Why Killing Off the Series' Main Character Makes for the Best TV

It's a major gamble to make such a drastic change to a show — like killing your main character. Whether at the beginning, middle, or even end of the show, it is always a tough subject to get right. Oftentimes these characters are what's keeping the audience coming back week to week (or season to season). We find them compelling and closely relate to them or at least understand them. In their absence, the show can change too much and as a result, people will stop watching. But when this is done right, when it makes sense for the show and the character's journey, it can heighten the story overall. When done right, killing off the main character is sometimes the best decision a TV show can make.