I'm very new to editing and I do it primarily as a hobby at home, so take this with a massive grain of salt.
I made an abridged version of The Walking Dead for my wife. I don't know what the spoiler policy is here so I'll be vague.
I streamlined some of the slower stories and cut-off the show before it became focused on action stories rather than character-driven drama.
Picking a satisfying ending was very very difficult BUT I think I accomplished it for myself.
My edit of The Walking Dead series is only 47 episodes long. The series ends optimistically but ambiguously with Season 5 Episode 12.
It feels like a natural conclusion to the story for this group that fought so hard to find a life worth living. It places them all in the uncomfortable position of finding a purpose in a new functioning society.
It closes the loop on their stories and really emphasizes the PTSD they have all experienced. Rick puts on the uniform but he isn't "Officer Friendly" anymore, Carl goes from wise beyond his years child soldier to awkward teenager that struggles to talk to girls, Daryl suddenly doesn't belong because he was a more natural fit for the dystopian world, Carol dons the disguise of a sheltered housewife an idyllic naïve impersonation of her former self, etc etc.
Rick's final line in my series implies that the trauma they've experienced could have hardened them to the point of potentially being the new "threat" to the Alexandria group BUT I think it reads as mostly hopeful that they will forge a new path for this group to become stronger but maintain a code.
Also for fun I use the opening credits from the final season as the series finale credits. Adds to the hopeful vibe with nature growing despite the walkers. I play "Space Junk" over the credits instead of the main theme as a throwback to the iconic tank scene.