Some were killed off. Some left because their portrayers wanted off; others because their networks wanted a change.
But with TV season in a bit of a lull at the moment (darn you, Winter Olympics!), this seemed like an ideal time to take stock of characters we've lost over the past few months.
From biker wives to surgical interns, community college students to misguided witches, here is a look at a handful of men and women who we still can't believe are gone...
1. Troy Barnes
Donald Glover left Community to pursue his rapping career. He took his beloved character with him.
2. Chris Traeger
We are LITCHerally in disbelief. Chris Traeger has moved away from Pawnee, Indiana.
3. Ziva David
NCIS didn't kill Ziva off, thank goodness. But she was writen out because Cote de Pablo wanted a change.
4. Joss Carter
The death of Detective Joss Carter continues to rock Person of Interest fans. But that's the idea, isn't it?
5. Nicholas Brody
He hung on for as long as he could. And then Nicholas Brody was hanged to conclude Homeland Season 3.
6. Tara Knowles
It was as cloody and as violent as any TV death in recent memory. RIP, Tara.
7. Heather Brooks
Rest in peace, Heather Brooks. This intern died on the Grey's Anatomy Season 10 premiere.
8. Hershel Greene
He was old. He was wise. And he was taken away from us too soon on The Walking Dead.
9. Sophie Deveraux
Sophie Deveraux never recovered from losing her niece. She was killed off The Originals Season 1.
DID WE MISS ANYONE? WHICH RECENTLY-DEPARTED TELEVISION CHARACTER AR YOU MISSING THE MOST THESE DAYS?