# Buffy Should End After Season 5

> Buffy the Vampire Slayer would be better as a 5-season show.
- Title: Buffy Should End After Season 5 · Polygon | Shortify
- Summary: Buffy the Vampire Slayer would be better as a 5-season show. Buffy the Vampire Slayer should end after season 5 to avoid the depressing and underdeveloped…
- Keywords: buffy the vampire slayer, season 5, joss whedon, marti noxon, spuffy, willow, tarra, xander, sarah michelle gellar, spike, 20th century fox, firefly
- Source: Polygon — https://polygon.com/buffy-season-5-hot-take
- Author: Thomas Hindmarch
- Published: 2026-10-04T17:00:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: buffy the vampire slayer, season 5, joss whedon, marti noxon, spuffy, willow, tarra, xander, sarah michelle gellar, spike, 20th century fox, firefly
## Buffy's Cultural Impact
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) influenced pop culture, TV tropes, urban fantasy, and modern slang like 'big bad'.
## Season 6's Dark Shift
Season 6 featured Buffy depressed, poor decisions, an affair with Spike, and the most destructive sex scene in TV history.
## The Trio's Real Threat
Season 6's villains were three misogynistic nerds angry that Buffy was the protagonist and they weren't.
## Season 7's Rush to End
Season 7 had only 14 episodes after Sarah Michelle Gellar left the show.
## Why Season 5 Ends Best
Season 5 is the best ending for Buffy, with seasons 1-4 required viewing and season 5 the most influential cult show.
## The Spuffy Controversy
The 'Spuffy' relationship is popular but toxic for both characters, with fans enjoying the darker tone.
## Ending After Season 5
Ending Buffy after season 5 makes it one of TV's best cult shows without the depressing seasons 6 and 7.
## Key takeaway

Buffy the Vampire Slayer should end after season 5 to avoid the depressing and underdeveloped seasons 6 and 7.