Handy dandy TV finale guide

We're not about to reinvent the wheel.

So since Chuck Barney of McClatchy-Tribune Information Services did such a wonderful job compiling this list of upcoming TV finales, we're going to run with it, no questions asked. However, if you notice a favorite show missing, please add it in the comments section to help viewers:

“The Fork in the Outlet.”

That’s the quirky code name producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse have bestowed upon their super-secret season finale of “Lost.” And, of course, curious fans are already on the case — frantically trying to de-code it and give it some kind of literal meaning.

After bonding for months with our favorite shows, we crave surprising, even shocking, developments in our season-enders. We want stunning cliff-hangers, emotional send-offs and electrifying triumphs.

With that in mind, here’s a list of finales we’re anticipating as May sweeps unfolds (Warning: Some spoilers ahead):

“Lost” (May 13, ABC): Mind-blowing, jaw-dropping finales are a matter of habit with this creepy series, and so we’re expecting nothing less. Word is we’ll finally meet Jacob, the island’s spiritual leader, and there will be at least one major death.

“Bones” (May 14, Fox): The season-ender revolves around a murder at a nightclub. But the real news is that, after four seasons of teasing us, Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Booth (David Boreanaz) finally hop in the sack. Can their relationship survive?

“Grey’s Anatomy (May 14, ABC): There’s more misery for Izzy (Katherine Heigl) as the cancer-stricken doc contemplates whether to undergo a risky surgery. Meanwhile, George (T.R. Knight) delivers some stunning news that could pave the way for his exit from Seattle Grace.

“CSI: NY” (May 14, CBS): Producers have already let it out of the bag that a member of Mac’s team will be killed in the opening minutes of the episode. And if that isn’t enough, the life of another CSI is threatened. Brutal.

“Desperate Housewives” (May 17, ABC): Can creator Marc Cherry top his dramatic flash-forward finale of last season? We doubt it, but after watching poor Edie meet her tragic end, we’re at least hoping that the despicable Dave (Neal McDonough) gets an appropriate comeuppance.

“24” (May 18, Fox): It’s a good bet that super agent Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) will survive yet another hellish day (plans are already in the works for next season in New York). But what kind of explosive finish is in store — and what will the final body count be? Look for the return of Jack’s daughter, Kim (Elisha Cuthbert).

“Dancing with the Stars” (May 19, ABC): Break out the spandex and the sequins and brace yourself for another over-bloated celebration of ballroom gymnastics.

“NCIS” (May 19, CBS): Last year they stunned us by killing off Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly). Now, producers are promising to drop another bombshell. Details are scarce, but the network’s logline says Gibbs (Mark Harmon) will be forced to make “a decision that sends shockwaves through NCIS.”

“90210” (May 19, The CW): It’s prom night and you know what that means: Bring on the drama. We’re told that Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes) goes into labor during the big dance and that escalating tensions between Annie (Shenae Grimes) and Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) lead to “drastic consequences.”

“American Idol” (May 20, Fox): Is Adam Lambert already a stone-cold lock? Let’s hope not, because we yearn for at least a modicum of suspense in the moments before the confetti drops. Another reason to watch: It could be Paula Abdul’s “Idol” swan song.

“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (May 29, NBC): This send-off lost some oomph with the news that Leno will return next fall with a prime-time show. Still, after a long and triumphant run, he is ceding some coveted turf to Conan O’Brien. Expect some big-name guests, lots of vintage clips and maybe a few tears.

The end is near

So when is your favorite show wrapping up its season? Here’s a rundown of finale dates:

Wednesday
"Scrubs" 7 p.m., ABC

Friday
“Everybody Hates Chris” 7 p.m., The CW
“Dollhouse” 8 p.m., Fox

Sunday
“The Amazing Race” 7 p.m., CBS
“The Celebrity Apprentice” 8 p.m., NBC
“Brothers & Sisters” 9 p.m., ABC
“The Unit” 9 p.m., CBS

May 11
“House” 7 p.m., Fox
“The Big Bang Theory” 7 p.m., CBS
“Castle” 9 p.m., ABC

May 12
“The Biggest Loser” 7 p.m., NBC (3 hours)
“Fringe” 8 p.m., Fox
“Cupid” 9 p.m., ABC

May 13
“America’s Next Top Model” 7 p.m., The CW
“Lie to Me,” 7 p.m., Fox
“Lost” 8 p.m., ABC (2 hours)

May 14
“Bones” 7 p.m., Fox
“My Name Is Earl” 7 p.m., NBC
“Smallville” 7 p.m., The CW
“Parks and Recreation” 7:30 p.m., NBC
“CSI” 8 p.m., CBS
“Grey’s Anatomy” 8 p.m., ABC
“Hell’s Kitchen” 8 p.m., Fox
“The Office” 8 p.m., Fox
“Supernatural” 8 p.m., The CW
“30 Rock” 8:30 p.m., NBC
“CSI: NY” 9 p.m., CBS

May 15
“Prison Break” 7 p.m., Fox
“The Game” 7 p.m., The CW
“Ghost Whisperer” 7 p.m., CBS
“Flashpoint” 8 p.m., CBS
“Numbers” 9 p.m., CBS

May 16
“MADtv” 10 p.m., Fox
“Saturday Night Live” 10:30 p.m., NBC

May 17
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” 6 p.m., ABC
“King of the Hill” 6:30 p.m., Fox
“Survivor: Tocantins” 7 p.m., CBS
“The Simpsons” 7 p.m., Fox
“Sit Down, Shut Up” 7:30 p.m., Fox
“Desperate Housewives” 8 p.m., ABC
“Family Guy” 8 p.m., Fox
“American Dad” 8:30 p.m., Fox

May 18
“24” 7 p.m., Fox
“Gossip Girl” 7 p.m., The CW
“How I Met Your Mother” 7:30 p.m., CBS
“One Tree Hill” 8 p.m., The CW
“Two and a Half Men” 8 p.m., CBS
“Rules of Engagement” 8:30 p.m., CBS
“CSI: Miami” 9 p.m., CBS

May 19
“NCIS” 7 p.m., CBS
“Dancing with the Stars” 8 p.m., ABC
“90210” 8 p.m., The CW
“The Mentalist” 8 p.m., CBS
“Without a Trace” 9 p.m., CBS

May 20
“American Idol” 7 p.m., Fox
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” 7 p.m., CBS
“Gary Unmarried” 7:30 p.m., CBS
“Criminal Minds” 8 p.m., CBS

May 21
“Ugly Betty” 7 p.m., ABC
“Southland” 9 p.m., NBC

May 26
“Reaper” 7 p.m., The CW

May 29
“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” 10:30 p.m., NBC

June 1
“Medium” 9 p.m., NBC

June 2
“Law & Order: SVU” 9 p.m., NBC

June 3
“Law & Order” 9 p.m., NBC