Top 10 Most WTF Sitcom Moments

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

This series gave us countless laughs over the years, but those moments included some that left us without words. One of those happened during the show’s eighth season, when Howard’s mom passed away. She had become a beloved part of the show despite barely making a physical appearance, as her yelling banter across the house with her son never failed to make us chuckle. Carol Ann Susi, the actress who played her, also died in real life, so we knew her character’s death was probably inevitable. But it still stung just as badly when Howard told his friends the news.

“Seinfeld” (1989-98)

The finale of this sitcom was as entertaining as it was polarizing. No one could deny how fun it was to revisit the oddball characters that had made appearances on the show over the years. Yet when the verdict came, no one expected Elaine, Kramer, George, and Jerry to actually get jail time. After they were found guilty of being criminally indifferent, a hilarious verdict considering that’s a perfect way to describe this group of friends, we couldn’t believe it. Seeing the gang we grew to love sitting in a jail cell was definitely a shocking end to the series.

“Mom” (2013-21)

Christy and Bonnie’s tales of battling with sobriety amongst a group of others in recovery was equal parts side-splitting and enlightening. The show didn’t shy away from discussing tough topics surrounding drug and alcohol abuse, and Jodi’s storyline was a prime example of that. Jodi was introduced in season three as Christy sponsored her, and despite her attempts to get clean, she ended up overdosing and passed away. A lot of the storylines on the show were lighthearted about the dark subject matter with which they dealt, but this one showed the absolute darkest side of addiction. We hardly knew how to react as we watched Jodi’s story play out.

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

This episode pulled the rug out from under viewers in the most gut-wrenching way possible. After Dr. Cox lashes out at J.D. following the death of a patient from cardiac arrest, they reconcile before heading out to Jack’s 1st birthday party. In this same episode, Dr. Cox’s close friend and former brother-in-law, Ben, also makes his first appearance in two years. When they arrive at the party, Dr. Cox realizes that they’re actually attending Ben’s funeral, as he was the one who died from cardiac arrest earlier. At this moment it’s revealed that Dr. Cox had hallucinated most of the events from the episode, and he’s finally forced to deal with this tragic loss.

“Full House” (1987-95)

The Tanners were a wholesome family that was full of love for one another, but that doesn’t mean that every family is that way. In a season 6 episode, Stephanie learned that her classmate Charles was being abused by his father, and she was beside herself when he didn't come to school one day. It was a lesson to all kids that, like the title of the episode suggests, silence is not golden. She eventually spoke up and Uncle Jesse was able to help, and the entire family learned a valuable lesson about doing the right thing.

“Family Matters” (1989-98)

Even though this episode originally aired in the early 90’s, the issues tackled within it are as relevant today as ever. Eddie tells his family about a racial profiling incident with the police. He was pulled over for a small traffic violation but the cop ended up putting him on the ground in handcuffs. Although Carl is initially skeptical, he discovers that it’s true when he confronts the cops. It was a sad and harrowing moment, and it reminded viewers of the challenges faced then and now by BIPOC communities.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

Throughout the series, we learn a lot about Will’s life and family, but it isn’t until this episode in the fourth season that we’re introduced to Will’s estranged father, Lou. After abandoning Will and his mother when Will was a kid, he reappears unexpectedly in an attempt to reconnect by offering to take a trip with Will. Unsurprisingly to Uncle Phil, Lou ends up bailing and disappointing Will yet again. Who could forget the emotional exchange between Will and Uncle Phil as Will deals with his father’s abandonment while realizing he already has a true father figure in his life?

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

This sitcom isn’t particularly well known for its emotional moments, which made this one that much more heartbreaking. In season 12, Mac finally admits to his friends and de facto family that he’s gay, but doesn’t come out to his father until the following season. He performs a surprisingly breathtaking dance for his dad that leaves the fictional and real-life audience speechless. Mac’s dad leaves mid-performance, but Frank stays and proclaims that he understands, showing that Mac does have a loving paternal figure in his life who accepts him after all. Let’s just say, Frank isn’t the only one left in tears by the end of this beautiful scene.

“The Good Place” (2016-20)

While this show had plenty of twists and turns through its unconventional premise, setting, and characters, no moment truly left us shocked until this one. At the end of the first season, the gang tries to decide who should be sent to the bad place, and as they’re all bickering, Eleanor has a revelation. They have all been in the bad place all along, and this has been a twisted way to torture them since the beginning. It was a season finale we won’t soon forget complete with a jarring plot twist no one saw coming.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Cloud 9 Family’s Efforts Are for Naught When Mateo Is Captured by ICE

Lily Shocks Marshall When She Breaks the Heartbreaking News to Him

The Friends Weren’t the Only Ones Left Speechless When This Couple Called It Quits

Michael Scott’s Presumptuous Promise Fell Flat in Cringeworthy Fashion

This Beloved Couple Took a Break After a Tumultuous Series of Episodes

“M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

“M*A*S*H” dished out moments of sorrow in equal parts with humorous ones. The infamous finale left us with our jaws on the floor when Hawkeye revealed the truth about the chicken and the baby. But, it was the season three finale that left us utterly devastated and completely speechless when Colonel Henry Blake was discharged and headed home. The most emotional moment comes at the end of the episode when everyone learns that Blake’s plane has been shot down. The sudden passing of this beloved character stuns the audience and characters alike as it shows the tragic reality of war. It was truly a game changing moment in television that no one saw coming.