Top 10 TV Characters We Simply Can't Defend Anymore

#10: Mindy Lahiri

The Mindy Project (2012-17)

Living in a rom-com sounds wonderful. Being the main character of your own story, surrounded by quirky characters and cute love interests, whats not to love? But thats not how real life works, something Mindy never bothers to realize. Although introduced as a starry-eyed OB/GYN navigating love and career, Mindys self-centeredness overshadows all her charm. From constantly flaking out on friends and her ambitions, to clinging to her toxic romance with the equally controlling Danny Castellano, Mindy is her own worst enemy. She makes her own choices yet cant live with them, creating a trail of unnecessary drama around her. It takes years of heartbreak before Mindy finally turns things around, but by then, were all out of excuses.

#9: Spike

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Despite his sadistic streak and massive kill count, Spikes charisma and complexity endeared him to fans. However, his dangerous dynamic with Buffy reaches a breaking point in the sixth season. Fueled by his dark obsession, Spikes aggressive advances toward Buffy cross into deeply disturbing territory. According to James Marsters, the scene was designed to show the character at his worst, forcing audiences to see just how far he could fall. Suffice it to say, it worked, as Spikes lovable bad boy image was shattered, exposing the fiend within. And although Spike does redeem himself, fans could never fully trust him again. The scene affected Marsters as well, who called it the darkest professional day of my life.

#8: Debra Morgan

Dexter (2006-13)

Burdened by paternal neglect, Debra makes some truly questionable romantic choices, like dating the Ice Truck Killer and an FBI agent old enough to be her dad, among others. But while we empathize with her abandonment issues, theres really no defending her when she falls in love with Dexter you know, her adoptive brother! Influenced by some questionable advice from her psychiatrist, Debra convinces herself that Dexter is the one shes meant to be with. In a show about serial killers, it was this incredibly uncomfortable twist where fans finally drew the line, eliminating much of their sympathy for Debra. The angle was dropped as inexplicably as it began, but the trust between the audience and Debra was irreparably broken.

#7: John J.D. Dorian

Scrubs (2001-10)

At first, J.D. seems like the most harmless doctor at Sacred Heart. But over time, he goes from a naive idealist to an over-the-top manchild, expecting to be babied by Turk and Carla while toying around with Elliots emotions. For someone who fancies himself as the moral center of the show, J.D.s contempt for his brother and constant need for validation from Cox are strikingly hypocritical. Although he seems unlucky in love, his sketchy romantic history tells a different story from hooking up with his mentors ex and kissing his best friends wife, to sabotaging most of Elliots relationships. And while J.D.s various quirks and fantasies keep us entertained, its hard to overlook his most glaring flaws.

#6: Doug Heffernan

The King of Queens (1998-2007)

Dougs easygoing and goofy attitude has its moments, but it can wear extremely thin. At times, watching him continually skirt responsibilities, dump his wife with household duties, and treat life like a playground is downright infuriating. Originally a minor character trait, Dougs immaturity ends up becoming his whole personality, as every episode centers around his latest antics and childish escapades. While the show portrays him as a lovable everyman, we think hes way overdue to start acting his age. Characters like Doug were common back when the show aired, but today, his refusal to grow up just makes him appear selfish and irresponsible.

#5: Barney Stinson

How I Met Your Mother (2005-14)

Easily the shows breakout character, Barneys charisma, sharp suits, and numerous catchphrases made him a worldwide sensation. But as the series has aged, so has fan perception around him. While his behavior is framed as flawed character development, Barneys shallow view of women and manipulative schemes are impossible to ignore. Whether documenting a list of his conquests, writing a playbook on how to lie and deceive women, or pushing his friends to embrace their darkest desires, Barney is like the devil on your shoulder. Sure, he turns over a new leaf by the shows end, but that doesnt make up for years of predatory antics that were anything but legendary, no matter how much he claims it. True story.

#4: Skyler White

Breaking Bad (2008-13)

Whether you love or hate Walts descent into villainy, one thing unites the fandom: their hatred for Skyler. Introduced as a concerned wife, Skyler gradually reveals herself to be a nagging, unsupportive partner, and the bane of Walts existence. Despite claiming the moral high ground, Skylar remains actively involved in Walts illegal activities. Even those initially on her side eventually shed their support, as things like her affair, deliberate turning of a blind eye to violence, and putting her family at risk just cant be excused. More than anything, though, its her annoying, self-righteous attitude that destroys any chance of winning back our favor.

#3: Daenerys Targaryen

Game of Thrones (2011-19)

For most of the series, Daenerys stands as a symbol of hope and justice, evolving into a queen and the Mother of Dragons. But it was all too good to be true, as the final season strips all of the goodwill the former heroine had earned. Consumed with power and blind vengeance, Daenerys leaves Kings Landing in ruin, ending her arc in a blaze of destruction. Her cold disregard for the devastation shes caused reinforces her turn for the worst, ultimately making her the true antagonist of the series. For many, Daeneryss transformation from liberator to tyrant, combined with Jon Snows shift from an underdog hero to an indecisive pawn, (XREF) eroded most of the equity the show had built with its fanbase.

#2: Ross Geller

Friends (1994-2004)

Although Ross does have some positive qualities, theyre buried deep under layers of insecurity and petty behavior. I mean, we get it you were on a break! Whether its the constant whining, possessiveness, romancing a much younger student, or making a move on his own cousin, hes pretty much a walking red flag. Though the show tries to portray him as the ultimate nice guy, its hard to see him as anything but an insecure manchild still clinging to being his parents favorite. But time hasnt been too kind to Dr. Geller, who doesnt get a free pass from todays viewers. And before he tries to correct our grammar, we agree with Monica sometimes its who!

Fakeout

#1: Jerry Mouse

Tom and Jerry (1940-)

As kids, we all thought he was the good guy. But as adults, were all on Team Tom. We want this mouse out of the houseall right, all right, were joking. So, lets move on to the real no. 1.

#1: Meredith Grey

Greys Anatomy (2005-)

For some, Izzies decline from a likable outsider to a melodramatic mess was painful to watch, but shes got nothing on the shows titular character. Even after twenty years, Meredith remains the same: a cold, narcissistic, and rude person who constantly makes reckless decisions and blames everyone around her. Instead of growing through her relationships, Merediths emotional detachment becomes her defining trait, creating a wider gap between her and the more likable members of the cast. Despite repeatedly setting herself up for failure, in both career and romance, Meredith falls into the same trap time and again. So why is she like this? Nobody really knows. And after two decades of watching her remain narratively stagnant, nobody really cares anymore.

Is there a character youve given up on that we didnt mention? Let us know in the comments.