Top 20 Darkest Sitcom Moments Ever

Top 20 Darkest Sitcom Moments

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 20 Darkest Sitcom Moments. For this list, we're going to be ranking the most memorable, infamous or affecting moments, events and plot twists from sitcoms that were...more than a little dark.
Can you remember a time when television became "real" for you? Let us know in the comments!

#20: Howard's Mom Dies
"The Big Bang Theory" (2007-19)

It's always sort of shocking when a sitcom so well known for laughs decides to try something different and develop some real pathos. There's even more of an adjustment for such an irreverent show like "The Big Bang Theory," but this episode where Howard's mom passes away possesses a deft emotional touch. The scene where the news is broken via a telephone call is played straight for the most part, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in for the audience. Afterwards, the cast spends time talking about their own relationships with Howard's mom, and this allows for a well-earned, but tastefully executed, bit of levity to balance things out.

#19: Quagmire’s Sister
"Family Guy" (1999-)

If a moment of seriousness on "The Big Bang Theory" came as a surprise, then count us gobsmacked when this episode of "Family Guy" hit the airwaves. "Screams of Silence: The Story of Brenda Q" plays the horrific domestic situation of Quagmire's sister completely straight, to the point where Glenn, Peter and the rest of their crew plot to kill the boyfriend. What's even more shocking is that they actually go through with it, basically leaving no stone unturned with how far this episode was willing to go for its emotional payoff. And while reception to the episode was mixed, to say the least, we have to admire the chances "Family Guy" took releasing an episode this daring.

#18: James Evans, Sr. Dies
"Good Times" (1974-79)

The patriarch of the Evans family, James was a caring and hardworking man and the rock that held his family together. While trying to secure work in his native state of Mississippi to help his family move there, James dies in a car accident, devastating the whole family and the audience. Especially hard to watch is when his death finally hits his wife, Florida. Although adopted daughter Penny’s treatment by her biological mother was also quite brutal, the effect this moment had on the show at large gave this moment even greater impact.

#17: Dr. Cox’s Breakdown
"Scrubs" (2001-10)

Dr. Perry Cox acted as the cantankerous, reluctant mentor to “Scrubs” protagonist JD. After a former patient of JD’s apparently overdoses in one episode, Cox tells him that he can’t blame himself for patients dying if he wasn’t responsible, as it’s a slippery slope. However, Cox falls victim to a similar depression, after lobbying to use the dead ex-patient’s organs to save three of his own patients, and it’s discovered she had rabies. This ultimately leads to all three dying, which hits Cox especially hard, as he’d bonded with one of them. Cox’s ensuing, drunken depression is hard for viewers and the characters to watch.

#16: Uncomfortable Uncle
"Family Ties" (1982-89)

"Family Ties" is probably best remembered for providing a breakout role for Michael J. Fox as young conservative Alex P. Keaton, but the sitcom also featured its fair share of dark episodes. Fans may remember "Speed Trap," which dealt with Alex's dependence on chemicals to study for an important exam. But this first season moment is even more disturbing. "Give Your Uncle Arthur a Kiss'' follows Mallory Keaton as a trusted family friend-they even call him "Uncle" Arthur, makes a pass at her when no one is looking. The episode tries to balance comedy with this ultra-dark material, and the combination makes it cringy viewing, especially by today's standards.

#15: Discrimination
"Family Matters" (1989-98)

There's just no other way to say it: a sitcom clip this old shouldn't still be this relevant. The way this episode of "Family Matters" dealt with the racial profiling of Eddie Winslow is as good as anything done today that references this horrible subject. Much of the honor should be put on the shoulders of Reginald VelJohnson, who perhaps delivers the finest performance in the series as he confronts the cops who pulled over his son the night before. His monologue is delivered with passion, elocution and barely restrained anger, with the audience reaction being so quiet that one could probably, LITERALLY hear a pin drop. It proves that sitcoms can indeed deliver the drama when tasked to do so.

#14: Mateo Is Taken
"Superstore" (2015-21)

This fourth season finale for "Superstore" hits on multiple levels. For starters, there's the underlying tension as the employees at Cloud 9 are discussing their options for unionizing. Then, there's the corporate reaction, which includes calling ICE Agents to take away undocumented immigrant workers such as Mateo. The scene where the crew is trying to help Mateo is fraught with real tension and stakes, the likes of which you just don't normally see in a sitcom. Finally, when the jig is up and Mateo is taken away, the last lingering shot of his co-workers and the emotional resonance of the soundtrack is enough to make your hair stand on end.

#13: Goodbye, John
"8 Simple Rules" (2002-05)

John Ritter's large comedic presence on the sitcom "8 Simple Rules" was one of the reasons the show was so well received during its initial run in 2002. However, when the iconic actor died from aortic dissection a year later, the show dealt with the grieving process head-on with a pair of episodes both titled "Goodbye." There are barely any laughs to be had as Ritter's character is written out of the show, and his family is forced to confront life without him by their side. It's honestly difficult to watch even now, yet it's also a strong reminder of just how much Ritter affected those around him with his talent and presence.

#12: The Decision
"Maude" (1972-78)

It should come as no surprise that this spin-off from Norman Lear's "All in the Family" reveled in the same sort of envelope-pushing social commentary as its predecessor. The decision as to whether or not Bea Arthur's character Maude should continue her pregnancy was important enough that a two part episode, "Maude's Dilemma" was aired during the show's first season. It debuted at a time when such discussions weren't exactly commonplace, and it also put into perspective Maude's age and social standing. This wasn't just a problem that came up with a certain demographic or age group, but rather a topic affecting everyone in different ways.

#11: Hotel Incident
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (2013-)

It isn't all that often that a cop show comedy can properly balance procedural storylines with sight gags and jokes, but "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" isn't your average cop show. If anything, it's a throwback to the classic '70s series "Barney Miller" with regards to the weight it allows certain subjects. It doesn't matter whether it's racial profiling, assault, or Rosa's coming out to her parents, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" always had it covered. The episode with the active shooter is another example of this, as it shifts between Jake and Charles joking around before the gravity of an active shooter situation sinks in. Moreover, Jake recognizes Rosa's badge number immediately, reminding us that, first and foremost, these characters’ lives can be on the line.

#10: An Impossible Favor
"The Golden Girls" (1985-92)

"The Golden Girls" is known for its witty barbs, smart writing and unique approach to discussing serious social issues, such as the episode addressing HIV. And then the episode "Not Another Monday" brings more emotional weight with the subplot of Rose, Blanche and Dorothy babysitting contrasting with the main story of Sophia's friend’s agonizing decision-making. The episode is full of important musings on friendship, family and the quality of life as we age. The depression and loneliness that can sometimes occur as we get older is natural, as is the tone of the conversation between Sophia and her friend as Sophia tries to talk her out of it. Although it all ends up okay in the end, "Not Another Monday" still resonates today.

#9: Shawn's Dad Dies
"Boy Meets World" (1993-2000)

Shawn Hunter had a rough childhood, in no small part due to his drunken, absentee father, Chet. When Chet returns, Shawn is resentful due to how much he feels like his dad has made his life worse both through action and absence. After a heart attack hospitalizes Chet, he and Shawn get a chance to work out their differences, and his father indicates he intends to stick around. However, heartbreakingly, just as they reconcile, Chet suffers a second heart attack and dies. While there have been quite a few parental deaths in sitcoms, this is one of the more tragic ones.

#8: Camp Counselor Confrontation
"Mr. Belvedere" (1985-90)

The ‘80s sitcom "Mr. Belvedere" may not be as well remembered as some others on this list, but fans who did watch all seem to remember this troubling episode from the series' fourth season, "The Counselor". Here, young Wesley Owens wonders what to do and who to tell when a camp counselor turns criminal during a moment when the pair are alone after a swim. Episodes of "Mr. Belvedere" usually ended with the title character writing in his diary, but "The Counselor" instead featured a character-breaking moment addressing the audience about who to contact in the event of a real life situation like this one.

#7: The Bicycle Man
"Diff'rent Strokes" (1978-86)

"Diff'rent Strokes" is known for the amount of taboo topics covered during its eight year run. Diehard fans may remember the creepy vibe of "The Hitchhikers," but every sitcom aficionado is familiar with "The Bicycle Man," a two-part episode dealing with the worst of all topics. Arnold Jackson and his friend Dudley are lured, step by step, into the twisted world of their local bike shop owner, Mr. Horton. The young boys are given ice cream and comics at first, but then are shown adult cartoons and encouraged to take photos of themselves. It's profoundly creepy and horrible, yet delivered in a realistic and incredibly dark way. Don't say we didn't warn you.

#6: Drunk Driving Tragedy
"Growing Pains" (1985-92)

This "very special episode" of "Growing Pains" is something of an ultra-tragic bait and switch. "Second Chance" dealt with the dangers of drunk driving when Carol's college-age boyfriend Sandy, played by future "Friends" star Matthew Perry, is in a major car accident. Sandy speaks to Carol at the hospital, and we're led to believe that he'll eventually pull through, only to be informed later that the young man dies from his injuries off screen. Sandy never receives his titular "Second Chance," and we're forced to directly view Carol's grief as she embraces her family after receiving the news.

#5: Will's Father
"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990-96; 2020)

All of the episodes on this list are emotionally affecting, but this moment from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" may be one of the most well-acted. Will Smith was no stranger to strong performances on the show, such as the episodes dealing with guns or racial profiling. This one particularly tugs on the heartstrings, however, when we find out Will's deadbeat father leaves him for the second time. Although Will was at first elated at the prospect of his dad coming back into his life, this happiness then turns to disappointment, anger and profound grief as he lets out all of his emotions during an epic monologue. The final embrace with Uncle Phil makes this already tearful moment all the more poignant.

#4: Over the Top
"Blackadder" (1983-89)

There's just something quietly brilliant yet tragically sad about the finale to this classic British comedy. It's World War I, and all attempts at stalling the inevitable have failed. It's time for the soldiers to go over the top, into the battlefield and face what might be the end of their lives. We the audience realize that Rowan Atkinson and his comrades in all likelihood will not survive, and this is echoed by the slow motion sequence and quiet, moody musical accompaniment. Although the jokes about a "cunning plan" are there right to the end, once the bullets are flying and bombs are bursting, the smiles on our faces are immediately replaced with the emotion of somber understanding.

#3: The Ice Age
"Dinosaurs" (1991-94)

If you've ever watched Jim Henson's "Dinosaurs" to the very end, then you know exactly which episode is at this spot. "Changing Nature" is infamous for being one of the bleakest ends to a sitcom ever...particularly one that deals with anthropomorphic dinosaurs. It's one thing to learn in school about how the Ice Age destroyed the dinosaurs, but it's another altogether seeing characters we've come to know and love being buried by falling snow. What's even more depressing, beyond Earl's involvement in the end of things, is the quiet acceptance of the dinosaurs' fate. They just hope beyond hope that everything will be ok...even though we know it won't.

#2: The Horrors of War
"M*A*S*H" (1972-83)

The final episode of "M*A*S*H" was a television landmark full of dark and memorable moments, but this one remains shocking to this day. Hawkeye Pierce is forced to recall a traumatic event while being held in a psychiatric hospital, one which occurred while Pierce and a group of wounded refugees were hiding in a bus from enemy fire. He tearfully processes a moment where he angrily yelled at a woman to quiet her crying baby, only to react in shocked horror when the woman actually smothers the child. Hawkeye's tears, anger and frustration are palpable as the audience is taken through his stages of grief, resulting in an utterly heart-wrenching scene.

#1: Edith
"All in the Family" (1971-79)

Norman Lear's "All in the Family" (and its spiritual sequel, "Archie Bunker's Place") were pioneering dramedies, tacking difficult issues like miscarriage and death at a relatively early point in television history. The "All in the Family" episode "Edith's 50th Birthday" was one of the first sitcom episodes to deal with a subject as strong as assault, as Edith Bunker is confronted at gunpoint by a criminal who makes his way into the Bunker house, disguised as a policeman. The audience reacts with nervous laughter as Edith panics and attempts to talk her way out of the situation with some jokes. This makes the scene even more difficult to watch as it switches back and forth between awkward humor and brutal realism.