
Hello fellow criers! Welcome to our list of the most emotionally devastating moments from TV in 2025. This year brought plenty of heartbreaking scenes – major character deaths, ruined happy endings, and moments so sad they felt unreal. Get ready to revisit these tearjerkers and allow yourself to feel all the emotions – even if it means a good cry! Below, we’ve compiled the ten most unforgettable, and tear-inducing, moments from the past TV season that still have us reeling.
10.
Justin and Keisha have their last date
Forever, “Forever …”
In the finale of Forever, Justin and Keisha break up around the middle of the episode. While sad, it feels right to see them, as 18-year-olds, realize they need space to grow as individuals and figure out their futures. However, the most emotionally powerful scene comes later, when they share a final goodbye before Keisha leaves for Howard University and Justin stays in Los Angeles to focus on his music. It’s a surprisingly mature and comfortable exchange, filled with gratitude and affection. Their last moments together are bittersweet and deeply moving. As Frank Ocean’s version of “Moon River” plays, words aren’t needed – they simply take one last look at each other, their faces showing sadness, longing, and a quiet hope for the future. Ultimately, they know they must go their separate ways.
9.
Bobby dies
9-1-1, “Lab Rats”
We were expecting a wild, over-the-top show with 9-1-1, but nothing prepared us for the shocking death of a major character. When Angela Bassett cries on screen, it’s guaranteed to get a reaction, and this moment definitely delivered. The surprise wasn’t just that Bobby Nash, one of the show’s leads, died—it was the heartbreaking reason why. Bobby knew he was infected with the virus the team was trying to contain, but he kept it a secret so his friend, Chimney, could have the only available antidote. Beyond the shock, Bobby and Athena are the heart of the show, and seeing him ask for a moment alone with his wife signaled something terrible was about to happen. He poured out his love for her, wished he could choose a different fate, and then tragically died in her arms. She refused to leave his side, even as his life slipped away.
8.
Tom and Maeve both get brand-new starts
Task, “A Still Small Voice”
There’s something incredibly moving about a good cry, and the final scenes of Task deliver that perfectly as we see the aftermath for both Tom Brandis and Maeve Prendergast after the Dark Hearts case is closed. Ultimately, Tom has to make the difficult decision to let Sam, the young boy caught up in the Dark Hearts events, go live with a new family. It’s heartbreaking but hopeful to see Tom prioritize Sam’s needs, recognizing that a stable home is what the boy truly deserves, even if Tom can’t provide it right now. (Seriously, the scene of Emily helping Sam get ready to meet his new family always makes me cry!) But by forgiving his own son and opening his heart to Sam, Tom has found a path toward healing and seems genuinely lighter by the end – Mark Ruffalo is just brilliant, isn’t he?
Tom isn’t the only character to find peace. Maeve also makes a selfless decision, taking responsibility for her young cousins and giving them a fresh start. Leaving her home is necessary for her to move forward, but she doesn’t forget the past – she wants to continue honoring her father and uncle. Considering how dark and sad Task is for most of its run, the surprisingly hopeful ending is a truly touching and welcome change.
7.
“We made him.”
Adolescence, “Episode 4”
Let’s be real, it’s nearly impossible to watch Adolescence without tearing up. The show’s continuous, single-take style relentlessly builds tension, leaving you breathless. This is especially true in the final episode, where Jamie’s family—his parents, Eddie and Manda, and his sister, Lisa—desperately try to make Eddie’s birthday special, even after discovering hateful graffiti on his van. For a moment, it seems like they might succeed, but then Jamie calls with devastating news: he’s changing his plea to guilty. This breaks Eddie, unleashing a flood of pent-up emotion. He and Manda share a raw, honest conversation upstairs, finally admitting they should have been better parents. It’s the first time they truly acknowledge the immense guilt they’ve been carrying. Manda repeatedly says, “We made him,” recognizing they shaped every part of him, and that accepting responsibility is the only way to move forward.
6.
Outie Mark and Gemma get the shortest reunion imaginable
Severance, “Cold Harbor”
The love story in Severance is incredibly complex and emotionally devastating, involving four people and the fractured realities of the severed floor. While Innie Mark’s decision to remain severed is understandable, it has heartbreaking consequences for his Outie self and Gemma. The moment Mark attempts to ‘rescue’ Gemma is both incredibly risky and powerfully moving, culminating in a tearjerker when Gemma recognizes him after returning to her normal state. Their reunion is filled with joy, relief, and love, beautifully portrayed by Adam Scott and Dichen Lachman. However, this emotional high is immediately followed by a gut-wrenching twist as the elevator descends and they’re confronted with the continued existence of Innie Mark and Miss Casey. It’s a truly bittersweet moment – a feeling of almost having everything, quickly snatched away – and it leaves you wanting to forget it ever happened.
5.
Cassian watches Bix’s good-bye video
Andor, “Welcome to the Rebellion”
The series Andor cleverly uses its connection to the film Rogue One to create powerful moments, and none are more impactful than Bix’s selfless decision. Cassian wants to escape the war and build a peaceful life with Bix, but she pushes him to stay committed to the rebellion, secretly leaving him to ensure he does. Discovering her goodbye message the next morning is devastating, especially after his frantic attempt to find her fails. (Diego Luna’s performance is incredibly moving.) This scene is already heartbreaking, enhanced by the beautiful music, but it truly hits hard when Bix promises to reunite with Cassian after they win the war. This promise is particularly painful because, knowing what happens in Rogue One, we understand that their future together will never come to pass, and they’ll never see each other again. It’s a gut-wrenching moment!
4.
Joel is killed in front of Ellie
The Last of Us, “Through the Valley”
If you’ve been following The Last of Us, you probably expected Joel’s death. Abby’s revenge for Joel killing her father to protect Ellie wasn’t a shock, but it was still incredibly emotional. The scene is difficult to watch, not just because of the violence, but because of Ellie’s reaction. She tries to appear strong, but instantly reverts to a vulnerable child. Even knowing Joel is gone, she desperately crawls to him, clinging to his hand like a little girl begging for her father to live. Bella Ramsey delivers a powerful performance in this moment. It’s a scene that gains even more weight upon rewatching, knowing that Ellie genuinely believed she and Joel were starting to heal, as she told Jesse earlier. She left for patrol with hope, but returned completely changed.
3.
Nathan and Nora have all the conversations they’ll never get to have
Upload, “Mile End”
The Amazon Prime Video series Upload really knows how to pull at your heartstrings. The show’s final episode is surprisingly emotional, even after everything the characters have been through. The story centers on Nathan, who’s deceased but exists as a digital consciousness, and his love for Nora. They’ve already overcome huge obstacles – including Nathan being transferred into a clone body and kidnapped by scheming billionaires who repeatedly uploaded and experimented on him. Just when they finally find peace, they discover Nathan’s digital brain is failing, and there’s no saving him. They’re left with only a few precious hours together. Nora brings Nathan ‘home’ and uses virtual reality to transport him to Montreal, a place they always dreamed of visiting. They share a final, tender moment watching the sunset, exchanging loving words and simple everyday conversations. Nathan expresses his love for Nora, telling her she’s the love of his life, now and forever. Then, he’s gone. In a heartbreaking scene, Nora removes the VR headset and holds him close. It’s a powerfully emotional ending that left me in tears. Upload definitely doesn’t shy away from intense feelings.
2.
Robby finally breaks
The Pitt, “7:00 PM”
Many of the most powerful scenes from this medical drama could come from the storyline surrounding ‘The Pitt,’ even though the show usually focuses on realism rather than emotional manipulation. Perhaps that’s why its most heartfelt moments are so impactful – they feel incredibly genuine. Noah Wyle delivers a particularly strong performance as Dr. Robby, who remains a steady leader and calming presence throughout a chaotic and difficult season. It’s remarkable that he manages to hold it together for thirteen hours before finally breaking down. The show builds up to this moment, as Robby, already struggling with PTSD, faces a series of losses following the shooting at Pitt Fest. Ultimately, his inability to save Jake’s girlfriend pushes him over the edge. He struggles to explain himself to his ex-wife’s son, breaks down while listing the patients they’ve lost, and finally asks Jake to leave so he can grieve privately on the floor of the makeshift morgue. Watching Robby fall apart is painful, but also provides a sense of relief that this dedicated doctor, who has been supporting his team and patients, is finally allowing himself to feel the full weight of the trauma.
1.
“You were my favorite person in the whole wide world.”
Dying for Sex, “It’s Not That Serious”
The show, as the title suggests, deals with death, but the finale of Dying for Sex is surprisingly uplifting. It’s much more than just a sad story about Molly’s illness; it masterfully balances humor and heartbreak. You’ll likely find yourself both crying and laughing throughout the episode – a truly unique experience. What really makes the show special is the beautiful friendship between Molly and Nikki, brought to life by Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. In the final moments, knowing this is their last conversation, Nikki expresses her gratitude, pride, and love for Molly. Molly, drifting off to sleep, simply tells Nikki she’s been her favorite person in the world. While Molly finds peace, viewers are left emotionally overwhelmed, reaching for tissues and likely wanting to connect with their own best friends.
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2025-12-11 23:56