Before we dive in: spoiler warning for all shows! We won't go into details, but you have been warned.
The story of Elliot, aka Mr. Robot, is a tragic one. He suffers from anxiety, severe mental illness and substance abuse. The frequent hallucinations with Elliot's father are already sad enough, but when Elliot learns the truth about his past and what his father did to him, it becomes all the more tragic. Great show to start this list off. | © USA Network
Shameless is a dramedy through and through, with great situational comedy and intense drama. The Gallaghers really didn't pull the winning lottery ticket when it comes to living circumstances. No mother, alcoholic father and a bunch of kids with only Fiona stepping up to take care of them. Shameless hits hard, and you should definitely give it a try if you want some honest comedy and even more honest drama. | © Showtime
This show is very funny, but just like the previous show on this list, it has some tear-jerkers thrown in every once in a while. Otis & Ruby, Eric & Adam, and many more face the dangers of love as a teenager in this heartfelt series. Although the sadness in this show is not of the existential dread kind, it hits so close to home with the experiences that we can recognize in our own lives. | © Netflix
Arcane has an unfair advantage here. Fortiche, the studio behind the animation magic of Arcane, worked incredibly hard to deliver us one of the most intense crying scenes we have ever seen in animation. Powder's meltdowns and Viktor walking for the first time are moments with such weight that we can do nothing else but shed a tear. | © Netflix
Game of Thrones is not really known for its sad moments, but there are a few that will break your heart. Tyrion's trial and the conversation with his father, right before a drastic shot from a crossbow, are particularly sad for me. But, the one scene that takes the cake is the fate of Shireen, when she was burned at the stake by her own father. | © HBO
Man, what is it with these light-hearted comedies that always get the better of me!? This show can at times break you down completely. The shock in Marshall's face as he learns of his father's fate will never leave my head. Other incredibly sad moments include Barney's discussion with his biological father, Ted imagining running to the future mother's apartment, and Robin on Christmas with her imaginative kids. | © CBS
Ted Lasso has so many light-hearted and uplifting moments that I tend to forget about the emotional ones. Don't get me wrong, you will cry tears of joy, as well as from sadness. The moment that really stood out for me is when Roy hugs Jamie. I don't know, it's such an intense moment and the show had been building up to it for so long. It felt like a knot that was finally released. | © Apple TV+
Breaking Bad has its fair share of dramatic scenes, and at the center of them all stands Jesse Pinkman. He is the character that undeniably suffers the most from Walter White throughout the show. When he loses Jane and when he melts down at the group therapy meeting? These are moments that are only possible with great acting, which Aaron Paul is definitely capable of. His final scream at the end of the show when he is finally free puts a bow on top of this tragic present that is his story. | © AMC
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a kid's show of unique caliber. It balances adult themes with light-hearted fun so well, and it gave me two of my heaviest cries in my life. The scene where Zuko and Iroh finally meet again after Zuko changed so much is pure perfection. The music, the faces, everything. But the one that stands out is, of course, the tale of Iroh. Whenever I hear Leaves from the Vine, even without context, I get chills. It's just so tragic, you can't even explain it. | © Nickelodeon
The show about the washed up, alcoholic, humanoid horse surprised everyone when it first aired, with its brutally honest depiction of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and trauma. Raphael Bob-Waksberg and his team of writers managed to conjure up so many passages of dialogue that hit you right in the guts. Bojack calling Diane in his dream, Sarah Lynn's fate, Free Churro, and Ruthie are a few examples, but there really are many more. It is such a meme that an animated show about talking animals is the most realistic depiction of mental illness in all media. | © Netflix
Ricky Gervais stunned countless viewers with After Life. I wouldn't have expected the actor/comedian to be able to write such a deep and layered story about grief and loss. This show just feels so real. Tony is a character that is sympathetic even though he is rude and hurt. Definitely Top 3 on this list, I had to cry in every episode. Just go watch it! | © Netflix
Fleabag feels different from other shows. Its sharp humor and the fourth wall breaking main character really make for something special. There aren't many moments that make you cry, but the one that wants to make you cry really does it. I don't want to spoil the ending here, but it is the definition of bittersweet. | © Prime Video
This is Us. Just: This is Us. If you've seen it, you know why it takes the top spot on this list. If you haven't watched it yet, go do it – if you dare. And let us know if you've made it through even a single episode without shedding a tear, may it be from the wholesome moments or the absolutely devastating ones. The story follows the Pearson family and through flashbacks, we learn more of their past and the effects it had on the present of the now-adult triplets Kate, Kevin and Randall. And I can't say it enough: get the tissues ready. You will have more than one ugly-crying-session. | © NBC
Did we miss out on your favorite show to cry over? Let us know in the comments!
Let's get sad! There are many emotions that TV shows can evoke in us, but no other can get the better of you like sadness. Today we want to talk about some of the TV shows that will definitely leave you in tears at some point or another. I want to issue a spoiler warning here. You have been warned.
