32 Gripping TV Episodes That Will Leave You Questioning Humanity

In any TV series you can find, certain episodes stand out for their heavy, often gloomy themes, or simply for being quite grim overall. While some shows have a darker tone than others, there’s always an episode that leaves viewers pondering after they’ve watched – these are the intense, dark episodes we will explore today.

Oh, and also, spoiler alert!

‘The Rains Of Castamere’ (Game of Thrones)

Clearly, I must include “The Rains of Castamere” in this context. It’s undeniably one of the most gripping moments in “Game of Thrones”, a scene where a significant portion of the Stark family was brutally betrayed. To this day, I can’t find it in my heart to forgive the Boltons or the Lannisters for their heinous actions.

‘The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be’ (The Walking Dead)

In simpler terms, I can’t help but include “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” in this spot. This scene showcases Glenn’s tragic death from The Walking Dead, arguably one of the most heart-wrenching moments throughout the series. It signifies a turning point for the beloved group we’ve followed for six seasons straight, as they face the arrival of Negan and his Saviors, which is devastating indeed. However, even on rewatching the show, I tend to skip over this particularly dark episode.

‘Ozymandias’ (Breaking Bad)

Among the outstanding “Breaking Bad” episodes, many can be quite dark, and “Ozymandias” is one of those particularly grim installments. This episode, highly praised by numerous critics as one of television’s finest, showcases the devastating consequences of Walter White’s actions when he witnesses his brother-in-law Hank, a DEA agent, being fatally shot.

‘To You, In 2000 Years – The Fall Of Shiganshina: Part 1’ (Attack On Titan)

Among numerous exceptional dark anime, it is undeniably “To You, in 2000 Years—The Fall of Shiganshina: Part 1” that stands out as the most deserving pick for this list. The series starts with an incredibly grim scene – a mother being devoured right before your eyes while you are forcibly taken away. This brutal introduction undoubtedly had a profound impact on Eren’s character, leaving him deeply scarred.

‘Pretty Much Dead Already’ (The Walking Dead)

For some period, “The Walking Dead” was the television series that sparked countless conversations each week, and one particularly grim episode from this era was titled “Pretty Much Dead Already.” This marked the show’s first midseason finale and saw Sophie, who had been missing for several episodes, stumbling out of the Greene farm. It never fails to tug at our heartstrings.

‘The Hellfire Club’ (Stranger Things)

Instead of viewing many episodes of “Stranger Things” as particularly dark, I must admit that as the series has evolved, these more recent installments have become increasingly frightening. One such episode that stands out is “The Hellfire Club.” Initially, it’s quite engaging—introducing Eddie, a key character from Season 4 of Stranger Things. However, towards the end, Vecna makes his chilling debut, transforming the entire episode into a terrifying ordeal that casts an eerie darkness over everything.

‘Phoenix’ (Breaking Bad)

In the television series “Breaking Bad,” Walter White committed some truly despicable acts throughout his life, and arguably one of the most disturbing scenes was in the episode titled “Phoenix.” While we were aware that Walter disliked Jane, standing by as she overdosed right beside Jesse took his darkness to a level that I hadn’t anticipated he was capable of.

‘Heaven’s Half Hour’ (Daredevil: Born Again)

In the original Daredevil series, there are numerous scenes that stand out, but I’d like to highlight a more recent addition, specifically Daredevil: Born Again, and its premiere episode. The narrative begins with Matt and his companions simply enjoying a drink, when suddenly, Foggy is wounded, and Matt tragically hears his heartbeat cease. The atmosphere becomes unremittingly gloomy.

‘The Dance Of Dragons’ (Game Of Thrones)

Although “The Dance of Dragons” isn’t excessively grim on its own, it contains a particularly somber scene. One of the most sorrowful deaths in “Game of Thrones” occurs during this episode when Stannis, under Melisandre’s misguided influence, sacrifices his daughter by burning her alive, claiming it to be necessary for a king’s blood sacrifice. Witnessing such a gruesome act is both unsettling and distressing.

‘Living Doll’ (The Twilight Zone)

I believe that ‘The Twilight Zone’ is a series whose episodes may not appear as ominous as some modern TV shows, but it still has its share of great episodes. One such episode is titled ‘Living Doll.’ This story revolves around a husband who finds his stepdaughter’s talking doll annoying, but the doll starts to retaliate against him, expressing hatred and threatening harm – things take a very dark turn.

‘The Bent-Neck Lady’ (The Haunting Of Hill House)

Undeniably, each series produced by Mike Flanagan contains some particularly grim episodes, but “The Bent-Neck Lady” stands out as the most somber. In this installment, Nell comes to understand that the apparitions and specters she’s been encountering throughout her life are none other than herself. This revelation is heartrendingly bleak and has left a lasting impression on me.

’72 Hours’ (The Golden Girls)

You might find it surprising to see “The Golden Girls” on this list given its typically lighthearted nature, but the episode titled “72 Hours” takes a darker turn. In this episode, Rose’s doctor expresses concern that a blood transfusion she received might have been tainted with HIV-positive blood. She must then endure a three-day wait for the test results, which adds a somber and tense atmosphere to the usually comedic series.

‘Honor’ (The Walking Dead)

Among numerous impactful scenes from The Walking Dead, the episode titled “Honor” stands out as particularly grim. This episode, which unfolded in Season 8, may be unfamiliar to many viewers, but it holds significant weight. In this episode, we witness Rick’s son Carl getting bitten while bravely attempting to save a doctor for their community. This moment is undeniably one of the darkest in the series, as the audience is left anxiously awaiting the gunshot that signals Carl’s inevitable demise, while Rick and Michonne look on with unbearable anticipation.

‘Bullets Over Bel-Air’ (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the unforgettable impact of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Beyond its undeniable charm and humor, it dared to delve into somber territories, making it all the more memorable. Case in point: the gripping episode titled “Bullets Over Bel-Air,” where my character, Will, is caught in a harrowing gunfire incident orchestrated by a robber. This event sets off a chain reaction, culminating in Carlton’s decision to purchase a firearm for self-protection. The entire episode revolves around the sobering issue of gun violence, providing a poignant commentary that resonates even today.

‘ABQ’ (Breaking Bad)

Among the numerous “Breaking Bad” episodes available, one that stands out as particularly grim is the season 2 finale known as ABQ. Although much of the episode isn’t excessively dark, the closing scene is particularly haunting. In this scene, Walter witnesses two planes colliding overhead, causing debris to fall, because the air traffic controller’s daughter had just overdosed and tragically passed away – a girl whose life Walter had failed to intervene on when she overdosed.

‘Bad News’ (How I Met Your Mother)

Initially, it seems like the troubling event in this episode would revolve around Lily undergoing a fertility test. However, an unexpected turn of events unfolds as Marshall receives shocking news – his father has suffered a fatal heart attack. This unforeseen twist makes for a deeply moving and impactful episode within the sitcom.

‘Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken’ (Game Of Thrones)

In the episode titled ‘Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken,’ while the storyline itself may not be inherently dark, the climax certainly is. After Sansa Stark is coerced into marrying Ramsay Bolton, a horrific act of violence occurs on their wedding night. Remarkably, Theon Greyjoy (who now goes by ‘Reek’) is compelled to witness this appalling event. Oh my, what a gruesome sight.

‘To The Lost’ (Boardwalk Empire)

In simpler terms, the TV show “Boardwalk Empire” wasn’t shy about exploring grim themes, and one particularly grim episode was titled “To The Lost.” This episode stood out due to the tragic event where Nucky, a character, shoots Jimmy, a protégé, after Jimmy failed to initiate a conflict. The shocking part is that throughout the series, these two characters were usually close, but suddenly, their relationship ended abruptly with this act of violence.

‘Coda’ (The Walking Dead)

I can’t bear to ever let go of my anger towards “The Walking Dead” after the heart-wrenching events in “Coda.” This particularly grim episode saw the group rejoining Beth, only for her to be fatally shot when she bravely asserted herself. Tragically, she was denied the chance to reconcile with her sister once more. It’s just unbearable.

‘Long Term Parking’ (The Sopranos)

The cast of The Sopranos is bursting with remarkable talent, ensuring a wealth of intense episodes that often delve into darker themes. When Silvio discovers Adriana’s betrayal by leaking information to the FBI, her fate becomes grim. This episode conveyed a sense of dread and danger, underscoring the consequences of messing with the Soprano family.

‘Connor’s Wedding’ (Succession)

Regarding the exceptional acting skills displayed by the cast of “Succession”, it wouldn’t shock me if they crafted several episodes with a more somber tone. However, the one that stands out as the most grim is “Connor’s Wedding”. Initially, it appears to be an ordinary episode, but then, unexpectedly, Logan Roy passes away, leaving his children and us, the audience, to grapple with the aftermath of this shocking event throughout the rest of the episode.

‘Two Storms’ (The Haunting Of Hill House)

To begin with, this episode stands out as a remarkable showcase of cinematography, flawlessly executed. Beyond my excitement over its visual appeal, the episode “Two Storms” is ominous and unsettling. There seems to be a recurring theme where Nell’s coffin is disturbed or rearranged, which only adds to the eerie atmosphere.

‘Hardhome’ (Game Of Thrones)

In simpler terms, the initial part of “Hardhome” is quite peaceful, truth be told. It mainly involves Jon Snow and the Wildlings negotiating a truce to ensure their survival. However, things take a dark turn when the White Walkers attack, turning everything into ruins. The high death toll in this episode makes it one of the most gruesome episodes I’ve ever seen.

‘Please Remain Calm’ (Chernobyl)

I. Can’t. Stand. This. Episode.

At all.

After re-watching the miniseries Chernobyl, I find this particular episode to be the most grim and harrowing of them all. Witnessing the courageous trio enter the factory to drain the radioactive liquid and attempt to halt the chaos was heart-stopping, but the moment their lights went out at the end? It’s beyond words. The visuals in this episode are stunningly executed, yet the sheer darkness that pervades various scenes is palpable.

‘Endure And Survive’ (The Last Of Us)

As a devoted enthusiast of “The Last of Us” series, this particular episode was incredibly intense, affecting me on multiple levels, both emotionally and physically. Despite having foreseen Henry and Sam’s (from the “The Last of Us” cast) demise while playing the game, their deaths in this episode were portrayed with such depth that it made the scene twenty times more harrowing. Even after multiple viewings, I still find myself startled and looking away each time.

‘Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse’ (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

In a more relaxed and conversational style:

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” isn’t just about laughs, it also delves into some heavy moments, like the episode “Papa’s Got A Brand-New Excuse.” Will’s father suddenly reappears, but predictably, he offers an excuse to avoid genuine connection with Will. Towards the end, we hear a heartfelt speech from Will about not needing his father, followed by an emotional breakdown. It’s truly heartbreaking.

‘Alone Again, Natura-Diddly’ (The Simpsons)

In “Alone Again, Natura-Diddly,” a less prominent character from The Simpsons named Maude Flanders meets a tragic end. Her death, caused by being hit in the head with a t-shirt and subsequently falling to her death, is depicted quite graphically in this episode of Season 11.

‘Too Far Gone’ (The Walking Dead)

Speaking of harrowing moments in “The Walking Dead,” you might be interested in the episode titled “Too Far Gone.” It serves as the midseason finale for Season 4 and portrays the brutal conflict that unfolds at the prison. Prior to this, we witness The Governor’s descent into madness, culminating in his cold-blooded murder of Hershel, who had been a guiding moral force within the group for quite some time.

‘Teddy Perkins’ (Atlanta)

This installment of Atlanta has a chilling vibe, no doubt about it. It’s unsettling yet perfectly so. Beyond the insightful societal observations that each Atlanta episode seems to contain, the scene where Donald Glover dons extensive prosthetics and makeup, leaving Lakeith Stanfield visibly unnerved, is an image I can’t shake off easily.

‘Playtest’ (Black Mirror)

One unforgettable episode of “Black Mirror” that often comes to mind for me is “Playtest.” The ending of this episode, in particular, leaves a lasting impression. With its numerous unexpected plot twists and turns, it becomes challenging to follow the storyline smoothly. The climax, however, is particularly intense as the protagonist, Cooper, meets his demise because everything that transpired was merely a product of his mind, with none of it being real—such a dramatic turn in such a short span leaves me feeling overwhelmed and disheartened.

‘Chikhai Bardo’ (Severance)

The Apple TV+ series titled “Severance” is exceptionally engaging, although I don’t often recommend individual episodes. However, the episode named “Chikhai Bardo” stands out as a somber one due to the revelation of Gemma’s tragic fate. She’s been manipulated into becoming Lumon’s pawn, performing various Severance scenarios as part of some larger, sinister plan. It’s disturbing on so many levels.

‘The Female Of The Species’ (The Boys)

For fans of Kimiko from “The Boys,” the initial episode that offers a deeper look into her character is undeniably one of the most intense in the series. It vividly showcases her true brutality and fearsome nature. This isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you can handle it, I must say, I find it incredibly captivating.

After experiencing some challenging moments, I find myself longing for a change of pace. I believe it’s time for me to immerse myself in some heartwarming romantic comedies – they always seem to lift my spirits and provide a welcome contrast. Oh dear!

2025-03-25 00:40