9 of the most shocking plot twists in TV show history
Television has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to memorable characters, and captivate our imaginations with stories that span across genres and themes. But what truly makes a great TV show unforgettable is the element of surprise – that moment when a carefully crafted plot twist leaves us gasping in disbelief, our jaws on the floor, and our minds racing with questions. The most shocking plot twists in TV show history have not only changed the course of their respective narratives but have also left a lasting impact on popular culture and the collective consciousness of viewers around the world.
Plot twists can take various forms – from unexpected character deaths and betrayals to mind-bending reveals and game-changing events. These twists are designed to challenge our expectations, subvert established tropes, and redefine our understanding of the story being told. In some instances, these narrative surprises have become so iconic that they’ve set a new standard for television storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished within the medium.
A great plot twist is a delicate balance of foreshadowing and misdirection, requiring the storyteller to provide just enough hints to make the reveal believable while also ensuring that the audience remains in the dark until the very moment of the twist. This mastery of suspense and narrative structure is an art form unto itself, and the most successful plot twists are those that manage to completely redefine a story while still remaining true to the established narrative and characters.
In this list, we’ll be exploring the nine most shocking plot twists in TV show history – those moments that left audiences stunned, reeling from the unexpected turn of events, and eager to see how their favourite shows would continue to unfold. These twists have become synonymous with the power of television storytelling, serving as a testament to the medium’s capacity to surprise, entertain, and leave us wanting more. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the twists and turns that have left an important mark on the world of television.
Obviously expect spoilers ahead for the shows mentioned. You have been warned…
“Game of Thrones”
The Red Wedding: In the penultimate episode of Season 3, the infamous Red Wedding left fans of “Game of Thrones” in utter disbelief. In a brutal and unforeseen turn of events, several main characters, including Robb Stark, his wife Talisa, and mother Catelyn, were brutally murdered at a wedding feast, changing the course of the series forever. It was a moment that would go on to define a series and remains talked about many years after first broadcast.
“Lost”
We Have to Go Back: In the Season 3 finale of “Lost,” viewers were led to believe they were watching another flashback. However, in a shocking revelation, it turned out to be a flash-forward, indicating that some characters had escaped the island. The iconic line, “We have to go back,” uttered by Jack, became a defining moment in the series.
“The Good Place”
Welcome to the Bad Place: The Season 1 finale of “The Good Place” shocked audiences with its masterful plot twist. The characters believed they were in an idyllic afterlife, only to discover that they were actually in the Bad Place all along, and their seemingly kind guide, Michael, was a demon orchestrating their eternal suffering. That’s sneaky, right!?
“Breaking Bad”
Jane’s Death: Walter White’s transformation from a high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord is filled with shocking moments. One of the most heart-wrenching and unexpected twists is when Walter passively watches as Jane, Jesse’s girlfriend, chokes to death on her own vomit, ultimately deciding not to save her. This marked the moment that Walter White had truly turned into someone completely different.
“Westworld”
Bernard is a Host: “Westworld” is known for its complex storytelling and jaw-dropping twists, but one of the most shocking reveals occurred in Season 1 when Bernard, a human character, was revealed to be a host – an android built by the park’s creator, Dr. Ford. Now, that is a twist – and one no one saw coming…
“Doctor Who”
The Thirteenth Doctor’s regeneration: At the end of “The Power of the Doctor” saw Jodie Whittaker’s incarnation of the Time Lord regenerate into David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor (the same actor who had played the Tenth Doctor). Viewers were expecting the introduction of the newly announced Doctor, Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa… but they were made to wait as the regeneration order was muddled.
“The Sopranos”
Adriana’s Demise: Adriana La Cerva’s tragic death in Season 5 of “The Sopranos” is one of the show’s most shocking and gut-wrenching moments. After being coerced into becoming an FBI informant, her cover is blown, and she is driven to her death by Silvio Dante in a chilling sequence that left audiences devastated.
“How I Met Your Mother”
The Mother’s Fate: The series finale of “How I Met Your Mother” featured a twist that polarized fans. After spending nine seasons building up to Ted’s meeting with the titular “Mother,” the show reveals that she passed away years earlier, and Ted’s story was really about him seeking his children’s approval to pursue a relationship with their “Aunt” Robin.
“House of Cards”
Zoe Barnes’ Death: In the Season 2 premiere of “House of Cards,” the sudden and brutal death of ambitious journalist Zoe Barnes at the hands of Frank Underwood solidified his ruthlessness and power-hungry nature. The unexpected nature of the scene, occurring in the very first episode of the season, left viewers reeling and set the tone for the show’s dark and twisted narrative.
- Love Doctor Who? Get all the latest Doctor Who news and views from Screen OD
- Looking for some entertainment? Have you tried our general knowledge quiz questions and answers yet? Or browse all the Screen OD quizzes.
- Want to supercharge your streaming? Take a look at our guide to Netflix secret codes for TV and movie fans
- Love TV and movies? Try Screen OD on YouTube...
