The most heartbreaking episode often pointed to is “Forever”, which aired in Season 13 and explores the Cartwright family mourning the sudden death of Dan Blocker’s character, Hoss. Lorne Greene (Ben) and Michael Landon (Little Joe) deliver raw, soul-stirring performances as they grieve together — a moment so authentic and intense that even the behind‑the‑scenes crew couldn’t hold back tears. One fan on Reddit captured the scene’s emotional impact:

“I’ve never been able to bring myself to watch the full episode, but that scene is heart‑wrenching.” m.youtube.com+15reddit.com+15facebook.com+15

Tears That Transcend the Screen
While not officially confirmed on set, the atmosphere during filming of “Forever” was reportedly heavy with genuine emotion, reflecting the real-life loss of Dan Blocker, who passed away in 1972. The sequence where Ben embraces Joe amid hushed sobs stands as one of television’s most unforgettable farewells—proof that sometimes the story and reality can intersect so deeply, art becomes life. This poignant moment cements “Forever” as the emotional peak of Bonanza.
VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM67apJIqgs