Top 10 Most Heartbreaking 2010s TV Moments

“One Day at a Time” (2017-20)

Schneider is a beloved character on this reboot, and his relationship with his tenants, specifically Penelope and her family, is endearing. Throughout the series it’s known that he is recovering from alcohol and substance use disorders, and in season three, his struggles re-emerge when his father brings him a bottle of alcohol. While we don’t see him drink, we later learn that he has relapsed. It’s a tough moment that feels all too real for anyone who has struggled with substance use disorder or anyone who has loved someone who has. Our hearts break for him, but seeing Penelope support him with compassion and love while staying realistic about his situation is a great moment.

“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)

While “How I Met Your Mother” is known for its funny and heartfelt moments, it had its fair share of tragic ones too. One that comes to mind is when Robin learned she couldn’t have children and Ted cheered her up without even knowing why. But it was the death of Marshall’s father that left us in tears. In the episode in which his father passes, Marshall’s parents visit him and Lily unknowingly for the last time. When Marshall tries to call his father after he’s returned to Minnesota, Lily interrupts by informing him his father had a heart attack and has passed. His reaction is so genuine that we can’t help but weep right alongside him.

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2015-19)

Rebecca’s story showed us that all of the little things in life can add up quickly, and in this case, push someone to their breaking point. In season 3, we see her impulsive and somewhat erratic behavior escalate, and she plans to end her life. On a plane, she writes a note about ending her life that accidentally gets thrown out, and she also overdoses on anti-anxiety medication. In the midst of this she is also dealing with parental issues, as her mom and dad are both dismissive of her, which makes her mental state even worse.We do see Rebecca recover and find answers about her mental health, but it’s so difficult to watch her battle through these moments.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

Throughout much of the series, Mac’s homosexuality is strongly hinted at, as he seems to be attracted to men but goes above and beyond to appear otherwise. While these moments are always done with humor, the episode in which Mac comes out to his father is no laughing matter. Mac fears his father won’t accept him, especially considering their family’s religious background. After his fears come true, Mac performs a surprisingly beautiful and moving interpretive dance about his struggle, and Frank declares that he finally understands what Mac has been going through. This moment proved that Mac has a great father figure in Frank, but watching his inner turmoil portrayed in this dance is gut wrenching.

“BoJack Horseman” (2014-20)

While on the surface this show looks like a fun animated series about a washed up horse actor, it is surprisingly poignant and relevant. With Sarah Lynn and BoJack, we see the dark side of fame as they deal with substance use disorder and loss of purpose while they try to move out of the limelight. In season three, the pair go on a dangerous bender instead of confronting their demons. Sarah Lynn ultimately dies from an overdose on a substance that BoJack supplied, and his realization of the consequences of his actions is truly haunting. Her death echoes throughout the series, sticking in BoJack’s mind as he tries to get his life on track, and it’s all difficult to watch.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is no stranger to dealing with serious topics, as we saw when Rosa struggled to come out to her family, who were not accepting of her sexuality. However, an even stronger moment that stood out to us was when Terry was racially profiled. While walking around his own neighbourhood, he’s stopped by a cop who treats him unfairly, and the cop only feels remorse after learning that Terry is a cop, not because of his racist actions. This leads to difficult but important conversations between Terry, Captain Holt, Jake, Amy and Terry’s daughters. This tough topic was handled well by this sitcom and they don’t shy away from showing the problems that exist in the world of policing.

“This Is Us” (2016-22)

On Super Bowl Sunday things took a turn for the worst when the Pearson house went up in flames. It initially looks like Jack is not going to emerge from the house, but he does with the family dog in tow, and though we’re relieved, nothing could have prepared us for the hospital scene. While being treated for his minor injuries, Jack goes into cardiac arrest from smoke inhalation and passes away. Seeing Rebecca in disbelief and then absolute devastation is one of the saddest moments we’ve ever seen on any TV show. “This Is Us” has a knack for breaking our hearts and then putting them back together again, but in this episode, they forget to do the latter.

“Derry Girls” (2018-22)

This moment showed us that funny, horrific, and happy moments can exist simultaneously. During the season one finale of “Derry Girls,” we see funny moments like Jenny singing at the school talent show. We also see happy moments like Orla and Clare’s feud coming to an end and the girls all reconciling and having fun. But while this is all going on, we see a truly horrific moment unfolding as well. During the talent show, the girls’ parents watch the news and learn about a bombing that occurred in their country, and we see the juxtaposition of the parents and children's lives in this bittersweet moment.

“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)

We loved the eclectic crew of inmates in this series, but we've always had a soft spot for Poussey. Her kindness and relatability shine through in the series, as she’s barely a criminal and instead a tragic character who had struggles in her upbringing but found a home at Litchfield. So we could not have been more devastated when she is unexpectedly killed at the end of season four. When the inmates start to protest the unfair treatment they’d been receiving, one of the newer guards restrains Poussey and accidentally suffocates her. This moment is the catalyst for the escalating prison riot that covers almost the entire fifth season, and is arguably the most tragic scene in the series.


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

Eleanor Comes to Terms With Him Leaving With the Help of a Wave Metaphor

Watching the Hot Priest & Fleabag Part Ways Is Devastating

Learning the True Meaning of His Name Is Absolutely Gut-Wrenching

Seeing Sheldon Listening to the Radio Alone Brings Tears to Our Eyes

The Way He Dies Is Hard to Watch & His Sacrifice Is So Noble

“Glee” (2009-15)

The hardest deaths on screen are ones that reflect deaths that occurred in real life, and Finn’s death on “Glee” is maybe the most harrowing example of that. After Cory Monteith’s death, fans were saddened to learn of his struggles with substance use disorder that ultimately claimed his life. On the show, his cause of death is never revealed, and we see all of the characters process his death in the most realistic way possible as they were clearly grieving in real life. In hindsight, watching Santana deal with her emotions regarding his death and sing “If I Die Young” is so unbelievably sad. But, watching Rachel sing about her on screen and real-life partner’s passing will always leave us sobbing.



Which moment left your heart in pieces? Let us know in the comments.