When The Supporting Cast Becomes The Real Stars
Sometimes, it’s the characters lurking on the sidelines who grab our attention and refuse to let go. Whether they dropped iconic catchphrases, reshaped entire shows, or earned legendary fan love, these 25 characters prove that sometimes the real stars aren’t the ones in the spotlight.
Tyrion Lannister – Game Of Thrones
Originally a supporting role in a sprawling ensemble, Tyrion became one of the most beloved characters thanks to his wit, vulnerability, and depth. Peter Dinklage’s portrayal gave Tyrion a sharp tongue and a heart that was surprisingly tender. He navigated political chaos with humor, survived countless betrayals, and somehow emerged as the show’s moral compass in a world that often lacked one.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011-19)
Barney Stinson – How I Met Your Mother
Known for his sharp suits, legendary one-liners, and the legendary "legen—wait for it—dary," Barney emerged as the show’s scene-stealer. His comedic energy and Neil Patrick Harris’s charisma were magnetic, creating running gags and outrageous schemes that fans couldn’t get enough of. Barney became the glue that kept audiences laughing and coming back week after week.
CBS, How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
Dwight Schrute – The Office
What began as offbeat comic relief quickly turned Dwight into an unforgettable icon. His beet-farm logic, bizarre survivalist tendencies, and obsession with rules made him both ridiculous and lovable. Rainn Wilson gave him a unique balance of intensity and naiveté, making Dwight the perfect counterpoint to Jim’s pranks and Michael’s nonsense—and ultimately earning him his own cult following.
Saul Goodman – Breaking Bad
Originally introduced in just a few episodes, Saul’s swaggering, fast-talking lawyer persona captivated the writers and audiences alike. His mix of sleaze, humor, and surprising resourcefulness made him impossible to ignore. Saul was so compelling that he became a staple of Breaking Bad and the centerpiece of his own spin-off, Better Call Saul, where his tragic backstory deepened our appreciation for the character.
AMC, Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
Sheldon Cooper – The Big Bang Theory
A peripheral character who soared into the spotlight thanks to his rigid routines, deadpan delivery, and endless quirks. Jim Parsons turned Sheldon into a household name, making his obsessive quirks strangely endearing. Sheldon’s brilliance, mixed with his lack of social awareness, provided the show’s funniest moments while giving fans a character whose growth felt slow but immensely rewarding.
Warner Bros., The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
Jesse Pinkman – Breaking Bad
At first, Jesse was the unpredictable sidekick—but with time, he evolved into the heart of the show. His inner conflict, tragic mistakes, and flashes of compassion made him incredibly relatable. Aaron Paul brought such raw emotion to the role that Jesse became a symbol of redemption and humanity, balancing out Walter White’s increasingly dark descent into villainy.
Sony Pictures, Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Fonzie – Happy Days
The leather-jacketed, cooler-than-cool Fonz started as a guest role and ended up defining the entire show. His charisma, catchphrases, and effortless swagger captured the zeitgeist of the 1970s. Henry Winkler made Fonzie so iconic that audiences tuned in just to see what he’d do next.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Stewie Griffin – Family Guy
A baby with a British accent and diabolical tendencies, Stewie quickly became Family Guy’s standout star. His biting wit, obsession with world domination, and bizarre relationship with Brian set him apart. He provided dark humor while also giving surprisingly emotional moments, making Stewie one of the most unpredictable, and consistently entertaining, characters on television.
Fox, Family Guy (1999–present)
Steve Urkel – Family Matters
Originally a one-off character, Urkel’s nerdy charm and signature "Did I do that?" catchphrase made him a sensation. His slapstick antics, iconic suspenders, and sweet personality quickly overtook the show’s original premise. Jaleel White’s performance made Urkel one of the most popular sitcom stars of all time.
Bickley-Warren Productions, Family Matters
Kramer – Seinfeld
Kramer’s dramatic entrances, eccentric business ideas, and unpredictable antics defined Seinfeld’s humor. Michael Richards’ physical comedy and quirky timing made Kramer an audience magnet. From coffee-table books about coffee tables to his outlandish schemes, Kramer consistently injected energy into the show, becoming an unforgettable piece of television comedy history.
Castle Rock, Seinfeld (1989–1998)
Spike – Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Spike began as a punk-rock vampire villain but evolved into something much more. His biting humor, vulnerability, and evolving relationship with Buffy gave him layers of complexity. James Marsters brought unexpected depth to Spike, making him not just a fan favorite but one of the show’s most emotionally layered characters.
20th Century Fox Television, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
Sawyer – Lost
Initially portrayed as a conman and outsider, Sawyer developed into a multi-dimensional fan favorite. His snarky nicknames and rough edges gave way to moments of deep compassion and loyalty. Josh Holloway’s performance ensured Sawyer stood out in Lost’s sprawling ensemble, becoming a central figure whose arc was both heartbreaking and redemptive.
Loki – Marvel Shows
The god of mischief doesn’t just stir chaos, he owns the narrative. Loki’s mischievous charm, sharp wit, and emotional depth made him one of Marvel’s breakout stars. Tom Hiddleston’s performance cemented Loki as a fan favorite, turning a secondary villain into a character rich enough to headline his own series.
Marvel Studios, The Avengers (2012)
Gus Fring – Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul
Gus epitomized quiet menace. Calm, precise, and utterly ruthless, he was the perfect foil to Walter White’s chaotic ambition. Giancarlo Esposito’s icy performance made every scene chilling, ensuring Gus became one of TV’s most unforgettable villains.
Sony Pictures Television, Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Ron Swanson – Parks And Recreation
Ron’s love of meat, disdain for government, and deadpan delivery made him a comedic powerhouse. Nick Offerman gave Ron an iconic gravitas that turned small moments into lasting internet memes. His mix of rugged individualism and hidden emotional depth resonated so strongly with fans that he became the show’s true heart, despite being written as comic relief.
Universal, Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)
Opie Winston – Sons Of Anarchy
Opie began as a minor biker but soon became the soul of SAMCRO. His loyalty, inner turmoil, and heartbreaking storyline elevated him from side character to one of the most beloved figures in the show.
SutterInk, Sons of Anarchy (2008-14)
Joey Potter – Dawson’s Creek
Joey was introduced as Dawson’s childhood best friend but quickly captured audiences with her wit and emotional honesty. Katie Holmes gave Joey a charm and relatability that reshaped the show’s focus. Instead of just being the sidekick, Joey became the emotional anchor and love interest who carried much of the series’ most heartfelt drama.
Sony Pictures Television, Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)
Schmidt – New Girl
Schmidt’s absurd rituals, confidence, and eccentric vocabulary made him unforgettable. Max Greenfield’s comedic timing elevated him into the breakout star of New Girl. Beneath the comedy, Schmidt’s vulnerability and longing for love made him a layered and relatable character who outshone expectations.
Elizabeth Meriwether Pictures, New Girl (2011–2018)
Grogu – The Mandalorian
Though small in stature, Grogu had a huge impact. His wide-eyed innocence, mysterious powers, and undeniable cuteness turned him into a pop culture phenomenon. Known to fans as “Baby Yoda,” Grogu became the beating heart of The Mandalorian, and reshaped the Star Wars brand and merchandising overnight.
Walt Disney Studios, The Mandalorian (2019– )
Troy & Abed – Community
This quirky duo made Community sparkle with surreal charm. Their endless pop-culture riffs, creative imagination, and legendary fake talk show gave the series some of its most iconic moments. Donald Glover and Danny Pudi’s chemistry was electric, turning their friendship into one of the most beloved aspects of the entire show.
Daryl Dixon – The Walking Dead
Daryl wasn’t even in the original comics, but he became the face of the TV adaptation. His quiet toughness, loyalty, and crossbow skills won over fans instantly. Norman Reedus’ gritty performance transformed Daryl into one of the most iconic zombie-apocalypse survivors, carrying much of the show’s emotional weight.
The Walking Dead (2010- ), AMC
Klaus Mikaelson – The Vampire Diaries
Klaus brought a dangerous charm that made him impossible to ignore. As a hybrid vampire-werewolf, his intensity and unpredictability added new stakes to the show. Joseph Morgan’s layered performance made Klaus such a standout that he became the focus of the successful spin-off The Originals, cementing his legacy as a breakout star.
Warner Bros., The Vampire Diaries (2013-2018)
Floki – Vikings
Floki’s eccentric personality and spiritual devotion made him one of Vikings’ most unique characters. Gustaf Skarsgård’s unpredictable performance brought both humor and haunting mysticism, while the character’s quirks and fierce loyalty made Floki a fan favorite.
MGM Television, Vikings (2013–2020)
100 Eyes – Marco Polo
A blind monk and lethal fighter, Tom Wu’s 100 Eyes was both mysterious and captivating. His discipline, wisdom, and ferocity gave him a commanding presence on screen. His martial arts mastery and mentorship role transformed him into a fan favorite, arguably outshining the show’s central characters.
Netflix, Marco Polo (2014–2016)
Alfred ‘Alfie’ Solomons – Peaky Blinders
Tom Hardy’s Alfie was unpredictable, hilarious, and deeply intimidating. His gravelly delivery, wild monologues, and shifting loyalties made him impossible to ignore. Every scene with Alfie crackled with energy, proving that sometimes the best moments come from characters who seem to live entirely by their own chaotic rules.
BBC, Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
You May Also Like:
The Most Iconic Character Transformations In Film
TV Characters You Love to Hate (and Hate to Love)
