13 TV Cliffhangers That Drove Us Crazy Back in the Day
These jaw-dropping TV cliffhangers left fans screaming at their screens, desperate for answers, and counting down the days until the next episode.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
TV cliffhangers possess a special kind of power to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, fueling endless debates, theories, and frustration as they wait for the next episode. From jaw-dropping betrayals and unexpected deaths to brain-twisting turns that turn everything upside down, these moments we’ll never forget have etched themselves into pop culture history. Whether it was Who shot J.R.?, Jon Snow’s fate, or Tony Soprano’s last scene, these cliffhangers drove us nuts—and we couldn’t get enough of it.
1. Dallas – “Who Shot J.R.?” (1980)
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The world was gripped by the suspense of who had shot oil baron J.R. Ewing, and this is one of the most famous cliffhangers in television history. The tension lasted eight months, causing global speculation and even encouraging betting pools. When the shooter was finally unmasked, more than 83 million people watched, making it one of the highest-rated TV episodes ever.
2. The Sopranos – “Made in America” (2007)
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Tony Soprano sits in a diner while Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” plays, only for the screen to abruptly cut to black. The audience initially believed their TV had broken, but the sudden conclusion left Tony’s fate hanging in the balance, sparking controversy even today. Was he whacked, or did life simply move on?
3. Lost – “Through the Looking Glass” (2007)
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Just when Jack and the survivors thought they were being rescued at last, the show turned everything on its head with his jaw-dropping words: “We have to go back!” The flash-forward twist left the island nightmare unfinished, upsetting the whole series. Viewers spent the next season figuring out how they were left—and why they had to go back.
4. Twin Peaks – “Episode 29” (1991)
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Agent Cooper finally goes into the enigmatic Black Lodge, only to reappear possessed by the dark entity Bob. His eerie closing scene, cackling madly in front of the mirror, devastated fans seeking closure. The series was canceled shortly afterward, leaving this horrific twist on the back burner for 25 years.
5. The Walking Dead – “Last Day on Earth” (2016)
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After a whole season of hype, Negan finally appeared on screen, but the show abruptly cut to black as he brought his bat down on an unidentified victim. Viewers were angry at the artificial mystery, with months of conjecture sending even casual fans bonkers. The eventual payoff in the following season’s premiere was savage, but some didn’t think the wait was worth it.
6. Breaking Bad – “Gliding Over All” (2012)
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Walt eventually had it all—until Hank discovered a book in his bathroom linking him to Heisenberg. When Hank’s expression shifted as he realized what was happening, fans knew the world was about to implode. A year-long build-up to the series finale had people on tenterhooks.
7. Grey’s Anatomy – “Sanctuary” (2010)
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A revenge-seeking shooter walked through the hospital, attacking doctors and leaving the fate of favorite characters in the balance. The show concluded in utter pandemonium as Meredith lost her baby and Derek bled to death. Fans were left in heartbreak, wondering who would make it.
8. Stranger Things – “The Battle of Starcourt” (2019)
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Hopper apparently gave his life in an explosion, and fans were left heartbroken. Just when audiences had resigned themselves to his demise, a post-credits scene hinted that “the American” was alive in a Russian prison. Fans remained speculating on how he managed to survive until the next season.
9. Game of Thrones – “Mother’s Mercy” (2015)
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Jon Snow was stabbed over and over by his own brothers after being betrayed and left to bleed out in the snow. With no hope of survival, fans worried that one of the show’s main characters was, indeed, dead. For almost a year, rumors ran rampant—until his fate was determined in the following season.
10. Veronica Mars – “Leave It to Beaver” (2005)
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Just as Veronica opened the door on someone she didn’t expect, the screen flashed to black with a bare “I knew it was you.” The question of who was on the door tormented fans throughout the summer. When the series returned, the twist was a tearjerking moment with serious repercussions.
11. Friends – “The One with Ross’s Wedding: Part 2” (1998)
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In a surprise move with Emily at the altar, Ross mistakenly called out Rachel’s name, leaving viewers reeling. The episode concluded without revealing how Emily reacted, leaving fans clinging to the question of what ensued next. Fans were left stunned for months wondering.
12. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – “The Gift” (2001)
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Buffy gave her life to save the world, leaping to her death in a tearful finale. Viewers were left wondering if their favorite heroine was really dead for good. The show’s revival on a new network showed that death was not the end for Buffy.
13. The West Wing – “What Kind of Day Has It Been” (2000)
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Gunfire erupted during a public function, and the screen went black before anyone could see who had been hit. With several characters at risk, viewers were forced to wait the entire summer to discover what happened to President Bartlet and his staff. The anticipation made it one of television’s greatest political drama cliffhangers.