The 10 Saddest Sitcom Episodes, According To Reddit | ScreenRant
Although fans expect silly moments, memorable jokes, and quotable catchphrases from sitcoms, there are many popular shows that feature just as many emotional and heavy episodes as funny ones. While the hilarious storylines might outweigh the heartbreaking ones, there are several that stand out for making fans feel badly for the characters who are dealing with some difficult situations.
From big character deaths to tough moments at work, along with plotlines that talk about the passing of time and how short life is, there are several sitcom episodes that make fans tear up. Redditors are sharing the saddest ones.
10 "Bad News" (How I Met Your Mother, S6 E13)
There are many sad scenes in How I Met Your Mother, especially since the main characters are so close, care about each other so much, and truly share big life moments together.
Redditor likeaboss408 posted that one of the most depressing sitcom episodes is How I Met Your Mother's "Bad News" when "Marshall's dad dies." The episode begins with an emotional scene of Lily and Marshall going to see a fertility doctor, and by the end, Marshall is told that his dad had a fatal heart attack. It's awful seeing how much pain Marshall is in and the episode's format is creative as there is a countdown to the last scene when Marshall learns the news.
9 "Constance Carmell Wedding" (Party Down, S2 E10)
Redditor happyBees mentioned that Party Down has a funny tone but the series finale is definitely a sad one: "Hilarious show mighty depressing themes."
As Constance gets ready to marry Howard, her friends think that this could be a huge mistake as he isn't known to be faithful. Fans are stunned when the episode ends with a tragic moment, and the series concludes on a really emotional note.
8 "Bill Moves On" (NewsRadio, S5 E1)
One Redditor mentioned that the season 5 premiere of NewsRadio is really sad as it's "the one after Phil Hartman died."
The actor died tragically in real life and his character, Bill, dies of a heart attack on the sitcom. His co-workers and friends go to his funeral and deal with this horrible loss. The real life news behind this episode makes it even harder to watch.
7 "My Lunch" (Scrubs, S5 E20)
Scrubs has many gags throughout the series and thanks to J.D.'s daydreams, the show has a silly tone that sitcom fans really love.
Redditor luckystrikeserena mentioned the sad Scrubs episode "My Lunch" and wrote that it's "heart breaking when Dr. Cox loses those three patients to rabies and then gets all depressed." While Cox is often tough, cool, and collected, he has a tough time with this situation and feels guilty and responsible. It's a new side of this strong character.
6 "We'll Have A Good Time" (Boy Meets World, S6 E13)
Boy Meets World features many emotional moments as Cory and his friends get older and experience grief and loss.
Redditor manny_plaquiao_dds posted that "The episode when Shawn's dad dies is so heartbreaking." It's even sadder to watch Chet in the hospital as Chet admits that he has never been around and that he has made so many mistakes with his sons.
5 "Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse" (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, S4 E24)
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air has one particularly sad episode that fans often remember. One Redditor mentioned the season 4 episode "Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse" when "Will's biological father leaves. Watery eyes guaranteed."
Will's dad Lou visits, and Will is excited since they haven't seen each other in over a decade, but it's clear from the start that Lou will only end up hurting Will even more. The episode is also emotional because Phil can tell what's going to happen.
4 "Symphony of Illumination" (How I Met Your Mother, S7 E12)
One of the saddest things about Robin on HIMYM is her fertility struggles, and Redditor luckystrikeserena posted that the season 7 episode when "Robin is talking to her kids" tugs at the heartstrings. The fan added, "then you realize that the kids aren't real because she can't have any. And it's so sad!"
As Robin works through this upsetting news, she thinks about what it would be like to be a parent. As viewers figure out that she's just imagining having a conversation with her children, it's a tough storyline to watch without tearing up.
3 "Baby On Board" (Modern Family, S3 E24)
Modern Family may have lots of silly quotes and goofy moments between the main characters, but there are some really sad moments, too, as the characters experience loss and heartbreak.and
Redditor clearedasfiled mentioned the episode "Baby On Board" "When Cam and Mitchell don't get their baby. (again)" and Redditor MemoryMaze said that they "teared up" while watching the episode. Viewers know how much Cam and Mitch want to have another child and this moment comes up again in the series finale when they adopt Rex.
2 "Mother's Day" (Rugrats, S4 E2)
Some of the best Rugrats episodes feature deep storylines where the babies are dealing with some strong feelings and tough situations.
Redditor OnCreep mentioned the Rugrats episode "Mother's Day" because of "the emotions Chaz goes through in that episode" is an "example of the meaningful beauty a cartoon or comedy show can have." Chuckie learns that his mom, Melinda, died and he feels terrible that his friends have mothers and he really feels this loss.
1 "Jurassic Bark" (Futurama, S4 E7)
Several Redditors mentioned the Futurama episode "Jurassic Bark." Fry goes to a museum and sees a fossil of a dog there, figuring out that this was his dog from the 20th century. Redditor Frankiegirl2020 shared that when Fry "decides not to bring him back to life when he realized the dogs age," it's really sad.
Fry goes through a whirlwind of emotions and the episode touches on themes about aging and the inevitable passing of time.