20 Television Characters Who Died in 2017

Death comes for us all, even if you happen to be a fictional television character. This year, character deaths made us cry, gasp, shout, throw things, and even cheer.

Here, in no particular order, are 20 television characters who died in 2017.

Spoilers below, of course!

1. Petyr Baelish a.k.a. Littlefinger (Game of Thrones)

Littlefinger’s well-deserved ending at the hands of the Stark sisters is one of the most memorable moments of Game of Thrones Season 7. It is especially gratifying that his downfall results from his attempts to pit the recently reunited Arya and Sansa against one another.

The look on Littlefinger’s face as he realizes the sisters have turned the tables on him is priceless. Bravo to Aidan Gillen for the surprised blinks that launched 1,000 GIFs.

2. William (This Is Us)

20 Television Characters Who Died in 2017 — THIS IS US — Pictured: (l-r) Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson, Ron Cephas Jones as William Hill — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

William’s death on This Is Us may actually be the saddest moment of fictional television in 2017. Even though viewers knew his terminal cancer would lead to this, it did not lessen the impact of his passing.

The choice to build William’s final episode around a road trip between him and the son he abandoned, makes the last scene between the characters even more poignant. Ron Cephas Jones and Sterling K. Brown are tremendous throughout, but their performances as William draws his last breath are utterly heartbreaking.

3. Bob Newby (Stranger Things)

Stranger Things Season 2: Winona Ryder, Noah Schnapp, Sean Astin, Finn Wolfhard

It takes great writing, and a great performance by Sean Astin, to turn a character that initially comes across as annoying and intrusive into a big damn hero. Throughout Stranger Things Season 2, Bob Newby evolves from a bothersome presence in Joyce Byers’ life to an endearing, supportive, and lovable one.

Of course, just as he is brought into the mystery of the Upside Down, he bravely sacrifices himself to save Joyce and the others. Fortunately, it seems the characters won’t forget Bob’s bravery and neither will viewers.

4. Rayna James (Nashville)

From record label troubles to love life drama to a scary stalker and more, Rayna James makes it through some truly tough times on Nashville. Sadly, she narrowly escapes death only to then be shockingly struck down in a car crash moments later.

Okay, so maybe killed-in-a-car-crash is not the most original type of TV death, but it still delivers some heart-wrenching moments for Nashville viewers.

5. Martin Stein (Legends of Tomorrow)

Aruba — DC’s Legends of Tomorrow — Pictured: Victor Garber as Professor Martin Stein — Photo: Bettina Strauss/The CW — © 2017 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved

As one half of Firestorm, Dr. Martin Stein has been saving the day with the Legends of Tomorrow crew for nearly three seasons. Of course, just as he is about to hang up the hero life to spend time with his daughter and brand new grandson, he pays the ultimate sacrifice to save his friends from being stuck on Earth-X.

Stein’s death is already resulting in more big changes for the Legends, with Jax leaving to mourn his Firestorm partner. How will the rest of the team carry-on?

6. Joanna Wellick (Mr. Robot)

Mr. Robot fans are still buzzing about the shocking death of Joanna Wellick. A calculating and driven character, she is at the center of some of the shows most surprising moments – and that is saying something for a show with as many twists as Mr. Robot. Unfortunately, her decision to manipulate her lover, Derrick, ultimately backfires and results in her being killed.

Jennifer works in public history and digital marketing. She has a borderline academic interest in how historical time periods and events are presented in popular culture. When she is not over-analyzing story arcs and character growth in her favorite shows, she enjoys lazy weekends avoiding housework and spoiling her dogs.

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