4. Dudley was molested by a stranger

Different Strokes had an episode where Dudley got diddled by the owner of the bicycle shop. Arnold posed for some topless photos, but got out before it got real.

5. Plankon attempted suicide

‘One Course Meal’ from Spongebob, it’s about Mr. Krabs dressing up like Pearl to scare Plankton away from the Krabs’ patty formula, but quickly escalates to Mr. Krabs tormenting Plankton to the point where he never leaves the Chum Bucket, has nightmares, and eventually attempts suicide. I am not exaggerating at all.

6. Helga’s mother was an alcoholic

Hey Arnold, the Helga on the Couch episode. Throughout the series it’s hinted that her mother is a drunk and her father doesn’t acknowledge her, but in this episode Helga talks about being three years old and having to walk to school by herself in the rain, because her parents were so obsessed with her sister to even notice her.

7. Charmander came close to dying

The episode of Pokemon where Charmander’s owner abandons him and his flame almost goes out. I cry every single time I see it to this day, and I’m 26.

Bonus: The scene from the movie where Ash gets petrified trying to stop Mew and Mewtwo and Pikachu tries to wake him up over and over. Heavy shit.

8. Tommy’s dad had a mental breakdown

Rugrats had a few sad episodes, especially the ones revolving around Chuckie and his mom or that episode where Tommy’s dad gets hit in the head and mentally reverts back to a child and he can actually communicate with Tommy.