15 times Sitcoms made us cry our heart out

Sitcoms are one of those genres of TV shows that are guaranteed to give audiences a laugh. The shows are light-hearted, extremely relatable, and often offer slice-of-life lessons. It is no wonder then, that viewers love sitcoms. But sometimes, makers of the shows decide to stun audiences by adding an intensely emotional track, sometimes a happily emotional track, and sometimes a devastating one. Here are 15 such times when sitcoms turned the tables and left viewers emotional.

1. George’s death in Young Sheldon

While most of the show revolves around young Sheldon’s shenanigans, there was a moment during the final season, when viewers could not control their emotions. Sheldon’s father, George Cooper, quickly became one of the most liked characters with his humor, cool-headed attitude, and unwavering support towards his kids. It was therefore a heartbreaking moment when in season 7, episode 12, he dies of a heart attack. The episode is beautifully directed and is a tear-jerker.

2. Marshall’s dad’s death in How I Met Your Mother

Marshall is one of the most loveable characters and it was gut-wrenching for viewers to watch him be emotional over his father’s death. In season 6, episode 13, Marshall gets back positive results from the fertility clinic and wants to share the happy news with his dad. Instead, he comes to know that his father has died of a heart attack. What makes it heartbreaking is that Marshall’s father told him earlier that he would be with his son no matter what.

3. Jim and Pam’s wedding in The Office

If there is one couple from a sitcom that gets universal love, then it is Jim and Pam. Their relationship has always been the sweetest and viewers knew that when they get married, it would be a rollercoaster of emotions. In season 6, episodes 4 and 5, the two have a traditional wedding but Pam is overwhelmed by all the guests. Jim decides to take Pam on a boat near Niagara Falls and the two have a fairytale wedding.

4. Brian’s death in Family Guy

The popular animated show is known for providing laughs. It was therefore shocking for the viewers when the beloved dog, Brian, died. In season 12, episode 3, Brian is hit by a car and the vet informs that his injuries are too serious. In one of the saddest moments of the show, Brian says goodbye and tells everyone how much he loves them before his passing. The episode was ultimately retconned but at the time, it was a devastating moment.

5. Abed’s documentary in Community

Abed is the much-loved nerdy and goofy character on the show. Therefore, in season 1, episode 3, audiences were surprised with a sentimental twist when Abed decides to annoy his friends by following them with a camcorder for a documentary that turns out to be something else. When Abed’s family sits down to watch, the video highlights how Abed was a problematic child and the reason behind his parent’s divorce. Heartbreakingly, Abed’s father cries and hugs his son.

6. Chandler and Monica cannot have kids in Friends

Chandler and Monica’s relationship is the most stable and therefore loved relationship on the popular show. The couple had been trying for a long time to have kids but were unsuccessful. When the results from the fertility clinic come back, in season 9, episode 21, there is an instant change in Chandler as he is told that they cannot have children. The scene becomes even more emotionally charged when Monica is informed and the two embrace each other emotionally.

7. The last meeting with Mr. Feeny in Boy Meets World

This coming-of-age show was one of the most relatable series as it showcased the growth of Cory and his friends through adolescence. In the final episode, the gang decides to say goodbye to the strict Mr. Feeny before they move out. All the friends tell him how much he means to the group and when they leave, Mr. Feeny is left alone in the classroom where he quietly says to himself that he loves them all and class is dismissed.

8. Cam and Mitch’s marriage in Modern Family

Cam and Mitch are the most adorable couple and it was therefore a moment of happy tears when the two got married. In season 5, episode 24, a lot of chaos happens on the wedding day as Cam gets the wrong tuxedo and a wildfire happens near the wedding venue. But Jay offers the wedding to happen at his country club and the viewers watch emotionally as Jay and Gloria walk Mitch down the aisle and Phil officiates the wedding.

9. Nick and Jess’s reunion in New Girl

The couple always shared an electric chemistry and viewers wanted the will they-won’t they to end soon. Finally, in season 6, episode 22, the lovers get back together for good after their friends give them the motivation and a beautiful tune from Dirty Dancing comes into the picture. In the episode’s last scene, the two get into an elevator and when the doors open, viewers cry happy tears as their beloved couple kisses each other passionately.

10. Paul’s death in 8 Simple Rules

This light-hearted sitcom about a father, Paul, being overprotective about his daughters and their dating life took a drastic turn when actor John Ritter, who played the protagonist Paul in the series, died after filming three episodes of the second season. In a two-part homage to Ritter and his character, the series shows Paul’s death, and the scene where his widow, Kate, and his children, read his last article about the strength of a family is especially heartbreaking.

11. Chidi’s memory is erased in The Good Place

This unique series about the afterlife has always been inventive. In the season 3 finale, the characters come to Earth and want to conduct an experiment. But when one of the subjects is an ex of Chidi, he allows his memory to be wiped so that there is no bias. But this also means that he will not remember his love for Eleanor. Their final goodbye scene in the last season is also equally heartbreaking and touching.

12. Ben’s death in Scrubs

This medical sitcom is still a cult favorite and has some of the most memorable scenes. In season 3, episode 14, Dr. Cox’s steely exterior is pierced for the first time when he first loses three patients in a day and then ultimately loses his best friend, Ben, to leukemia. Still reeling under shock, Cox continues to see his friend and it is only when J.D. points out, that he realizes that he is talking to himself. A brilliant episode.

13. Sophia’s son’s death in The Golden Girls

This hit sitcom about the experiences of four older women was full of laughs and touching moments. In season 6, episode 12, viewers are hit with an emotionally charged episode when Sophia’s son Phil, dies unexpectedly of a heart attack. His death brings out the mother’s emotions as Sophia was the most uptight character of the show. Her grief as she cries is truly heartbreaking.

14. Will’s father leaves again in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

This sitcom catapulted Will Smith to stardom and had so many hilarious moments that fans were shocked when in season 4, episode 24, an emotional episode came by. Will always had an absent father and that made him emotional. So, when his father visits his place, he is excited, hoping that he will stay. But to his disappointment, his father abandons him again and Will cries as he asks why his father does not want him.

15. Racism with Terry in Brooklyn 99

The sitcom is one of the most socially aware shows. The series had a diverse cast and tackled issues such as homosexuality and racism. In season 4, episode 16, Terry’s daughter loses her beloved blanket and Terry must go outside to search for it. Unfortunately, a police officer catches him and puts handcuffs even without any crime. Terry realizes that he is a victim of racial profiling. The episode is a somber look at racism.