12 TV Deaths You Knew Were Coming (That Still Broke You)

3. Mr. Hooper - Sesame Street

Sesame Street is a wholesome and fun show designed to keep kids upbeat and happy. And for fourteen years between 1969 and 1983, Mr. Hooper was front and centre of that fun and wholesome experience. Having been voted as the number one human in the show, this cranky but lighthearted owner of Hooper's Store was so often the connecting figure between kids and adults watching the show and was brilliantly brought to life by Will Lee.

When Lee passed away in 1982, the producers of the show decided that instead of recasting him or writing in an explanation, they would tackle the issues of death and loss in an episode. Extensive research was done into the best way of handling the subject, and the show has gone down in television as one of the most powerful in history.

Big Bird, who Mr. Hooper was particularly close with, is told that his friend won't be coming back and reacts in the sort of way that would mirror a child, swinging from sadness, anger and confusion. Whilst it is easily one of the rawest moments in the show for both kids and adults, it's also one of the best-handled and important episodes Sesame Street has arguably ever shown.