10 TV Finales That Actually Killed Main Characters (5 of 6)

Daenerys Targaryen — Game of Thrones

One of the most controversial characters on this list is none other than Daenerys. Her fall felt sudden to many fans, but narratively, it closed her arc: from liberator to tyrant. After razing King’s Landing, Jon Snow decides he can’t let her keep killing innocents, so he stabs her, ends her reign, and makes every fan scream in agony. Love it or hate it, her death was one of the final season’s most talked-about moments, and it says a lot about power and corruption.

Stefan Salvatore — The Vampire Diaries

On a show where death is routine, Stefan’s final sacrifice actually lands emotionally. He gives his life so Damon can have a shot at happiness with Elena. Stefan clings on long enough for one last goodbye with Elena, then lets go and reunites with his best friend Lexi. Fans felt the loss; it’s one of those moments that turns supernatural melodrama into a show that actually cuts deeply with its grief.