Top 10 Kid Show Characters Who Are Actually the Worst

“Good Luck Charlie” (2010-14)

While “Good Luck Charlie” gave us tons of great lessons and even more laughs, they really dropped the ball with Spencer. They spent most of the first season building up his relationship with Teddy only to turn him into a, well, we’ll let the girls take this one. A storyline about infidelity isn’t one we’re against exploring, but it feels problematic that the two end up back together by the end of season two. There can certainly be nuances with respect to themes of growth and forgiveness here, but a show for kids should have taken the opportunity to hammer home the message that cheating is never okay.

“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)

Judging from Pacifica’s character, we know the Northwests can’t possibly be good people but it isn’t until the episode “Northwest Mansion Mystery” that we really see how terrible they are. Pacifica is treated more like their little plaything, forced to obey their every command at the sound of a bell, rather than their only daughter. Lying seems to be in their blood as, not only did they lie about their ancestry, they also lie to Dipper about the ghost haunting their home. In fact, towards the end of the episode, they’re prepared to hide away in the panic room while the ghost sets fire to their mansion with everyone still trapped inside. At least they don’t go unpunished.

“Victorious” (2010-13)

Are we the weirdos for having major beef with a kid and his puppet? Looking back on the show, there’s a stream of bizarre, inappropriate, and just straight-up mean comments constantly spewing from Rex. Sometimes, the misconduct even comes directly from Robbie. A lot of the “Victorious” characters are problematic – we’re looking at you, Jade, but at least she’s not pretending to be someone she isn’t. Robbie has ‘nice guy’ written all over him. The episode, “Rex Dies” would have been the perfect opportunity for some character growth but, of course, the show kept to its format and largely suffered for it. We’re rivaling Justin Russo in the late seasons of “Wizards of Waverly Place”, here.

“Arthur” (1996-2022)

There’s no shortage of brats in children’s TV but D.W. gives them all a run for their money. Even as kids, we couldn’t take the sight (and sound) of her temper tantrums. While her age may call for a little grace, it can be argued her parents give way too much of it. They seem to constantly prioritize her well-being over Arthur’s, and let her get away with way too much. And D.W.’s worse off for it! The one thing about the writers of this show, though; they didn’t often let uncalled-for behavior slide without a scathing burn from other characters.

“Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir” (2015-)

How does one teenager come to be so manipulative? It’s possible we’ll get some backstory to Lila’s character in future seasons but, as of season five, this girl is in every “Miraculous” fan’s black book. The way she’s able to spin a web of lies is downright impressive but taking on a whole new identity? That’s next level stuff. Her partnering up with Chloe – or using her as a show-puppet more like – allowed us to witness firsthand how she operates. It’s masterful, and something tells us she’ll be an even bigger challenge to defeat than Hawkmoth. Here’s to hoping she gets her comeuppance… At some point.

“As Told by Ginger” (2000-06; 2016; 2021)

The thing about Dodie is that she’s supposed to be Ginger’s friend, and the show tries to portray her as a good person. But good people don’t do things like expose everyone in the school who has lice over the intercom or pretend to break their leg for attention. She’s constantly seen throwing everyone and anyone – even Courtney Gripling – under the bus if it means upping her social status. A selfish wannabe with zero loyalty, Dodie is constantly getting on our last nerve. We always wished Ginger and Macie would have just ditched her already – or at least not have been so quick to forgive.

“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)

While Vicky originally starts out as an entertaining villain and one we all love to hate, she’s eventually taken to a caricaturish extreme. Around season 5, the violence is so over-the-top, it’s difficult to find the humor and we sort of just end up feeling bad for Timmy and resenting Vicky. Her character was actually pushed so far that, at some point, the writers weren’t really sure what to do with her anymore and she was gradually written out of the show. How many times can you try to murder the kid you’re babysitting before you end up in the slammer, anyway?

“Adventure Time” (2010-18)

If the screeching voice wasn’t bad enough… Well, let’s be honest, it is bad enough. As far as unnerving cartoon characters go, Lemongrab might just nab the number-one spot. He always seems to be upset – which doesn’t help our poor ears any – and he has a mighty sense of authority for someone who doesn’t understand social cues or emotional regulation. His storylines didn’t do him any favors either, with clone brothers, rampant starvation and, worst of all, candy cannibalism. Even the way he’s animated gives us the heebie-jeebies. Eugh.

“Recess” (1997-2001)

Even his name evokes snitch behavior. All we ever want is for the gang’s plans and pranks to play out smoothly but this kid always has to throw a wrench in things. Even though Miss Finster is supposed to be the one to look out for, it’s Randall who perpetually irks us. By tattling on anyone and everyone, Randall secures himself some small tokens of appreciation from Finster but, make no mistake, he pays for it in other ways. Funnily enough, in season four, we learn that weaseling actually runs in the family.

“Caillou” (1997-2010)

It’s beyond us how this show even lasted as long as it did with a protagonist who’s so universally hated, even among kids. It seems like nothing ever goes smoothly because, before long, Caillou is throwing himself on the floor and banging his fists. Most of the criticism comes from the fact that there are no consequences for his acting out. In one episode, Caillou even resorts to harming his baby sister when she’s receiving more attention than he is. Much of the blame should probably be directed at the parents but we can’t deny that the Caillou hate-train is one we’re fine with getting on.