The Best Shows About Grief
Grief is a complex, challenging emotion and navigating through it can be an incredibly difficult journey. The best TV shows that deal with grief manage to strike a delicate balance between emotional depth and engaging storytelling. Voted on by viewers like yourself, this curated list highlights the top television series that not only address this sensitive subject matter but do so in such a way that they resonate with audiences, making them feel understood and less alone in their own personal experiences.
Among these remarkable shows is Sorry for Your Loss, which explores the life of a grieving young widow as she comes to terms with her husband's untimely death. With its honest portrayal of grief, the series touches upon themes like survivor's guilt and moving on after tragedy. Another standout series on the list is BoJack Horseman, an animated dark comedy which delves into mental health and self-destructive tendencies. Lastly, there's Dead to Me, a gripping dark comedy about two women who bond over their shared losses and ultimately uncover shocking secrets along the way.
These shows are just a few examples of gripping narratives that grapple with loss and grief in a thoughtful, impactful manner. While it can be challenging to rank such compelling content, we invite you to participate in determining what TV show does it best. Vote for your favorite series and offer your perspective on how each story has affected or influenced you as well as others dealing with grief.
- 1Elizabeth Olsen, Kelly Marie Tran, Jovan Adepo
- Premiered: September 18, 2018
Sorry for Your Loss is a heartrending drama that revolves around Leigh Shaw, a young widow trying to put her life back together after her husband's unexpected death. Elizabeth Olsen delivers a powerful performance as the lead, portraying the complexities of grief with a profound authenticity that many who have experienced loss may find deeply relatable. The show delicately explores themes of love, loss, and healing, providing a thoughtful examination of how one navigates through the stages of grief. It serves as a reminder that it's okay not to be okay and that everyone grieves in their own unique way.
- 2Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie
- Premiered: August 22, 2014
BoJack Horseman is an animated series that delves into the life of a washed-up actor dealing with addiction, mental health issues, and personal loss. Will Arnett's performance as BoJack provides a raw, unflinching look at self-destruction and grief, offering viewers a nuanced portrayal of how people often grapple with their past traumas.
- NEW
- Premiered: October 27, 2023
- 3Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden
- Premiered: May 3, 2019
Dead to Me is a dark comedy that explores the unlikely friendship between two grieving women who meet at a support group. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini deliver compelling performances, capturing the many facets of grief, anger, and healing. The show effectively illustrates how shared pain can forge deep connections and provide solace.
- 4Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown
- Premiered: September 20, 2016
This Is Us is a family drama that seamlessly intertwines the past and present to depict how life’s joys and sorrows shape us. Standout performances from the ensemble cast, especially Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, portray the grieving process with striking realism. Its themes of love, loss, and family may resonate with those who have experienced grief.
- 5Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston
- Premiered: June 29, 2014
The Leftovers is a supernatural drama set in a world where 2% of the population mysteriously disappears. The show, featuring strong performances from Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon, delves into the collective and individual grief of those left behind, exploring the search for meaning in the face of inexplicable loss.
- 6Ricky Gervais, Kerry Godliman, Tom Basden
- Premiered: March 8, 2019
After Life is a British comedy-drama that follows Tony, a man struggling to cope after his wife's death. Ricky Gervais's performance as Tony captures the essence of grief, from despair to anger to acceptance, offering a brutally honest depiction of loss that many viewers may find cathartic.
