Top 50 Satisfying Deaths of Hated TV Characters

Smallville (2001-11)


Theres no sugarcoating it, Lionel Luthor was a bad, bad man. From drugging and erasing his sons memories, trying to murder Chloe, tormenting the Kent family, and even having his own parents blood on his hands, he committed some truly reprehensible acts. By the time his so-called redemption came, it was hard to see him as anything other than a devious monster. So, forgive anyone who craved his undoing, which eventually came at the hands of Lex Luthor, who shoved him out of the window. To die at his sons hands the same way his parents fell by his? Thats poetic justice.

The Handmaids Tale (2017-25)


If we had to crown the worst commander in this dystopian series, Winslow takes the prize - no contest. He arrived in Season Three and left a lasting impression-for all the ugliest reasons. More than just another villain, Winslow was the true embodiment of cruelty in Gilead-completely irredeemable. Stapling a handmaids mouth shut? Preying on the weak? That tells you everything about his twisted obsession with control. When he cornered June in that room at Jezebels, we knew - this guy had to go. So when she stabbed him multiple times in self-defence, it felt like a small win for every fan whod had enough of Gileads monsters.

Bates Motel (2013-17)


This psychological horror wasted no time in making us loathe Keith Summers. He wasnt just a sleazy former owner of the Bates Motel, he reeked of small-town corruption and toxic masculinity. While characters like Norman had tragic backstories that offered some explanations for how they turned out, Keith was a straight-up creep with no excuses. Gross, aggressive, and all threats, theres absolutely no salvation for him. Not long after we meet him, he not only harasses Norma and her son. He sneaks into their house later on to assault her. When Norma stabs him in a fit of rage, fans werent exactly shedding tears for this loser.

The Umbrella Academy (2019-24)


Stylish and deliciously evil, Kate Walshs The Handler had serious flair. But beneath the glam lurked a cold-hearted psychopath driven by greed and power - her motives as erratic as they were ruthless. Her weird flirtation with Five only added to the ick factor. Dont even get us started on how she manipulated her adopted daughter, Lila, after offing her real parents. No matter the cost, the Handler just wanted to be at the top, even if it meant billions being wiped off. While she cheated death in Season One, karma eventually caught up with her when Axel, one of the Swedish assassins she double-crossed, put a bullet to her. Honestly, we wouldnt have had it any other way.

Banshee (2013-16)


Introduced in Season Two as a minor threat, this Redbone quickly became one of the scariest bad guys in Banshees third season. Compared to other villains, Chaytons raw, unhinged destruction feels more primal. He killed indiscriminately - innocent people, even cops - and left Banshee soaking in blood. Many will agree he crossed the line when he snapped the life out of Hood's lover, Siobhan. From that point on, we were counting down to his day of reckoning. When it finally came, it delivered perfectly. After a brutal chase to New Orleans and a bone-crushing brawl, Hood blew his head off before he could finish his chanting. It didnt bring Siobhan back, but at least, vengeance was served with no mercy.

Game of Thronesc(2011-19)


Whats there to like about this slimy old creep who massacred his guests, one pregnant, over a botched alliance? Nothing. Absolutely nothing! Arya was this close to reuniting with her family, only to find Robbs body desecrated, paraded, and mocked by soldiers. The bitterness she carried from that moment mirrored the immense hatred we felt toward Walder. But the North remembers and Arya never forgets. Using her face-swapping abilities, Arya infiltrated House Frey, poisoned the perpetrators, fed Walder his sons flesh and then slit his throat while reminding him exactly why. It was savage, but it was the comeuppance wed been waiting for since the Red Wedding. Arya doesnt just get even - she ends bloodlines.

Oz (1997-2003)


In a show teeming with morally bankrupt inmates, Vernon Schillinger managed to be the worst of the worst, and thats saying something. J. K. Simmons plays this Neo-Nazi leader with the same unhinged intensity he brought to Terence Fletcher in Whiplash. Where Terrence rattled you, Verns cruelty scarred your soul. Every moment he was on that screen, he basically sent chills down our spines. His endless abuse of Tobias Beecher, paired with his many transgressions, had fans practically begging for his end. When it finally came, at Beechers hands, it couldnt have been more fitting. His quick death felt almost too kind, but no ones arguing it wasnt richly deserved.

Peacemaker (2022)


Like Ozs Schillinger, the White Dragon heads a white supremacist group, which already says plenty about how awful he is. What made Auggie truly despicable wasnt only his hateful ideology, it was the way he wrecked his sons life, Chris, aka Peacemaker. He forced a young Chris into a violent combat with his brother, then blamed him for the boys death. Auggies hatred for his son ran so deep, he eventually wanted to have him killed. By the time Chris stood up to his father, it was long overdue. Yet even in his final moments, Auggie showed zero remorse until a bullet silenced him forever. Killed by the very man he tried to break - now thats a cheer-worthy death.

Westworld (2016-22)


This episode of Westworld transports us to a realm ruled by the Shoguns unchecked tyranny. Sure, he may be a scripted host, but that doesnt make his actions any less horrifying. For instance, he sends his emissary to capture Sakura from Akanes teahouse, using brutal force to crush any resistance. Then, in a senseless display of cruelty, he mutilates Sakuras body, beheads her right in front of Akane before demanding she dance in her anguish. The sheer wickedness is enough to make your stomach churn. So, when Akane reduces the Shogun to a bloody mess, it feels like the perfect emotional payoff. For a villain so heartless, there really was no better end.

Salem (2014-17)


Whats scarier than a witch who casts deadly spells or invades minds? One who cant die. In Salem, Countess Ingrid Von Marburg was that nightmare. Not just any witch - she was the devils first lover. Obsessed with resurrecting her demonic lord, she committed horrific acts of violence on women, children, and even fellow witches. Convinced she was unstoppable, Ingrid never saw her downfall coming. Just as she was about to complete her dark mission, her ambitious daughter, Anne, flipped the script. Sabotaging the dark union, she destroyed not just Marburg's body, but her spirit too. All that scheming, all that power, only to be taken out by the one person you underestimated? Now, thats a wicked twist.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-20)


Its one thing to be evil, but being relentlessly evil? Thats Grant Ward. Sure, he had a rough past, but thats no excuse for everything he did. Staying loyal to Garreth, playing both sides, torturing agents, and committing to Hydra was all him. When he couldve chosen redemption, he chose chaos. His point of no return? Killing Coulsons girlfriend, Rosalind. From that moment on, we knew Ward was a dead man walking. Fueled by rage, Coulson chased him to Maveth and crushed his chest with a robotic hand. Its brutal, but for all the lives he took, its earned. But our joy was short-lived since Ward became a host for Hive shortly after.

Big Little Lies (2017-19)


Its chilling to watch someone flip from calmness to uncontrollable violence in a matter of seconds. Sadly for Celeste Wright, thats her reality behind closed doors as Perrys wife. To the world, Perrys a gentleman, but in truth, hes every womans worst ordeal. As if being an abusive husband wasnt bad enough, we find out hes the same man who assaulted Jane using a fake name. That twist made our blood boil, but his payback was bound to come. During a heated argument, Perry snaps - lashing out at the women. Before he can do more damage, Bonnie shoves him down the stairs, ending his reign of menace. No second chance - just a fitting fall for someone who caused so much pain.

Vikings (2013-20)


Michael Hirsts historical drama gave us no shortage of treacherous villains, and Jarl Borg was among the sneakiest. He cajoled Rollo to betray his brother, raided Kattegat in Ragnars absence, and attacked his family. Thats unforgivable! After that, some of us couldnt wait to see his smug grin wiped off permanently. Oh, what a brutal end he finally got. Lured back to Kattegat, Jarl Borg was imprisoned and sentenced to the most horrific Viking execution - the blood eagle. Just when he thought King Horik would help him, he realized too late that there was no escape. Knife in hand, Ragnar carved him open. It may have been too ghastly an end, but for his deceitful ways, it felt like the perfect send-off.

The Wire (2002-08)


This gangster may have been a side character, but fans didnt exactly like him. Why? He was no criminal mastermind, but he was part of a system built on intimidation, fear, and betrayal. He helped lure Orlando and Gregg into an ambush that cost Orlando's life. Switching sides to Omars crew didnt win him any points with fans. It just painted him as spineless and disloyal. When Omar killed him for the murder of Butchie, despite his claims of innocence, it felt like karma cashing in. Even if he didnt pull the trigger, he was just as bad as the worst of them. Middlemen dont get a free pass just because they stand behind the scenes.

Cobra Kai (2018-25)


At one point, we thought John Kreese was the worst villain in Cobra Kai until Terry Silver resurfaced. Kreeses harsh methods and obsession with winning we could somewhat understand. But Silver? He came off as a bored, rich guy playing with the lives of kids, and he didnt know when to stop. He gaslit students, bought off referees, betrayed Kreese, and even resorted to kidnapping and attempted murder - all to get his way. So, it was only right that he gets taken down by the same man who once saved his life. In a gritty combat aboard Silvers yacht, Kreese made certain this villain didnt see another day, even at the cost of his life. Good riddance to a man with no honor.

The Sopranos (1999-2007)


When it comes to despicable villains, this mafia show has a famous lineup, with Phil Leotardo ranking amongst the most ruthless. Arriving in the last two seasons of the show, he managed to become an unforgettable force of mayhem. His obsession with avenging his brothers death led to an all-out war that resulted in multiple deaths. The vilest thing he did was sanctioning Vitos death just because of his sexuality. He didnt just order it, he watched it unfold. From that moment on, fans eagerly awaited his retribution. When it came, it was gloriously satisfying. Whacked in front of his family, his head was crushed by his own car. A little too much? Definitely, but Phil had it coming.

24 (2001-10, 2014)


Where do we even begin with this rogue agent? Shes literally one of the worst characters to ever exist in a TV series. While Jack Bauer and his team were working to stop a terrorist attack, Nina was secretly helping it unfold. Even after being exposed, she ended up betraying the CTU again. But her darkest sin - the one that made fans turn on her for good - came when she coldly murdered Teri, Jacks wife. Well, her punishment finally came on Day 3. After escaping custody, Nina was cornered by Kim, who couldnt bring herself to shoot her mothers killer. That hesitation almost cost her, but Jack arrived just in time and took Nina out for good.

The Last of Us (2023-)


Youd have to be a special kind of psycho to justify your heinous acts with Bible verses. Thats David in a nutshell. In a world crawling with zombie-like creatures, its humans like him that are the real monsters. He thinks himself a savior, but feeds his flock human remains without their knowledge and manipulates desperate survivors. Even children arent safe. His interest in Ellie takes things to an entirely new level of depravity. You cant sympathize with a man like this. One second, hes asking Ellie to join his cult. The next, hes chasing her with a meat cleaver. When Ellie finally hacks him to death, it isnt just justice- its a cathartic win over something truly foul and inhuman.

The Outsider (2020)


This miniseries, inspired by Stephen Kings novel of the same name, begins with the gruesome murder of a boy - but nothing is as it seems. A dark, supernatural entity is pulling the strings, and before long, Jack Hoskins gets caught in its grip. At first, hes just a disgruntled detective with a drinking problem - already a ticking time bomb. But under the influence of El Cuco, he becomes even worse. Soon, hes killing and wounding anyone who tries to stop the monsters plan. In the end, the same madness that fueled his violence drives him to turn the gun on himself. Well-played, right? For Holly, his would-be victim, his death was certainly a blessing in disguise.

Game of Thrones (2011-19)


Any true GOT fan knows Petyr Baelish more than earned his spot on this list. With words laced with lies and a cunning mind, he started the War of the Five Kings by framing the Lannisters. He betrayed Ned Stark, manipulated Sansa for years, and sold her to Ramsay. He was a self-serving backstabber with a long list of sins. So, when he tried to turn Sansa and Arya against each other, and it backfired, we were all thrilled. This time, no scheming or silver tongues could save him. Instead he got his throat slit. Seriously, it was long overdue.

Squid Game (2021-)


Alls fair in love and Squid Game, but even so, this guy crossed a line. Jang Deok-su, also known as Player 101, lied, cheated, stole, and backstabbed his way through every challenge, and it seemed to be working out for him. At least, until he double-crossed Player 212. After being essentially left for dead in the prior challenge, she decided that if shes going down, shes bringing Deok-su with her. Even if she has to go through a glass pane to do it. Deok-sus end is less a fall from grace and more of a karmic plummet. But, quite frankly, we wouldnt have wanted it any other way.

Mr. Robot (2015-19)


Manipulation. Murder. Manipulating others to murder. Janice ran the gamut as far as despicable villains are concerned. But, from a Dark Army handler, what else would you expect? Poor Dom got the brunt of it, facing several horrible threats on the lives of her loved ones. Little did Janice know, Doms a gambler. When betting on her life, Darlenes, and lifelong servitude to the Dark Army, Dom chose none of the above. Instead, she decided to put a bullet right between Janices eyes. Its one hell of a cathartic gunshot, if only for the image of the handler finally becoming the handled.

Midnight Mass (2021)


Youre going to need a lot more than thoughts and prayers to get through a sermon with Bev Keane. The sinful zealot used her position in the Church to cover up all sorts of nasty happenings, including actual blood-suckers. So, its only fitting that she burns away in the sunlight while literally digging her own grave. Although, from a Mike Flanagan series, we shouldnt even be surprised. This is the same guy who showed that torturing your faithful wife causes you to lose a part of yourself. In Frederick Ushers case, thats no hyperbole. Flanagan knows how to give a villain their comeuppance, thats for sure.

Hannibal (2013-15)


If you value your life, you should never get on a cannibals bad side. Then again, something tells us no one shed any tears at Mason Vergers funeral. Putting aside the fact that he raises man-eating pigs, Masons continued harassment of his sister is simply unforgivable. Luckily, thats where Hannibal Lecter came in. One quick spine snap later, Masons left bedridden in the care of the same sister he once tormented. Karmas great, isnt it? Well, thats not even the end of Masons penance. A season later, he meets his maker via a particularly nasty run-in with an eel. Yes, its as gruesome as it sounds. But, Mason totally had it coming.

The 100 (2014-20)


This post-apocalyptic landscape is ruled by one philosophy: blood must have blood. No one enforced that more than Pike, whose approach to peace treaties involved killing any Grounder in sight. Even Lincoln. As you can imagine, Octavia didnt appreciate losing her beloved, and she said as much with the pointy side of her blade. Ever the pragmatist, though, Octavia used Pike as an extra set of hands during an attempted A.I. takeover. Then, once he was officially no longer of use to her, she squared up this blood debt the hard way. Its not quite justice for Lincoln, but its close enough to warrant a few cheers.

The Boys (2019-)

While apologizing to residents of a Black Community, Blue Hawk lost his cool and started lashing out at everyone. A-Train is able to stop the rageful supe from taking a life. Unfortunately, the speedy heros brother is so severely injured that he loses his ability to walk. Unable to contain his anger, A-Train finds Blue Hawk and takes him a little jog to get revenge. While we cant show what happens, trust us when we say that there isnt much of the racist supe left. The loathed Madelyn was also brutally murdered by a supe in an instant. However, A-Trains kill is more memorable because he once got away with a similar crime. The speedy hero is ultimately forced to live with the reality of the danger of irresponsible supes.

The Walking Dead (2010-22)


Walkers have nothing on this guy. Despite being introduced as the leader of the Hilltop Community, Gregorys only relevant life skills are groveling, betrayal, and more groveling. Hes a spineless snake who would sooner sell out everyone he loves than inconvenience himself. Just ask Negan. Or the Hilltop Community. Or, really, anyone whos ever had the displeasure of working with him. When Gregorys lack of loyalty finally catches up with him, he tries a different approach - murder! Maggie gave him more chances than he deserved, and he blew every single one of them. Given that trust is the only currency in The Walking Dead, Gregorys execution was long overdue.

Fargo (2014-)

He may be the protagonist, but dont get it wrong. Lester Nygaard is no hero. Sure, we all have bad days, but murdering your wife and framing your brother is more than your average mood swing. On the bright side, Lester does face justice for his crimes. Just not in the court of law. After becoming a pathetic crybaby and running from authorities, Lester tries cutting across a frozen lake. Lets just say that, a few cracks later, he goes for his last swim. Ever. Its so abrupt, its almost funny. Rest assured, Fargos version of a life sentence is just as vindicating as the real thing.

Lost (2004-10)

Fighting over a mystical island is dirty work. But, no matter how intense things got, Ben Linus and his rival, Charles Widmore, always kept their families out of it. Hired mercenary Martin Keamy, however, had a different moral compass. Hes a heartless, irredeemable villain who had no qualms shooting Alex Linus in the back of the head just to get a rise out of Ben. Well, Keamy certainly got a reaction, and it came in the form of a very up-close and personal beatdown. Without getting too graphic, its not a quick death. But, after threatening the island and shooting a defenseless girl, Keamys demise elicits more applause than anything else.

Sons of Anarchy (2008-14)


Protecting the Sons Motorcycle Club means making tough calls. Calls like going full mob boss and killing your daughter-in-law for being a suspected turncoat. While Gemma was never a very good person to begin with, Taras murder marked the real point of no return for her. And Sons of Anarchy didnt forget it. In one of the series greatest scenes, Gemmas own son, Jax, avenges his wife and ends his mothers blood-soaked reign in one pull of the trigger. Its a bit tragic, a lot gratifying, and sold by the idea that Sons of Anarchy couldnt have ended any other way. Rest in peace, Gemma.

True Blood (2008-14)


Newlin begins the series as a talented orator and televangelist who openly speaks against the rights of vampires. He is a hateful bigot, a fraud, and the leader of the Soldiers of the Sun, an elite paramilitary group of vampire hunters. He eventually becomes a vampire himself and becomes a subject of study for the vampire police. In retaliation for some major deaths, Eric prevents Steve from drinking some life-saving blood, and he burns to death under direct sunlight while proclaiming his love for Jason. Few things are as narratively satisfying as watching the downfall of a bigot.

American Horror Story: Asylum (2012-13)


Often regarded as one of the best seasons of American Horror Story, Asylum contains a terrific villain in Zachary Quintos Oliver Thredson. Thredson is a professional psychiatrist who declares Kit Walker insane to frame him as Bloody Face. Thredson is the real Bloody Face, who skins his female victims and makes furniture out of their remains. He also torments Lana, resulting in her unwanted son Johnny Morgan. Morgan himself takes his fathers mantle as the second Bloody Face in 2012. Like his father, Morgan meets a satisfying and violent fate with Lana shooting him in the head. Rewarding revenge also had something to do with it...

The Sopranos (1999-2007)


Nobody really likes Janice Soprano, but she did everyone a major favor by whacking Richie Aprile. The Sopranos is filled with detestable people and hateful villains, and Richie Aprile is certainly one of them. Belligerent from the start, Richie never listens to orders and directly goes against Tony at every turn. Hes also incredibly vicious and violent (even by Sopranos standards), not to mention homophobic towards his own son. In fact, its his hateful traits that result in his surprising death, as a ticked-off and recently-punched Janice whacks him during dinner. It wasnt the death we were expecting, but it was wonderfully satisfying nevertheless.

Outlander (2014-)


This historical drama is based on a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. She describes her creation of Black Jack Randall as a sadistic bisexual pervert, and thats really all you need to know. Played to perfection by Tobias Menzies, Randall has the appearance of a noble British officer, he is actually a remorseless man with sadistic tendencies. In fact, he seeks sexual gratification by inflicting both physical and spiritual pain on his victims, breaking them down both mentally and physically. Jamie finally got his revenge in the season three premiere by stabbing Randall in the gut. He dies holding the man he long tormented, and we were glad to finally see him go.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)


The principal of Sunnydale High School, Snyder often covered up the supernatural goings-on through flimsy excuses and an authoritarian regime. Snyder hates teenagers (despite being a high school principal) and holds the reputation of his school in greater regard than the health and safety of his students. Put simply, this was everyones hated principal elevated to a near-satiric degree. It was intensely satisfying, then, to watch him get eaten alive by the ascended Mayor. It was hilarious, ridiculous, and even a little shocking - a combination in which Buffy often excelled.

Luther (2010-19)


Serving as the primary antagonist of the first season, Ian Reed is a fellow police officer and a close friend of Luthers. However, his mental state collapses following an orchestrated robbery that resulted in numerous deaths. He turns viciously cold-blooded and paranoid, even offing Bill and Sugarman to keep his secret. Reed lost all semblance of sympathy after taking out Luthers wife Zoe and framing him for the death. In the end, Reed allows himself to die at the hands of Alice Morgan, deciding that death was a better outcome than prison. He died on his terms, which was certainly a bit frustrating, but it was still nice getting him out of the picture for good.

Jessica Jones (2015-19)


Despite being a Marvel property, Jessica Jones is a down-to-earth and dramatic glimpse into trauma and PTSD. These themes are mostly traced to antagonist Kilgrave, real name Kevin Thompson. Thompson received mind-controlling powers after being subjected to experiments, and he kept Jessica Jones as his prisoner. This horrific experience left Jones a broken woman, and breaking from superhero tradition, she kills Kilgrave in cold blood by snapping his neck. It was narratively and personally fulfilling, but it too left a permanent mental stain on Jones, who began to grapple with her murderous intentions. This type of narrative complexity helped make Jessica Jones both a challenging and rewarding experience.

Orange Is the New Black (2013-19)


Taking place inside a prison, Orange Is the New Black contains its fair share of hateable villains. But none were as bad as Vee. Serving as the main antagonist of the second season, Vee is a manipulative sociopath who easily controls others. She gets into a war with Red over the prisons smuggling operation and starts a cult-like family, turning Taystee against Poussey and manipulating Suzanne into doing her violent bidding. Like all the greatest villains, Vee is smart and hard to beat. But her empire eventually crumbles, and after escaping from the prison, she is run over by a fleeing Rosa in one of the shows most darkly hilarious sequences. She finally got her comeuppance, and it was glorious.

Dexter (2006-13)


The fourth season of Dexter is often heralded as its greatest, and John Lithgows Arthur Mitchell, aka the Trinity Killer, is its most famous antagonist. Part of that reputation is owing to Lithgows incredible performance, as he masterfully balances everyday normality, remorse, and unhinged psychopathy. And part of it is undoubtedly due to Rita Morgans death, which is arguably Dexters most famous and shocking moment. In total, Trinity is attributed to a staggering 279 deaths. In the end, Trinity is bludgeoned with a hammer, and television fulfillingly disposed of one of its most depraved characters.

L.A. Law (1986-94)


An enormous hit throughout the late 80s and early 90s, L.A. Law was a legal drama that explored many important hot button issues of the time. Its both a thrilling drama in its own right and a glorious glimpse into late 80s America. The shows main antagonist was Rosalind Shays, a money-hungry, controlling, and merciless woman whom audiences loved to hate. And her death, while satisfying, was also unquestionably random. After speaking with Leland, Rosalind turns to enter the elevator. Only the elevator isnt there, and Rosalind plummets to her death. It was wonderful getting the icy Rosalind out of the picture, but the show soon veered into ridiculous soap opera territory and never quite recovered.

ER (1994-2009)


Arguably the most famous medical procedural in television history, ER ran for fifteen seasons and 331 episodes between 1994 and 2009. For seven of those seasons, Paul McCrane starred as everyone's favorite grump, Robert Romano. Eventually serving as the Chief of Staff, Romano is the ultimate boss from Hell, known for his unkind comments and relentless sarcasm. Romano loses his arm in a helicopter accident in the ninth season premiere - a moment that skirts the line between shocking and soap opera silliness. And right before he can lodge a complaint against Greg, Romano dies by a falling helicopter. No, seriously, thats how he goes out. Its totally random and completely bizarre, but also undeniably enjoyable.

Breaking Bad (2008-13)


For a good chunk of Breaking Bads run, the antagonist role is filled by Gus Fring, the methamphetamine magnate who is blown up in a nursing home. Gus was a beloved character, but theres no denying the satisfaction of that death - especially the famous face (or lack thereof) reveal. On the other hand, Todd is a malicious villain who inflicts suffering on Jesse, fraternizes with white supremacists, and worse. Unlike Gus, viewers desperately wanted to see him go. So it was a welcome surprise when Jesse strangled Todd with his own handcuffs. Theres a certain poetic beauty to Jesse taking out Todd with the very symbol of his torment and enslavement.

The Sopranos (1999-2007)


As horrible as Richie Aprile was, he has nothing on Ralph Cifaretto. Played by the legendary character actor Joe Pantoliano, Ralph was a psychopath from the start. Like Richie, he was openly belligerent and often made a public point of antagonizing Tony. But his worst moment came in Season Three, when he viciously beat Tracee to death outside the Bing. Its often regarded as one of the darkest moments on The Sopranos, and it permanently altered how audiences viewed Ralph. His surprising death in Season Four was a long time coming, and just as Ralph did to Tracee, Tony beats Ralph to death inside his own home. Its a brutal fight that proves difficult to watch, but it was also gloriously rewarding and cathartic.

Game of Thrones (2011-19)


Few things were as pleasing as seeing Ramsay Bolton tied to a chair and devoured by his own hounds. Ramsay was one of the most sadistic characters on the show, and his crimes are too numerous to count. He betrays House Stark and razes Winterfell. He abuses Theon and turns him into the weak and submissive Reek. He forces himself on Sansa Stark in one of the shows most controversial scenes. He wipes out his entire family to take control of the North. He toys with Rickon Stark before the arrows get him. Fortunately, the subsequent Battle of the Bastards proves Ramsays downfall, and he is torn apart by his own bloodthirsty pups. His desperate pleas prove one pleasurable sound.

Criminal Minds (2005-20)


Arguably the greatest antagonist in Criminal Minds history, The Boston Reaper served as the primary villain of seasons four and five. Real name George Foyet, The Reaper plagued the Boston area throughout the 90s and 2000s. Some of his most prominent victims include his own parents, his girlfriend, and the lead detective studying his case. The Reaper has often been compared to numerous real-life monsters, including the Zodiac, Ted Bundy, Dennis Rader, and David Berkowitz. His gratifying downfall comes at the literal hands of Hotch, who beats The Reaper to death after finding Haley dead.

Game of Thrones (2011-19)


Before Ramsay Bolton, there was Viserys Targaryen. Viserys was one of the main antagonists of the first season, serving as Daeneryss psychotic and power-hungry older brother. Hoping to reclaim Westeros for the Targaryen name, Viserys orchestrated an army consisting of Khal Drogo and his Dothraki. Viserys was horrible towards Daenerys, even offering her body to Khal in exchange for his army. But Viseryss ego proves too great, and he drunkenly accosts Drogo. Following some personal threats, Viserys is given a Crown of Gold - that being hot liquid gold poured over his head. Its both narratively and thematically enticing, with the arrogant Viserys being given the crown he so desperately deserved.

Sons of Anarchy (2008-14)


Serving as an antagonist for the first three seasons, ATF Agent Stahl is tasked with investigating the Sons of Anarchy and their criminal exploits in small-town Charming, California. A very cold individual, Stahl somehow managed to tick off everyone around her with her arrogant personality, flawed investigation, and penchant to cause trouble. For example, she was indirectly responsible for the death of Opies wife Donna following her flawed attempts to turn Opie against the club. But Opie gets his revenge in one of televisions most gratifying sequences, directly referencing Donnas death right before shooting Stahl in the back of the head. Finally, after three seasons and lots of complex conniving, Agent Stahl was finished.

The Walking Dead (2010-22)


This zombie show has long made the argument that humans are more dangerous than the undead, and that theme is perfectly personified through The Governor, aka Philip Blake. The Governor earned his nickname by leading the fortified town of Woodbury. But dont let that noble distinction fool you - The Governor is an unhinged psycho who commits horrific acts of violence. Even the utopic nature of Woodbury is flawed, as it contains a brutal underbelly overseen by the authoritarian Governor. While invading the prison, The Governor is stabbed in the back by Michonne, and millions the world over cheered as he lay dying. He is finally put down by Lilly, and The Walking Dead was rid of one of its most hateable villains.

The Mentalist (2008-15)


The Mentalist concerns a fraudulent psychic medium who helps the California Bureau of Investigation solve murders. Said Mentalist is named Patrick Jane, and his wife and daughter died at the hands of Red John. Red John is believed to have taken upwards of 70 lives throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico, and Janes pursuit of the elusive Red John provides tantalizing mystery for the first five seasons of the show. Audiences - and Jane - eventually learn that Red John is Napa County sheriff Thomas McAllister, and he is strangled to death by Jane in retaliation for the deaths of his family. We dont know who was more relieved - the audience or Jane.

Game of Thrones (2011-19)


Few television villains are as depraved and unlikable as Joffrey Baratheon. Unlike some other villains on this list, there are absolutely no redeeming qualities about Joffrey. Hes simply a pure, unfiltered psychopath who takes pleasure in death, as well as inflicting pain, suffering and psychological torment. For three seasons, audiences couldnt stand the sight of Joffrey, and he was widely heralded as televisions biggest baddie. That is until he drank a cup of poison in season four and died gasping in his mothers arms. The death is horrific and grotesque, but watching Joffrey finally squirm in pain and panic offered a certain kind of satisfaction. Sorry, Cersei, but everyone agreed that your son had to go.


Which of these terrible characters deaths left you completely satisfied? Let us know in the comments.