TV Shows with the Most Shocking Character Deaths
A look at TV shows that have defied the norm and dared to kill off their main characters, creating some of the most memorable and thrilling scenes on television.
1. The Walking Dead
Spanning 11 seasons, The Walking Dead is notorious for having the highest death count out of any TV show. Even major characters fall victim to zombies, other humans, and disease. By the end of season 11, the original main cast of the show had almost entirely been wiped out.
Daryl (Norman Reedus) looks through the sight of a grenade launcher in The Walking Dead
The post-apocalyptic show received critical acclaim and fan adoration due to its realism, dramatic storylines, and fantastic visual effects. What makes The Walking Dead so special is how it wasn't afraid to brutally eliminate fan-favorite characters.
2. Game of Thrones
Known for its brutal violence, the series never failed to shock audiences with surprising deaths. The HBO adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice book series was an enormous success, spanning 8 seasons. With dramatic and harrowing scenes like The Red Wedding killing off major characters unexpectedly, these moments highlighted the very aspect of what made the show so famous.
Daenerys sailing for Westeros in Game of Thrones
Some of Game of Thrones' most brutal and horrific deaths would happen at the most unexpected times, and no character was safe.
Richard Madden as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones season 2
3. Primeval
Primeval is a British science-fiction series that drew an impressive audience with its ability to surprise with significant plot twists and some of the best visual effects of its time. The show's later seasons were not afraid to break away from its earlier patterns, even killing off one of its central characters, Nick Cutter.
Douglas Henshall stars in Primeval
The show's ability to surprise with significant plot twists, coupled with some of the best visual effects of its time, drew an impressive audience. However, Primeval sometimes tended to shield some key characters from fatal outcomes, regardless of the dangers they faced.
4. The Wire
The Wire is often hailed as one of the best TV shows of all time, known for its unexpected character deaths. The show dives deep into Baltimore's drug war and its widespread impact on the city. It garnered critical acclaim for its stark realism and complex characters.
Omar with a shotgun in The Wire
The show is known for its unexpected character deaths, unceremoniously killing off fan-favorite characters like Wallace and Omar.
5. House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon season 2's major change from the books means even fans of George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood will be surprised by the events to come in the new season. The show also reveals other mysteries in the book, like what happened to the Strongs and if Damon killed his wife (yes, he did). However, due to the nature of the show being a Game of Thrones prequel, there's only so much House of The Dragon can change that wouldn't contradict canon events in the universe.
Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen looking angry with background glowing thanks to a fire in House of the Dragon-1
Many of Fire & Blood's mysteries are revealed with shocking twists, maintaining the unpredictability of the series.
Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 1 finale
6. Vikings
Vikings is notorious for its unpredictable character deaths, often deviating from historical events. Notably, one of the most heartbreaking Vikings deaths is that of the show's main protagonist, Ragnar Lothbrok, who dies alone, thrown into a pit of venomous snakes by King Aelle.
Ragnar covered in blood in Vikings Season 2
The series often deviates from historical events, making it nearly impossible for even a historian or history buff to predict the fates of the characters.
7. Fringe
Fringe is a science-fiction series that gained cult status among fans. Several major character deaths throughout the seasons shocked and saddened fans, including that of the show's youngest Bishop family member, Etta. However, many viewers criticized the decision to kill off her character as they felt it was premature, sacrificing her potential character arc for an emotional gut punch.
Etta holding a gun in season 5 of Fringe
The show's major character deaths shocked and saddened fans, with some feeling that certain character deaths sacrificed potential character arcs for emotional gut punches.
8. The Sopranos
HBO's 'The Sopranos' is renowned for its unpredictable and often shocking character deaths. The series, masterminded by David Chase, skillfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and unease, leaving viewers on edge about who might meet their demise next.
Tony's crew looking sharp in suits in The Sopranos.
The best example of this might be the very final note on which the show ended. Viewers can only speculate whether Tony Soprano died or survived as the show ends abruptly with a jump-cut to a black screen.
9. The 100
The CW's The 100 is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi series known for its high death toll over its 100 episodes. With survival a constant theme, death is always imminent, and no character is entirely safe. The series unhesitatingly killed off key characters left and right, starting as early as episode 3 of the very first season.
Clarke leading her group in The 100 season 6
The shocking deaths in The 100 add realism to the harsh, survival-driven world of the series, keeping viewers engaged and unsure of what might happen next.
