17 TV Shows with the Most Realistic Portrayals of Grief

Television excels at showing the long and complicated journey of grief. Shows can portray the ups and downs of mourning in a way that feels real to viewers who are coping with loss or trying to understand it. These stories often go beyond just sadness, exploring the anger and confusion that come with big changes in life. Skilled writers and actors work together to make these emotions believable, avoiding overly dramatic portrayals. The following series offer particularly honest and moving depictions of loss on television.

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2005)

The Fisher family owns and operates a funeral home, meaning they face death every day, both in their work and in their own lives. Each episode starts with a death that influences the family’s emotional journey. After their father unexpectedly passes away, Nate and David try to keep the family business afloat. The show thoughtfully examines how grief changes us and becomes a lasting part of who we are, and it’s known for being a particularly well-done portrayal of death on television.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

A mysterious event called the Sudden Departure has left two percent of the world’s population vanished, throwing society into chaos. Kevin Garvey struggles to keep his town together as his own family falls apart, and people turn to cults or dangerous acts while searching for answers. The show explores the widespread trauma and inability to cope with such a devastating and unexplained loss, focusing on themes of grief, uncertainty, and the search for meaning.

‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)

This series follows a young woman in London as she deals with the loss of her mother and the suicide of her best friend. She uses jokes and directly addresses the audience as a way to avoid confronting her intense grief. Gradually, the story reveals the guilt and vulnerability hidden beneath her funny and outgoing personality. It shows how grief can lead to harmful choices and a tendency to avoid difficult emotions, and it powerfully portrays the isolating experience of mourning, even when you’re surrounded by people.

‘Dead to Me’ (2019–2022)

After her husband dies in a hit-and-run, Jen Harding starts attending a grief support group. There, she unexpectedly becomes friends with Judy Hale, who is hiding a shocking connection to the accident. The show mixes dark humor with the raw emotions of loss, and explores how important female friendships can be when dealing with grief and becoming a widow. It honestly portrays the complicated process of healing and the changing relationship between Jen and Judy.

‘WandaVision’ (2021)

After losing the love of her life, Vision, Wanda Maximoff creates a perfect, fantasy world inspired by classic sitcoms as a way to cope with her grief. This world traps an entire town, as Wanda subconsciously avoids accepting the reality of her loss. The story explores the different phases of grieving, like refusing to believe what happened and trying to negotiate a different outcome. Ultimately, Wanda needs to confront her pain and accept Vision’s death in order to free everyone she’s unintentionally held captive within her own sorrow. It powerfully shows how comforting, but also potentially harmful, it can be to get lost in memories when you’re heartbroken.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

The Crain family is deeply affected by the death of their mother in a haunted house, and each sibling copes with the trauma in their own way – some turn to addiction, while others become overly controlling. The supernatural events in the show symbolize the lingering pain of the past and how it continues to impact their lives. Ultimately, the series demonstrates that avoiding grief only strengthens its hold on family relationships, blending classic horror elements with a poignant look at fractured family bonds.

‘After Life’ (2019–2022)

After losing his wife to cancer, Tony Johnson copes by acting impulsively and saying whatever’s on his mind. He grapples with a loss of purpose, finding solace in old videos that remind him of her warmth. Though he pushes people away with his harshness, those around him don’t give up on him. The series follows his gradual journey toward hope, highlighting how small connections can make a difference. It realistically portrays recovery as a winding path with both challenges and moments of progress.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

This Is Us follows the Pearson family over several decades, exploring how the unexpected death of their father, Jack, impacts each of them. The story jumps between different time periods to show how one loss can have lasting effects on the family and shape their choices. Each of Jack’s children – Kate, Kevin, and Randall – deals with unique emotional challenges stemming from his death. The show realistically portrays grief not as something you ‘get over,’ but as a recurring cycle that appears at important moments in life. Ultimately, it’s a story about how a family rebuilds and adapts after a devastating event.

‘Sorry for Your Loss’ (2018–2019)

After her husband’s sudden death, Leigh Shaw returns home to live with her mother and sister. The show follows her as she deals with the shock of her loss and uncovers hidden parts of her husband’s life. It’s a realistic and often difficult portrayal of young widowhood, focusing on how life changes unexpectedly and the challenges of connecting with people who don’t understand her grief. The series is known for its subtle and honest storytelling style.

‘The Bear’ (2022)

Carmy Berzatto moves back to Chicago to take over his family’s sandwich shop after his brother’s death. He throws himself into the intense pressure of the kitchen, using work to avoid dealing with his grief. The show’s fast-paced style reflects Carmy’s inner struggles and attempts to escape his emotions. It shows how easy it is to get lost in work instead of confronting personal pain. Ultimately, Carmy realizes he needs to heal himself before he can truly fix the shop.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

This animated series follows a horse character struggling with addiction and depression, as he copes with loss and the deaths of loved ones. It uses its unique format to creatively depict the emptiness and pain caused by grief. BoJack, the main character, often sabotages relationships to avoid dealing with his own emotions. The show is known for its honest portrayal of how trauma can be passed down through families and the challenges of overcoming harmful patterns. It stands out for its thoughtful and realistic approach to mental health.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, New York City’s LGBTQ community was deeply affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The series depicts a time of immense loss, as characters constantly attended funerals for loved ones while battling for their lives and demanding to be seen and heard. The vibrant ballroom scene offered a vital space for community and joy, even in the face of constant tragedy. The series celebrates the strength and perseverance of a community facing widespread death and a lack of support, and powerfully portrays the unique sorrow of losing an entire generation.

‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017)

When a young boy is murdered in a quiet seaside town, the community’s hidden secrets begin to surface. The Latimer family finds their lives turned upside down as the police investigate and the media descends. Detectives Miller and Hardy grapple with their own problems while trying to uncover the truth. The series powerfully portrays the overwhelming grief that grips a small town and how easily suspicion can destroy trust when tragedy strikes.

‘Go On’ (2012–2013)

After his wife’s death, Ryan King is required to attend a support group, but he’s hesitant to fully participate, eager to get back to his job as a sports radio host. The other group members, each with their own stories, gradually help him open up. The show touches on how many men struggle with seeking help and expressing their feelings. While dealing with a difficult topic, the show uses humor to navigate the often uncomfortable realities of group therapy.

‘Kidding’ (2018–2020)

Jeff Piccirillo stars as a popular children’s TV host secretly grappling with the loss of his son. While he’s known for being cheerful on screen, he begins to unravel as he tries to process his grief and anger in a world that expects him to always be happy. The film’s unique visuals highlight the contrast between his inner turmoil and the bright, colorful world he presents to others. It’s a thought-provoking story that explores how we talk to children about death and how difficult it can be for adults to cope with loss, even while offering advice to others. Ultimately, it’s a surreal look at the pressures of pretending everything is okay.

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Detective Mare Sheehan is investigating a murder, but she’s also deeply affected by the recent loss of her son. She’s avoiding dealing with her grief, which is causing problems with her daughter and grandson. The show’s gloomy setting reflects Mare’s heavy emotional burden. It explores how past trauma can cloud your thinking at work and prevent you from moving forward. Ultimately, Mare needs to face her own painful history if she wants to solve the case and help her family heal.

‘Shrinking’ (2023)

Jimmy Laird is a therapist struggling with the loss of his wife. He starts being unusually honest with his clients, even if it means bending the rules. While this causes problems, it also helps both him and his patients make progress. He leans on friends, coworkers, and a neighbor to help with his teenage daughter. The show is a mix of serious grief and the often-funny ways people react during tough times, highlighting how important it is to have a strong support system when things get complicated.

Tell us which of these shows resonated most with your own experiences in the comments.

2025-11-28 00:50