Let’s face it: nothing packs a punch like an awesome character death on television. One moment you’re laughing, crying, or holding out hope—and the next, you’re staring in shock, snacks abandoned, heart shattered. Either a brilliant plot twist or a casualty of backstage drama, these deaths left us reeling. Some were betrayals, others were gut punches we could’ve anticipated—but both left us with an indelible mark. Here are 10 of the most memorable and emotionally heartbreaking character deaths on television.
10. Joel Miller – The Last of Us
If you thought HBO would ease up on us because we had seen it all before, think again. The death of Joel in Season 2—a close replication of the game—was brutal, unexpected, and debilitating. Pedro Pascal had a clue it was coming, but even he feared shooting the scene. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he had been “painfully waiting for” that moment. For viewers unfamiliar with the game, it felt like having the wind knocked out of you. And honestly? We’re still recovering.
9. Nate Kulina – Kingdom
Some deaths hit like a slow burn. Others blindside you. Nate’s fate falls squarely into the latter category. Just when you think you know Kingdom’s rhythm, he’s suddenly murdered outside a bar—in a ritualistic sendoff that stunned viewers into silence. The O.C.’s Executive Producer, Josh Schwartz, told Headphones Are On how this tragic journey was developed with the cooperation of Nick Jonas, who lent depth to a tragic turn already in motion. His demise was a sorrowful reminder of just how real the series could get.
8. Marissa Cooper – The O.C.
Just when it looked like Marissa would finally be alright, The O.C. pulled the biggest punch of its life. That explosive car accident at the close of Season 3 wasn’t merely poignant—it was heartbreaking. The image of Ryan holding her in the wreckage is one of the show’s most memorable (and agonizing) moments. Series creator Josh Schwartz says her storyline was always destined to end in tragedy. Even so, it doesn’t make it less of a pain to watch.
7. Foggy Nelson – Daredevil: Born Again
The rebooted Daredevil did not hesitate to shatter hearts. Within the first episode, Foggy is fatally shot by Bullseye and passes away in Matt Murdock’s arms. It’s not only the loss—it’s how it shreds the emotional underpinning of the show. Screen Rant described the scene as devastating, and for good reason. Foggy was the emotional center of the show, and his passing upset everything for the universe of Daredevil.
6. Will Gardner – The Good Wife
Courtroom dramas don’t typically include literal body counts, so Will Gardner’s death was all the more surprising. Shot in the middle of a trial by a client, his demise was a gut-wrenching blow to viewers and characters alike. It was a creative risk and an emotional shocker, wrote The Hollywood Reporter, and it paid off most heartbreakingly.
5. Nick – The Four Seasons
You’re vibing with what seems like a warm, character-driven comedy, and then—bam. Nick’s sudden death in a car crash flips the entire show on its head. Played by Steve Carell, Nick’s presence was grounding, warm, and funny. His absence leaves a void that every character must navigate in deeply personal ways. Tina Fey said the goal was to reflect how loss becomes a part of adult life—and it hits that mark perfectly.
4. Glenn Rhee – The Walking Dead
Everyone who had read the comics had seen Negan’s infamous bat scene coming—but that didn’t make it any less hard. Glenn’s death was chilling, graphic, and emotionally brutal. Having survived so many close calls, he’d felt invincible… until he wasn’t. The Hollywood Reporter referred to it as one of the show’s most shocking moments, and even years on, fans are still traumatized by it.
3. Ned Stark – Game of Thrones
You can say this is the television death that shook things up. When Ned Stark was beheaded in Season 1 wasn’t merely a twist—it was a paradigm shift. The hero no longer always triumphed. Thrones made us distrust everyone, and the death of Ned established a precedent for the anarchy that was to follow. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, assassinating your lead actor was a risky gambit—and one that worked in unforgettable ways.
2. Derek Shepherd – Grey’s Anatomy
McDreamy’s death wasn’t just another exit—it was an event. After 11 seasons of rooting for Derek and Meredith, his sudden passing in a car accident hit like a freight train. Patrick Dempsey’s departure had been long in the works, but fans were blindsided. According to executive producer James D. Parriott, the decision was made early—but that didn’t soften the blow. Social media imploded. Viewers wept. Meredith grieved. And a chapter of Grey’s Anatomy quietly closed.
1. Henry Blake – MASH
Even decades after the fact, this one hurts. Henry Blake’s upbeat departure from the 4077th looked like the beginning of something good, until it wasn’t. The casual notice that his plane had been shot down is one of the most shocking moments in television history. As creator Larry Gelbart once said, MASH* didn’t do neat conclusions—and Henry’s passing drove that home painfully. It was a TV revolution, and one that showed us just how great “less is more” can be.
These are the deaths that decimated us, stunned us, and left us asking why on earth we ever became so attached to begin with. And yet, we wouldn’t exchange those moments for anything—because sometimes, the hurt is what makes fantastic television so unforgettable.