13 Most Heart-Breaking Sitcom Moments Of All Time

5. Marshall's Dad Dies - How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother was a show bursting with heart, and as much as the comedy came first it did take its big emotional opportunities too, although often they were of the romantic ilk.

This one, which arrived in the show's last good season (that's 6 for those counting), is a real gut-punch. Although never a major character, the strong bond between Marshall and his dad was nicely built up across the show's run, and in particular this episode.

When Marshall finally receives some good news about his fertility, the first thing he wants to do is call his father, only for Lily to arrive in a cab and break the news that his father has passed away.

Jason Segel does his best work on the show, his voice cracking and body crumpling as he reacts with "My dad's dead?" in a scene he improvised.

Marshall wasn't ready for this, and neither were we.