Some TV shows are notorious for pulling at our heartstrings regularly (we’re looking at you, Grey’s Anatomy!). Others lull us into a comforting sitcom rhythm, then BAM! An episode hits us so hard, we’re left in a puddle of tears long after the credits roll. Think the ‘Jurassic Bark’ episode of Futurama – a classic example of unexpected devastation.
This list celebrates (or perhaps mourns) the most heartbreaking moments that have turned fans of these popular TV series into emotional wrecks. Be warned: spoilers ahead!
The Quarterback (Glee)
Glee, a show that divides opinions like no other, primarily due to its musical numbers, delivered a truly heart-wrenching blow with ‘The Quarterback.’ The episode served as a tribute to Cory Monteith, whose sudden death shocked fans and the entertainment world. Monteith played the lovable jock Finn Hudson, and the tribute episode was filled with tear-jerking moments.
Naya Rivera’s rendition of ‘If I Die Young’ and Lea Michele’s emotional performance of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ were undoubtedly moving. But the most devastating scene belonged to Hudson’s mother, who described the agonizing experience of momentarily forgetting her son’s death, only to be hit with the fresh wave of grief all over again. Watching her cry for her son is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
“He was eleven!” (Broadchurch)
From the very beginning, Broadchurch made it clear that Season 1 would revolve around a distressing event: the murder of a young boy. The moment Beth Latimer realizes that the covered body on the beach is her missing son, Danny, is genuinely heartbreaking. But the most unforgettable scene comes later.
For many fans, the most haunting scene is when DI Ellie Miller discovers that Danny’s killer is someone she never suspected: her own husband. Olivia Colman’s raw and powerful acting during this scene as she confronts her husband makes for an unforgettable TV moment, showcasing the devastating impact of betrayal and loss.
“How come he don’t want me, man?” (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the show that launched Will Smith into superstardom, is known for its hilarious and memorable moments. Yet, the episode ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse’ takes a surprisingly serious turn. Will’s estranged father, Lou, reappears after fourteen years, only to disappear again almost immediately.
A heated argument erupts between Lou and Uncle Phil regarding Lou’s intention to leave without saying goodbye. The subsequent, emotionally charged conversation between Will and Lou, followed by Will’s heartbreaking vulnerability with Uncle Phil, makes for one of the saddest moments in TV history. Smith’s raw performance resonates deeply, reminding us of the pain of abandonment and the yearning for parental love.
“Mommy?” (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a supernatural drama series lauded for its deeper themes, delivered a poignant exploration of grief in one of its most distressing episodes. The episode stands as a stark reminder of how suddenly death can shatter one’s world.
Buffy’s gut-wrenching reaction to finding her mother’s lifeless body on the couch, and the simple, heartbreaking way she says ‘Mommy’ as the reality sinks in, is devastating. In that moment, she isn’t the slayer of undead monsters; she is simply a daughter, experiencing a loss that is all too human. The scene’s power lies in its raw authenticity, turning a supernatural series into a deeply relatable story of grief.
“Where do you think we are?” (Scrubs)
Scrubs, generally known for its comedic moments, also features some of the most crushing scenes in television history. The episode ‘My Screw Up’ is a prime example, showcasing Dr. Cox’s struggle to accept the death of his best friend and brother-in-law, Ben Sullivan.
Ben’s death is revealed in the final moments of the episode when Dr. Cox, who has been talking to an imaginary Ben throughout, walks into a cemetery with J.D. to attend Ben’s funeral. The realization that Ben was never really there, coupled with Dr. Cox’s visible struggle to hold back tears, makes for a truly unforgettable and heart-wrenching television moment.
The Hero of Riverdale (Riverdale)
Riverdale, often cited as one of the most bizarre shows on TV, took a somber turn when actor Luke Perry, who played Archie’s father Fred, passed away unexpectedly. The ‘In Memoriam’ episode addresses Fred’s death in a touching and heartfelt manner.
The episode begins with Archie learning that Fred died while helping a stranded motorist. Shannen Doherty, Perry’s former co-star from Beverley Hills 90210, makes a guest appearance, delivering a tearful and moving speech to Archie. Her tribute is both beautiful and devastating, illustrating the profound impact of Perry’s loss on those who knew and loved him.
The reunion that wasn’t to be (Ugly Betty)
Ugly Betty, known for its awkward humor, took a heartbreaking turn in its second season. Betty’s sister, Hilda, had a turbulent relationship with Santos, the absent father of her son Justin. Just as Santos returns, commits to Hilda and Justin, he is shot during a robbery in the Season 1 finale.
When Season 2 premiered, everything seemed perfect: Hilda and Santos were together, and she refused to let him out of her sight. However, the episode’s end reveals that Santos didn’t survive the shooting. The entire episode consisted of Hilda’s imagination as she grieved her loss. This twist is deeply emotional, highlighting the pain of lost potential and the cruel nature of fate.
“Goodbye” (8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter)
The death of John Ritter in 2003 had a profound impact on his sitcom, ‘8 Simple Rules.’ Ritter, who played sportswriter Paul Hennessy, fell ill and passed away due to a tear in his aorta. The show addressed his death with an episode titled ‘Goodbye,’ mirroring Ritter’s own tragic passing.
In the episode, Paul Hennessy collapses at the store while buying milk and dies. Each family member grapples with their grief, culminating in Cate Hennessy reading Paul’s last article. The episode blends fiction and reality, offering a poignant tribute to Ritter while exploring the raw emotions of loss and bereavement. It’s a deeply moving and unforgettable television experience.
So much potential, lost (13 Reasons Why)
13 Reasons Why is arguably the most controversial show on this list, due to its intense and dramatic subject matter. The series garnered significant attention for its graphic depiction of suicide in Season 1, sparking debate about its potential impact on vulnerable viewers. However, beyond the initial controversy, the series continued to deliver shocking and heartbreaking moments.
At the end of Season 4, the death of Justin Foley, a fan-favorite character, stirred viewers’ emotions once again. Foley, who had battled substance abuse, physical abuse, and homelessness, finally appeared to be turning his life around. However, at the prom in the finale, Foley collapses and is rushed to the hospital, where he learns that he is HIV positive which has progressed to AIDS. He dies shortly after from AIDS-related complications. The tragic loss of a character who had overcome so many obstacles left many viewers heartbroken.
Short-lived happiness (Firefly Lane)
Firefly Lane, a Netflix series adapted from the novel, explores the deep friendship between two teenage girls who grow even closer as they age. While the series features predictable and funny moments, it also contains some genuinely dark scenes. In a particularly heartbreaking moment, one of the main characters, Tully, experiences a miscarriage on her wedding night.
This occurs just when Tully decides to embrace happiness completely, making it even more devastating. During her show, ‘The Girlfriend Hour with Tully Hart,’ she struggles to maintain composure but eventually reveals her pain by asking the audience who has experienced a miscarriage. Fans praised the inclusion of this scene for its realism, honesty, and refusal to romanticize the experience of miscarriage.
What TV moment left you in tears? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
