<p>Research on cell death is getting diverse. Apoptosis and other forms of programmed cell death play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and defending an organism from infections, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Apoptosis, a well-known form of programmed cell death, involves non-inflammatory and orderly organized dismantling of a cell. Different pathways and mechanisms have emerged that challenge the traditional apoptosis-centric view, such as necroptosis, panoptosis, pyroptosis, paraptosis, ferroptosis and autophagic cell death. This editorial aims to highlight some of these emerging pathways, expanding our understanding of cellular death and its implications in health and disease. Over the years, <i>Apoptosis</i> has been at the forefront of publishing discoveries on these diverse and impactful processes.</p>