24 Absolutely Gut-Wrenching TV Funerals

We all know how emotional TV shows can be. They are always adept at bringing us all the joy, laughter, anger, and tears we could imagine.

Sometimes, our favorite shows treat us to a total gut-punch through the deaths of important characters. To signal these characters’ endings, the writers often set up a funeral episode, offering a full hour to celebrate the life of the character at the heart of it and the effect their loss has had on the others around them.

Some of the best TV funerals stick with us long after they air. While all deaths and funerals are important, there are some that leave a deeper impact.

We’ve compiled a list of 24 of the most emotionally impactful funerals from TV past and present. Here they are, in no particular order. (Just be forewarned: spoilers abound in this post.)

1. The Waynes (Gotham)

The death and subsequent funeral of the Waynes (Gotham Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot”), set the tone for the entire first season and for the further development of Bruce Wayne. Bruce’s innocence and childhood went out the window the day his parents were killed in front of him.

The somber funeral is a Gotham-wide affair, bringing out all the well-to-do. Audiences can tell from Bruce’s demeanor that even at a young age, he won’t be stopped from seeking justice and avenging them.

Bruce’s life is never the same again, from both an emotional and political standpoint. He has to grow up fast and make adult decisions for himself as well as for his family’s business, Wayne Enterprises.

2. Laurel Lance (Arrow)

The death of Laurel Lance, aka the Black Canary, left a gaping hole in the hearts of Team Arrow. Her absence is still felt seasons later, with many Canary fans still hoping for a redemption of her doppelgänger.

At her funeral on Arrow Season 4 Episode 19, “Canary Cry,” Oliver Queen exposes the truth of her secret identity to the public, cementing her status as a hero. His heartfelt speech brings everyone to tears, as he confesses his love for his friend and former lover.

Later on, a statue of the fallen vigilante is created to honor her memory in the hearts of Star City citizens.

Many fans of the show (and of Laurel in particular) argue that its viewership dropped after this event and has yet to bounce back, seeming to prove what a massive impact Laurel’s loss had on the superhero series.

3. Alana (SEAL Team)

Alana’s death on SEAL Team came as a complete shock, turning Jason’s world upside down and forcing him to balance his role as a single parent with his duty as a SEAL. Alana’s funeral on SEAL Team Season 2 Episode 3, “The Worst of Conditions,” is heartbreaking as it demonstrates that.

The children watch on as Jason gives a heartfelt eulogy, mentioning how the couple first met, what they’d been through together, and how he’d taken her for granted.

What makes the funeral even more heartbreaking is the moment when the phones ring. It’s almost automatic that Jason goes to answer his, but he’s interrupted when Emma jumps from her chair and begins hitting him. If you weren’t crying yet, that moment is probably the one that did you in.

4. Opie Winston (Sons of Anarchy)

While there are many deaths — and a few funerals — throughout the entirety of Sons of Anarchy, one, in particular, stands out as being the most meaningful. Opie Winston’s funeral on Sons of Anarchy Season 5 Episode 4, “Stolen Huffy,” brought tears to the eyes of all the fans.

Opie was a gentle soul amongst a gang of rough and tough men. He was loyal to a fault and ultimately favored brotherhood over anything else.

His funeral signals the end of Jax Teller as a level-headed character. Opie was Jax’s voice of reason, and without him, Jax really starts to lose his way. It’s a death that is felt right up until the very last episode of the series.

5. Jack Pearson (This Is Us)

For a show that is centered on the death of Jack Pearson and how it altered the lives of his family, no one thought his funeral could top the emotional impact of the previous episode or the one where his death is revealed. However, on This Is Us Season 2 Episode 15, “The Car,” emotions run on a higher level than ever before, as audiences see a final ode to Jack Pearson’s life.

The entire Pearson family gathers for the funeral of their patriarch, their glue. The breaking of the family unit is already starting to show through the infighting with The Big 3 and Rebecca’s unresponsive behavior.

Rebecca takes her children to Jack’s favorite tree and tells them that they are all going to move forward from this and be okay. They spread his ashes there and go to leave, after agreeing to go to the Springsteen concert Jack had gotten them tickets to. The final crushing nail in the coffin comes when Rebecca turns back and tells the tree/Jack that they were all going to be okay.

Cue a flood of tears.

6. Dr. Carson Beckett (Stargate Atlantis)

The death of Dr. Carson Beckett was a complete shock to fans of Stargate Atlantis. Even his return the following season as a clone — a story for another time — couldn’t overtake the hurt and pain caused by his death.

On Stargate Atlantis Season 3 Episode 17, “Sunday,” Dr. Carson Beckett helps the crew investigate a mysterious bombing that occurred in the city. This leads Dr. Beckett to find out Watson has an explosive tumor.

Dr. Beckett’s death rocks everyone to their core, both characters on the show and fans watching alike. Everyone is left wondering how they could’ve changed their actions that day to prevent his demise.

One person really affected is McKay, who believes his refusal to go fishing with Beckett caused the death. When he is later able to confront Beckett via a vision, his best friend puts him at ease and relieves him of his guilt.

7. Martin Stein (Legends of Tomorrow)

At the funeral for Martin Stein, Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 Episode 8, “Crisis on Earth X, Part 4,” his superhero counterpart, Jefferson Jackson, pours his heart out about his friend. Jefferson knew Stein unlike any other person in the world by being mentally connected to him.

As tears flow from his eyes, he gives a gut-wrenching goodbye to his friend and teammate. Along the way, he admits to feeling survivor’s guilt, but he is reassured by the family that even though Martin is gone physically, he will always be alive inside of Jefferson.

8. Robin Hood (Once Upon A Time)

Once Upon A Time is a show known for its heartbreaking scenes, with at least one or two per season. So it comes as no surprise that Season 5 was riddled with heartbreaking losses.

The greatest of these losses is definitely Robin Hood. His sacrifice for love is a recurring theme on this show, but something about his love being Regina makes the action that much more meaningful.

At his funeral, Once Upon A Time Season 5 Episode 21, “Last Rites,” Zelena and Regina table their jealous hatred of each other long enough to finally name Robin’s daughter. The most beautiful part? They name her Robin, after him.

The funeral symbols a loss of hope for all, but especially Regina. Robin was one of the only people who looked past her mistakes and saw beauty, making his death even more crushing among those who were rooting for the formerly Evil Queen to find her happily ever after.

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