Bloody House of Stark Murders, “Game of Thrones”
The infamous June 2013 scene involved the deaths of Lady Catelyn Stark, her son “King of the North” Robb and his pregnant wife, Talisa, at the hands of Lord Walder Frey and his brood. The bloody massacre was revenge on House Stark for Robb opting out of marrying one of Frey’s daughters.
Matthew Crawley’s Death, “Downton Abbey”
In the Season 3 finale, Dan Steven’s character Matthew Crawley died in a brutal car crash after leaving the hospital where his wife had just given birth. His death was considered especially controversial because he cited a “desire for freedom” for choosing to leave the show.
Captain Kirk and Lt. Uhura’s Kiss, “Star Trek”
History was made on Nov. 22, 1968 when the show featured TV’s first interracial kiss between Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols).
Edith Bunker’s Assault, “All in the Family”
In a 1977 episode of the sitcom, a man posing as a police detective attempted to sexually assault Edith (Jean Stapleton) on her 50th birthday. Such a scandalous scene had never been portrayed on TV before.
Murder of Lizzie Samuels, “The Walking Dead”
In a heartbreaking March 2014 scene, Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) killed 12-year-old Lizzie Samuels (Brighton Sharbino). The two shared a mother-daughter closeness, until Lizzie drew a gun on her. A weepy Carol drove them to a field, told Lizzie to look at some flowers, then shot the girl in the back of the head.
Maude’s Abortion, “Maude”
Bea Arthur’s character Maude Findlay and her husband ended her unexpected pregnancy. The 1972 episode entitled “Maude’s Dilemma” aired several months before the decisive Roe v. Wade ruling made abortion legal in the U.S.
Stabler Kills Teen Girl, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
Detective Elliot Stabler made an unexpected exit from “SVU” in Season 12 finale when star Christopher Meloni couldn’t reach new contract terms. In the 2011 episode, Stabler shot and killed a teen girl who opened fire in his team’s squad room. His PTSD from the killing was used as exit story.
Bill and Lorena’s Hate Sex, “True Blood”
Stephen Moyer and Mariana Klaveno characters Bill and Lorena had bizarre romp in 2010. Bill even turned Lorena’s head 180 degrees to prevent her from looking at him. Lorena smiled, as a bit of blood spilled out of her mouth.
Cannibalism of Stookey’s Leg, “The Walking Dead” Bob Stookey (Lawrence Gillard Jr.) woke up in a 2014 episode to discover his leg had been amputated and was grilling on a nearby barbecue. This disturbing act made worse when he was told, “If it makes you feel any better, you taste much better than we thought you would.”
Gladys Gets Stoned to Death, “The Leftovers”
During an extremely violent scene in 2014, Marceline Hugot’s character Gladys was stoned to death while strapped to a tree. She was a member of the cult-like group called Guilty Remnant.
Mona’s Murder, “Pretty Little Liars”
Fans of “PLL” know the show thrives on plot twists, but no one anticipated the murder of one of Mona Vanderwaal (Janel Parrish). She was slayed in her home during Season 5’s midseason finale in 2015. The bloody scenes were capped with a final look at Mona’s body in a trunk, eyes wide open and skin pale.
Sansa Stark’s Sexual Assault, “Game of Thrones”
In a 2015 episode, Sansa Stark suffered a degrading sexual assault at the hands of new husband, Ramsay Bolton, on their wedding night. He also made another Theon Greyjoy watch the encounter. Critics condemned the scene and show as promotion of violence against women.
Who Shot J.R.?, “Dallas”
In the Season 3 finale in 1980, oil tycoon J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) was shot outside of his office and spawned popular catchphrase “Who shot J.R.?” Fans waited 8 months to find out the answer, while a media frenzy ensued over whodunnit. His sister-in-law and mistress Kristin Shepard (Mary Crosby) was ultimately revealed as the shooter.
Rosalind Shays’ Elevator Shaft Death, “L.A. Law“
In arguably one of the most memorable moments on TV, a character in “L.A. Law” was offed in an abrupt manner. Diana Muldaur earned two Emmy nods for her role as Rosalind Shays, but the character received a less than honorable exit by falling down an elevator shaft to her death in 1991.
Kimberly Shaw Rips Off Wig to Reveal Scar, “Melrose Place”
Dr. Kimberly Shaw (Marcia Cross) was presumed dead after a car accident caused by her cheating boyfriend, viewers saw a terrifying scene in 1993’s Season 2 finale. The very much alive character stood in front of a mirror and dramatically ripped off her red wig, revealing a nasty scar across the side of her head.
Adriana La Cerva Gets Popped, “The Sopranos”
When Adriana La Cerva (Drea de Matteo) was discovered as an FBI informant, a mobster drove her into a field under false pretenses and shot her to death as she tried to crawl away from him on a 2006 episode. The moment was as shocking to viewers as it was to her – she thought she headed to hospital to see her long-time fiancé, who attempted suicide.
Roseanne’s Fictional Lottery Season, “Roseanne”
Fans were unhappy at show’s direction after the Conner family found happier days in a winning lottery ticket. Those fans got what they wanted in the series finale when it was revealed that Roseanne had been writing about her life all season and tweaking a few details. The biggest twist in her fictional writing – besides no lottery ticket – is that husband Dan (John Goodman) had actually died of the heart attack he suffered at his daughter’s wedding a season prior.
George O’Malley’s Death, “Grey’s Anatomy”
In 2009, T.R. Knight opted to leave the Shonda Rhimes drama, but his character George’s exit stands as one of the most unforgettable moments of the series. When a disfigured John Doe is brought into Seattle Grace after being hit by a bus while pushing a woman out of the way from it, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) checks on him. Doe, who is actually O’Malley, eventually succeeds in writing “007” on Meredith’s hand, and shocked, she realizes Doe’s identity. After she informs the surgeons it’s George, he’s rushed to surgery but he flatlines and is ultimately declared brain dead.
Cersei Incestuous Rape, “Game of Thrones”
In 2014, Jaime Lannister forced himself onto his sister Cersei. The worst part – it was beside the tomb of their dead son Joffrey.