Top 10 TV Deaths That Also Killed the Show

“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)


Before Charlie Sheen’s infamous fallout with Chuck Lorre, he was the lifeblood of this comedy show. As the carefree Charlie Harper, Sheen brought an effortless charm that made the series shine. For eight seasons, fans couldn’t get enough of the hilarity that ensued between him, his uptight brother and his nephew, until he was killed off and replaced with Ashton Kutcher. Sure, Kutcher brought his own flair, but something was missing and the show never felt the same again. And Charlie’s death? It was bizarre. First, he explodes like a balloon in Paris (according to Rose), then pops up in the finale only to be crushed by a piano. That certainly felt less like closure and more like Lorre’s final jab at Sheen.

“The Good Wife” (2009-16)


It still stings, doesn’t it? Over a decade later, this heartbreaking death from the CBS legal drama hits just as hard. Will’s shocking end came in season five when he was gunned down right in the courtroom. By then, he’d won over countless fans with his undeniable chemistry with Alicia. Their steamy but complicated romance, and his support during her husband’s scandal, made him feel like an essential piece in the puzzle that was her character arc. So, when the writers abruptly killed him off, it hit like a gut punch. His absence left a gaping hole both in the story and Alicia’s life. For many fans, it wasn’t just Will’s end, but that of the show as well.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Forget Angelus or Joyce… this unjustifiable death hurt the most. That’s the thing with well-written characters; you grow so attached to them that when they suddenly die, it feels like your heart has been ripped out. A beloved member of Buffy’s circle, Tara’s tragic backstory added more depth to the show and drew many to her. Not to mention, her relationship with Willow was a bright spot fans couldn’t get enough of. Then, out of nowhere, Tara was killed by a stray bullet meant for Buffy. Sure, her death served as a plot device to push Willow over the edge, but couldn’t that have happened without shattering our hearts? Honestly, if anyone in the Buffyverse deserved a happy ending, it was Tara.

“Sons of Anarchy” (2008-14)


It’s just a TV character, so why are we in tears? Because Opie Winston wasn’t just any character, he was also the heart of this biker drama. A tragic figure who endured so much, Opie was one of the show’s purest yet most flawed souls. His deep bond with Jax resonated with fans, making him feel like family. As if being wrongfully accused and losing his wife and father weren’t enough, Opie died in one of the most awful ways. In a gut-wrenching act of sacrifice, he was beaten to death as Jax and others watched helplessly. Noble? Sure. Yet, it felt heartbreakingly cruel. Though his death motivated Jax’s actions in season five, a crucial piece of the show was forever gone.

“Charmed” (1998-2006)

All three Halliwell sisters were the soul of this fantasy drama. Their romantic escapades, sisterly dynamics, and journey to mastering their magical powers warmed our hearts and kept us hooked for years. Prue was the kick-ass leader of the group, but in season four, she disappeared suddenly after being thrown against the wall in the season three finale- a pretty absurd end for someone who had survived far worse. It came across as a hurried attempt to write the character off in light of Shannen Doherty’s departure from the series. Truth is, Prue was irreplaceable. Her chemistry with her sisters was the show’s real magic, and replacing her with another sister just didn’t hit the same. Without her, the show lost much of its charm.

“The 100” (2014-20)


There were plenty of loveable and formidable characters in the CW’s post-apocalyptic show, and Bellamy was one of the most endearing. He started off as a hot-headed obstacle to Clarke’s leadership but eventually became a pillar of strength and hope for others. So, how do we explain the drastic shift in his character towards the end? Did actor Bob Morley have some beef with the show creators? Why else would they turn his character into a traitor and then have him killed by his best friend? Whatever the reason, it was a huge misstep that ruined the entire experience for many fans. Let’s not even get started with Lexa, who was also killed off for no good reason when she clearly deserved far better.

“Vikings” (2013-20)


When did this epic show start to go downhill? Perhaps when the mighty Ragnar Lothbrok gradually became a shadow of his former self. Then, when he was killed off in season four, the show totally lost its spark. The legend himself started off as a farmer to a heroic raider, eventually becoming a Scandinavian king who deserved a send-off worthy of his stature. Instead, his death was shockingly undignified. While his end probably aligns with historical sources, killing him off in such a demeaning manner and dragging the series on felt pointless. No matter how fierce his sons were, they just couldn’t fill Travis Fimmel’s shoes. Though the show didn’t completely fall apart, its charm disappeared with Ragnar’s execution.

“Orange Is The New Black” (2013-19)

This widely acclaimed prison show, which explores the lives of women in prison, introduced us to some unforgettable characters, one of whom was Poussey. Serving time for a non-violent offense, Poussey was one of the sweetest and most harmless inmates. Yet, her death was one of the hardest to watch. It happened in the season four finale when she was pinned down and suffocated during a peaceful protest. How terribly sad! To some fans, her death was one of the show’s biggest mistakes and we couldn’t agree more. Her good-natured charm brought a balance the show desperately needed and her death left a void nothing could replace. Not even her final smile could appease us for the pain of losing her.

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Perhaps the creators of this HBO hit show didn’t want it to be remembered fondly, so they wrapped things up in a colossal mess. Dany’s death at the hands of Jon Snow? How do you explain that? How did she go from liberator to ruthless conqueror, laying waste to innocent lives? For many fans, this marked the show’s decline and her death sealed its fate. After everything the Mother of Dragons went through to reclaim her birthright, she’s killed just when King’s Landing is within reach. Dany’s last moment felt rushed, and totally out of sync with her narrative arc. Sure, no ending will satisfy every fan, but this was a spectacular failure on all fronts. To this day, season eight remains a sore spot.

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

Because It Was the Very Death of True Love

Because This Beloved Character’s Shocking Death Ruined It All for Us

His Sudden Death Left a Void That the Series Struggled to Fill

Dexter Wasn’t the Only One Lost After Her Death, the Entire Series Was

The Show Started Falling Apart With This Sweet Kid’s Demise

“The Walking Dead” (2010-22)


It’s always devastating when you invest in a character’s journey, watch them grow, and root for them all the way, just to have them suddenly snatched away. But in the violent world of “The Walking Dead,” that is the norm. This was the case with Glenn, whose savage death left fans in mourning. Just as they began to recover, Carl’s tragic end followed, killing the show’s future. Despite becoming a tough survivor, he dies from a zombie bite? It’s such an anticlimactic end for someone who symbolized a beacon of hope in this grim world. To many, it was one of the show’s worst mistakes, offering little more than shock value and leaving fans numb and uninterested in whatever came next.

Which major character’s death in a TV show hurt you the most? Let us know in the comment section.