10 Memorable TV Cliffhangers from the ’90s

The 1990s were a golden era for television, with shows that kept audiences hooked week after week. A well-crafted cliffhanger could leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode or even an entire new season. These unforgettable moments had everyone talking and are still remembered for their dramatic twists.

1. Friends – “Ross Says the Wrong Name” (1998)

In the season four finale, Ross prepares to marry Emily, but things take a shocking turn. During the vows, he accidentally says Rachel’s name instead. The moment stunned fans and set up endless questions for the next season.

This scene is one of the most iconic in Friends, perfectly blending drama and comedy.

2. The X-Files – “The Erlenmeyer Flask” (1994)

The season one finale of The X-Files ended with Mulder and Scully uncovering an alien conspiracy, only to have the evidence destroyed. Mulder’s fate was left uncertain after a violent confrontation.

This cliffhanger elevated the show’s stakes, making fans question what secrets the government might be hiding.

3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – “Becoming, Part 1” (1998)

Buffy’s fight with Angelus reached its peak when she realized she had to stop him, even though her feelings for him lingered. The finale ended with Buffy readying for a final showdown.

Fans were left wondering whether she could defeat him and save the world without losing herself.

4. Dallas – “Who Shot J.R.?” (1990)

Though the original airing of this cliffhanger was in 1980, its massive impact carried over into the early ’90s as the mystery surrounding J.R.’s shooter kept audiences hooked.

This moment became one of TV’s biggest cultural events, leaving everyone guessing who pulled the trigger.

5. Seinfeld – “The Pilot” (1993)

Jerry and George’s meta attempt to create a sitcom mirrored real-life events, but the show-within-a-show didn’t get picked up. The season ended with uncertainty about their success.

This playful twist made audiences curious about how much of Seinfeld blurred the line between fiction and reality.

6. ER – “Everything Old Is New Again” (1995)

In the first season finale of ER, Carter faces a critical decision about his career path, while other characters deal with personal and professional challenges.

The unresolved storylines kept fans engaged, wondering how these decisions would shape their favorite characters in the following season.

7. Twin Peaks – “The Last Evening” (1990)

The first season of Twin Peaks ended with Agent Cooper being shot, leaving his fate uncertain. This shocking moment added even more mystery to a show already full of intrigue.

The unexpected twist had viewers speculating all summer about the identity of the shooter and what would come next.

8. The Simpsons – “Who Shot Mr. Burns? Part One” (1995)

This animated series embraced a classic whodunit trope when Mr. Burns was shot and left for dead. Every character seemed like a suspect.

The playful parody of cliffhanger tropes kept fans eagerly awaiting the reveal, which was eventually delivered in the next season’s premiere.

9. Beverly Hills, 90210 – “Spring Dance” (1991)

Brenda and Dylan’s relationship reached a turning point during the season one finale when they decided to take their romance to the next level. The consequences of their decision were left up in the air.

This moment defined the series’ drama and solidified the couple as one of TV’s most memorable pairs.

10. Star Trek: The Next Generation – “The Best of Both Worlds” (1990)

Captain Picard’s assimilation into the Borg collective was one of the most shocking moments in Star Trek history. The season ended with the crew left powerless to save him.

This iconic cliffhanger became a benchmark for sci-fi television, leaving fans desperate to know Picard’s fate.