From Jon Snow to Buffy: The TV Characters Who Just Couldn't Stay Dead
In the world of television, death is often not the final curtain call. Beloved characters are increasingly finding ways to cheat the grave, creating some of the most memorable moments in TV history. From dramatic returns to shocking revivals, here are the 10 greatest televisual resurrections that have kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Lazarus Trope Takes Centre Stage
When a favourite character is killed off, viewers can be forgiven for a healthy dose of scepticism. With plot twists and creative storytelling, TV shows have mastered the art of bringing characters back to life, turning death into a mere plot device. This trend has spawned countless Lazarus moments, where characters return from beyond to drive narratives forward.
10. Jon Snow in Game of Thrones
Westeros mourned when Jon Snow, portrayed by Kit Harington, was stabbed by his Night's Watch brothers in the season five finale. Left bleeding in the snow, his fate seemed sealed. However, red priestess Melisandre resurrected him early in season six, a move that sparked debate among fans. While some saw it as a pivotal moment, others felt it marked the beginning of the show's decline in quality. Jon's return, though dramatic, left many questioning whether he should have stayed dead.
9. Dan Conner in Roseanne and The Conners
John Goodman's Dan Conner was revealed to have died of a heart attack in the eighth season of Roseanne, only for the revival to undo his death. In a meta twist, Dan cracked jokes about his demise upon returning, adding layers of humour and confusion. His resurrection allowed him to star in the spin-off The Conners, where he navigated life as a widower after Roseanne's passing.
8. Nathan Young in Misfits
Robert Sheehan's Nathan Young in Misfits was a gobby rebel who initially seemed powerless amidst his superpowered peers. His death came when he fell from a roof and was impaled, only to awaken in a coffin, realising his immortality. His smug return annoyed his friends, but it cemented his place as a fan favourite in this underrated sci-fi series.
7. Rory Williams in Doctor Who
Arthur Darvill's Rory Williams started as a bumbling sidekick but evolved into a hero through multiple resurrections. Shot dead by a Silurian and revived by the Autons, his timey-wimey arc saw him marry Amy Pond and become part of a complex timeline, including fathering River Song. His returns added depth to the Doctor Who universe.
6. Kenny McCormick in South Park
Kenny's repeated deaths became a running gag in South Park, with his catchphrase "Oh my God, they killed Kenny" echoing through early seasons. After nearly 100 resurrections, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone explained his curse: he dies but never stays dead, and no one remembers. This clever twist kept the joke fresh.
5. Richard Roper in The Night Manager
Hugh Laurie's Richard Roper, the arms-dealing antagonist, was presumed dead in the BBC hit The Night Manager. His mid-series resurrection pitted him against Tom Hiddleston's Jonathan Pine, cranking up the tension towards the finale. Roper's ability to bribe and lie his way back from the ashes showcased the show's elegant espionage thrills.
4. Buffy Summers in Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy Summers died multiple times, most memorably sacrificing herself to save her sister. When the show was renewed, a resurrection spell brought her back, forcing her to claw out of her own grave. Buffy's complaint of being "ripped out of heaven" added emotional depth, and her return drew massive audiences, solidifying her status as a TV icon.
3. Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock
Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes faked his death in The Reichenbach Fall, using an airbag and accomplices to deceive Moriarty. His return two years later shocked Dr Watson, who punched him in frustration. This clever resurrection kept fans guessing and highlighted the show's inventive storytelling.
2. Dirty Den in EastEnders
Leslie Grantham's Dirty Den made soap history with his resurrection in EastEnders. Presumed dead after being shot and dumped in a canal, he returned with the iconic line "'Ello, princess," watched by 16 million viewers. His eventual real death added to the drama, making his comeback one of TV's most gasp-inducing moments.
1. Bobby Ewing in Dallas
Patrick Duffy's Bobby Ewing set the standard for TV resurrections in Dallas. After being killed off, his return in the shower revealed the entire ninth season was a dream of his wife, Pam. This preposterous twist, kept secret from even the cast, became both ridiculed and legendary, epitomising the extremes of televisual Lazarus moments.
The Impact of Character Returns
These resurrections not only drive plots but also reflect TV's evolving narrative techniques. From flashbacks to dream sequences, shows use creative methods to bring characters back, often enhancing viewer engagement. As TV continues to push boundaries, the trend of cheating death shows no signs of slowing down, promising more shocking returns in future series.
