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Roy Orbison sang in 1961 that “I’ll always be crying over you” however he seemed to predict TV viewers relationships in 2024 which was a great year for many moving emotional stories on television. Crying while viewing TV is cathartic allowing viewers to connect with fictional stories that evoke real human experience. Crying from emotional shows on television is beneficial and a memorable moment as these scenes create a long-lasting impact showing the power of storytelling. Many 2024 TV shows have shown many heartfelt and sorrowful moments with loss sadness bittersweet joy and trauma.
Grey’s Anatomy episode “Take Me to Church” included Joziah Lagonoy’s character Cal Huang whose story echoes previous Grey's patient's stories in earlier seasons with great emotional effect on viewers. Cal Huang who has Li-Fraumeni syndrome learned he has a brain tumor leaving him a very limited time alive. The scene in the show sees character Dr. Schmitt played by Jake Borelli promise he has a couple of months and Cal sadly stated, “That's it?” followed by an emotional reaction as Cal mentions that he would re-read the Lord of the Rings books if he was given some more time on earth. Cal admits "I don't want to die" and it shows that characters in TV dramas have emotional resonance.
Agatha All Along series features Patti LuPone whose character Lilia steps fully into her power as an established witch in “Death’s Hand in Mine”. Lilia is generally seen as somewhat of a humorous outlier throughout the series however a scene shows that her strange outbursts came from reliving past traumas from before first coven’s death. She saves Agatha Kathryn Hahn Teen Joe Locke and Jen Sasheer Zamata when she states "I loved being a witch," while accepting her fate during her sacrifice to stop the Salem Seven giving her the chance to fully come to terms with who she really is. LuPone is the main driver of the episode’s poignant narrative offering unique range and quality to production that created a notable moment in TV production during the past year.
X Men ‘97 “Remember It” episode is full of shocking plot twists where mutant haven Genosha is demolished by mutant hating villains that are bent on global annihilation. Rogue played by Lenore Zann shuts off romantic connection with Gambit played by A.J. LoCascio right before Genosha gets decimated by enemy forces causing tragic repercussions. Rogue sees Magneto who is portrayed by Matthew Waterson to create intimate relationship with a person who powers can not destroy only to see his death. Gambit attempts to halt the Sentinel attack as Rogue is too late when holding his body realizing the enormity of loss expressing “I can’t feel you” leaving audience with deep emotional response during her grieving scene.
Shrinking character Alice played by Lukita Maxwell forgives Louis played by Brett Goldstein surprisingly quickly but the story of Alice makes it poignant and appropriate by series development during "In a Lonely Place." Alice has much pent up anger but during a conversation about her mom that resulted from grief she feels for loss. She begins seeing his grief seeing a small glimmer of humanity after years of self hatred causing her to want to show kindness with forgiveness showing viewers new perspectives for character arc as she shows compassion from love. Alice states "It’s what my mom would’ve done" to conclude story demonstrating strong direction for the film.
Colin From Accounts offers an unexpectedly vulnerable emotional display from Gordon portrayed by Patrick Brammall. Gordon tries using dog as a coping method to help him process complex emotions related to his father's death . Gordon's self-destructive acts while using his dog highlight inner pain of grief in several subtle scenes showcasing character depth and range of acting capabilities . After finding an old letter he learns his fathers love from before then his emotional floodgates open. The series balances between comedic and somber themes during his powerful scene creating a unique viewing experience.
The Walking Dead spinoff titled “The Ones Who Live” features a touching moment between Michonne played by Danai Gurira and Rick played by Andrew Lincoln. This touching scene had fans highly emotional. Michonne gets Rick to confess his avoidance of love because he is too broken to accept past life with his children and her showing the emotional dynamic of this series. Michonne explains how she would not accept it reminding him of new chances which moves him to return home where they will “love each other as hard as we can while we can.” Gurira who is writer for episode crafts emotional depth highlighting the powerful bond and connection the characters have with each other as they embrace new chance in the life.
Shōgun character Lady Mariko is shown preparing to die in seppuku ritual with many internal conflicts highlighting emotional complexities during “Crimson Sky”. Anna Sawai playing Mariko shows amazing skill showing range of powerful emotional layers as the character faces death head on for loyalty to lord Toranaga. Blackthorne portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis becomes her second displaying love to end the torment and religious sin creating an enormous scene for character arc as her life choices move the story. Mariko displays great internal conflict to viewers as romantic connections grow from powerful performances creating a moving piece of television.
Heartstopper deals with complex and difficult emotions relating to young adults showing challenges in teenage life during “Talk”. The series highlights Charlie’s character portrayed by Joe Locke eating disorder and shows ongoing mental health challenges while focusing on how it emotionally impacts boyfriend Nick acted out by Kit Connor. After organizing a birthday party Nick wants his partner to seek professional treatment to cope with his emotional challenges revealing a very complex love while struggling with helping a loved one. Fearful of potential loss and showing hopelessness Nick demonstrates care when asking Charlie to get the assistance showing growth among characters within the production team’s writing.
Say Nothing series revolves around mourning particularly with murder of Jean McConville which was carried out by the IRA and its implications on all involved as displayed in episode "I Lay Waiting". Helen daughter played by Laura Donnelly and the siblings finally meet as remains are confirmed of their long dead mother providing small peace for the families as there was nothing they can do to change past events. During identification, a blue pin is shown on remains creating deeply touching moment during that sad scene as families grieve from such a tragic loss during these tragic events. Laura Donnelly shows the deep conflicting emotions of grief, heartbreak and anger during this pivotal scene in the show.
Pachinko’s episode "Chapter 15” shows Sunja portrayed by Minha Kim sending her son Noa portrayed by Tae Ju Kang to university a bittersweet moment showing how it affects a mother’s perspective. Sunja states her father wished her to experience the full world showing that this desire has now passed onto Noa as her time was always occupied by family struggles instead. Kim displays incredible emotional range when portraying that scene while accepting the joy that comes from her sacrifice for future generations as she realizes her dreams may not ever reach full completion but accepts it. The series uses the touching scene to exemplify past experiences shape future with emotional trauma as well as passing on traditions.
Somebody Somewhere series finale “AGG” showcases emotional complexity through Sam and Tricia sharing their pain for sister Holly which brought many views to tears. Tricia confesses how her own fear that she is forgetting Holly because she now seems happy highlighting grief responses and the many complex emotions behind that. Sam who previously was unable to enter Holly’s room reminds Tricia their shared memories and the continued presence of Holly despite the pain that the sisters both feel creating space to explore difficult conversations on TV in new ways. Mary Catherine Garrison’s character and Bridget Everett provide deep heartfelt conversation which make their interactions seem more authentic to human experience.
One Day’s episode titled “Episode 14” follows Dex’s experience as he mourns the second year of Emma’s passing on July 15 showing intense heart break that fans across all platforms shared with his character arc throughout series. Dex while grieving visualizes Emma telling him it will get easier over time offering him peace during these intense painful periods of grief . Ambika Mod as Emma and Leo Woodall as Dex both performed these scenes with subtle hints of emotion demonstrating quality performance while touching deeply moving aspects of the TV viewing community across various platforms. These moments together showed subtle hints of loss as a partner as his dead lover continues her playful antics demonstrating real powerful intimate relationship they shared.