5 Most Lovable & 5 Most Hateable Characters in TV Shows

#5: Most Lovable: Eric Effiong

“Sex Education” (2019-23)
While Otis’ storylines, romantic entanglements, and family dynamics take center stage in this show, it would be nothing without his best friend, Eric. He’s a deep, complex character who both fully embraces who he is despite having to deal with things like mistreatment and homophobia. Even amidst his difficulties, his warm and uplifting personality shines through — as does his unforgettable wardrobe, loyalty to his friends, and perseverance. He’s the best friend we all would love to have, and embodies both strength and fun for this generation of TV viewers.

#5: Most Hateable: Nate Jacobs

“Euphoria” (2019-)
In a show full of complicated and flawed characters, one that stands out for all of the wrong reasons is Nate Jacobs. He’s misogynistic and abusive, and he feels entitled to get away with anything due to his popularity and familial wealth. Like every villain, he’s got his own demons and mental battles that lend to his troubling ways, but they hardly forgive his actions. It’s hard to find redeeming qualities in Nate, especially considering how horribly he treats Maddy and Cassie, his blackmailing of Jules, and his overall anger and disdain towards those around him. He’s a perfect example of a walking red flag.

#4: Most Lovable: Moira Rose

“Schitt's Creek” (2015-20)
It makes sense that one of the most beloved, heartwarming sitcoms plays host to one of our favorite TV characters. The matriarch of the Rose family is as hilarious as she is passionate. Whenever Moira appears on our screens, we know we’re about to see something great, whether it be her sporting a new wig, uttering some hilariously pronounced lines, or showing off her singing skills. But the best Moira moments are the heartfelt ones, like when she casts Stevie in “Cabaret” or performs at Alexis’ graduation. She grows from a stuck-up actress to a woman who cares about others, sticks to her values, and never apologizes for being herself. We love that journey for her.

#4: Most Hateable: Piper Chapman

“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)
Piper Chapman is a seemingly normal woman who goes to prison after transporting drug money for a then-girlfriend years prior. Sounds like a good premise, right? The events that ensue make for a terrific series, but not because of her. Not only are the other inmates more interesting, appealing, and engaging than Piper is, but she becomes increasingly unpleasant as the story progresses. Let’s not forget she starts up a prison panty business and partakes in destructive romantic relationships, especially with Alex. Overall, Piper’s treatment of others doesn't leave a lot of room for viewers to connect with her, and frankly, there just isn’t much to like about her.

#3: Most Lovable: Leslie Knope

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
Usually when we think of people who work in local government, we don’t exactly paint the liveliest picture. That’s why Leslie Knope is so refreshing and endearing. She takes on many roles throughout her journey, never losing her passion for making her town, state, and eventually country, a better place. Her cheery, optimistic nature is contagious while her friendship with Ann and relationship with Ben prove that surrounding yourself with good people is as important as being good. She’s an inspiration to viewers, showing us how to overcome obstacles and reach goals through kindness and hard work, all while keeping us laughing.

#3: Most Hateable: Skyler White

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
Walter White is one of the best anti-heros to grace our screens, and we see him interact with dozens of questionable and terrifying people on “Breaking Bad.” Sticking out as the least likable in a sea of problematic characters is Skyler. She’s basically against everything Walt does, and since we can’t help but root for him, that’s a problem. She eventually gets into some shady stuff herself, but she’s not very good at it, so the audience can’t give her much sympathy or support. We’d also be remiss not to mention her affair with her boss. No matter what she does, we usually find ourselves wishing she would just back off.

#2: Most Loveable: Chandler Bing

“Friends” (1994-2004)
Everyone has a favorite friend, but it’s nearly impossible to dislike Miss Chanandler Bong (if you know, you know.) His characteristics embody everything we love about people in general. His honesty, his ability to lighten the mood through humour, and his growth are just some of the things we admire. We also see Chandler bond with every friend in a special way, whether it be his adorable bromance with Joey, his romance with Monica, or his underrated but endearing friendship with Rachel. Indeed, he’s got a lot more depth than it seems, yet can also provide comic relief when it’s needed. We’re so lucky we got ten seasons of his light.

#2: Most Hateable: Rachel Berry

“Glee” (2009-15)
It’s called “Glee,” so it’s ironic that the protagonist personifies the opposite of that emotion. Rachel Berry is a self-proclaimed star, and she makes sure others in the Glee club know it. Actually, she makes sure everyone knows it, even after she graduates and goes to New York later on. Her arc is filled with ups and downs, but there’s one constant: she never stops being overly ambitious in a way that’s extremely selfish at best, and manipulatively toxic at worst. She really only cares about advancing her career, getting solos, and climbing the entertainment ladder. She forgets her friends, dooms most of her romantic relationships, and loses herself and her values time and again. Eventually, we just can’t root for her anymore.

#1: Most Loveable: Ted Lasso

“Ted Lasso” (2020-23)
This show is an instant mood booster, and that’s due in great part to its titular character. Ted Lasso is an American football turned European football (aka, soccer) coach/manager, who encourages his team through heartwarming speeches and wisdom that goes beyond the game. He uplifts the likes of grump Roy Kent and has patience with the initially arrogant Jamie Tartt, helping support everyone so they can reach their full potential. Importantly though, he also has problems, coping with things like panic attacks. Of course, this just makes him all the more relatable, proving that even the most happy-seeming people have downs. We all wish we were more like him, and thanks to him, we all believe we can be.

#1: Most Hateable: Joffrey Baratheon

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
There are a lot of characters that are, well, less than fun to watch on “Game of Thrones.” There’s also no shortage of brutal acts and abuses of power. Still, there’s arguably no worse offender than King Joffrey. Many villains generally have some bright moments or points where we can give them grace — he’s an exception in that regard. He’s somehow both as immature as a kid and as sadistic as the devil himself. Indeed, he possesses psychopathic tendencies, harming people for his own amusement and overexerting his power, while also throwing tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. His death during the Purple Wedding couldn’t come soon enough.