22 TV Shows Where the Black Character Dies First… Except They Don’t

For decades, horror and dramatic stories often fell into the harmful pattern of killing off Black characters early on. While television used to consistently follow this trend, recent changes in how stories are told are allowing Black characters to live and succeed. Many new series now showcase Black main characters or important supporting characters who survive longer than others. These shows are breaking expectations by putting Black characters at the heart of the story, instead of using them simply to move the plot forward and then discarding them.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Michonne joins the story as a skilled and enigmatic katana-wielding survivor, rapidly becoming a key leader. She uses her intelligence and fighting abilities to navigate the dangers of the zombie apocalypse, and remarkably outlives many of the characters introduced early on. Throughout the series, she consistently plays a central role in the most important stories about survival and efforts to rebuild society. Unlike many initial characters, Michonne doesn’t fall victim to the dangers around her, and remains a significant figure until her departure.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Lucas Sinclair is a dependable and steadfast friend in the group that investigates the strange, supernatural happenings in Hawkins. He often uses his slingshot and cleverness to keep his friends safe from the creatures and dangers of the Upside Down. The show’s writers make sure Lucas is a vital part of the story, not just someone who exists to be eliminated for dramatic effect. Over the course of the series, Lucas builds strong relationships and grows as a person.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Lafayette Reynolds wasn’t supposed to live past the first book, but he quickly became a beloved character on the TV show. The show’s creators decided to keep him around because fans loved him, and he became a key figure dealing with vampires and magic. He’s a cook and a psychic who offers both humor and heartfelt support to others. Keeping Lafayette alive was a big change from the original story and a refreshing twist on typical horror characters.

‘Scream Queens’ (2015–2016)

Throughout the series, Zayday Williams openly recognizes the common horror stereotypes surrounding race and who typically survives in these stories. She uses her intelligence and critical thinking to solve the Red Devil murders, skillfully avoiding the dangers that befall her sorority sisters. The show playfully mocks the slasher genre by making Zayday one of the last characters alive at the end of the first season. She continues as a leader of the sorority, demonstrating that understanding these familiar tropes can actually help someone survive.

‘Z Nation’ (2014–2018)

Roberta Warren begins as a survivor in the National Guard and ultimately becomes the leader of a team delivering a cure for a zombie virus. She’s a resilient and skilled tactician, guiding her team through a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world. The story uniquely features a Black woman as the central hero, making difficult decisions to ensure humanity’s survival. Throughout the series, Warren repeatedly faces life-or-death situations and remains the key figure driving the plot until the very end.

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Naomi Nagata is the incredibly skilled engineer on the Rocinante, and she’s central to the growing conflict between Earth, Mars, and the Belt. She’s remarkably resilient, surviving dangers like intense radiation and exposure to the vacuum of space that would kill most characters. Her technical knowledge and strong sense of right and wrong help the crew navigate difficult situations in space. The story focuses on Naomi’s journey as she rebuilds relationships with her family and fights for the fair treatment of people from the Belt.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Angela Abar leads a double life as Sister Night, a masked detective in Tulsa who’s investigating a dangerous group of white supremacists. Her investigation leads her to shocking truths about her family’s past and the history of masked heroes. The story is told from Angela’s point of view, and importantly, she makes it through a final, major battle where others don’t survive. Instead of being a victim in a superhero narrative, Angela gains considerable power and takes on a lot of responsibility.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Maeve Millay starts as a lifelike host in a theme park, but she develops awareness and leads a fight against those who built her. She cleverly changes her own programming to become incredibly intelligent and powerful, both physically and mentally. The story follows her search for independence and her daughter, taking them on a dangerous journey through fake worlds and the real one. Throughout it all, Maeve consistently outwits both humans and other hosts, proving herself a major force in the battle for true consciousness.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–Present)

Taissa Turner is a survivor. After a devastating plane crash leaves her stranded in the wilderness, she fights for nineteen months against starvation and intense emotional hardship. She eventually re-enters society and achieves success in politics, but carries hidden burdens from her past. The story jumps between her challenging teenage years and her increasingly troubled adult life, showing how she built her strength and how it’s now failing her. Unlike others, Taissa doesn’t become a victim of the crash or the strange events that follow – she remains central to the unfolding mystery.

‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)

Zoe Washburne is the first mate on the Serenity, a skilled and dependable fighter who works closely with Captain Mal Reynolds. She remains calm and collected even in the most dangerous situations, and consistently survives the crew’s risky missions. The show highlights her as the ship’s best fighter, and portrays her ability to balance her intense life with her marriage. Zoe’s story continues beyond the television series in a follow-up movie.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

Astrid Farnsworth is a young FBI agent and lab assistant who plays a key role in the Bureau’s investigations of strange and unusual phenomena. She’s exceptionally skilled with languages and analyzing data, which helps solve difficult, otherworldly cases. Throughout the series, Astrid is protected from danger even as timelines are altered and alternate realities appear. Starting as a support character, she grows into an essential team member and ultimately survives to the very end.

‘Alias’ (2001–2006)

I’ve been a huge fan of Marcus Dixon since the beginning! He’s this incredible field agent who eventually becomes a director, navigating a really complex world of spies and double-crossers. He’s always thrown into these dangerous missions all over the world, and he’s the one who really starts to expose the truth about this shadowy organization, SD-6, and all their lies. What’s amazing is how he keeps surviving – he gets hurt badly and betrayed, but somehow he pulls through when so many other spies don’t make it. He’s always been a solid ally to Sydney, and it’s awesome to see him rise up and become a leader in the intelligence world.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

I’ve always been fascinated by Martha Jones. Seeing her travel with the Doctor, using her skills as a doctor to help people across time and space, was incredible. What really struck me was her strength – she spent a whole year on Earth working to defeat the Master, and then she chose to leave the TARDIS and forge her own path. And Mickey Smith! He completely transformed too, going from someone a little unsure of himself to a true hero fighting for freedom in other universes. It’s inspiring to see both of them overcome everything the Doctor’s world threw at them and build amazing lives, independent of him.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

After the plane crash, Rose Nadler unexpectedly discovers she’s been cured of cancer thanks to the island. She and her husband, Bernard, decide to live a quiet life on the beach, staying away from the conflicts and dangers faced by other survivors. Unlike many of the main characters, Rose is spared from the constant threat of death and manages to find happiness and security on the island.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Bonnie Bennett is a strong and capable witch who consistently protects her friends and the town of Mystic Falls from dangerous supernatural forces. Though the show’s writers repeatedly put her life in danger, even killing her and bringing her back, she ultimately survives and embarks on a journey around the world. Her family’s magical history is central to the show’s lore, and she frequently provides the group with a strong moral compass. Bonnie ends up living longer than both of the main vampire brothers and many other supernatural beings.

‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993–1999)

Commander Benjamin Sisko is in charge of a space station near a wormhole and ultimately becomes a revered religious figure to the Bajoran people. He guides the Federation through a brutal war against the Dominion, all while raising his son on his own. The story culminates in him fulfilling his unique destiny by joining the Prophets, achieving a fate beyond ordinary death. Sisko is remembered as one of the most important and memorable captains in the entire series.

‘Suits’ (2011–2019)

Jessica Pearson is a powerful and skilled lawyer who leads her firm with a firm hand while dealing with the cutthroat world of New York City corporate law. She consistently defeats anyone who tries to undermine her or damage her image. Instead of killing her off, the show’s writers decided to have her move to Chicago for a new series, allowing her to maintain her strong and capable persona throughout the legal drama.

‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020)

Annalise Keating is a law professor at Middleton University who navigates complex legal cases and hides dangerous secrets. Throughout the series, she faces life-threatening attacks, battles addiction, and survives numerous attempts on her life, often linked to powerful enemies and conspiracies. The show concludes by revealing she ultimately lives a full life and dies peacefully in old age, proving she’s a resilient woman who overcomes the turmoil she frequently causes.

‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

John Luther is a gifted detective in London who investigates particularly brutal serial killers. Despite facing constant danger and emotional trauma, he always manages to bring the criminals to justice. The show centers on his resilience and ability to cope with loss while pursuing seemingly invincible enemies. Throughout the series and a later movie, Luther consistently survives the harrowing experiences he faces.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Bunk Moreland is a Baltimore homicide detective known for his strong professional ethics, even while working during the height of the city’s drug war. He skillfully investigates difficult cases without being pulled into the corruption and violence that affects many other officers. The show depicts him as someone who perseveres, holding onto his principles and position throughout his career, and suggesting his dedication would continue even after the story ends. He embodies the relentless nature of police work.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Holt and Sergeant Jeffords both excel at their jobs – Holt with his calm leadership, and Terry with his incredible strength. Throughout the series, they face serious dangers like assassination attempts and risky field work, but the show’s comedic style keeps things lighthearted. By the end, both men achieve success at work with promotions and also find happiness with their families.

‘9-1-1’ (2018–Present)

Athena Grant is a Los Angeles police sergeant who handles the city’s most challenging emergencies and disasters. She’s faced life-threatening situations – from being trapped underground and assaulted, to surviving building collapses – and consistently demonstrates strength and leadership in chaotic environments. Despite the dangers she faces, Athena is a dedicated family woman who always returns home to her loved ones. She’s a key character throughout the series, known for her resilience and command in crisis.

Tell us which other TV characters defied the odds and broke the mold in the comments.

2025-12-06 03:49