Top 10 Most Heartbreaking TV Moments of the 1990s

“Living Single” (1993-98)
In season three, Khadijah juggles a second job to keep her magazine afloat, but the mounting pressures lead her to a therapist’s office. We’re unsure if she’s convincing herself or her shrink, but ultimately, the truth emerges. Even though it’s played for laughs, it really hits home for anyone who can relate to how Khadijah feels. Back in the ’90s, mental health wasn’t something people talked about much, yet this scene was inspired by producer Yvette Lee Bowser’s own experiences. For a lot of viewers, this might have been the first time they saw someone relatable on TV, showing it’s totally okay to feel your feelings and that there’s help out there.

“ER” (1994-2009)
Seeing your baby for the first time and taking them home is a joyous milestone for many parents. But this story’s ending is heartbreakingly different. A pregnant woman comes into the hospital, and Dr. Greene mistakenly diagnoses her symptoms, missing the huge risk of eclampsia. When he finally realizes how serious it is, he’s determined to do everything he can to save mother and baby. Unfortunately, things go wrong during the delivery, and despite their best efforts, they can't pull through. Dr. Greene is left feeling haunted by what he believes were his mistakes. Another devastating moment comes when the new father learns he’ll be leaving the hospital with his baby but without his wife.

“Twin Peaks” (1990-91; 2017)
This short-lived series is a surreal mystery drama exploring a small town’s dark secrets after the murder of popular teen Laura Palmer. From the first episode, Laura’s mother, Sarah, grows increasingly anxious as she realizes her daughter’s missing. While talking to her husband, a sheriff approaches, and it doesn’t take her long to piece together what’s coming. Her desperate cries down the phone are haunting, but when her husband Leland drops the phone, she takes it as confirmation that her worst fears have come true. The anguish in her voice is chilling. Sarah’s pain digs its way deep into our souls and yanks until we’re bawling, too.

“Full House” (1987-95)
After Danny Tanner becomes a widower, his brother-in-law and best friend move in to help raise his three daughters. Michelle becomes especially attached to her Uncle Jesse, often following him around like his little shadow. So, when she learns he’s moving out after getting married, it’s a hard blow. The heartbreak deepens when Michelle mistakenly believes they’re all moving together. Jesse tries to explain to her why he has to leave, even coaxing a small smile from her. But if you weren’t already crying, you definitely were when Michelle gives Jesse her toy pig as a goodbye gift. Honestly, one look at her sad little face, and we would’ve called the whole arrangement off there and then!

“The Golden Girls” (1985-92)
We never saw Sophia’s son, Phil, but he was often the target of one of the show’s more insensitive gags. In season six, we learn that Phil passed away, and Sophia channels her grief into her resentment toward his wife, Angela. It's Dorothy who delivers a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral while Sophia listens in silence. Later, tensions rise between Sophia and Angela until Sophia’s grief finally spills over. With a little nudge from Rose, she begins to confront the emotions she’s been holding back. Sophia breaks down, releases her anger and judgment, and finally allows herself to mourn the loss of her son. Who knew one of Rose's stories could trigger such a powerful, heart-wrenching moment?

“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)
In season four, Dana Scully is diagnosed with a brain tumor and initially keeps it a secret, telling only Mulder. While she tries to detach emotionally, keeping it matter-of-fact, Mulder’s reaction to the news is painfully relatable to anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Series creator Chris Carter revealed that there was much debate about this storyline, with some writers calling it “a cheap TV thing.” However, Carter saw it as a chance to explore belief, from science to religion to the supernatural. As a skeptic, Scully had always relied on logic, so her diagnosis forced her to face her mortality in a way she never expected. However, it also deepened her emotional connection with Mulder.

“NewsRadio” (1995-99)
Shortly after the season four finale of “NewsRadio” aired, cast member Phil Hartman was tragically killed. The season five premiere paid tribute to his memory, showing the WNYX crew grappling with the loss of their colleague. Matthew, in particular, struggles, leaning into an entire fantasy about where Bill really is. The rest of the staff also share their reactions, highlighting that there’s no one right way to grieve. They discover that Bill left personal notes for each of them in case of such an event, even giving Matthew a much-needed dose of reality. While the circumstances of Bill’s death were altered from Hartman’s, the cast’s raw emotion makes us feel as though we’re grieving alongside them.

“Family Matters” (1989-98)
A man named Jimmy Holmes shows up at the Winslows’ home claiming to be a long-lost family friend, but it’s soon revealed he’s Harriette and Rachel’s estranged father, Jimmy Baines. Their mother had told them he died in Korea instead of admitting he’d walked out on them. Of course, the truth eventually comes out. For Harriette, the pain of his abandonment runs deep, and forgiving him feels nearly impossible. While Jimmy tries to mend things with both daughters, Harriette can’t shake the feeling that it’s too late for him to be part of her life. Rachel urges her to find peace so she won’t live with regret if the door to reconciliation ever closes for good.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
“Fresh Prince” was never afraid to get serious, tackling issues like race, gun control, and substance use. However, the episode that leaves us in pieces is when Will’s father returns, only to abandon him again. Lou essentially convinces Will to trust him despite Uncle Phil’s concerns, only to shatter his heart with his carelessness. Will’s raw, emotional monologue after his dad leaves has become iconic, with many believing the actor drew from personal experience to improvise such a powerful performance. While that’s not true, Smith pours everything into the scene, making us feel every ounce of his pain. When he breaks down, we’re right there with him—and Uncle Phil’s hug couldn’t come fast enough.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Pressures of Being a High Achiever Just Get Too Much

We Had No Idea a TV Break Up Could Hit Us This Hard

Lindsay Sees Why Kim Had to Build Up Such a Tough Exterior

A Case of Vengeance & Mistaken Identity Leads to Devastation

He Waits Until His Students Are Out of Earshot Before Revealing His True Feelings

“Dinosaurs” (1991-94)
“Dinosaurs” never shied away from big issues, but its finale really hit hard with a heavy one. It delivered a dark, poignant commentary on environmental destruction and its consequences. In the episode, Earl makes some bad calls at the Wesayso Corporation, which ends up causing a huge ecological mess and sets off an Ice Age. As the world gets colder, the Sinclair family gathers at home, comforting one another as they face the inevitable. The final scene, where Earl apologizes to his family and promises things will turn out fine, is devastating because we know there’s no hope. The abrupt shift from comedy to tragedy made this finale a sobering and unforgettable moment in TV history.

Which 90s TV moment do you only watch with a box of tissues nearby? Let us know in the comments.