Top 10 Most Shocking Sitcom Moments of the Century So Far

Most of the time, the employees of Cloud 9 handle hardship with well-timed quips and deep belly-laughs. But, when ICE shows up asking for their undocumented colleague, Mateo, it’s no laughing matter. For what it’s worth, Cloud 9 gets the whole payroll - and even some customers - onboard for a convoluted getaway scheme. It’s an uplifting gesture and all, but in the end, that’s all it is. If anything, the staff’s efforts just make Mateo’s inevitable fate even more heartbreaking. “Superstore” is supposed to be a comedy. So, it’s really saying something that this episode doesn’t close with a punchline. It ends with cold, bitter defeat.

In one, soul-crushing phone call, “Mom” went from a dark comedy to just plain dark. Even though it centered on an AA group, the show always portrayed its characters with wit, heart, and most importantly, hope. But then, Christy got the call. One of their colleagues, Jodi, had died of an overdose. There’s no warning, no fanfare, and no goodbye. In fact, the moment hits so abruptly, you’ll want to break down right alongside Christy and the others. In retrospect, Jodi’s death is necessary for “Mom” to showcase the very real stakes behind substance use disorder. But, that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach at the moment.

From the visceral news report that opens the episode, it’s clear this isn’t your average installment of “Black-ish.” After all, it’s one thing to be political, and another to deconstruct the generational ramifications of police brutality. But, rest assured, it’s handled with all the deftness and class you’d expect from “Black-ish.” While each of the Johnson’s get time to offer their unique perspective, the sharp writing never leans into PSA territory. On the contrary, “Black-ish” delivers a frank examination of the issue that’s both entertaining and insightful to the very end. This episode isn’t an easy watch by any means, but that’s precisely why it should be mandatory viewing.

Never seen but often heard, Debbie Wolowitz’s signature New-Jersey accent earned her a place in the Hall of Fame for sitcom Moms. So, when the voice behind the character, Carol Ann Susi, passed away in 2014, the show gave Ms. Wolowitz an unforgettable farewell. Coming at the tail end of an otherwise innocuous episode, the news of her passing shakes the characters to their core. The fact that even Sheldon Cooper offers his condolences should tell you everything you need to know. Since “The Big Bang Theory” isn’t traditionally known for its dramatic heft, this moment feels appropriately moving. Especially considering the real-world loss behind-the-scenes.

As a feel-good workplace comedy, the 99th precinct doesn’t usually deal with the grittier side of police work. Emphasis on “usually.” That all changes when Rosa Diaz responds to an active shooter situation. It’s a stark reminder that, despite their penchant for hijinks, these lovable characters are still cops. Then, as if the life-or-death situation isn’t stressful enough, the rest of the nine-nine can’t do anything to help their friend. Much like the audience, they’re stuck following the reports and hoping for good news. Thankfully, Rosa makes it back to the precinct without so much as a scratch on her. But, our blood pressure is a different story.

Physician or not, Dr. Cox doesn’t handle loss particularly well. This time, though, he has a personal grief counselor in the form of his patient, Ben. The catch? Ben’s actually the person Cox is mourning. The cancer patient dies earlier in the episode, and in a serious bout of denial, Dr. Cox unconsciously keeps him alive in his head. While “Scrubs’” take on “The Sixth Sense” is certainly worth a few shocked reactions, what really stands out is its tender exploration of grief. Both in and out of the operating room. Just like Cox remembers Ben, that scene in the cemetery is bound to stay with you long after the credits roll.

Say what you will about Michael Scott, but he lives and breathes Dunder Mifflin. Still, when actor Steve Carell wanted to pursue other opportunities, the series had no choice but to do the unthinkable: let Michael leave “The Office.” Both the show, and the actual building. While the sitcom always thrived upon its fantastic ensemble, there’s no denying everything that Michael’s dim-witted leadership brought to the table. As a result, his unprecedented goodbye left many fans wondering whether there would even be a show without him. The answer was yes - two more seasons, actually. But, honestly, most of that was spent letting the shock of Michael’s exit wear off.

Dealing with a high-profile cast departure is never easy. Let alone when that cast member is John Ritter, who recently passed away. The task was so daunting, that “8 Simple Rules” dedicated an entire, hour-length episode to burying the Hennessy patriarch. Fittingly titled “Goodbye,” the brazen special broadcast almost feels like an affectionate memorial service. It’s tragic, slow-moving, and astonishingly honest. But, that’s also the whole point. By refusing to sugarcoat the realities of losing a family member, “8 Simple Rules” let its cast, crew, and viewers all mourn Ritter together. As a whole, this two-parter is a bold piece of television that did right by its leading man.

You’d be forgiven for assuming that “The Good Place” takes place in, well, The Good Place. The characters refer to it as such throughout the whole first season. And, you know, it’s literally in the name. But, as it turns out, that was all a charade to set-up the plot twist to end all plot twists. Eleanor says it best herself; this isn’t the good place at all. This is the bad place. Cue the gasps, the jaw-drops, the social media frenzy. Everything. Yeah, you could say it took people by surprise. This bombshell of a revelation took thirteen full episodes to set up, but trust us, it was worth every single minute.

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

Maude Flanders Dies, “The Simpsons” (1989-)
Even Though the Episode Aired in 2000, We’re Still Not Over the Death of Ned Flanders’ Wife

Monica’s Infertility, “Friends” (1994-2004)
Monica & Chandler’s Dream of Having Kids Takes a Heart-Wrenching Detour

Terry Is Racially Profiled, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)
Despite Being a Sergeant, Terry Is Nearly Arrested Because of the Color of His Skin

That’s So Racist, “That's So Raven” (2003-07)
We Did Not Expect a Show About a Teen Psychic to Tackle Racism

For nine years, “How I Met Your Mother” assured audiences it would deliver on the promise of its title. And, technically, it did. Just with a massive asterisk attached. See, in the finale, we learn Ted isn’t just recounting his relationship with Tracy for old-time’s-sake. He’s doing it because his wife isn’t around anymore to say it herself. After over 200 episodes, this eleventh hour twist completely recontextualized the entire series. Though, to be fair, this is the same show that wowed viewers with the surprise death of Marshall’s Dad back in season six. Clearly, gasp-worthy twists are just “How I Met Your Mother’s” thing.

What sitcom moment left you reeling? Let us know in the comments below!