead of faking his death. It emphasized redemption over rebellion, and fans were surprised by the more hopeful tone.

12. Gossip Girl (Turkey)

Gossip Girl/The CW on Wikimedia

The final reveal of Gossip Girl’s true identity was edited out of the Turkish broadcast. This left viewers without closure or understanding of the plot twist, making the ending feel unfinished.

13. Sherlock (China)

RanZag on WIkimedia

Chinese versions of the final episode toned down references to drug use and altered the final confrontation. This led to a different emotional tone. The edits softened the show’s darker edge.

14. Prison Break (Philippines)

Peepay on Wikimedia

The finale shown in the Philippines omitted key death scenes to make it more suitable for younger audiences. This created a happier ending, even if it ignored the original’s tragic tone. Many fans didn’t know they saw a censored version.

15. Twin Peaks (Europe)

Pacific Title and Art Studio (original) / nclm (re-creation) on WIkimedia

In Europe, the pilot included a full ending in case the show wasn’t picked up. This spoiler-filled wrap-up was missing in the U.S. version, confusing early European fans who thought the story had ended.

16. Game of Thrones (China)

Home Box Office, Inc. on Wikimedia

The Chinese version removed much violence and nudity from the final season. Some episodes were cut by nearly 20 minutes. As a result, the final episodes lost much of their emotional and narrative depth.

17. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Germany)

NBC on Wikimedia

The German version aired an alternate final montage showing Will staying in Bel-Air instead of moving. This change offered a more sentimental closure; it was seen as a better fit for the show’s family-oriented tone.

18. Stranger Things (Japan)

Netflix on Wikimedia

Japanese broadcasts featured an extra post-credit scene teasing future storylines not shown elsewhere. This created theories that didn’t exist in the main version, and fans speculated wildly based on a scene meant only for that market.