10 Heartbreaking Times Lead Characters Left TV Shows
2. Michael Scott - The Office
For many people, Steve Carrell’s Michael Scott was The Office. Though the two seasons after he left were serviceably funny, it just wasn’t the same without the world’s greatest boss in Scranton. Michael’s final episode was an emotional affair which showed just how much of a bond he’d formed with audiences over the years.
Despite always wanting to be the centre of attention, Michael is actually fairly private about his leaving, wanting to slip out unnoticed. It’s only Pam who realises he’s leaving for good, and rushes to the airport to see him off.
It’s especially fitting that Pam is the one to have the tearjerking farewell, as she and Michael were part of arguably the biggest emotional moment of the series apart from Michael’s eventual departure.
After no one besides Oscar came to her art show (and he only came to make snide comments), Michael arrived late in the day to brighten Pam’s spirits with some heartfelt praise.
Michael did eventually return for the ultimate finale two years later to be Dwight’s best man, but this episode is always remembered as his last one. Every time you watch it, it just gets harder... that’s what she said.