15 TV Characters Who Deserved Much Better Endings

Some television characters spend years winning over audiences, which makes their final episodes especially hard to accept. A few are written out abruptly, others are pushed into choices that feel completely out of character, and some simply never get the closure their stories deserved. Whether their endings were rushed, unnecessarily cruel, or left hanging, fans are still talking about what should have happened. These characters brought plenty to their shows, and their final chapters often failed to do them justice. Looking back, it is easy to think of a better way their stories could have ended after all those years.

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones, 2011–2019)

After eight seasons of fighting for the throne, Daenerys suddenly became the villain and was killed by Jon Snow in one of the show’s most controversial endings.

Jaime Lannister (Game of Thrones, 2011–2019)

After spending years redeeming himself and breaking away from Cersei, Jaime went back to her and died under the rubble of King’s Landing.

Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones, 2011–2019)

One of the show’s biggest villains ended up dying crushed by falling bricks, without ever facing the consequences of everything she had done.

Carl Grimes (The Walking Dead, 2010–2022)

Carl was killed just as he was becoming a central figure in the future of the group, despite surviving much longer in the comics.

Dean Winchester (Supernatural, 2005–2020)

After saving the world countless times, Dean died during an ordinary vampire hunt, leaving many fans disappointed with his final adventure.

Glenn Rhee (The Walking Dead, 2010–2022)

Glenn’s brutal death at Negan’s hands was devastating, especially after years of watching him become one of the show’s most beloved characters.

Tara Maclay (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997–2003)

Tara was suddenly killed by a stray bullet, cutting short one of the series’ most meaningful relationships and leaving Willow devastated.

Lexa (The 100, 2014–2020)

After finally getting together with Clarke, Lexa was accidentally shot and killed almost immediately, frustrating fans who had invested in their relationship.

Poussey Washington (Orange Is the New Black, 2013–2019)

Poussey died during a prison protest, leaving behind one of the show’s most heartbreaking storylines and a character who deserved so much more.

Debra Morgan (Dexter, 2006–2013)

After surviving years of danger and discovering her brother’s darkest secrets, Debra ended up dying in a hospital and being dumped into the ocean by Dexter.

Rita Morgan (Dexter, 2006–2013)

Rita was murdered by the Trinity Killer just as she was building a new life with Dexter, leaving her story with an especially cruel ending.

Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother, 2005–2014)

After finally growing into a more mature person and marrying Robin, Barney’s marriage was undone in the finale, sending his character development backwards.

Robin Scherbatsky (How I Met Your Mother, 2005–2014)

Robin spent years building her career and accepting that she couldn’t have everything, only for the finale to bring Ted back into her life and undermine much of that journey.

Alex Karev (Grey’s Anatomy, 2005–)

After more than fifteen seasons of character development, Alex left Jo through a series of letters and moved across the country to reunite with Izzie.

Matthew Crawley (Downton Abbey, 2010–2015)

Matthew was killed in a car accident shortly after the birth of his son, ending his relationship with Mary in one of television’s most unexpected Christmas episodes.