By: Jordan Reynolds
Jan. 30, 2018
Watching your favorite television series tends to create strong emotional bonds with its characters. When one of them meets their end, it can hit harder than a real-life loss. Sometimes we feel more connected to these fictional personas than to those in our everyday lives. They grace our screens weekly or, if you’re anything like me, you might binge-watch entire seasons in a single day, despite promising just one episode.
Character deaths have the power to transform our viewing experiences, even when we might have seen it coming (and, let me tell you, those can be the most agonizing). Often, we find ourselves too shaken to resume watching for days, weeks, or even months. However, just as life marches on for the characters that remain, we inevitably return to the show that holds our hearts.
Certain series have gained a reputation for unceremoniously dispatching beloved characters (here’s looking at you, Grey’s Anatomy). You’d think we’d become accustomed to the heartbreak, but with each new character introduced, we’re left to wonder if the writers secretly revel in our anguish. Yet, we keep tuning in, week after week, year after year, for that bittersweet agony. Here’s a look at some of the TV character deaths that continue to sting. Grab a tissue.
Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd, Grey’s Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey’s exit from the show was nothing short of tragic, and it left fans reeling.
Dr. Mark Greene, ER
The loss of Dr. Mark Greene was my first experience with a TV character’s death that truly hurt. Growing up with ER, his demise was beautifully tragic, and it still brings a tear to my eye.
Jack Pearson, This Is Us
From the get-go, we knew Jack was gone; the real question was how. The reveal has been an emotional rollercoaster.
Deb Morgan, Dexter
“I can’t believe they did that to her!” — Lisa A.
George O’Malley, Grey’s Anatomy
“GEORGE. EFFIN. O’MALLEY. I took a break from Grey’s for months after that. I can’t recall ever sobbing that intensely for a fictional character.” — Rachel M.
Jen Lindley, Dawson’s Creek
In a show that defined teenage drama, Jen’s unexpected cancer death in the finale caught everyone off guard.
Denny Duquette, Grey’s Anatomy
As painful as McDreamy’s exit was, Denny’s heartbreaking farewell was the first big tear-jerker from the show.
Ziva David, NCIS
Ziva’s off-screen death was traumatic, especially knowing she’d had a daughter with Tony DiNozzo without him ever knowing.
Poussey Washington, Orange is the New Black
In a series set in a prison, death seemed inevitable, but Poussey’s tragic end hit us all like a ton of bricks.
Nate Fisher, Six Feet Under
“I’ve never wept so hard as I did watching Nate leave us. The finale will forever be the best episode of television.” — Thomas J.
Glenn, The Walking Dead
Among the many shocking deaths in TWD, Glenn’s remains one of the most gut-wrenching.
Dr. Lance Sweets, Bones
“I turn into a blubbering wreck every time I see it. Sweets was such a light.” — Emily K.
Will Gardner, The Good Wife
“I held out hope that he’d somehow come back every season.” — Miranda T.
Mr. Hooper, Sesame Street
For many kids, Mr. Hooper’s passing was an early lesson in loss and grief, handled with the utmost sensitivity.
Wes Gibbons, How to Get Away With Murder
Even with “murder” in the title, Wes’s unexpected death left us all reeling.
Oberyn, Game of Thrones
With so many deaths, his was a particularly heartbreaking moment.
Richard Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
The revival made sure to acknowledge Richard’s absence, following the real-life passing of Edward Hermann.
Opie, Sons of Anarchy
“I cried for hours after that episode. I still can’t believe it.” — Sarah L.
Hodor, Game of Thrones
With the numerous deaths on the show, Hodor’s was particularly tragic and memorable.
Finn Hudson, Glee
The decision to write off Finn following Cory Monteith’s untimely death was heartbreaking. Lea Michele’s rendition of their special song still brings tears to many.
These characters may no longer be with us in their respective shows, but they continue to resonate in the hearts of the viewers who cherished them. Which character’s death still haunts you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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