Top 20 Most Hated Sitcom Characters: From Annoying To Infuriating

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Sitcoms are meant to be light and enjoyable, but sometimes, in an attempt to be funny, characters become incredibly annoying and even disliked by fans. Even popular, well-loved sitcoms can have characters that viewers find frustrating or forgettable.

These characters aren’t just annoying sitcom tropes – whether they were intentionally irritating or poorly-planned additions later in the series, fans genuinely hate them.

Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance)

I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Vivian Vance’s character, Ethel Mertz, on I Love Lucy, is best known as Lucy Ricardo’s supportive friend, but she wasn’t always lovable. Ethel could be annoying with her constant complaining, worry, and jealousy. Sometimes, instead of adding to the comedy, she just frustrated viewers of this groundbreaking television show.

Although meant to be funny, Ethel’s reactions to Lucy’s plans often seemed critical and holier-than-thou, sometimes creating awkwardness instead of laughs. This, combined with actual friction between the actresses, made Ethel a surprisingly controversial character for her time – audiences weren’t used to seeing women on TV who weren’t completely likable.

Mr. Howell (Jim Backus)

Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967)

Jim Backus’s character, Thurston Howell III, on Gilligan’s Island, is frequently mentioned as one of the most annoying characters in sitcom history. As the ultimate wealthy snob, he constantly showed off his money and privilege, which came across as arrogant and bothered both the other castaways and those watching at home.

Mr. Howell’s tendency to talk down to others, particularly Gilligan, frequently detracted from his humorous scenes, making them seem unkind instead of funny. His strong focus on wealth and status also made him appear superficial.

Audiences struggled to connect with the character because he didn’t seem to genuinely care about the problems of those around him. Though the actor, Backus, delivered his lines perfectly, the character’s snobbishness, self-importance, and tendency to be a hypocrite made him a classic sitcom villain – the kind viewers love to dislike. He paved the way for similar characters like Niles Crane, Mr. Burns, and Barney Stinson.

Roland Schitt (Chris Elliott)

Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

The characters in Schitt’s Creek start out deliberately flawed and even unlikeable, which makes their eventual development and emotional depth much more satisfying to watch. Everyone in the show is a bit eccentric, and their weaknesses – like selfishness or a lack of self-awareness – are played up for laughs.

Roland Schitt, portrayed by Chris Elliott, is a notably disturbing character. His rude behavior, lack of personal boundaries, and selfishness are especially jarring when compared to his wife, Jocelyn’s, kind nature, making him come across as even more unpleasant. Viewers never really warmed up to Roland because his actions are consistently irritating and unpredictable, leaving them feeling uneasy rather than entertained.

Roland is a crucial part of the show. He contrasts with Johnny, making both the humor and heart of the town stand out. This shows how strong opposing characters can make a sitcom both funnier and more emotionally engaging.

Steve Urkel (Jaleel White)

Family Matters (1989-1998)

Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White in the sitcom Family Matters, is a truly memorable character, though he also sparked a lot of different opinions. Originally intended as a brief guest appearance, Urkel – a clumsy, nerdy neighbor – quickly became a cultural phenomenon thanks to his exaggerated personality, distinctive voice, and famous line, “Did I do that?” He became one of the defining figures of 1990s television.

While initially charming, Mr. Winslow’s constant interference in the family’s life and his persistent attempts to win over Laura eventually became annoying for many viewers. The show often focused on his blunders, repeating them so frequently that some found it tiresome instead of humorous.

Although Urkel sometimes showed a kind and sensitive side through his inventions and awkwardness, his over-the-top personality and the show’s constant focus on him made him hard to truly like. He’s certainly unforgettable, but his popularity also proves that a character can be well-known and yet still annoying.

Jean-Ralphio & Mona-Lisa Saperstein (Ben Schwartz & Jenny Slate)

Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

Jean-Ralphio and Mona-Lisa Saperstein are arguably the most annoying characters on Parks and Recreation. They don’t feel like realistic people, but rather a collection of irritating habits. With their over-the-top mannerisms, selfish behavior, and lack of respect for others, they constantly cause problems and leave a trail of chaos wherever they go.

Ben Schwartz’s Jean-Ralphio and Jenny Slate’s Mona-Lisa are hilariously chaotic characters, constantly seeking attention and full of terrible plans. They’re incredibly funny in short bursts, but mostly just create trouble wherever they go. Their wild energy actually makes them ideal candidates for their own Parks and Recreation spin-off series.

Sheila Broflovski (Mona Marshall)

South Park (1997-Present)

Sheila Broflovski is a famously disliked character on South Park because she perfectly represents the show’s biting commentary on excessive and irrational moral outrage. As Kyle’s mother, she’s known for being bossy, critical, and easily offended, frequently starting conflicts that quickly get out of hand.

Sheila has a habit of becoming passionately involved in issues – even when she’s wrong – and often creates trouble for everyone in town. The show intends her character to satirize how some activism can go too far, but her strong beliefs and unwillingness to consider other viewpoints make her seem less like someone trying to help and more like a controlling figure.

Sheila consistently makes things worse with her choices, and she almost never seems truly sorry for her mistakes. In a show full of over-the-top characters, she’s deliberately written to be irritating, making her one of the most disliked characters ever on a sitcom.

Robert Barone (Brad Garrett)

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)

Brad Garrett’s character, Robert Barone, is known as one of the most frustratingly funny characters in sitcom history. In Everybody Loves Raymond, Robert is constantly battling jealousy and insecurity, always feeling overshadowed by his brother, Ray. He’s often sarcastic and subtly hostile, which frequently makes family gatherings tense rather than enjoyable.

Robert, though meant to be funny, becomes tiresome to watch because he’s always trying to compete with his brother and constantly complains about his life. His jokes are more irritating than amusing, and this is one reason why his character hasn’t held up well over time in Everybody Loves Raymond.

Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki)

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

Johnny Galecki’s character, Leonard Hofstadter, is often seen as the most unlikeable on The Big Bang Theory. Although the show presents him as the down-to-earth, relatable guy and a subtle storyteller, many viewers find him whiny, self-absorbed, and passively aggressive – qualities that haven’t held up well as the series has gone on.

Leonard’s behavior towards women reveals a pattern of feeling deserving of special treatment and a lack of emotional maturity. He often doesn’t listen to others, overreacts to situations, or tries to control things to get what he wants, which makes his attempts to appear like a “Nice Guy” seem insincere.

Leonard’s insecurities and early signs of feeling resentful towards women, along with his habit of trying to appear morally superior or constantly compete with his friends, often annoyed viewers. Looking back, many fans believe Penny and Leonard’s relationship ultimately happened more for the sake of the story than because they truly connected, solidifying Leonard as the least compelling character on The Big Bang Theory.

Andy Bernard (Ed Helms)

The Office (2005-2013)

Andy Bernard, like Michael Scott, constantly craves attention and approval, but he doesn’t have the likable qualities that made Michael so endearing. Unlike many characters on The Office who people either love or hate, Andy is remarkable for being almost universally disliked.

Honestly, watching him was just… draining. He was always bursting into song, constantly mentioning he went to Cornell, and fishing for compliments – it quickly went from quirky to really irritating. And his whole relationship with Erin? It didn’t feel sweet or romantic at all. It actually just made him seem even more insecure and like he hadn’t really grown up, which was a shame because it could have added something to his character.

Andy’s character on The Office shifted significantly from his initial portrayal. After Michael left and Andy became regional manager, his most annoying traits were actually made worse, not better. Rather than maturing into the position, he became more wishy-washy and focused on himself.

Ted Buckland (Sam Lloyd)

Scrubs (2001–2010)

Ted Buckland, the hospital lawyer on Scrubs, is often considered one of the show’s most annoying characters. Actor Sam Lloyd played Ted, and his constant complaining, feeling sorry for himself, and tendency to exaggerate his problems frustrated both the characters on Scrubs and many viewers. He also appeared in Cougar Town.

Ted’s humor relies heavily on portraying himself as unfortunate, constantly complaining about his bad job, lack of romantic success, and general inability to get things right. While this can be amusing at first, it quickly becomes repetitive and irritating. His tendency to play the victim, combined with slapstick and predictable musical gags, makes him more consistently annoying than truly funny.

Some people enjoy how Ted Buckland’s gloomy humor stands out against the busy hospital environment, but most viewers find his constant negativity draining. He’s a character meant to make you feel bad for him, but he mostly ends up being irritating and prompting eye-rolls.

Janice (Maggie Wheeler)

Friends (1994–2004)

Janice is the classic annoying sitcom character. First appearing on Friends as one of Chandler Bing’s girlfriends, she quickly became memorable – and disliked – for her irritating voice and distinctive laugh, which many viewers found unpleasant.

Janice primarily served as a source of awkwardness and frustration for Chandler, always appearing at the worst possible times. Even though she was only in 19 episodes of Friends, her loud, relentlessly cheerful, and dramatic personality made her a memorable character that most viewers loved to hate.

Janice isn’t so much a fully developed character as a source of humor, meant to be both annoying and funny. The fact that people still remember her shows how well a sitcom can create a deliberately unlikeable character, and how even a minor role can be incredibly memorable.

Samuel “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond)

Saved By The Bell (1989–1993)

Samuel “Screech” Powers, famously played by Dustin Diamond in Saved by the Bell, is a character people either love or hate. Originally intended as a funny sidekick to Zack Morris, Screech’s awkwardness and social difficulties were supposed to be comedic, but his clumsiness, exaggerated reactions, and constant need for attention often came across as annoying.

He was often used as the comedic contrast to other characters, constantly finding himself in silly situations and needing help. Though meant to be lovable, his squeaky voice, over-the-top behavior, and habit of taking over scenes can become tiresome after a while.

Screech’s character was largely based on stereotypes, presenting him as an exaggerated, one-dimensional ‘nerd’ rather than a fully developed person. Even so, he’s become a well-known figure, demonstrating that a character can be both unforgettable and, for many, irritating or divisive.

Cousin Oliver (Robbie Rist)

The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

Cousin Oliver is often used as the perfect example of a show going downhill. Added to the cast of The Brady Bunch in its last season, he was meant to be a cute, energetic cousin who could revitalize the show as the original kids got older. However, most viewers found him annoying and didn’t like how he changed the show’s familiar family feel.

He was overly sweet, asked too many questions, and seemed to be trying too hard to be cute, which came across as fake. This made him a famously disliked character on television. In fact, the name “Cousin Oliver” is now used to describe any character added to a show late in its run who doesn’t connect with viewers.

Randy Pearson (Josh Meyers)

That ’70s Show (1998-2006)

Randy Pearson arrived on That ’70s Show late in the series, much like the character Cousin Oliver on The Brady Bunch. He was brought in during season 8 to try and replace Eric Forman after Topher Grace left, but he didn’t quite fit in. Fans found him awkward and he disrupted the show’s familiar chemistry, as he was meant to fill the shoes of a character everyone already loved.

The unexpected and quickly developed relationship between Donna and Randy disrupted the gradual, building connection between her and Eric, which left many viewers disappointed and feeling disconnected. Furthermore, Randy simply didn’t have a compelling personality – he lacked charm and any unique qualities, making him feel like a temporary character instead of a genuine part of the group.

Randy is widely considered one of the worst characters ever added to a sitcom. Fans of That ’70s Show particularly dislike him, as he’s a prime example of a character introduced late in the series that just didn’t work.

Major Frank Burns (Larry Linville)

M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

Frank Burns is a character that many TV viewers love to hate. In the early seasons of MASH*, his clumsiness and annoying personality were a major source of comedy. Burns was a strict, self-important, and fearful surgeon who frequently argued with Hawkeye and Trapper, representing everything frustrating about the military’s rules and double standards.

Mr. Burns was a character everyone loved to hate, thanks to his constant need to flatter those in charge, his preachy attitude, and obvious preference for certain people. Larry Linville brilliantly played him as arrogant and a coward, making Burns incredibly frustrating but also unforgettable. As time went on, the audience’s dislike of Burns became a key part of the show, so when the actor left MASH*, many viewers felt a sense of satisfaction.

Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber)

Full House (1987–1995)

Kimmy Gibbler is the classic, always-around, and often annoying next-door neighbor you see in sitcoms. On Full House, she was a regular presence in the Tanner family’s home, constantly creating messes, embarrassing situations, and offering advice nobody asked for.

Kimmy’s unusual style and behavior were often funny, but they sometimes distracted from her personality, making her seem irritating rather than lovable. Her appearance on Fuller House highlighted these quirks while also trying to give her character more depth.

Although Kimmy sometimes has touching scenes, she’s mostly known for being socially awkward and constantly causing problems for the family. This makes her a typical sitcom character – an annoying neighbor who’s both frustrating and funny to watch.

Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor)

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Ted Mosby is often considered the most annoying character on a show that’s generally funny and clever. Although Barney Stinson is the character people love to hate, his over-the-top behavior is meant to be comical, making him easy to make fun of.

Ted is the show’s narrator and is meant to be its emotional core, but he often seems selfish, unable to make up his mind, and surprisingly innocent. He has a romanticized idea of love, yet he consistently makes bad decisions, which makes his supposed affection for women feel insincere at times.

Similar to frustrating characters in sitcoms like Manny Delgado, Ted’s actions are supposed to make viewers feel sorry for him. However, many now see him as spoiled and unaware. How I Met Your Mother reveals some difficult truths about Ted, making him a divisive character – the kind of person who frustratingly believes he’s a genuinely good person, despite his flaws.

Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed)

Ted Lasso (2020–Present)

Nate Shelley’s journey in Ted Lasso is unusual because he transformed from a fan-favorite, relatable character into someone many viewers came to dislike. We first met Nate as a quiet, unassuming equipment manager who quickly won audiences over with his kindness, smarts, and genuine appreciation for Ted. His progress felt deserved and motivating, but that changed when the show turned him into a villain in seasons 2 and 3.

The show is usually upbeat, but Nate unexpectedly became spiteful. His anger towards his old teammates and his attempts to show he was in charge felt forced and didn’t match the show’s usual caring spirit. The reveal of his new, all-black suit was meant to be a dramatic, villainous moment, similar to Darth Vader’s iconic first appearance.

Nate’s storyline in Ted Lasso felt off-putting to many viewers. While the show is known for its positivity, Nate’s quick turn towards negativity was frustrating, and his eventual redemption felt rushed. He wasn’t a villain you loved to hate, just a sad character, and this ultimately made him one of the least popular figures in the series, despite the show’s attempt at complex character development.

Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase)

Community (2009-2014)

At the beginning of the show Community, Chevy Chase was its most well-known actor. However, his character, Pierce Hawthorne, was largely based on Chase’s own difficult personality. Pierce was portrayed as a rich, self-centered, and insensitive man, and the writers used his outdated and prejudiced views to create comedic moments through satire.

The character frequently caused conflict within the study group and, instead of being humorous, often felt out of place. This on-screen friction reflected real-life disagreements, ultimately leading to Chevy Chase’s difficult exit from Community during the fourth season.

The show often made fun of Pierce’s problematic behavior, even pointing it out directly, but these attempts weren’t enough to make him a likable character. Now, Pierce Hawthorne is remembered as a classic example of a sitcom character created to be divisive, but who ended up pushing viewers away.

Ross Geller (David Schwimmer)

Friends (1994–2004)

Looking back at Friends, it’s tough to ignore some hard truths, and honestly, Ross Geller really stands out as a character people seem to either love or hate. I’ve noticed how often he comes across as whiny and completely focused on himself. It’s frustrating because he always plays the victim, and it makes it hard for me to really feel sorry for him or cheer him on, even though I used to!

Looking back, his behavior doesn’t meet today’s standards – his relationship with a student was inappropriate, and he was controlling towards Rachel when they dated. Even with these clear flaws, the show consistently portrays him as Rachel’s perfect match, a choice that has annoyed many fans.

Despite being written as a likeable character, Ross often comes across as entitled, jealous, and emotionally manipulative. This has led many viewers to strongly dislike him, and he’s become a prime example of a hated character in a sitcom.

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2025-12-06 21:39