9 TV Shows That Survived Death Of The Main Character

2. Game Of Thrones - Ned Stark

Game Of Thrones Ned Stark
HBO

Main characters had been killed off before Game of Thrones, but this was still a game-changing moment not just for the show, but for television itself. Sure, it's one thing to kill off a main character if you need to fire the actor, or if you're a few seasons in and the series requires a shake-up. But to kill off the main character nine episodes in, when the entire series is shaping up to be his story?

Yes, it happened first in the books, but that doesn't make it any less of a shocking moment in TV terms, and one that would come to define the series moving forward. Sean Bean was the biggest name among the cast, and Ned Stark the lead character of its sprawling ensemble. With the battle lines drawn against the Lannisters, it seemed like Ned would live a long time yet. Even when his head's on the block and the sword raised, you expect him to get out of it somehow.

Of course, he doesn't, but Game of Thrones has gone from strength to strength. It's become the biggest show in the world, while Ned's death allowed it to expand its storytelling, ramping up in both scale and intrigue. Game of Thrones didn't just survive Ned's death. Ned had to die so Game of Thrones could live.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.