7 TV shows that killed the most unexpected characters

There have been TV shows that have shocked their viewership with very daring turns, but still nothing has hurt like the passing of a much-loved character turning up unexpectedly. It does not matter if it is a fantasy saga or a TV show about the fate of doctors or a space opera; such occurrences usually leave the audience in a state of shock and despair.

The transition from honorable heroes to unselfish sinners has kept the viewers attached even if the story has moved on. These are the moments through which the audiences have lived after the end of the series.

So here are the top seven TV shows on which the audiences were stunned when the most unexpected characters were killed off, showing that sometimes the most excellent storytelling can only come through the most painful partings.

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7 TV Shows that killed the most unexpected characters

1) Game of Thrones - Ned Stark

Nobody thought Ned Stark would die so soon in Game of Thrones. Being the central hero, fans thought he would live and restore peace to Westeros. However, his beheading in season one proved that this series bent its rules. Sean Bean's quiet and devoted acting left people mourning his loss intensely.

Years later, Ned's death is still one of television's greatest plot twists. In an interesting twist, the authors stated that this scene foreshadowed the TV show's volatile writing style, where no character was ever really safe.

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2) The Walking Dead - Glenn Rhee

The death of Glenn Rhee caused a worldwide heartache for the fans. He was a character who embodied the light and humanity of The Walking Dead amidst the devastation and terror of the zombified world. His abrupt and savage murder by Negan in the seventh season not only shocked but also disgusted the audience around the globe. Steven Yeun, the actor who portrayed Glenn, mentioned that the intention behind the sequence was to display the extent of the darkness that had covered the earth.

Even now, people still talk about the impact of his death on the TV show’s direction and its emotional tone. Glenn’s character is still viewed as the soul of the series’ early days.

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3) Breaking Bad - Hank Schrader

Hank Schrader's demise in Breaking Bad was tragic and strong. Walter White's brother-in-law and staunch DEA agent, Hank, was set on capturing Heisenberg, unaware that it was within his own family. His demise during the desert scene is among the TV show's most dramatic scenes.

The realism and emotion made it irresistible. Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank, boasted that he was proud of the scene, as it provided closure for his character's strong moral arc. Even years after the fact, it is still one of the show's highlight moments.

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4) Grey’s Anatomy - Derek Shepherd

Derek Shepherd, affectionately known as McDreamy, was one of Grey's Anatomy's favorite characters. His untimely death in season 11 from a car accident broke fans' hearts. Played by Patrick Dempsey, the departure of Derek was not just heartbreaking but also pivotal for Meredith's character.

The TV show runners later revealed that he had to die to advance the plot and demonstrate Meredith's evolution as a strong, independent woman. Even now Derek is remembered in flashbacks, and mentions his existence living on in the long-running program.

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5) Stranger Things - Eddie Munson

Eddie Munson was an instant fan favorite in Stranger Things season 4. His humor, courage, and good-heartedness won everyone's hearts right away. But his heroic death in the season finale when he strummed a guitar to distract the bats in the Upside Down was heartbreaking.

Fans continue to wish that he might come back in some way. Actor Joseph Quinn stated that he was inundated with affection that Eddie got after a single season. His death reminded viewers of the impact that short-lived characters can have on pop culture.

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6) The 100 - Lexa

Lexa's on-screen death in The 100 came as a shocking moment to the audience and resulted in huge controversy. She was a powerful and popular leader who embodied both authority and kindness. Her unexpected death by stray gunfire seemed unjust to a great many fans.

Alycia Debnam-Carey, the actress who portrayed Lexa, later addressed how much the audience had attached themselves to her character. Lexa's death opened up a huge debate regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ characters on television. Even years after, she is still a symbol of change and strength for many people.

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7) Lost - Charlie Pace

Charlie Pace's last scene on Lost is the TV show's most gut-wrenching moment. A former musician who became a survivor, Charlie evolved from a complicated man to a selfless savior. When he died saving his friends, everyone was left aching.

His now-infamous last words, "Not Penny's boat," were emblazoned in fans' minds. Dominic Monaghan recently said that he still receives messages from fans who were moved by Charlie's story. His demise was a turning point in the TV show and demonstrated how sacrifice could epitomize real heroism.

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The losses each had their own share of emotions, and they changed not only the storylines but also the characters left in the background. The death of Ned Stark brought a focus on honor, while Glenn's death highlighted courage, and Lexa showed strength; their exits directly influenced the way the fans connected with the series.

Such incidents have shown that powerful storytelling does not only mean happy endings; it is rather about taking the risk that makes the impression last forever. Even after so many years, these particularly surprising deaths still ignite discussions and emotional recollections among the audience.

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