Top 10 TV Characters That Get Picked On

Top 10 TV Characters that Get Picked On

They say part of comedy is suffering, and these characters take a lot of shots for our amusement. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 TV characters that get picked on.

For this list, we’re paying tribute to the TV punching bags we love, pity, or laugh at. We’ll only be covering live-action victims, as animated characters deserve their own list.

#10: Carlton Banks
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

Is there anyone around who’s a more polar opposite to the Fresh Prince than his cousin, Carlton Banks? While Will is chill and street smart, Carlton is preppy and childishly naïve. Although Carlton thinks very highly of himself, Will sometimes makes him feel low… literally. He and his cousin’s personalities cause them to butt heads, and Carlton will sometimes feels like he’s in Will’s shadow. Plus, we have to assume the short jokes don’t help anything. However, at the end of the day, Will’s teasing is all in good fun, and the two are as close as brothers. Besides, who could hate a guy with dance moves like his?

#9: Johnny ‘J.D.’ Lutz
“30 Rock” (2006-13)

This guy doesn’t even need to do anything to be told to shut up. Played by the actor of the same name, Lutz is part of the “TGS” writing staff, and the group’s perpetual loser. His joke ideas for the show are never chosen, and worse yet he ends up being the butt of everyone else’s around the studio. All he really wants is to look cool in front of the others, but it never works out. While guys like Kenneth can take the abuse and still keep smiling, Lutz’s threshold for abuse progressively dwindles. Even if it’s just a minor victory; Lutz does eventually get his revenge. Ish.

#8: Steve Urkel
“Family Matters” (1989-98)

Before speeding around as Sonic the Hedgehog, Jaleel White was keeping it nerdy as the breakout character of “Family Matters,” Steve Urkel. To say that Steve’s a geek would be an understatement. He’s the living embodiment of nerd-dom—from his ensemble and lack of coordination, to his quirky attitude and catchphrases, right down to his scientific know-how. The guy means well, but he’s a walking disaster and has a habit of inadvertently annoying others around him, especially the Winslow family. In fact, the only time he gets any respect is as his suave alter ego. Of course, as the series progressed, the Winslows learned to love Steve as much as we do – or at least not completely despise him.

#7: Det. Charles Boyle
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-)

The NYPD has some of the best police officers around, but there’s still room for guys like Charles Boyle. Boyle’s a hard-working detective and a hardcore foodie—his passion for fine cuisine is unquestioned. Unfortunately, his detective skills leave a lot to be desired—he’s clumsy and his social skills are anything but top notch. Luckily, he’s got a friend like Jake Peralta to steer him in the right direction and stop him from going “full Boyle.” He may be the laughingstock of the Nine-Nine on occasion; like that time he was overshadowed by a horse at an award ceremony. But Charles Boyle is a hardworking detective who tries his best. Whether or not he succeeds is a whole other story.

#6: Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers
“Saved by the Bell” (1989-93)

You know that nerdy friend with the annoying voice you can’t help but hang out with? Well that’s pretty much Screech in a nutshell; a geeky goofball with a voice that can shatter glass and an unrequited love for Lisa. Despite his nerdy nature, he’s welcomed among the cool kids, though he’s usually getting duped into helping Zack with his scams and ends up ruining them by accident. The rest of the gang teases him—or inadvertently hurts him—but through it all, he’s one of them – though we may never know why. Hey, can you name any other guy who can win the title of Miss Bayside?

#5: Britta Perry
“Community” (2009-15)

This girl is the best at being the worst. Britta is one of the female friends in the Study Group, and their scapegoat. Most of the time she’s being teased for being a “buzzkill” and inadvertently ruining the group’s fun, or being too passionate with her social and political views. She also has a habit of mispronouncing words, which doesn’t really help her shed her title as “the worst.” Everyone else may think she’s just a screw-up, but audiences can’t get enough of her trying to find her place in the world… even if she MIGHT get high on her own drama sometimes.

#4: Fez
“That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)

Fez’s origin is a complete mystery; nobody knows what country he came from or even what his real name is. All we know is that he’s the vaguely effeminate foreign exchange student who’s obsessed with women and candy. Since he’s from an unknown country, Fez can be a little clueless about American culture, and doesn’t always give the best first impression. His obliviousness makes him an easy target and his lack of social skills doesn’t really help with his love life either. Though he’s a bit of an outcast, he fits in well with his gang of misfits, and his lady chasing is bound to pay off… eventually.

#3: Toby Flenderson
“The Office” (2005-13)

Michael always finds someone to pick on at the office; whether it’s the “fascist nerd” Dwight, or Toby Flenderson. Played by one of the show’s writers and producers, Toby is the HR Manager and is (mostly) respected by his fellow staff members… with the notable exception of Michael Scott. Michael does NOT hesitate to make his hatred of Toby known, and will harass him at any given opportunity. Why does he hate him so much? Because Toby’s job is to keep Michael’s free spirit in check with regards to Dunder Mifflin’s company policy. Toby’s life is rough enough as it is; and it gets cringe worthy when Michael ridicules him for doing his job.

#2: Byron ‘Buster’ Bluth
“Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-)

Many kids want their mother’s love, but guys like Buster take it to uncomfortable levels. Buster’s the youngest member of the dysfunctional Bluth family. And even though he’s in his 30s, he acts like an oversized child: he’s prone to panic attacks when frightened, and sugar rushes when he drinks juice – and he LOVES juice. He’s also a huge mama’s boy even though Lucille One basically uses him. Unfortunately, that’s not the end of Buster’s misfortune as later in the show his hand’s bitten off by a loose seal and replaced with a hook. Geez, the Bluths can never catch a break, and Buster gets some of the worst of it thanks to “mother of the year” Lucille’s brand of coddling.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few unfortunate honorable mentions:


- Alan Harper
“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)

- Dee Reynolds
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

- Dr. Andre Nowzick
“The League” (2009-15)

#1: Garry ‘Jerry’ Gergich
“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Oh Jerry, you deserved better. Taking the number one spot is the unfortunate butt monkey of “Parks and Rec.” Though he gives everything his best effort, his clumsiness and gassiness hinder his popularity with his co-workers. Jerry’s become the workplace’s punching bag, to the point where even when he’s in the right, he’s still ridiculed. Plus, most of them can’t even remember his real name. However, life isn’t too bad for poor Jerry; even after a torturous day at work, he gets to go home to a beautiful wife and lovely family. Not to mention, he’s gifted with some impressive “equipment.” Though he’s not the brightest bulb in the box, Jerry deserves more credit than he’s given.

Do you agree with our list? What poor souls do you wanna give a hug? For more Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.