Dr. Derek Shepherd, portrayed by Patrick Dempsey, People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2023, remains one of the most heart-wrenching TV character deaths, securing a spot in the top 20.
As the original romantic lead, Derek captured fans’ hearts, even after his departure and eventual return, making his demise deeply impactful.
#15 Dean Winchester (Supernatural)
While Jensen Ackles faced numerous deaths as Dean Winchester in Supernatural, it was his definitive demise in the series finale that left the deepest impact on fans.
Despite the Winchester brothers’ repeated escapes from death, Dean’s final end remains untouched, with no reversals or spinoff revivals, despite hints from Ackles and Jared Padalecki post-series.
#14 Shireen Baratheon (Game of Thrones)
Shireen Baratheon’s death in Game of Thrones stirred deep sadness among fans, given her innocent and sympathetic nature.
The emotional weight of her demise lay in the harsh portrayal of political ambition’s consequences on a blameless child, shocking and saddening viewers with the grim realities of Westeros.
#13 Dr.Lance Sweets (Bones)
Sweets, as an FBI psychologist, offered not just professional expertise but also humor and companionship, rendering his abrupt passing a blow for both the series’ characters and the audience who had grown fond of him.
His departure hit harder due to his narrative importance, as Sweets had seamlessly integrated into the team, aiding investigations and forming deep bonds with fellow characters.
#12 Seymour (Futurama)
Among the myriad pet deaths depicted in movies, Seymour’s heart-wrenching demise in Futurama stands out as the most devastating, earning the top spot in Ranker’s list and capturing the hearts of millions worldwide.
Seymour, Fry’s faithful canine companion in Futurama, symbolizes unwavering loyalty as he patiently awaits his owner’s return, unaware that Fry has been catapulted thousands of years into the future.
Tragically, Seymour passes away while faithfully waiting for Fry, highlighting the profound love and devotion that pets, particularly dogs, harbor for their owners—even in the face of immense time and distance.
#11 Lt. Colonel Henry Blake (M*A*S*H)
Lt. Colonel Henry Blake’s death left a profound mark, signaling the grim realities of war and injecting a somber undertone into the show.
His departure deviated from the series’ typical comedic elements, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and uncertainties endured by military personnel during the Korean War.
#10 Bobby Singer (Supernatural)
Bobby Singer, a trusted ally to the Winchester brothers in Supernatural, joins the list with his poignant death—portrayed by Jim Beaver, who also stars in The Boys, adapted by Supernatural creator.
Initially a cameo, Bobby’s exceptional chemistry with “the boys” endeared him to fans, leading to tearful farewells in his final moments. Yet, in the world of Supernatural, departures aren’t always permanent.
#9 Eddard Stark (Game of Thrones)
Eddard Stark, the stalwart leader of House Stark, endeared himself to fans with his unwavering dedication to justice and loyalty. His sudden and brutal execution in King’s Landing shocked viewers, signaling a pivotal shift in the series’ tone and underscoring the unforgiving nature of the Game of Thrones world.
#8 George O’Malley (Grey’s Anatomy)
George O’Malley, a beloved original character on Grey’s Anatomy, endeared himself to fans as part of the show’s core cast of fictional surgeons. Despite the confusion and abruptness surrounding his departure, his on-screen death shocked and saddened fans, leaving a lasting impact on the show’s narrative.
#7 Bob Newby (Stranger Things)
Sean Astin’s portrayal of Bob Newby in Stranger Things earned him the 7th spot on Ranker’s list of heartbreaking TV character deaths. Bob’s demise was particularly surprising, evoking strong emotions from viewers, reminiscent of the show’s knack for playing with audience sentiments. Despite Bob’s cheerful and wholesome demeanor, his entanglement with the main characters in the eerie town of Hawkins led to tragic consequences, highlighting the series’ penchant for perilous encounters and near-death experiences.
#6 Poussey Washington (Orange is the New Black)
Poussey Washington’s death in Orange is the New Black left fans reeling from the profound injustice surrounding her untimely demise. Her tragic end resonated deeply with viewers, shedding light on the systemic inequalities and injustices within the prison system. Poussey’s storyline sparked important conversations about racial discrimination and police violence, further underscoring the show’s commitment to addressing social issues with raw honesty and emotional depth.
#5 Hershel Green (The Walking Dead)
Scott Wilson’s Hershel Greene met an undeserving demise at the hands of the evil Governor in The Walking Dead, marking one of the most shocking moments in TV history. While not the highest character death on this list, Hershel’s death left an indelible mark, sparking intense discussions for years to come.
#4 Opie Winston (Sons of Anarchy)
#3 Lady (Game of Thrones)
The passing of Lady, Sansa Stark’s direwolf in Game of Thrones, saddened viewers as she symbolized innocence and loyalty. Executed unjustly after Nymeria’s attack, Lady’s demise reflected the harsh realities of the Stark children’s journey in Westeros, evoking sympathy from fans for the loss of this loyal companion.
#2 Hodor (Game of Thrones)
#1 Glenn (The Walking Dead)
Steven Yeun’s portrayal of Glenn Rhee from AMC’s The Walking Dead ranks first as the most brutal fictional death on TV. Millions worldwide were shocked by the intense scene, with some viewers even deciding to stop watching the show due to feeling traumatized.