Top 50 Most Shocking Sitcom Moments

#50: Monica & Chandler in London

“Friends” (1994-2004)

While most of the moments on this list are shocking in tragic or unbelievably sad ways, this one is the opposite. We were equal parts surprised and delighted when Monica appeared from underneath Chandler’s covers, and it sounds like we weren’t the only ones feeling this way. The people working behind the scenes on the show were shocked at the audience’s reaction to Chandler and Monica getting together, and ended up putting them together as a real couple rather than just a one night stand. Monica and Chandler surprised us, the audience, the producers, the writers, and even themselves, so it’s clear that this moment deserves a spot on our list.

#49: Jumping the Shark

“Happy Days” (1974-84)

Arthur Fonzarelli is synonymous with this 50s style sitcom and is still well-known as a character to this day. However, one of his most infamous moments was not his best. Even though it spawned a popular phrase in the world of television and film, we have to say it’s unbelievable that “Happy Days” tried to pull this off. The Fonz waterskis and jumps over a caged shark, wearing a leather jacket, we might add, and it’s truly iconic in the worst, most bizarre way. “Jumping the shark” now refers to moments where shows go too far to try and stay interesting and relevant, usually to their detriment, and we think it’s a perfect analogy for this kind of stunt.

#48: Barbara & Mark Can’t Adopt Jesse

“One Day at a Time” (1975-84)

For anyone that has ever had to deal with struggles surrounding having children of their own, this episode is surely a relatable gut punch. Some couples choose the path of adoption, which is what happened with Barbara and Mark in “One Day at a Time.” They foster a boy named Jesse, but are devastated when they can’t adopt him. It's truly an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events for all characters involved, as audiences felt they were going to see these three become a happy family, but instead everyone ended up back where they started by the end of this storyline.

#47: The Gun Threat

“Family Matters” (1989-98)

Although “Family Matters” doesn’t shy away from harrowing topics, this one hits hard as it’s become more and more relevant through a modern lens. When Laura’s jacket is stolen, the perpetrator, Toni, is soon arrested by Laura’s dad. However, she later threatens Laura with a gun if she dares testify against her, and it’s revealed that she also goes on to shoot another student who she tried to rob. It sparks many important discussions amongst Laura’s family and friends about whether firearms do more harm than good, and we think this episode is definitely worth a rewatch.

#46: The Concert

“WKRP in Cincinnati" (1978-82)

“WKRP in Cincinnati” is perhaps best known for its infamous Thanksgiving day episode that featured turkeys falling from the sky. However, another of its most memorable episodes has a much more serious tone. After WKRP promotes a concert by The Who, viewers and characters alike are shocked and saddened when they learn that some concert goers died at the show because of a rush to get seats. This sparks an important and heavy conversation among the characters about promoting “first come, first serve” seating. All of this is made even more devastating by the fact that this was a real life event and tragedy that actually occurred in Cincinnati.

#45: Jamie’s Kiss

“Mad About You” (1992-99;2019)

Throughout most of the show’s run, Jamie and Paul have a truly enviable relationship. They’re fun loving and relatable, and although they encounter ups and downs in their marriage, for the most part they’re solid and loyal to each other. So when Jamie kisses her co-worker in season 4, she surprises herself, her husband, and us. This isn’t a storyline that is quickly resolved, either. The fallout from her actions last several episodes as they both dissect and discuss their relationship, and it’s clear that Paul is understandably devastated. It’s a realistic look into a marriage on the rocks, and as shocked as everyone was by it, it ultimately made them stronger in the end.

#44: Robert Stops a Robbery

“Everybody Loves Raymond” (1996-2005)

We know that everybody loves Raymond, but we really do have a soft spot for his big brother, Robert. He works as a police officer, and he gets understandably frustrated when Ray doesn’t take his job seriously. His younger brother joins him on a ride along, and what he sees stops him in his tracks. Robert has to stop a robbery and handle a gunman, while Ray watches on and hopes he doesn’t have to witness anything tragic happen to his brother. Everything turns out okay in the end, but it’s fair to say that Ray would hold his tongue when it comes to making fun of Robert’s job in future seasons.

#43: Niles’ Surgery

“Frasier” (1993-2004)

We’ve all been there – we feel a random pain that we panic about, but eventually we brush it off and assume it’s nothing. When Niles Crane experiences a tooth pain, he considers it may be a sign of something bigger and this is confirmed when his doctor gives him bad news. He’s as surprised as anyone to learn that he’s going to need open heart surgery. It’s a whirlwind for him and his loved ones, and it’s painful to watch Frasier, Daphne, and Martin waiting for his surgery to be finished. This show doesn’t normally tackle such intense stories, but when they do, it really packs a punch.

#42: Bow & Dre Separate

“Black-ish” (2014-22)

This is one of the crossroads moments in marriage that is seldom talked about in real-life or in fiction. It’s not always one big moment that causes a separation, sometimes it’s a lot of little things that add up over time, and the only thing you can do is take some space. That’s what we see with the Johnsons in “Black-ish,” and when Bow moves out to try and give them a chance apart, it’s a gut-wrenching and surprising turn in the series. They end up doing the work and coming back together for each other and for their family, but it’s definitely a tough story arc to stomach.

#41: Jill’s Hysterectomy

“Home Improvement” (1991-99)

Women’s health issues are still a taboo topic at times, and that was even more the case when this show aired in the 1990s. When the Taylor’s matriarch starts experiencing health concerns that lead to her visiting her gynecologist, she learns that she needs to get a hysterectomy. It comes out of nowhere for her and her family, and it’s difficult to watch her grapple with this news. It not only means that she needs to undergo surgery, it means she won’t be able to have any more kids, and that is an incredibly difficult thing for her to accept. In the end,we see her kids and Tim shift into caregiver mode, and it’s both endearing and distressing.

#40: James’ Death

“Good Times” (1974-79)

When someone suddenly passes away, it’s always a shock. But, when it happens to someone before their time, it’s painful in a way that’s hard to describe. In this sitcom, when James dies in a car wreck right before the family is supposed to move to Mississippi, we see waves of shock and sadness overcome his wife and kids that lasts for many episodes. Some characters try to stay strong, others break down, but eventually everyone comes to terms with their grief. Who could forget Florida finally letting her emotions out in her kitchen after keeping it together for as long as she could? Devastating, real, and extremely shocking, to say the least.

#39: Father/Daughter Dance

“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” (2020-21)

Throughout season one of this show, we see Zoey try to come to terms with her father’s illness as he gets progressively more unwell. But we get a pleasant surprise near the end of the season in the form of a father/daughter dance between Mitch and Zoey, in which they dance to “I Lived.” The surprise in all of this is the fact that Mitch appears to be healthy, and even though it’s a fantasy of Zoey’s, it’s amazing to see. The emotion shared between them is palpable, and it leaves us longing for a time when they could both be happy and healthy together. It’s not long after that her dad passes, making this moment even more special.

#38: The Slip

“The Mindy Project” (2012-17)

This is one show that rarely deals with troublesome or problematic topics, but this situation between Mindy and Danny is an exception. It’s the third season of the show, and their romantic relationship is going strong; however, an awkward and uncomfortable moment happens while they’re intimate that rattles Mindy. Danny claims to have slipped, but eventually he admits that that wasn’t the case, and it sparks an important conversation between them about consent and communication. It may be a situation that rings true to some viewers, so we’re glad we got to see it play out in a respectful and understanding way between the two of them in the end.

#37: Carrie’s Loss

“King of Queens” (1998-2007)

Usually some of the happier storylines on shows involve babies and pregnancies, but this one was a shock for so many sad reasons. First, Carrie and Doug find out they’re expecting and are excited but ultimately unsure of how to feel about the situation. They process the news, Doug gets a second job to help lift the financial burden, and just as the couple accepts and anticipates this new chapter, Carrie experiences a loss. It’s a devastating turn, but it’s also something that all too many couples can relate to, and Kevin James and Leah Remini play it perfectly.

#36: Mac Comes Out

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

Throughout this long-running sitcom, we see the gang in countless funny, awkward, and cringeworthy situations. Rarely do we see them deep dive into their own struggles and face them head on, which is why we were pleasantly surprised when Mac comes out to his father. Although he came out to his friends in a much more demure way, he decides to do an interpretive dance to show his father the battle and eventual acceptance he’s had with his sexuality. It’s a beautiful scene, and the fact that Mac’s surrogate father Frank understands it makes it all the more powerful and meaningful.

#35: Dr. Cox’s Mistake

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

“Scrubs” is undoubtedly hilarious, but when it takes a turn for the serious, it punches us in the gut, hard. This is the case when Dr. Cox’s patient dies after he dismisses her, and he thinks she has taken her own life. He attempts to remedy this and in turn make himself feel better about the situation by having her organs donated to various patients that need them. Tragically, it turns out she actually died from rabies, which would eventually claim the lives of the transplant recipients as well. It’s a tough reminder for Dr. Cox about the realities of his job, and watching him navigate through this while having to carry on in his career is something to behold.

#34: Finale

“Cheers” (1982-93)

“Cheers” had one of the most impressive runs in television history, with 11 seasons under its belt. So the finale really had to deliver, and it did, but with some curve balls. The first big surprise is the return of Diane, and we know we’ll finally get a conclusion to her and Sam’s will-they-won’t-they storyline. The next surprise is them running away together, followed swiftly by the final surprise. They decide that ultimately, they’re not meant to be, and they finally part ways for good. Sam embraces the fact that his true love is “Cheers” and his chosen family that are regulars there, and in a not-so-surprising final act, life goes on at the beloved bar in Boston.

#33: Cynthia’s Death

“The Facts of Life” (1979-88)

Although “The Facts of Life” is often remembered as a fairly innocuous teen sitcom, it did occasionally tackle some heavy topics. This episode starts off as a typical entry with Blair assuming she will naturally win the student council presidency. She is dismayed when she loses to a new girl, Cynthia, who develops a friendship with Tootie. Things take a dark turn when Tootie soon discovers Cynthia unconscious in her room and an even darker one when Cynthia dies. The girls have to face up to the tragedy of a teen-ager taking her own life and how that affects each of them. Many viewers were shaken as well.

#32: Carlton & Will Are Robbed

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

There have been a few moments on the show that have caught us off guard, and a lot of these moments involve Will and Carlton. One that springs to mind is when Carlton took drugs from Will’s locker. But for our money the most shocking y is when Will and Carlton are robbed at an ATM, and Will ends up in the hospital after getting shot. As sad and dramatic as that was, we were even more surprised at Carlton’s reaction, as he is visibly distraught and even gets a gun to defend himself in case anything happens again. It’s a memorable moment shared between the two cousins, and seeing their stark reactions to the incident is powerful.

#31: Lucy Gives Birth

“I Love Lucy” (1951-57)

Because of its place in sitcom history, many of the things “I Love Lucy” did were shocking - or at least surprising - because they were often the first to do it. When Lucille Ball got pregnant in real life it was written into the show, and at the time they weren’t even allowed to say the word “pregnant” on television. The episode in which Lucy has baby Ricky is a fun, heartfelt, and unforgettable one, but the real life parallels are the most unbelievable part of all of this. Lucille Ball actually ended up giving birth the same day the episode aired, and she had a boy that she named after his father, just as her character did in the show.

#30: Topanga’s Professor

“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)

Cory Matthews didn’t get into his first fight until college. Unfortunately for him, it turned out to be with his professor. A popular, young professor is beloved because he doesn’t uphold the professional boundary between himself and his students. But the need for that professional boundary becomes clear when he hits on Cory’s fiancée, Topanga, in her dorm room. The moment is profoundly uncomfortable. The scene, and Cory’s response, is “Boy Meets World” at its most socially conscious and impactful. Eventually, we get the pleasure of watching the professor get dressed down by Mr. Feeny himself.

#29: Phil Hartman’s Death

“NewsRadio” (1995-99)

The tragic and horrifying murder of actor Phil Hartman was a blow to all of his colleagues, but when “NewsRadio” returned with its first episode afterward, it was a deeply unsettling tribute. His character, Bill McNeal, was written off the show, having died of a heart attack off-screen. The cast, though in character, seems to be processing their colleague’s death in real time. Needless to say, the jokes aren’t as fast and furious as usual. Star Dave Foley and the rest of the cast are legitimately breaking down on camera in what feels something like a televised funeral.

#28: Susan’s Death

“Seinfeld” (1989-98)

The fact that George Costanza was getting married at all is probably shocking enough to make this list. But the way his fiancée, Susan, died is one of the show’s most brilliant strokes of genius. Famously cheap, George opts for a cheap glue to seal their wedding invitations. This choice ends up having tragic consequences for Susan, who George leaves to stuff and seal over almost 200 invitations. George was having second thoughts anyway, so in a twisted fashion, his cheapness saved him from nuptials. His friends’ reactions really drive home the point that these people have always been, and will continue to be, the worst.

#27: Monica and Chandler’s Infertility

“Friends” (1994-2004)

It’s a testament to just how good this show is that a topic as fraught and devastating as infertility can actually deliver some chuckles. “Friends” usually kept things light. So when things got serious, it was always a noticeable change of pace. Chandler and Monica’s struggle to have children got a funny but impactful and depressing punctuation mark in this season 9 episode. Struggling to conceive, the two see a fertility specialist. When they find out they’re unable to have biological children, it’s a gut punch to both of them, and to all of us who watched them fall in love.

#26: Raven Confronts Racism

“That’s So Raven” (2003-07)

The Disney Channel was not exactly known for hard-hitting television about social issues. But “That’s So Raven” took on racism and hiring discrimination in this season three episode. The psychic high schooler learns she doesn’t get a job she was perfect for, and a vision reveals that it’s because the manager doesn’t hire African American applicants. As far as Raven’s visions go, it was definitely one of the most shocking. While the episode manages to wrap things up in a nice little bow, it’s blunt but believable in a way that’s true to life yet still palatable for its young audience.

#25: George Attends a Klan Meeting

“The Jeffersons” (1975-85)

Creator Norman Lear conceived George Jefferson as an African-American counterpart to Archie Bunker. So most of “The Jeffersons” had him being obtuse to the world around him. That might not have ever been clearer than when he is invited to attend a neighborhood watch meeting that soon turns out to be a front for the Ku Klux Klan. George is as taken aback as we are. The meeting devolves into a near-public brawl before the leader has a heart attack. The leader’s unrepentant racism even after George saves his life is just as shocking. Norman Lear shows never hesitated to go to dark and real places, but this one was wild even for him.

#24: Ellen Comes Out

“Ellen” (1994-98)

This coming out scene was a long time coming. Star Ellen DeGeneres had already come out of the closet in the major news publications, and her character’s sexuality had become a running joke. But in this very special two-parter, which guest stars Oprah Winfrey and Laura Dern, Ellen Morgan’s coming out is done in spectacular, and bumbling, fashion. She doesn’t just announce it to Dern’s character, but to the entire airport when it’s picked up by the PA system. It’s a celebratory scene, and episode, about self-actualization and courage, but the firestorm it caused was just as shocking as anything that happened on screen.

#23: The Last Newhart

“Newhart” (1982-90)

After eight seasons, the show about a Vermont innkeeper came to a close with what might be the most surprising and hilarious “it was all a dream” ending in history. After being hit in the head by a golf ball, actor Bob Newhart wakes from a dream in the bedroom set of his previous sitcom, “The Bob Newhart Show.” And next to Newhart is his wife from that show, Emily, played by actress Suzanne Plechette. Kept under wraps until the last minute, the revelation that all of “Newhart” was just a dream of his previous character was a huge hit with viewers.

#22: Selina Frames Gary

“Veep” (2012-19)

By the end of this darkly funny political satire, Vice President Selina Meyer sells out virtually every virtue or value she ever had in order to claim the Oval Office for herself. But she was never more evil than when giving up the only person who truly had her back. Gary, her faithful bagman, bore the brunt of her cruelty through all seven seasons, and would’ve continued to happily take her abuse. But when embezzlement and corruption charges knocked at Selina’s door, she framed Gary and gave him up to the FBI. The confused Gary is arrested during her victory speech, and it drives home just how morally bankrupt she is.

#21: Sophia’s Friend In Need

“Golden Girls” (1985-92)

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia were never afraid to have difficult conversations. One of the show’s most powerful episodes, which sees Rose Nylund having an HIV scare, was aired when the topic was still incredibly taboo. This episode from the same season is even more shocking. Sophia’s ailing and elderly friend, Martha, asks her to be alongside her when Martha ends her own life. A conflicted Sophia ultimately decides to be there for her friend. It was rare to see Sophia Petrillo shed a tear, but this episode has what is easily one of the show’s most heart-tugging endings.

#20: Jodi’s Overdose

“Mom” (2013-21)

This sitcom uses humor to discuss the tough subject of substance use disorder. In season 3, Christy and her friends from Alcoholics Anonymous meet teenager Jodi. Over the season, Christy becomes her sponsor and helps get her back on her feet. However, Jodi begins dating someone who’s only just gotten clean. In the episode "Diabetic Lesbians and a Blushing Bride," Christy receives a devastating phone call that Jodi overdosed and did not survive. After the final scene, Anna Faris, Allison Janney and a real-life doctor appeared in a public service announcement to discuss the severity of substance use disorder.

#19: Jessie Takes Caffeine Pills

“Saved by the Bell” (1989-92)

It found a new life as a meme on the internet, but Jessie's breakdown on "Saved by the Bell" is no laughing matter. Played by Elizabeth Berkley, Jessie Spano feels the mounting pressure of being Bayside High School's most studious go-getter. To help cope with the stress, she takes caffeine pills, and soon the quick fix turns into a substance use disorder. Between the pressure of her academics and the added demands of the upcoming talent show, she soon unravels in the arms of her friend, Zach Morris, singing and pleading for help. A departure from the "Bell's" lighter flare, the episode stands out as a frank portrayal of adolescent stress.

#18: Greg’s Car Accident

“Family Ties” (1982-89)

Throughout the 1980s, ‘very special episodes’ became a popular way for sitcoms to discuss serious subject matters. In the fifth season of "Family Ties," the show dedicated a two-part arc to explore the topic of grief. After learning that a longtime friend of Alex's, Greg, has died in a car accident, the Keaton family comes together to mourn. However, Alex understandably has a difficult time dealing with it. He feels a mix of anger and guilt, as he was actually supposed to be in the car with Greg. The second half takes place in an empty space while Alex talks to an unseen therapist. It's a theatrical approach that effectively allows the story's emotions to take center stage.

#17: Rosario’s Death

“Will & Grace” (1998-2006; 2017-20)

During the original run of "Will & Grace," Rosario, played by Shelley Morrison, became a fan favourite. However, Morrison declined to reprise her role for the revival, as she had retired from acting. Six episodes into the revival, the character was killed off - dying from a heart attack offscreen. Rosario's former employer and friend, Karen, honors her by fulfilling a promise to throw her a belated quinceañera. As Karen, actress Megan Mullally delivers a truly moving and poignant speech that pays tribute to a beloved figure.

#16: Laura Faces Racism

“Family Matters” (1989-98)

In the second season of "Family Matters," the comedy depicts a disturbing episode about racism. Inspired by Black History Month, Laura organizes an initiative to create a Black History class at her high school. Later, she and Steve find an unsettling note and racial slur on her locker. Tensions mount among the student body, and a hurt and exhausted Laura is ready to give up. After a conversation with Mother Winslow, she continues her crusade, and the school backs her idea for a class. While the episode has a positive ending, the story is rooted in a reality that the Black community continues to face, making it equally as relevant as when it first aired.

#15: Sandy’s Drunk Driving

“Growing Pains” (1985-92)

Matthew Perry joined the "Growing Pains" cast in 1989 as the recurring character Sandy, Carol's college boyfriend. In the episode "Second Chance," he invites her to attend a luncheon, but their plans go awry when he gets into a car accident after a night of drinking. While visiting him in the hospital, Carol learns that he has pending charges for driving under the influence, but other than that, seems relatively unscathed. By the time she gets home though, things turn tragic as she learns that Sandy has died from internal bleeding. It's a shocking twist that cuts deep, reminding viewers to drive responsibly.

#14: Penny’s Abuse

“Good Times” (1974-79)

In the 1970s, audiences could always rely on "Good Times'' for non-stop laughs. But even the most comedy driven shows can feature moments of deep seriousness. In seasons five through six, viewers welcomed the character of Penny Gordon Woods, a sweet, smiley and kind pre-teen. She came from a difficult home situation, including a physically abusive mother who forced her to run away from home. The storyline was an eye-opening look into the realities of abuse. In the end, Willona adopts Penny, and they create the loving, supportive and safe household that every child deserves.

#13: Jackie’s Domestic Violence

“Roseanne” (1988-97;2018)

One of the things about "Roseanne" that made it stand out as a sitcom was that it never shied away from portraying reality. In the episode "Crime and Punishment," the title character notices a behavior change in her sister, Jackie, who suddenly appears skittish and irritated. Upon finding bruises, Roseanne learns she is being abused by her boyfriend, Fisher. Outraged, Jackie's brother-in-law, Dan, assaults Fisher and ends up arrested. While that doesn’t resolve matters, eventually, with Roseanne’s support, Jackie is able to move on from the relationship.

#12: John Ritter’s Passing

“8 Simple Rules” (2002-05)

In 2003, the world was shocked by the news that television icon John Ritter had suddenly passed away. As his fans and peers mourned his untimely loss, producers of his sitcom "8 Simple Rules" were faced with the difficult task of addressing his death. After a hiatus, the show returned with an episode titled "Goodbye." It was revealed that Ritter's character, Paul Hennessy, had also died suddenly. Viewers were glued to their screens as they watched as both the characters and actors navigated the loss. As the series continued, new faces like James Garner and David Spade joined the production, helping bring comfort, warmth and laughs to both the cast and the audience.

#11: Howard’s Mom’s Death

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

Although her face never actually appeared onscreen, Debbie Wolowitz left a big impression on "The Big Bang Theory." Featured only through her distinct voice, Howard's mom could be overprotective, overbearing, and just plain over the top. Always well intended, her mothering ways were missed when she passed away in season eight. After receiving a phone call from his aunt, Howard grieves her passing with the support and love of his friends. The character's departure occurred a few months after the actress who portrayed her, Carol Ann Susi, died in 2014. In honor of their legacies, a photograph of Susi was hung on Sheldon and Leonard’s fridge.

#10: Rebecca’s Rock Bottom

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2015-19)

Despite its cheery exterior, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" goes to some dark places. It was often praised for depicting protagonist Rebecca Bunch's struggles in an honest way. In season three, she finds herself at an all-time low. After escaping her life in West Covina, she seeks comfort from her mother Naomi in New York. Their relationship gets extremely strained when it's revealed that the mother’s been sneaking medication into her daughter's system. In the wake of this betrayal, Rebecca attempts to overdose by swallowing a handful of the leftover meds. She quickly realizes the severity of her situation and gets a flight attendant’s attention before it’s too late. The episode marked a major turning point in the series and promoted the importance of asking for help.

#9: Ben’s Death

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

Cox’s brother-in-law Ben was treated for leukemia in the first season. When he returns in season three, he defends J.D. when a patient passes away on his watch. This stance angers Cox throughout the episode. But Ben is able to push the cranky doctor towards a place of forgiveness. But by the time he’s ready to move on, Cox realizes that the patient that passed away was Ben. It turns out that the doctor had been hallucinating that his brother in law was around after his death. The episode ends at the funeral. This emotional and jarring plot twist still hurts the hearts of fans decades later.

#8: Terry’s Racial Profiling

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

As the Black Lives Matter movement became the subject of more and more headlines, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" had some tough conversations to confront. The comedy, which follows the misadventures of a New York City precinct, could not ignore the topic of policing and racism. They tackled the issue head on on by including a plot point where the Black officer Terry is racially profiled by a fellow cop. He spends the episode trying to decide whether or not to file a complaint while also trying to manage the emotional toll of the incident. It's a heavy but vital storyline. In a time where awareness is spreading about policing, storylines like this are needed to cast light on the topic.

#7: Mateo’s Deportation

“Superstore” (2015-21)

"Superstore" always places emphasis on the importance of fundamental issues. In one of the show's most paramount episodes, the big box retail store witnesses one of their own facing deportation. Knowing that he does not have citizenship, sales associate Mateo lives in constant fear. His worst nightmare comes true when Cloud 9 is raided by ICE. His colleagues do everything in their power to hide and protect him. But in the end, he's found and taken away. The whole episode is heartbreaking because of how authentic it appears as this is the reality for countless people across America.

#6: Arnold & Mr. Horton

“Diff’rent Strokes” (1978-85)

In a chilling two-part episode, "Diff'rent Strokes" featured one of the most disturbing storylines in sitcom history. The content was so heavy that it even included a content advisory read by show lead Conrad Bain. Titled "The Bicycle Man," the arc followed the budding friendship between Arnold and Dudley and bicycle shop owner Mr. Horton. But it’s soon clear that the latter has sinister intentions for the young people he befriends. Fortunately, adults step in to aid their children through this difficult scenario. "Strokes" received acclaim for handling the sensitive subject matter well and was even credited with helping children identify inappropriate adult behavior.

#5: Marshall’s Dad’s Death

“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)

Season six of "How I Met Your Mother" included the death of Marshall's father. After he and Lily spend the day at the fertility specialists, they both anticipate the worst. But they never could have guessed that their bad news would come from another source. The moment Marshall receives some positive information about fertility, Lily arrives to tell him that his dad has suffered a fatal heart attack. Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan improvised the moment and shot the heartbreaking scene in just one take. Not only did this shock fans but also Segel as well. In the end, this approach led to one of the saddest moments in the entire show.

#4: Will’s Dad Leaving Him

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

Despite spending over a decade apart, Will’s father Lou unexpectedly returned in a season four episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Uncle Phil immediately has his reservations about whether or not Lou will stick around. However, Will and Lou make plans to venture out on a road trip and mend their relationship. But the disappearing dad decides to abandon the plan and his son at the last moment. A distraught and rightfully hurt Will launches into an incredibly emotional monologue before breaking down in front of his uncle. It's a powerful moment made even stronger by both Will Smith's and the late James Avery's incredible acting.

#3: Maude’s Pregnancy

“Maude” (1972-78)

Split into a two-parter, the Norman Lear comedy "Maude" addressed a critical topic in its very first season. When the title character discovers she is pregnant at 47 years old, she has to decide what to do. She ultimately decides that getting an abortion is the right thing to do. Since such a topic was rarely discussed in mainstream media at the time, the subject matter received backlash. Some stations even decided to forgo airing the episode all together. Lear stood by the storyline and offered an honest depiction of a topic that is far too often kept in the dark.

#2: Plane Crash

“M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

For over a decade, "MASH" perfectly toed the line between comedy and drama. Situated during the Korean War at a military hospital, the show did not shy away from levity. One of the legendary series' most challenging moments hit audiences with an unforgettable gut punch. After Colonel Blake receives his discharge, we watch a bittersweet send off. Things take a heart aching turn when Radar delivers horrifying news. Apparently, Blake's plane crashed and he did not survive. The moment stands the test of time as one of the most brutal revelations in the history of American television, along with Hawkeye’s in the last episode.

#1: Edith’s 50th Birthday

“All in the Family” (1971-79)

Norman Lear’s most famous sitcom tackled difficult subject matter from the start, including a devastating season 1 episode where Gloria Bunker suffers a miscarriage. But this two-part episode from the show’s 8th season took it to the next level, as a man posing as a police officer tricks his way into the home and holds Edith hostage. Though she is able to get away before things go too far, it’s a disturbing and heartbreaking hour of television. Edith Bunker felt like everyone’s mom. So to watch her fall victim to a home invasion on her birthday was a harrowing exercise in suspense we rarely see on a sitcom.

Which unexpected sitcom moment stuck with you after the credits rolled? Let us know in the comments!