24 TV Deaths That Shocked Fans: From 'The Last of Us' to 'Game of Thrones'

Nothing stings like the death of a favorite television character.

Viewers might be taken aback, moved, or deceived when characters they’ve spent considerable time with on television meet untimely ends, regardless if it’s a noble lord facing execution or a snobbish lawyer caught in the wrong situation. These moments can unfold unexpectedly and emotionally within the comfort of one’s living room.

EbMaster has put together a list of 24 TV character deaths that left viewers stunned, featuring shows such as “Succession” and “The Last of Us.” This article includes significant spoilers for multiple series, so beware if you don’t want plot twists revealed! Proceed with care.

Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

In 2020, during the release of “The Last of Us Part II” on PlayStation 4, gamers were taken aback as their beloved character, Joel, was cruelly killed off at the beginning of the game. The developers at Naughty Dog went to significant efforts to conceal his death, even using deceptive footage of Joel in trailers.

As the second season of the TV show began, a second wave of surprise swept through the viewers as those who weren’t gamers discovered what happened to Joel for the first time. During a regular patrol, Pedro Pascal’s character Joel protects a woman named Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever) from a group of infected chasing her. With Jackson under attack by its own horde of infected, Joel offers assistance, but Abby persuades him that she and her friends at a nearby ski lodge could assist in the fight instead. This leads Joel into a lethal trap. Upon his arrival, Abby shoots Joel in the leg and reveals that he was the surgeon who Joel killed to save Ellie from the Firefly hospital in the season one finale. Her father was the victim. Abby then brutally kills Joel with a golf club while Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) looks on in shock and distress.

Craig Mazin, the creator, expressed a deeply moving sentiment about observing a powerful character’s fall to EbMaster, stating, “It’s heart-wrenchingly sorrowful to witness a mighty figure succumb.” He explained that this scene isn’t intended to cause harm but rather to align with Ellie’s emotional journey as she grapples with an agonizing truth we all must face – grief and despair. This tragic experience, he emphasized, is inevitable for us all.

Captain Bobby Nash (9-1-1)

Despite being a series that revolves around life-or-death emergencies and the brave first responders who tackle them, Ryan Murphy’s “9-1-1” has been perceived as a comfort show by its audience for the past seven years. Occasionally, there are tragic events like an unsavable victim or a recurring character departing (such as Connie Britton at the end of Season 1), but no main character from Station 118 ever perishes. They miraculously survive every time, and each episode ends with everything back to normal. However, this pattern was broken in Season 8’s Episode 15, “Lab Rats.” In a shocking turn of events, Captain Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) revealed in the final moments that he had contracted a deadly virus while trying to save his colleague Chimney (Kenneth Choi). Since there was only enough vaccine to save one person, Bobby sacrificed himself by giving it to Chimney and kept his condition a secret. As the episode neared its end, viewers were left in suspense about Bobby’s fate, only to discover that he wouldn’t survive this time. He bid emotional farewells to his surrogate son Buck (Oliver Stark) and his wife, LAFD sergeant Athena Grant (Angela Bassett), through a protective barrier before kneeling down for a final prayer as Hozier’s “Work Song” played over the poignant scene.

Ned Stark (Game of Thrones)

The TV series “Game of Thrones” is renowned for its frequent and brutal elimination of significant characters, but none has left as deep an impact as the death of Ned Stark (played by Sean Bean) in the second-to-last episode of Season 1. Ned was the central figure and embodiment of righteousness in the show, struggling against the Lannisters to preserve Westeros. However, in “Game of Thrones,” good people often suffer tragic fates. In a shocking display of injustice, Ned is beheaded in public view. This brutal execution served as a grim reminder to viewers not to grow too fond of any character because anyone can meet their end at any moment. Ned’s sudden demise set the stage for “Game of Thrones” to repeatedly astonish fans with unexpected and frequently heart-wrenching deaths.

Adriana La Cerva (The Sopranos)

Once the FBI identified Adriana La Cerva (Drea de Matteo) as a potential informant, her fate seemed predestined for tragedy. In fact, upon confessing her role to her fiancé Christopher (Michael Imperioli), he came close to killing her before informing Tony (James Gandolfini) of her betrayal. When Tony deceived Adriana over the phone, saying that Christopher had attempted suicide and was in the hospital, she got into a car with Silvio (Steven Van Zandt) to visit him. Regrettably, this journey would prove to be her last.

As Silvio guided Adriana deeper into the forest, she wiped away her tears, feeling the end drawing close. When he abruptly stopped the car and yanked her out with a stream of vulgarity – mechanical and unfeeling – she crawled on all fours, whimpering pitifully as he retrieved a gun to shoot her from behind. This was a harsh ending for such an appealing character, who ended up being executed like a wild beast. Halfway through the fifth season of “The Sopranos,” it served as a stark contrast, reminding us that these seemingly charming criminals were truly wicked men.

Glenn Rhee (The Walking Dead)

Logan Roy (Succession)

In the foundation of HBO’s “Succession,” Logan Roy’s demise is an inherent part of the storyline. Actor Brian Cox portrays Logan, a powerful media magnate, who suffers a stroke and falls into a coma in the opening episodes, only to die four seasons later in an unexpected manner – on an airplane while his four children are at Connor’s (Alan Ruck) wedding on a boat. This sudden death adds to the tragic impact. Logan appears minimally in his last episode, as Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Roman (Kieran Culkin) learn about their father’s passing through frantic phone calls. Instead of a dramatic farewell, “Succession” opts for a more authentic and modern portrayal of losing a loved one. Furthermore, since it occurs early in the final season, it paves the way for the remaining episodes to explore who will succeed him as CEO of Waystar Royco.

Poussey Washington (Orange Is the New Black)

Samira Wiley’s character, Poussey Washington, was a cherished, peace-loving inmate on “Orange Is the New Black.” Her heartbreaking demise in the penultimate episode of Season 4 served as a significant milestone for the show. During a tranquil prison protest in the cafeteria, Poussey unintentionally suffocated under CO Bayley (Alan Aisenberg), who was preoccupied by Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren’s (Uzo Aduba) distressed actions and accidentally knelt on her neck. Although the guards were poorly trained, the Litchfield prison management attempted to shift blame for Poussey’s murder onto her, which sparked fury among the inmates, leading to a three-day riot.

Poussey’s on-screen killing had a powerful impact, evoking memories of real-life incidents like Eric Garner’s and Freddie Gray’s deaths, which occurred before the airing of “OITNB” Season 4 during their encounters with law enforcement officers. Similarly, her death resonated with the phrase “I Can’t Breathe” and the broader Black Lives Matter campaign, underscoring the ongoing struggle against racial injustice.

Howard Hamlin (Better Call Saul)

Viewers expected some “Better Call Saul” characters not seen in “Breaking Bad” to meet a tragic end due to the nature of prequels. However, the manner and circumstances surrounding Howard Hamlin’s (Patrick Fabian) death came as a shock to fans. His demise intricately connected Jimmy’s (Bob Odenkirk) legal world with his hidden criminal life, stirring dismay among viewers. Throughout Season 6, Jimmy and Kim (Rhea Seehorn) orchestrated an elaborate scheme to kill Howard, aiming for a lucrative settlement. Unfortunately for Howard, he chose the wrong time to confront Jimmy and Kim at their apartment, as Lalo Salamanca (Tony Dalton) arrived shortly after him. Lalo had cartel business to attend to, and without hesitation, he shot Howard in cold blood, a chilling turn of events that underscores the unforeseen consequences when people choose to act unscrupulously.

George O’Malley and Derek Shepherd (Grey’s Anatomy)

For two decades, “Grey’s Anatomy,” being the longest-running prime-time medical series on TV, has been a stage for numerous heart-wrenching character deaths. However, the departures of original characters George O’Malley (played by T.R. Knight) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) continue to be among the most poignant and contentious for viewers. Derek, Meredith Grey’s long-term love interest, met his tragic end in Season 11 following a fatal car accident that occurred while Meredith was pregnant with their child. George’s death, on the other hand, came as an even bigger surprise. In Season 5, George decided to join the military, leading fans to anticipate his exit at some point. The season finale delivered a stunning twist: Meredith and her team treat a John Doe who was hit by a bus and suffered severe facial injuries. As it turned out, this John Doe was actually George, as indicated by the “007” he wrote on Meredith’s hand – a nickname given to him in the show’s first season. This twist still ranks among the most shocking moments in “Grey’s Anatomy.” In the Season 6 premiere, we learn that George has succumbed to his injuries and is declared brain dead.

Joyce Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

In the realm of cinematic critiques, I found myself deeply engrossed in the fifth season of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” where Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character, Buffy Summers, takes on a dual role as both the vampire slayer and protector of her magical sister Dawn, portrayed by Michelle Trachtenberg. However, amidst the fantastical tales of a goddess named Glory (Clare Kramer), there was a poignant, human narrative that unfolded – the slow deterioration of Joyce Summers’ health, Buffy and Dawn’s mother, portrayed by Kristine Sutherland. Her symptoms, initially attributed to magic or demons, were eventually revealed as the result of a brain tumor, reminding Buffy that even the mighty Slayer has limitations in the face of human afflictions.

Despite Joyce’s successful surgery to remove the tumor, Buffy and Dawn, along with many viewers, thought they had overcome their ordeal. Unfortunately, this was not the case. In the final scene of the episode “I Was Made to Love You,” Buffy returned home to find Joyce deceased on the couch. The episode concluded with a heart-wrenching moment as Buffy called out to her: “Mom? Mom? Mommy?” The following episode, “The Body,” which is often hailed as one of the greatest hours of television ever made, immediately picked up from that scene, focusing on Buffy’s struggle to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one. Over the course of “Buffy” and its spinoff “Angel,” many characters met their untimely ends; rest in peace Jenny Calendar, Tara Maclay, Cordelia Chase, Winifred “Fred” Burkle, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, and Buffy herself (on two occasions). However, the sight of Joyce on that couch, her eyes open yet lifeless, remains the most poignant.

The Red Wedding (Game of Thrones)

If you found Ned Stark’s demise disturbing, prepare to be shocked even more. In “Game of Thrones,” the Red Wedding, or “The Rains of Castamere” in Season 3, stands out as a shockingly grim and unforgettable death scene that continues to haunt fans’ dreams. Robb Stark, Ned’s son, and his family suffer a tragic fate following Robb’s broken promise to marry Walder Frey’s daughter, an earlier ally. To rectify the situation, Robb’s uncle wed one of Walder’s daughters, but the Freys betray the Starks instead. In a chilling turn of events, Robb, his bride Talisa, their unborn child, Catelyn (Robb’s mother), and their allies are all brutally slain in a scene that remains among the most harrowing in television history.

Charlie Pace (Lost)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact Dominic Monaghan’s character, Charlie, had on the heart of “Lost.” His self-sacrificing act in the Season 3 finale, titled “Through the Looking Glass,” left a deep and lasting impression, marking one of the most poignant moments the series ever delivered.

Charlie swiftly became a beloved character among us viewers as he battled his demons through heroin addiction, evolved into a father figure to fellow survivor Claire’s son, and formed unbreakable bonds with island companions Hurley and Desmond. The prospect of Charlie meeting his end was difficult to accept, yet “Lost” skillfully hinted at this possibility throughout Season 3 via Desmond’s visions. However, no amount of foreshadowing could have prepared us for the heart-wrenching image of Charlie taking his final breath while saving his friends, drowning in the ocean’s embrace.

Jenny Schechter (The L Word)

In the third series of Showtime’s “The L Word”, the acclaimed drama depicting lesbian life in Los Angeles, the character Dana (Erin Daniels), a professional tennis player, passed away due to breast cancer complications. However, Dana’s death served as a tragic prelude to the series’ dark and enigmatic sixth season, which centered around the “Who Killed Jenny?” plotline that was intentionally kept secret from the cast by creator Ilene Chaiken. The character Jenny Schechter (Mia Kirshner), who initially provided the show with its driving force as she moved to L.A. in the premiere episode, had her coming out as a lesbian serve as our introduction to “The L Word” world. In the Season 6 premiere of 2009, Jenny was found dead in a pool in a manner reminiscent of “Sunset Boulevard”. The question of who killed Jenny remains unanswered, considering her turbulent relationships and destructive nature made it possible for anyone to be the culprit. Interestingly, Chaiken opted not to resolve this mystery at the end of the season, stating in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that she felt no compulsion to do so, as the show focuses more on character development and relationships rather than solving mysteries.

Indeed, it was! For those still intrigued about who killed Jenny, all they had to do was wait until “The L Word: Generation Q” premiered in 2019. In the initial season of this show, Bette (played by Jennifer Beals) mentioned casually that her friend Jenny had taken her own life in a pool, which seemed unlikely given Jenny’s strong spirit and determination. This twist even prompted Kirshner herself to post on Twitter: “No, Jenny is not dead. That’s not the story that should be told about a survivor of sexual violence. It’s not a story that can be neatly concluded. So no, she is not dead.

Following Kirshner’s theory, I can’t help but feel that Jenny is out there, stirring up chaos and anarchy wherever her journey takes her!

Keith Scott (One Tree Hill)

One Tree Hill” is renowned for its intricate love triangles and deep-rooted relationships, but it doesn’t shy away from surprising its viewers. A prime example occurred midway through Season 3, not during a premiere or finale, when the dearest character of the series was unexpectedly written out. The episode, named “With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept,” deals with a troubled student, Jimmy Edwards, who resorts to violence after years of bullying. This storyline tackles sensitive topics such as mental health, suicide, and gun violence, making it suitable for high school auditorium screenings. However, the episode also results in two deaths: at its conclusion, Jimmy tragically takes his own life, while later, Dan Scott (Paul Johansson), jealous of his brother Uncle Keith (Craig Sheffer) whom he’d always envied, fatally shoots him with Jimmy’s gun. Sheffer later disclosed that, similar to the viewers, he was taken aback by being terminated from the show.

Gus Fring (Breaking Bad)

In the gripping series “Breaking Bad,” I came across few foes as chilling, strategic, or resourceful as Gus Fring, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito. Through clever maneuvers and occasionally brutal tactics (like that unforgettable boxcutter incident), he established his dominion. So, when it was evident that either Walter White or Gus would meet their end, Walt resorted to every trick in the book until he discovered Gus’ vulnerability: his intense animosity towards Hector Salamanca. Make no mistake, Gus is a force to be reckoned with, but even he couldn’t outlive an explosion from a bomb attached to a wheelchair… or so we thought. In one of the most shocking twists in television history, viewers watched as Gus seemingly walked out of Hector’s nursing home room unharmed. But upon closer inspection, the camera revealed that half of his face was gone, and with that, Gus succumbed to his injuries. That’s why they titled that episode “Face Off.

Charlie Harper (Two and a Half Men)

On the TV show “Two and a Half Men,” created by Chuck Lorre, it wasn’t enough to kill off the character Charlie Harper, portrayed by Charlie Sheen, once. Unusually, Charlie Harper died not one but two times, in particularly gruesome manners. The CBS series, which ran for 12 seasons, underwent a significant transformation at the start of Season 9 following Sheen’s dismissal due to a breakdown marked by offensive comments against Lorre, his boss and executive producer, as well as erratic live streams on social media. (Ah, those were the days when “winning” and “tiger blood” were buzzwords.)

When Warner Bros. TV and CBS concluded that Sheen was no longer suitable for his role, they ended up terminating the actor’s contract. Consequently, at the beginning of Season 9, viewers learned that Charlie met his end off-camera after being struck by a train in Paris during a trip with Rose (Melanie Lynskey).

Rose referred to Charlie as a “meat-filled balloon,” which appeared to suggest he was deceased. On the television series, the role vacated by Sheen’s character was taken over by Ashton Kutcher, who portrays billionaire Walden Schmidt, the latest resident of the beach house where the group resides.

Later in the show, Kathy Bates portrayed Charlie’s spirit. However, in the 2015 two-part “Two and a Half Men” series finale, it was unveiled that Charlie hadn’t actually passed away; instead, he had been kept captive in Rose’s basement. After devising his retaliation against everyone involved, Charlie (represented by a stand-in, as Sheen wasn’t allowed to return) met his tragic end for good when a helicopter mistakenly dropped a grand piano on him at the beach house.

At the conclusion of the show, creator Chuck Lorre himself stepped out from behind the scenes, addressing viewers directly with a triumphant “Winning!” (However, his victory was short-lived as he met an unexpected end when struck by a second piano.) Later on, both Lorre and Sheen made peace, with Sheen even guest starring in Chuck Lorre’s latest Netflix series called “Bookie.

Marissa Cooper (The O.C.)

The death of Marissa Cooper (played by Mischa Barton) in the final episode of Season 3 from “The O.C.” continues to be one of the most surprising moments in teen drama history, a choice that series creator Josh Schwartz later acknowledged as a mistake. In this fateful incident, her former boyfriend, Kevin Volchok (portrayed by Cam Gigandet), caused a car accident involving Marissa and Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie) by running them off the road. While Ryan only suffered minor injuries, Marissa’s wounds proved fatal, leading to her death in Ryan’s arms. The scene is indelibly etched in popular culture due to the emotional impact of the image of Ryan carrying Marissa from the wreckage as their car explodes in the background.

Will Gardner (The Good Wife)

For five seasons, Josh Charles’ character, Will Gardner, was a beloved fixture on “The Good Wife”. However, when he was fatally wounded in the courtroom during “Dramatics, Your Honor”, viewers were taken aback by the shocking turn of events. Prior to this, Will had been a well-developed and popular character, with his romantic involvement with Alicia (played by Julianna Margulies) and his legal business dealings making him a fan favorite. Consequently, it’s not surprising that fans were upset – the show had kept Will’s ultimate fate a closely guarded secret in the weeks leading up to it.

David Stapf, head of CBS Studios, proposed that the showrunners pen a letter to fans online, expressing that “life continues as usual.” Furthermore, Gardner’s spectral presence was still felt within the series, manifesting in a dream sequence during the series finale titled “End.” In this episode, Will made a poignant reappearance for one last embrace, whispering to Alicia: “It’s so wonderful to see you once more.

Tanya McQuoid (The White Lotus)

In my admiration, I can’t help but rave about Jennifer Coolidge’s captivating portrayal of Tanya McQuoid, the wealthy and clumsy character, in “White Lotus.” In the first season, the vivacious Tanya found herself smitten with Greg Hunt (Jon Gries), a fellow resort guest who was allegedly terminally ill. Despite this, she chose to marry him, only for their honeymoon to take a turn in Italy during Season 2. Unfortunately, Tanya was dismayed when Greg hurriedly left on business, leaving her with his assistant, Portia (Haley Lu Richardson). Things seemed to improve when Tanya encountered Quentin (Tom Hollander) and his lively friends, who invited her aboard their yacht – that is, until she spotted a photograph of her husband and Quentin together. This chilling revelation marked the beginning of a rapid decline in Tanya’s fortunes as she came to believe she was being held captive on the yacht. With the unforgettable line, “these gays are trying to murder me,” she pulled out a gun and fired at Quentin and two of his associates. After this dramatic display of force, Tanya had an opportunity to flee to shore in a dinghy – but as fate would have it, she suffered a blow to the head and drowned, denying us all more of Jennifer Coolidge’s enchanting performances in boldly-patterned caftans at various resorts. Luckily for us, Greg managed to survive, reappearing in Season 3 to continue Tanya’s story.

Lucy Knight (ER)

During seasons 5 and 6 of “ER,” medical student Lucy Knight (played by Kellie Martin) struggled to fit in at Cook County General Hospital. This was particularly evident with her assigned resident, Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle), who frequently butted heads with Lucy on various issues, from starting an IV to being prescribed Ritalin. Lucy’s persistent friction with her colleagues and the viewing audience made her a grating presence, leading to a joint decision between Martin and the showrunners that it was best for her character to depart the series. Significantly, they chose to keep this departure a secret.

Paul Sobriki (David Krumholtz) enters as a young husband who Lucy had correctly identified as schizophrenic. Despite Carter’s dismissal of her concerns, this revelation proves tragic later that night when, believing the room to be empty, Carter is stabbed in the back by Paul with a butcher knife intended for the staff’s Valentine’s Day cake. Struck down, Carter witnesses Lucy lying on the floor, drenched in her own blood – a shocking and unexpected scene, even for an era when live television was still widely watched. Lucy succumbs to her wounds in the subsequent episode, a twist that surprisingly turned a character we barely paid attention to into one whose departure left us feeling heartbroken.

Lane Pryce (Mad Men)

In the world of “Mad Men,” which was never known for its moral righteousness due to rampant infidelity, corporate treachery, and manipulation of consumer culture, there was a sense of levity until the tragic suicide of Lane Pryce, portrayed by Jared Harris. After Don Draper uncovers that his partner Pryce had forged his signature on a company check, he forces him to resign, leading Pryce into a deep depression and eventually taking his own life in his office. This event, occurring near the end of Season 5, set an unprecedentedly somber tone for the series, highlighting the severe repercussions that Draper’s actions could bring about. Moreover, “Mad Men” lost one of its most dynamic characters: a reliable ally to Christina Hendricks’ character Joan Holloway, a British colleague who offered an outsider’s perspective on American absurdities, and the one individual in the office who wasn’t hesitant to strike Pete Campbell when circumstances required it.

Rita Morgan (Dexter)

In the fourth season of “Dexter,” fans were thrilled as the title character (played by Michael C. Hall) confronted Arthur Mitchell, also known as the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow). This was while Dexter juggled his role as a family man, raising his baby son Harrison with his wife Rita (Julie Benz). However, the season took an unexpected turn when Dexter’s victory over Arthur was followed by a chilling revelation – Rita, his wife, had become his final victim. Upon returning home, Dexter found his wife dead in the bathtub, a scene reminiscent of the Trinity Killer’s signature style, and Harrison sitting on the bloody floor next to her.

Despite being criticized for using a trope known as “fridging” – where a female character is brutally killed to advance a male character’s storyline – the season finale was undeniably shocking and filled with intense emotion. It significantly altered the tone of the show, as Dexter’s relationship with Rita evolved from a casual “Serial Killer Beard” to something resembling genuine companionship, only for her to be tragically taken away.

Michael Cordero Jr. (Jane the Virgin)

In the TV series “Jane the Virgin,” subtle hints about Michael’s (played by Brett Dier) demise were introduced as early as Season 1, when the narrator suggested his enduring love for Jane (Gina Rodriguez) would last till his final breath. In the Season 2 finale, moments after their wedding, Michael was shot in the chest by Sin Rostro, Rose Solano (played by Bridget Regan), who is Jane’s son’s father’s stepmother and widow, in a typical telenovela plot twist. However, it was disclosed in Season 3 that Michael had miraculously survived the incident. Therefore, it comes as quite a surprise when, during the tenth episode of that season, Michael succumbs to his injuries and passes away after taking the LSAT due to a previously unnoticed complication from his gunshot wound.

Fans were shocked and saddened by his demise. After the shooting, Michael could no longer carry on as a detective, instead choosing to switch careers and delve into law. His marriage with Jane was blossoming – resolving the love triangle involving him, Jane, and Rafael (Justin Baldoni). Michael’s passing was so devastating that the writers of “Jane the Virgin” opted for a time jump in the narrative due to the immense grief it would have caused had they followed Jane through her mourning. However, remember this is a telenovela we’re talking about. In the Season 4 finale, following years of dealing with Michael’s death and rekindling her relationship with Rafael, Jane and Rafael discover from an imprisoned Rose that Michael might still be alive.

In a series known for its intricate disguises and twin villains, there was doubt about whether the Michael who appeared at Rafael’s doorstep was truly Michael. However, it wasn’t until Season 5 that we learned Rose had drugged Michael to trigger a heart attack, faked his death by bribing medical personnel, and erased his memory with electric shock therapy. Now going by Jason, he has no recollection of his life with Jane and is an entirely different person. Despite this, Jane doesn’t rekindle her relationship with Michael/Jason. Instead, this choice to pass on the chance with her first love strengthens her bond with Rafael, whom she marries in the final episode of the series.

Tracy McConnell (How I Met Your Mother)

Playing “the mother” on CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother” was quite a significant task. Over nearly a decade, the show carefully constructed the narrative leading up to when Ted (Josh Radnor) would finally meet his soulmate. By this point, viewers had developed deep connections with characters like Ted, Marshall (Jason Segel), Lily (Alyson Hannigan), Robin (Cobie Smulders), and Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). It was challenging for fans to envision becoming emotionally attached to a fresh character in the same way they had with these established ones.

In a remarkable turn, Cristin Milioti first appeared in the Season 8 finale as the Girl Under the Yellow Umbrella, eventually unveiled to be Tracy McConnell. Throughout Season 9, she endeared herself to viewers with her endearing charm and wit, making the wait for such an exceptional character worthwhile. For instance, it’s Milioti, rather than one of the longer-serving cast members, who is recognized as a standout in “How I Met Your Mother” on EbMaster‘s list of the 100 most outstanding TV performances of the 21st century.

Sadly, it turned out that the affection for character Tracy contributed to the series finale of “How I Met Your Mother” being regarded as one of the poorest in television history. The ninth season primarily centered around Ted and Tracy’s love story leading up to Barney and Robin’s wedding; however, the sudden revelation at the last moment that Tracy had passed away from an illness while Barney and Robin divorced was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly when it became evident that all this contrived events were merely to facilitate Ted and Robin rekindling their relationship. It seems that the writers had planned this all along, but by the end of “How I Met Your Mother,” Tracy had evolved into a real and cherished character. Using her as merely a plot device made her death a painful and perplexing one.

Note from the Editor: This list was compiled with contributions from Jennifer Maas, Katcy Stephan, Pat Saperstein, J. Kim Murphy, Joe Otterson, Emily Longeretta, Matt Minton, and Michael Schneider.

2025-04-22 21:22

24 TV Deaths That Shocked Fans: From ‘The Last of Us’ to ‘Game of Thrones’