Fan faves dying on popular TV shows

'Downton Abbey" fans -- brace yourselves.

If you thought the unexpected death of a certain character (we're keeping mum for those behind in their viewing) was tough, you'd better have smelling salts handy for Sunday's climactic season finale (9 on WNET/13).

The recent "Downton" death and public reaction on Facebook and Twitter highlights viewers' devoted attachment to TV series regulars, and the grief that comes with a fatal plot twist.

The reasons are simple enough. Unlike those who flatline on film, TV characters feel like family. We grow up with them, inviting the Sopranos or Jack Bauer into our home each week or on weekend-long marathons. Frequency breeds familiarity. Many "Downton" fans are more in touch with the Grantham family than their own.

"It's a gut reaction," says Alan Muraoka, aka Alan on "Sesame Street," who debuted as the new owner of Hooper's Store in 1998. The death of Mr. Hooper is one of the few instances in which an actor -- Will Lee -- actually died. The show tackled it head on in an Emmy-winning episode where Big Bird learns about grief.

"It was a milestone," says Muraoka. "Mr. Hooper was beloved by kids and parents alike. It was like having a grandfather pass away."

Here, the decades' other most shocking deaths. Needless to say... spoiler alert.

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