In The Walking Dead’s main show, there’s been thousands of deaths (including walkers and unnamed characters). Tuning in every Sunday, there was anxiety about if your favorite character was next. Especially after Season 2, episode 7, nobody was safe.

Season 1 – Amy Harrison

Arguably the best pilot season of television history, and certainly my personal favorite. The audience quickly grew attached to the characters because of the raw storytelling of a fantastic plot. Ed Peletier was my favorite death of the season (bye!!!) but the saddest had to be Amy Harrison (portrayed by Emma Bell), Andrea’s (Laurie Holden) sister. Though we didn’t see much of Amy in the show, she’s a memorable character and pivotal for Andrea’s storyline. Their tight sisterhood was apparent in the first episodes in the mall, when Andrea was picking up the mermaid necklace for her.

Season 2 – Sophia Peletier

No shocker here – an intense scene and one of the most impactful in television; seriously, the episode of her death “Pretty Much Dead Already,” aired on November 27, 2011, and garnered 6.62 million viewers in the United States. Sitting on the couch and watching it as it aired, every jaw in the room was on the floor. The shock, the acting, and the aftermath was a masterclass in television making. Sophia’s (portrayed by Madison Lintz) death continues to be a huge part of Carol’s (portrayed by Melissa McBride) storyline, with the scene being re-enacted in Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol.

Season 3 – Lori Grimes

This was a difficult choice, between Lori Grimes (Sarah Wayne Callies), Andrea Harrison, Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker), and Milton Mamet (Dallas Roberts). Lori is a complex character with much of the fandom either hating or loving her (I’m of the latter). Andrea and Merle’s death scenes were absolutely incredible and brought tears to my eyes. Norman Reedus nailed the emotion of grief as Daryl Dixon, even if it got turned into a meme for years to come (anyone remember iFunny?). Lori’s death reminds me of the fact that Carl (Chandler Riggs) has to face this apocalypse without his mother while also being the one who put her down.

Season 4 – Hershel Greene

It took me sooooo long to move on from Hershel’s (Scott Wilson) death. Seriously if the Governor (David Morrissey) had lasted one more second than he did, I believe 12 year old me was going to teleport through the screen and take care of him myself. A beacon of hope, the moral compass, and an essential player in the groups dynamic, his death was a huge deal, I can’t imagine anyone had a dry eye watching as Michonne’s (Danai Gurira) katana was cocked back after The Govenors chilling delivery of the “No.” line.

Season 5 – Beth Greene & Tyreese Williams

Having the episodes “Coda” and “What Happened and What’s Going On” be so close together was emotional damage for the viewers. Debated billing the therapist directly to AMC. Tyreese (Chad Coleman) and Beth’s (Emily Kinney) stories were both inspiring, they had both struggled mentally with the loss of loved ones which is extremely realistic in a post apocalyptic world.

Season 6 – Eastman

“Here’s Not Here” features the brilliant John Carroll Lynch, it’s easily one of the best stand alone episodes in the series. I, too, would like to believe I’d become a badass with a stick and pet goat. Morgan is another very complex character that I will never get enough of on my screen, partly due to Lennie James’ excellent portrayal of the character. Tabitha and Eastman’s death were heart shattering but it was nice to hear Morgan reference Eastman in an episode of Fear The Walking Dead.

The second half of the series has no shortage of shocking character deaths as well – and we’ll talk about it soon. For now, would you change anyone on this list? Who broke your heart the most?

Catch all episodes of The Walking Dead on Netflix! It’s the perfect time of year for a rewatch.