Beware: Spoilers ahead.
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Updated 5 days ago,April 24, 2025
Fans ofThe Last of Us… You OK?
If you answered yes, then you havent seen Episode 2 of Season 2 yet.
The Last of Us / HBO
This show just aired one of the goopiest, gaggiest deaths of a major TV character in recent memory.
In fact, it might be one of the most shocking TV character deaths in TV history, periodt.
Just to be sure, lets rank some of TVs most shocking deaths.
You may be surprised to know where thatThe Last of Usdeath falls.
That said … Shall we?
However, the events leading up to it make the moment feel epic, random, and cruel.
BBC America
Eve and Villanelle have just shared a passionate kiss after four seasons of build-up … and thenthis?
In just a few seconds, the unseen sniper who kills Villanelle becomes the new Hunter from Bambi.
One of the most famous aughties TV characters was permanently gone.
ABC
However, the way she dies comes out of nowhere.
After she argues with Shauna, Jackies friends including Shauna leave her outside in the cold.
She freezes to death in the subzero temperatures of the Canadian wilderness as her friends sleep peacefully inside.
Showtime
The preventability and brutality of the death make it stand out in the rankings.
Jane inBreaking Bad
Breaking Badis another show known for suddenly dispatching characters with aplomb.
In fact, this list easily could have had threeBreaking Baddeaths on it in another universe.
Netflix
She isnt involved with the drug trade; shes just a tortured junkie.
And Walter just stands there and watches her overdose then choke on her own vomit.
Its disgusting, horrific, game-changing, and unforgettable.
AMC
Hes one half of the shows most central relationship!
Hes Pedro Pascal, Internet Daddy!
Its impossible to predict where the show can go from here.
How do we even force ourselves to care now?
Maybe because of all the zombies?
Joyce Summers inBuffy the Vampire Slayer
Theres no shortage of character deaths onBuffy.
The WB
Buffy herself dies at one point, and in spectacular fashion.
But no death hits harder than Buffys mom, Joyce.
Only time will tell if Joels death becomes as much of a cultural touchstone.
HBO
In fact, it has become a point of comparison for all new shows, periodt.
To this day, people still ask, But was it Red Wedding-level?
