Television has given us a number of gems over the years. Fromlong-running TV serieslikeThe Golden Girlstocomplex medical dramaslikeGrey’s Anatomy, TV has no shortage of content to tickle any fancy. These shows have given us moments we will never forget, having a special place in our hearts and, though we may not realize it, influencing our lives. TV history has provided us with a number of memorable moments, many of which involve a character leaving the show in some way.
All good things must come to an end, as we are so reminded, for instance, by the recent wrap of the beloved TV showArthurafter 25 years. While some characters are fortunate enough to stay on until the show runs its course, other characters are not so lucky. There are plenty of shows that are not afraid to kill off main characters that you’ve grown to love includingThe Walking DeadandGrey’s Anatomy. While some characters are just sort of forgotten about, others receive whole episodes dedicated to their departure from the show. These are the best character departure episodes in TV history.
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8Andy Bailey, Modern Family — S9, E21: “The Escape”
Adam DeVine played the role of Andy on the award-winning TV seriesModern Family. Andy Bailey was a nanny aspiring to be a realtor who developed a relationship with Haley, which never ended up coming to fruition. One of the most “shipped” couples in TV history, many fans were devastated to see Andy leave the show after bringing such a fresh character to storylines that were beginning to exhaust the audience. Andy leaves his life behind to move to Utah and pursue his dream of becoming a real estate agent as he sees no future where he is. While many were sad to see him go, they were even more distraught at the sight of Haley ending up with Dylan.
7Fiona Gallagher, Shameless — S9, E14: “Found”
After a long run onShameless, Emmy Rossum’s character Fiona finally makes the decision to leave her family and start her own life in Chicago. After spending the majority of her life caring for her siblings while her father was absent, to put it nicely, it is a departure that Fiona deserved. Many were upset that Fiona was leaving her family after giving up so much for her family, but at the same time, Fiona deserved the ending she got. In an emotional moment with her father, he admits that she was there when he wasn’t, but she reminds Frank that she “did it all”.
6Matthew Crawley, Downton Abbey — Season 3: “Christmas Special”
Matthew Crawley was a beloved character onDownton Abbey, played by Dan Stevens. After being deemed heir to the Downton Estate, he takes his role very seriously and grows close with his new family. Matthew’s kind nature is what shocked the audience most when he wound up with the sharp-tongued Mary who often manipulated things to get her way. It comes as no surprise that Matthew’s departure from the show shocked and saddened audience members everywhere. In the season three finale, Mary gives birth to their son George, shortly after Matthew ends up in a fatal car accident. Matthew’s abrupt departure from the show broke the hearts of many as one of the best characters on the show who had survived and overcome so much, only to die in a car crash.
5Poussey Washington, Orange Is the New Black — S4, E12: “Animals”
The women stand on the lunch tables in protest of one of their COs. When the situation escalates and “Crazy Eyes” begins to have a breakdown, while the COs try to get her under control, Poussey is pinned to the ground by one of the police for trying to help. In the chaos, he doesn’t release his hold on her until it’s too late, and he winds up killing Poussey. Her death brought tears to many eyes, especially because of the reaction from Taystee. Everyone, including the creator ofOrange is the New Black, was devastated at the loss of such a beloved character.
4Lexie Grey, Grey’s Anatomy — S8, E24: “Flight”
Grey’s Anatomyis known for its emotional and often heart-breaking moments, and it’s been universally accepted that this episode is by far the worst. We see our favorite characters suffer the worst of circumstances after their plane crashes in the wilderness. While most of the doctors on the plane survived, one exception was Lexie Grey, Meredith’s half-sister, who was trapped under the wing of the plane. It was clear when they found her that she was going to die because there was no way they would find help in time. In her last moments, her true love Mark admits his love for her, and they share their feelings before she succumbs to her injuries. Of all the ways to leave a show, this is one of the best, giving Lexie the legacy she deserves.
3Charlie Pace, Lost — S3, E23" “Through the Looking Glass”
After a run as one of the main characters on the popular TV seriesLost, Dominic Monaghan’s character Charlie Pace was beloved by many. Charlie’s death came as a shock to many when he died at the hands of Mikhail Bakunin, allowing himself to be drowned so that the other survivors might live, having knowledge that his demise was coming thanks to Desmond’s premonitions. Charlie lives on as a martyr to many who puts himself last in the worst of situations. Charlie’s death hit particularly hard for some fans as his story was tragically cut short. That said, he went out in such a manner that his character will forever be remembered as a strong leader who was capable of bringing people together.
2Michael Scott, The Office — S7, E22: “Goodbye Michael”
Many people hated Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) as a character onThe Officefor his intolerance and his overall stupidity, but over the course of seven seasons, he really manages to grow on you, especially when compared with other options for Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin, like his replacement DeAngelo Vickers (Will Ferrell). In Michael’s last episode, he spends his last day trying to have a special moment with each of his employees despite no one knowing that it is Michael’s last day. Jim eventually discovers what Michael is up to as Michael insists on finding Pam before he leaves for the day. When Michael finally arrives at the airport, he takes off his mic, with his final inaudible line being “that’s what she said”. Suddenly, Pam arrives and they share a tender moment, inaudible to the camera as Michael’s chapter at Dunder Mifflin comes to a close.
1Cristina Yang, Grey’s Anatomy — S10, E24: “Fear (of the unknown)”
One of the most emotional departures onGrey’s Anatomywas that of Cristina Yang. When Shonda Rhimes and Sandra Oh decided that Cristina’s time on the show was over, Rhimes wrote her off in the best way possible. After visiting Switzerland and reuniting with Preston Burke, Burke offers her his job as head of cardio to break new ground in her field of work. Cristina makes the decision to take Burke’s job in Switzerland, lining up the impressively young Maggie Pierce as her replacement as the new head of cardio. As hard as it was to see Cristina leave, she went out in the best of ways, reminding Meredith that Derek “is not the sun” while exiting with a dance party. Cristina will forever be missed with many fans wondering if she will ever make an appearance again on the show as many previous cast members have recently.
