Sunday’s episode of “The Last of Us” left fans gasping as Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel Miller, met a shocking and emotional demise. This unexpected loss instantly drew comparisons to other unforgettable TV deaths that have left viewers reeling over the years. From heroic sacrifices to gut-punching twists, these TV moments continue to linger in the hearts of fans. Here are 10 of the most shocking and emotional character deaths in TV history.
1. “The Last of Us” – Joel Miller (Season 2, Episode 2)
The death of Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) in “The Last of Us” left fans in utter shock. After investing so much time in Joel’s journey with Ellie, viewers were blindsided by the brutal twist that saw his character face a tragic end. The writers decided to introduce Joel’s death early in the season to kickstart the storyline. The raw, emotional moment underscored the harsh, unpredictable world of “The Last of Us”, where even the most beloved characters are vulnerable to death. Fans were left grappling with the suddenness and weight of Joel’s passing, marking a significant turning point in the story.
2. “Grey’s Anatomy” – George O’Malley (Season 5, Episode 24)
George O’Malley’s (T.R. Knight) death in “Grey’s Anatomy” was a heart-wrenching moment that took viewers completely by surprise. After a heroic act of saving someone from an oncoming bus, George succumbs to his injuries. What made this death so shocking was how sudden and understated it was, as George’s death occurs quietly, without the usual dramatic buildup. To make sure Meredith recognized him, he wrote “007” on her hand over and over.
3. “Breaking Bad” – Gus Fring (Season 4, Episode 13)
Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) was one of the most calculated and cold-blooded villains in “Breaking Bad”, so his death in the Season 4 finale shocked viewers to the core. In “Breaking Bad”, Gus Fring meets his end when a pipe bomb, planted by Walter White beneath Hector Salamanca’s wheelchair, detonates during a visit to the Casa Tranquila nursing home. Unaware of the danger, Gus enters the room to give Hector a fatal injection. However, Hector activates the bomb with a bell, causing a massive explosion that kills Hector and Tyrus and seriously wounds Gus. Gus is seen walking out of the room, but he soon collapses and dies from his injuries.
4. “The White Lotus” – Tanya McQuoid (Season 2, Episode 7)
Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) had quickly become a fan-favorite in “The White Lotus”, but her shocking death in the Season 2 finale left fans in disbelief. After a series of events that involved deception and betrayal, Tanya is tragically killed during a chaotic scene on a yacht. Her final moments, involving her clumsy yet poignant struggle to survive, were unexpectedly comical and darkly tragic. Tanya’s death underscored the unpredictable nature of the show, where no one is truly safe, even beloved characters like Tanya.
5. “How I Met Your Mother” – Tracy McConnell (Season 9, Episode 24)
The death of Tracy McConnell (Cristin Milioti), the long-awaited “Mother” in “How I Met Your Mother”, was one of the most heartbreaking TV moments. After watching Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) spend nine seasons searching for his soulmate, viewers were devastated when it was revealed that Tracy had passed away from an illness years before Ted began recounting their love story. The twist not only shattered the happy ending fans had anticipated but left everyone mourning the loss of a character they had spent so long getting to know.
6. “Game of Thrones” – Ned Stark (Season 1, Episode 9)
The death of Ned Stark (Sean Bean) in “Game of Thrones” remains one of the most shocking moments in TV history. Presented as the series’ main protagonist in its first season, fans had grown to expect that his moral compass would guide the show. So when King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) ordered his beheading, it was a gut-wrenching and unexpected twist. The brutal execution of a beloved character shook the foundations of the series and left fans realizing that no one, no matter how noble, was safe in the ruthless world of Westeros.
7. “The Wire” – Omar Rice (Season 5, Episode 8)
“The Wire” is known for its complex, layered characters, and Omar Little (Michael K. Williams) was one of the most iconic. His shocking death in the final season came at the hands of a random, unsuspecting assailant, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the show’s brutal, street-level drama. Fans were devastated by the loss of the fan-favorite character, whose street ethics and colorful personality made him one of the series’ most compelling figures.
8. “How To Get Away With Murder” – Annalise, Frank, Bonnie ( Season 6, Episode 15)
In the series finale of “How to Get Away with Murder”, Annalise Keating’s death unfolds in a way that defies the expectations set throughout the show. Rather than dying young, as many fans feared earlier in the series, Annalise lives a full and long life, passing away much older in a flash-forward. Her death is quiet and reflective, a far cry from the shocking violence and drama that characterized much of her life.
However, the finale does not come without its own gut-wrenching twists, as beloved characters like Frank and Bonnie meet tragic ends, adding to the emotional weight of the show’s conclusion. These deaths, coupled with Annalise’s passing, make for a powerful, bittersweet ending that brings the intense, suspense-filled narrative to a poignant close.
9. “Lost” – Charlie Pace (Season 3, Episode 23)
Charlie Pace’s (Dominic Monaghan) death in “Lost” is still one of the most emotional and unexpected exits in TV history. After struggling to survive and fight for his redemption, Charlie sacrifices himself to save his friends, sealing his fate in a desperate attempt to ensure their safety. His final moments — as he drowns with the message “Not Penny’s Boat” written on his hand — left fans emotionally devastated. Charlie’s death highlighted the show’s ability to combine tragedy with a sense of purpose, making his sacrifice all the more meaningful.
10. “Stranger Things” – Eddie Munson (Season 4, Episode 9)
Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) quickly became a fan-favorite character in “Stranger Things” Season 4, and his unexpected death in the season finale left viewers in shock. Eddie’s heroic decision to face the danger of the Upside Down in order to help his friends was a moment of immense bravery. But despite his courageous actions, Eddie sacrifices his life. His death left a massive emotional impact on viewers, especially considering how quickly he had become an integral part of the show’s ensemble.
TV deaths have the unique ability to catch us off guard, leaving lasting emotional impacts. From the devastating passing of Joel in “The Last of Us” to the unexpected twists in “Breaking Bad” and “Grey’s Anatomy”, these deaths remind us that no character, no matter how beloved, is safe.
Whether through sacrifice, surprise, or betrayal, these moments are etched in our memories and forever alter the stories we watch. These shocking deaths are not just about the loss of a character; they redefine the shows and set the stage for what’s to come.
