Characters We’re Crazy About
TV shows sparkle when characters evolve—like fine cheese, they get better (and sometimes stinkier) with age. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of growth, redemption, chaos, and catharsis—fueled by wit, tears, and too much streaming.
Alexis–Schitt’s Creek
Alexis Rose begins as a walking Instagram filter: spoiled, glamorous, and allergic to responsibility. What makes her arc so satisfying is how she slowly learns to stand on her own two designer boots, discovering ambition and empathy along the way. By the end, she’s still funny and fabulous, but she’s also independent, resilient, and shockingly relatable.
CBC Television, Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
Loki–Loki
The god of mischief has always been entertaining, but in his self-titled series, Loki becomes truly fascinating. Pulled out of his comfort zone and stripped of his usual tricks, he faces his identity with unprecedented vulnerability. His arc is about learning that power doesn’t always equal purpose, and that sometimes the most chaotic being in the multiverse wants something as simple as connection.
John Silver–Black Sails
When we first meet John Silver, he’s slippery, opportunistic, and only in it for himself. But through sheer survival and surprising loyalty, he becomes a linchpin of the pirate revolution. Watching him shift from hustler to leader is thrilling, because you never quite know if he’s being sincere—or brilliantly manipulative.
Starz, Black Sails (2014–2017)
Octavia–The 100
Octavia Blake begins life literally hidden beneath the floor, destined to be an afterthought. But instead of disappearing into the background, she becomes one of the fiercest warriors in the wasteland. Her arc is brutal, messy, and often morally complicated, but that’s what makes it gripping. Octavia shows us what survival does to a person—and how sometimes strength comes at the cost of peace.
Roy Kent–Ted Lasso
Roy Kent is introduced as a perpetually scowling footballer who curses more than he speaks. Over time, however, his sharp edges soften, and we get to see the caring mentor lurking beneath the growls. Tough outer shell, yes. Incredibly soft inside? Double yes.
Apple TV+, Ted Lasso (2020–2023)
Diane Nguyen–BoJack Horseman
Diane’s arc is one of self-discovery in a world that constantly demands compromise. From ghostwriting BoJack’s memoirs to confronting her own insecurities and moral failures, she evolves into someone who strives for authenticity above all else. Her story is unglamorous but profoundly real, filled with depression, resilience, and the ongoing struggle to do the right thing.
Netflix, BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
Nick–New Girl
Nick Miller starts out as a lovable mess—unshaven, broke, and irresponsible. Yet over seven seasons, he learns how to love, how to trust, and how to aim higher than just bartending forever. His evolution is both subtle and profound, showing that personal growth doesn’t always come with fireworks but with little victories. By the end, Nick still grumbles, but he’s also someone who knows what—and who—he wants.
Starlight–The Boys
Starlight begins her journey as an idealistic small-town girl who just wants to use her powers for good. Unfortunately, she’s thrust into a corrupt world of corporate superheroes, where idealism is a liability. Her growth is about learning how to fight from the inside without losing her moral compass. By standing up to both her enemies and her allies, Starlight becomes the kind of hero fans actually believe in.
Amazon Prime Video, The Boys (2019–Present)
Lexa–The 100
Lexa’s arc may be tragically short, but it’s also unforgettable. She starts as a ruthless commander, but we soon see the vulnerable woman beneath the armor—one who loves, doubts, and makes impossible choices. Her relationship with Clarke adds even more humanity to her character.
Ahsoka–The Star Wars Franchise
Ahsoka Tano was once dismissed as just Anakin Skywalker’s bratty Padawan, but she quickly proved herself to be so much more. Through battles, betrayals, and personal loss, she evolves into one of the franchise’s most respected warriors. Her decision to leave the Jedi Order cemented her independence, making her a symbol of moral clarity in a galaxy of shades. Ahsoka’s journey is a masterclass in how to turn a side character into a cultural icon.
Disney+, Ahsoka (2023–Present)
Lydia–Teen Wolf
Lydia Martin begins as the archetypal mean girl—beautiful, shallow, and concerned only with social status. Over time, however, she transforms into the sharpest mind of the group, as well as a banshee with formidable power. Her arc balances supernatural mystery with emotional depth, as she learns to trust herself and others. By the end, Lydia is more than just popular—she’s indispensable.
Eren Yeager–Attack On Titan
Eren Yeager starts out with a simple motivation: take out all the Titans. But as the series progresses, his worldview becomes darker, more complex, and far more terrifying. His choices force fans to confront the thin line between freedom fighter and tyrant. Eren’s arc is unsettling, thought-provoking, and one of the boldest character evolutions in anime history.
NHK, Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
Bubbles–The Wire
Bubbles is one of the most heartbreaking and inspiring characters on The Wire. Initially introduced as a struggling addict, he slowly emerges as a symbol of resilience. His battle with addiction and grief is raw, but his eventual path to sobriety and redemption is nothing short of moving.
Sansa Stark–Game Of Thrones
Sansa Stark is a cautionary tale turned inspiration. Starting out as a naive girl who dreams of fairy-tale romance, she endures betrayal, manipulation, and unspeakable pain. But instead of breaking, she learns to wield the political game with brilliance and patience. By the end, Sansa’s strength lies not in swords but in her sharp mind and iron will.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Rebecca–Ted Lasso
Rebecca Welton begins as a woman scorned, plotting to ruin her ex-husband by sabotaging the football club he loved. But her scheme evolves into something very different as she finds purpose, friendship, and love through AFC Richmond. Her transformation is both heartwarming and hilarious, making her one of the show’s standout characters.
Theon Greyjoy–Game Of Thrones
Few arcs are as painful—or as powerful—as Theon Greyjoy’s. From arrogant betrayer to broken captive to redeemed warrior, his story is a saga of shame and redemption. Every step of his journey is laced with tragedy, but also with resilience. Theon’s end may be bittersweet, but it’s also fitting for a man who finally found his honor.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
April–Parks and Recreation
April Ludgate starts as the queen of sarcasm and disinterest, a master of deadpan disdain. But as she grows, we discover a fiercely loyal and deeply caring person beneath the snark. Her arc balances humor with heartfelt sincerity, as she learns to embrace responsibility and even joy.
NBC, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Peggy Olsen–Mad Men
Peggy’s story begins in the shadow of Don Draper, but she refuses to stay there. Rising from secretary to one of the agency’s most powerful creative minds, she shatters 1960s expectations. Her arc is slow, steady, and richly rewarding, showing that ambition and resilience can rewrite the rules. Peggy’s journey is a celebration of women carving space in a world determined to box them in.
Spike–Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Spike enters the scene as a swaggering villain, more leather jacket than substance. But as the seasons unfold, he evolves into one of the show’s most complicated figures—torn between love, danger, and redemption. His journey toward earning his soul and his place among the heroes is messy, poignant, and unforgettable.
Warner Bros, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
Sokka–Avatar: The Last Airbender
Sokka starts as comic relief, armed only with a boomerang and a bucketful of sarcasm. Yet his intelligence, creativity, and leadership skills slowly elevate him from jokester to indispensable strategist. His arc is both hilarious and heartfelt, as he learns that not having bending powers doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Sokka’s growth reminds us that brains and humor can be just as heroic as magic.
Netflix, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024–Present)
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