Here Are the 15 Saddest TV Deaths as Ranked by Fans

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I’ve been a fan of these shows for years, and let me tell you, some of those moments really hit hard. The death of Glenn from “The Walking Dead” still gives me chills. As someone who’s lost friends before, I can relate to the raw emotion that Steven Yeun poured into his performance. It was a gut-wrenching moment that left a lasting impact on the show and its viewers.

Ranker is an online platform that allows individuals to rate and rank various topics according to their preferences at any given time. It’s a user-driven ranking system primarily focused on fans, with no official ties to the creators or entities associated with the ranked subjects.

Lately, a comprehensive survey was conducted on Ranker, aiming to identify the most heart-wrenching television deaths of all time. With close to 200 moments cataloged, we’ve chosen to highlight the top 15 for our write-up, offering a blend of insights from the site, along with our own thoughts and perspectives to enrich the article.

Absolutely, given the significance of this list, we’ve chosen to share our findings with you in an engaging way. So, we’re going to count down the top 15 highlights from this list, starting at number 15 and moving all the way up to first place. We hope you’ll find it enjoyable!

15. Dr. Lance Sweets from Bones

The manner of Dr. Lance Sweets’ death: In the series ‘Bones’, the sudden demise of beloved character Dr. Lance Sweets, who was preparing for fatherhood and a new life with Daisy, was an emotional goodbye. Played by John Francis Daley, Dr. Sweets was a cherished psychologist known for his kindness and wisdom, playing a crucial role in the team’s case-solving abilities. His passing left his coworkers and fans grieving, reflecting the character’s importance within the show.

Until now, “Bones” had been recognized for its humorous take on intricate topics; however, the demise of Sweets marked a significant shift, one that wasn’t just a dramatic twist, but a heart-wrenching blow to fans.

14. Dean Winchester from Supernatural

The manner of Dean’s death: The senior Winchester sibling in Supernatural, portrayed by Jensen Ackles as Dean, experienced a heartbreaking end, having spent his life battling the supernatural and safeguarding countless lives. Over the course of the series, Dean’s steadfast loyalty to his brother Sam and his readiness to make enormous sacrifices for the greater good earned him a special place in viewers’ hearts. The sorrowful conclusion to his journey resonated deeply with fans, who grieved over the loss of their resilient yet sensitive hero.

This incident, though shocking and saddening, carried significant weight in television history as Dean was a key figure on the show at that time.

13. Seymour Asses from Futurama

In the moving episode “Jurassic Bark” of Futurama: The tale unfolds about Seymour Asses, Fry’s devoted dog who remained loyal while waiting for years for his master’s return. This animated pooch’s unwavering devotion to Fry, vividly portrayed in a touching montage showing Seymour patiently waiting outside the pizzeria, moved viewers in a way rarely seen for cartoon characters. The story of Seymour encapsulates the unconditional love between man and pet, making his eventual fate even more heart-wrenching.

To put it straight, there’s not much more to say except that it warrants a position of greater prominence in this ranking.

12. George O’Malley from Grey’s Anatomy

The manner of George O’Malley’s demise: In a heartbreaking farewell, Grey’s Anatomy saw off George O’Malley, who sacrificed himself by shoving a stranger out of the path of an oncoming bus, thus meeting his heroic end. T.R. Knight’s powerful acting made George one of the dearest characters in the show. As an endearing underdog with a golden heart, his exit left a profound void in the hearts of both his medical colleagues and devoted viewers alike.

Indeed, the death was undeniably tragic, yet it may be questionable whether O’Malley was deeply cherished in that sense. Nonetheless, it was an unfortunate and sad event, to be certain.

11. Lt. Colonel Henry Blake from M*A*S*H

The manner of Lt. Colonel Henry Blake’s demise: The unexpected demise of beloved character Lt. Colonel Henry Blake in M*A*S*H*, played by McLean Stevenson, left viewers stunned as he met his end in a plane crash while returning from the Korean War. His portrayal of the odd yet caring leader struck a chord with fans, making his premature death all the more distressing. Henry’s passing signified a pivotal moment in the series, underscoring the harsh truths and emotional toll of war on its participants.

Everyone was utterly taken aback by the unexpected demise of this beloved character, and it’s not hard to see why its lasting impression continues to resonate.

10. Eddard Stark from Game of Thrones

The manner of their demise: As the primary character in Game of Thrones, noble Eddard Stark’s beheading due to false accusations acted as a chilling prelude to the challenges and hardships the Starks encountered in their pursuit of justice and survival. Sean Bean skillfully portrayed the honorable patriarch, making viewers both fond and sorrowful as they witnessed his unwavering integrity leading to a brutal end. His death marked the beginning of the series, shocking fans with the understanding that no character is immune to danger in this merciless world.

This character likely appears in this list due to the fact that it’s portrayed by Sean Bean, who often meets an untimely demise in his roles. However, it left a significant mark on the storyline, making its placement understandable, albeit a lower position might be more fitting.

9. Bobby Singer from Supernatural

The manner of Bobby Singer’s demise: Bobby Singer, portrayed by Jim Beaver, was more than just a character on Supernatural; he was a mentor, a confidant, and a steadfast ally to the Winchester brothers. His shocking death at the hands of a Leviathan struck a deep chord with viewers, as if a cherished family member had been lost. Bobby’s unwavering faith in the Winchesters played a significant role in molding their characters, and his enduring legacy secured him a place among the most adored characters on the show.

Unexpectedly, an event occurred which left Bobby as a cherished figure mourned by all. However, the series ensured he had a fitting farewell.

8. Poussey Washington from Orange Is the New Black

The manner of Poussey Washington’s death: The unexpected demise of Poussey Washington during a protest turned violent in Orange Is the New Black left fans mourning the loss of their beloved character, played brilliantly by Samira Wiley. Her portrayal of Poussey’s distinctiveness, intelligence, and vulnerability made her an indelible part of the show’s ensemble cast. Tragically, her death served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced in prisons and the deep-rooted issue of systemic racism, significantly shaping the course of the series.

This death was also quite impactful and as the description says, it showed us how things can simply gone wrong in a way that no one expects or wants.

7. Bob Newby from Stranger Things

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the heart-wrenching demise of Bob Newby from Stranger Things, portrayed brilliantly by Sean Astin. His radiant positivity and unwavering dedication to helping those he loved endeared him to us all. His grisly end at the jaws of the terrifying Demodogs etched his heroism into our memories forever, ensuring a lasting place in our hearts. The profound emotional bond he formed with the show’s remarkable cast made his departure all the more painful.

It’s deeply disappointing that the well-loved character Bob Newby, brilliantly played by Sean Astin, was written out of the series, leaving many fans heartbroken.

6. Shireen Baratheon from Game of Thrones

In the heart-wrenching scene on Game of Thrones, pure innocence collided with unbearable brutality in the death of Shireen Baratheon, portrayed by Kerry Ingram. The gentle, compassionate child’s gruesome death by being burned at the stake – instigated by her own parents – left audiences traumatized and highlighted the shocking lengths some characters would go to in their pursuit of power. Her tragic demise emphasized the ruthless nature of the series’ world and served as a chilling warning about the high stakes involved.

Among television’s grimmest demises, this scene ranks high. The heart-wrenching reality that a young character met an untimely and violent end left viewers everywhere deeply affected.

5. Hershel Greene from The Walking Dead

The manner of Hershel Greene’s demise: On the hit series The Walking Dead, Hershel Greene played the wise, grandfatherly role, leading and motivating younger survivors through his strong leadership and unshakeable faith. Scott Wilson delivered a moving performance that won him both audience affection and critical acclaim. His shocking death, orchestrated by the malevolent Governor, struck a chord with millions who saw Hershel as a beacon of hope and indomitable spirit.

This scene in the series was incredibly touching and sad; yet, as we all grieved for the departed character, Old Man Greene, it underscored why this show is so remarkable.

4. Lady from Game of Thrones

The manner of Lady’s death: In the series Game of Thrones, Lady, Sansa Stark’s loyal direwolf, met an unjust end, setting the stage for the heart-wrenching journey of the Stark family. Although she was a creature, her death underscored the harsh and unforgiving world that the Starks had to navigate. As a symbol of the Starks’ purity and resilience, Lady’s sad demise hinted at the grim destiny awaiting her human counterparts.

On the list, another heartbreaking incident occurred – the euthanization of Lady, which left us stunned and devastated. This event undoubtedly drew criticism towards the show.

3. Opie Winston from Sons of Anarchy

In the gripping world of “Sons of Anarchy,” I found myself deeply connected with the character of Opie Winston, portrayed brilliantly by Ryan Hurst. His heartrending departure was a selfless act to shield his outlaw brethren, particularly my friend Jax Teller. Every emotion he conveyed during that scene echoed within me, as I had watched him grow from a gentle, loyal man since the series’ start. Opie’s demise served as a pivotal moment in the show, leaving fans in mourning and setting a new trajectory for the storyline to unfold.

Actually, what we’re discussing here is a particularly poignant scene from a particular series, but Opie’s heart-wrenching end earns it a spot among the top three most impactful scenes on this list.

2. Hodor from Game of Thrones

The manner of Hodor’s demise: In a heartbreaking turn of events, the beloved, gentle giant Hodor from Game of Thrones, made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Bran Stark and Meera Reed from a horde of White Walkers. Kristian Nairn skillfully portrayed Hodor’s selflessness and courage in his last moments, revealing an unexpectedly deep layer to the character that was incredibly poignant. The disclosure of Hodor’s past and the origin of his tragic condition served to amplify the sorrow surrounding his passing.

Indeed, it wasn’t necessary for Hodor to perish. His life shouldn’t have ended… and given the circumstances, his demise calls for a memorable tribute.

1. Glenn from The Walking Dead

The manner in which Glenn perished: In the series The Walking Dead, Glenn’s gruesome demise at the hands of the ruthless Negan using a baseball bat was an emotionally charged event that resonated deeply with fans who appreciated his unwavering bravery and loyalty. Steven Yeun delivered a riveting performance, while the heart-wrenching reactions of his grieving companions intensified the emotional blow for viewers. Glenn’s significant role as a guiding light and symbol of hope amidst the show’s grim setting made his departure all the more poignant.

Surely, we find common ground here. The demise of Glenn was not merely tragic and sorrowful; it was profoundly influential, making it a fitting choice to lead such a ranking.

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2024-11-30 18:14