Top 10 TV Characters That We Love to Hate

You know that colleague who’s super insecure, always kisses up to the boss, and treads on everyone else in the process? Yeah, that’s Andy Bernard. Joining this Dunder Mifflin team in season three, it didn’t take long for the character to start grating on viewers. Sure, he had his moments and provided plenty of comedy gold. But that isn’t enough to tune out all the times he was self-serving, obnoxious, and short-tempered. It’s not like he was even good at his job! Seriously, there were so many reasons to let the character go, and yet he stuck around for far too long. Vulture even listed him among their “TV’s Ten Most Annoying Characters.”

Thanks to her sharp tongue and judgmental attitude, we had a love-hate relationship with the family’s matriarch, Emily Gilmore. And although her acerbic nature grew on us over time, we couldn’t forgive how her granddaughter, Rory, got progressively more insufferable as the series progressed. At first, she’s sweet, smart, funny, and the kind of person you’d want as a best friend. But as she gets older, her moral compass deteriorates; she becomes selfish and entitled and creates a deep chasm in her relationship with her mom. We kept watching in hope that the old Rory would return, but she was gone. Sadly, the sequel series didn't bring the old her back either.

Chuck is a pretty despicable guy. He’s a sleazy, devious, egotistical womanizer whose actions were typically beyond questionable. If he wasn’t from such a privileged background, we might question how he didn’t end up behind bars more often. But his self-assuredness and quick wit meant there was never a dull moment while he was on our screens. And we desperately wanted the Upper East Side’s resident bad boy to get a redemption arc and even rooted for him when we saw his softer sides shine through. But whether it was through his steel ambition, volatile relationship with Blair, or scheming against his friends, he was often the devil. Well, at least he wasn’t Gossip Girl.

When we first watched “Friends,” our feelings toward Chandler’s on-again-off-again girlfriend probably aligned with Joey’s. That nails-on-a-chalkboard voice is pretty hard to get past. And even when we did get to know her, there was no denying that Janice Litman-Goralnik was, to put it mildly, a tad annoying. And sure, after many rewatches, that’s still true, especially as she keeps popping back up at the most inopportune moments. But we also learned to appreciate her good qualities and even grew to like her. And it could be worse. At least she’s not Ross, who, over time, lost favor with many fans due to his entitled “nice guy” act.

To work in the fast-paced advertising industry, you must be ambitious, calculating, and quick-witted. And fewer characters encompass this better than Pete Campbell. He's also conniving, callous, and not above using blackmail to propel himself up the industry ladder. He's convinced that all he wants is success and respect. Yet, he often trips over roadblocks created by his own deceit, petulance, and general unlikeability. He's basically a Don Draper wannabe, but not as slick. Plus, he's an awful husband! Nevertheless, he's often driven by recognizable human emotions. It's highly relatable and even helps humanize him. So, as much as we want to blindly hate him, he has our sympathy too.

As Bernadette once wisely said... But does that really excuse Sheldon’s bad behavior or mistreatment of his friends? Think about it. If you knew someone who constantly belittled your career or education, loved to point out how much smarter they are than you, and generally had an insufferable superiority complex, would you stick around? We wouldn’t! And while Sheldon does have moments of growth, empathy, and understanding, they’re often few and far between. And yes, we know he struggles with acceptable social behaviors and typically doesn’t have malicious intent, but he could be a real jerk. So seeing him get his comeuppance was usually highly entertaining and extremely satisfying.

Everyone in the core four has some unlikable tendencies— we refer you to the finale. But when it came to creating George Costanza, we reckon the writers took a trip to the jerk store and practically cleared the place out. No offense to “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David, who reportedly based the character on himself. Anyway, George’s actions were often reprehensible and only worsened as the series progressed. From faking disabilities, falsifying charities, and even inadvertently causing his fiancée’s death, we’re shocked he wasn’t locked up sooner. But he was also so hapless and incompetent that we couldn’t help but get a kick out of many of his misdemeanors. And there were many!

When the “Sex and the City” sequel-revival promised better representation and more diverse stories, we were excited. But then we met Che Diaz. Che is more caricature than relatable, and it often feels like their inclusion is just about checking boxes. And even then, they’re basically a walking stereotype who speaks in clichés and hosts an aggressively woke podcast. We at least hoped they’d positively impact Miranda’s sexual awakening - but nope. And it just gets worse as their relationship progresses. Sadly, Che doesn’t do much for LGBTQIA+ or non-binary representation. At this point, we just watch to see what excruciating thing they’ll do or say next.

Actress Lea Michele said the movie “Election,” and “Gossip Girl’s” Blair Waldorf were among her inspirations for this character. But it’s not just her mean girl streak that makes Rachel Berry so grating. We all remember that one kid in school who thought they were better than everyone else and believed that gave them the right to mistreat others— a.k.a the Rachel Berrys. Selfish and entitled, she will happily sabotage those she feels threatened by (Justice for Sunshine!). She’s basically a chaotic hot mess with a good voice and way too much ego. Honestly, the best moments are the ones where she’s being put back in her place.

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

Jeremy Jamm, “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15; 2020)
We Don’t Condone Violence, but Ron’s Actions Weren’t Entirely Undeserved Either

Dan Scott, “One Tree Hill” (2003–12)
He Accumulated Many Enemies, Including the Audience, but Ultimately Found Redemption

Dennis Reynolds, “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
He Makes the Rest of This Dysfunctional Gang Look Sweet: Now That’s Saying Something!

Dawn Summers, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
We Wish the Idea to Give Buffy a Sister Had Never Dawned on the Writers

Oliver Trask, “The O.C.” (2003-07)
Manipulative, Controlling, & Deceitful, He Got What Was Coming to Him in the End

Do characters get more loathsome than this? Even if we compiled everyone we’ve discussed so far into one super-reprehensible character, they’d probably still only be a fraction as awful as Joffrey. He’s a merciless, cold-hearted, tyrannical ruler and not even a good one at that. He takes great joy in the pain of others, and the way he treats everyone, from his enemies to his betrothed, is brutal. Sure, he had a troubled past, but that hardly excuses his sadistic behavior. He was evil incarnate with delusions of grandeur— a dangerous combination. We don’t think too many "GoT" fans were particularly saddened to see him meet such a gruesome end.