Top 10 TV Shows That Are Carried By One Character

“The Book of Boba Fett” (2021-)

This show gave Star Wars fans what they’ve been wanting for decades: a story all about their favorite bounty hunter from the original film trilogy. And since Boba earlier guest-starred in “The Mandalorian '' season 2, it only made sense that Mando would return the favor. When he did, he brought his unique talent for fighting, for being deadpan and his devotion to everyone’s favorite child, Grogu. Even though Mando only appeared in the last few episodes of the season, it was plenty of time to remind us all why we love the new Star Wars era so much - and why we can’t wait for “The Mandalorian” season 3.

“Happy Days” (1974-84)

This long-running sitcom set in the 1950s American Midwest was never originally intended to focus on Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, but the fans want what the fans want. The show ultimately shifted from being centered around the trials and tribulations of the more naive Richie Cunningham to Fonzie - with his effortlessly cool attitude, natural luck with the ladies, and possibly magical abilities. Making Fonzie the new star propelled the show to 11 seasons, and audiences tuned in week after week to see what antics the Fonz would get up to. Let’s face it - how many characters are recognizable by just one hand gesture?

“The Witcher” (2019-)

This Netflix adaptation of the hit fantasy book series has plenty of compelling characters, but the titular Witcher (played by Superman himself, Henry Cavill) has a particular talent for commanding a room - even with just a grunt. Geralt is an exceptionally skilled monster hunter with a short temper, but he balances it with a commitment to his duty and loyalty to the few people he’s close to. Whether he’s bantering with Jaskier, acting as a father figure to Ciri, or maintaining his volatile relationship with Yennefer, Geralt embodies the “strong silent type” that is a favorite for a reason.

“The Good Wife” (2009-16)

We all love an underdog story, especially when it’s also a story of coming through a toxic relationship even stronger. Julianna Margulies stars as Alicia Florrick, the wife of a disgraced state attorney who goes back to her own law career to support her family and assert her independence from her husband’s scandal. Alicia’s keen legal mind, dedication to her clients, and effortlessly cool demeanor make her a natural at her job and propels her back up the corporate ladder. Despite obstacle after obstacle being thrown at her (whether personal or professional), Alicia has audiences rooting for her until the very end.

“Once Upon a Time” (2011-18)

Regina is a perfect example of why villains often have (and are) more fun. Much like a classic Disney villain, she has a tragic backstory that made her guarded and bitter, and she delights in coming up with schemes that manipulate the protagonists in Storybrooke to do her will. However, not every villain has quite the character arc as Regina does. She didn’t stay evil forever, but instead came to realize that she appreciated the relationships she developed with other characters, like her adopted son Henry and even Snow White herself. How many villains with “evil” in their title name end up being named “good” by the end of the story? That’s called growth.

“The Walking Dead” (2010-)

Rick Grimes may have technically been the lead of this post-apocalyptic zombie show, but we all continued watching it for Daryl Dixon. From the moment he came on screen, the husky-voiced, crossbow-wielding survivor was one of the main reasons we were so riveted. For a character that didn’t even originate from the comic series the TV show is based on, that’s quite a feat! He started out as more of a stereotypical “tough guy” fueled by a traumatic past, but as the show went on he made deep connections with the other survivors and came to consider them his found family. No matter how many setbacks our survivors experience over the years, Daryl remains resolved to keep going and help keep his friends going. If he doesn’t make it to the end, we riot (though news of a Daryl spin-off keeps us hopeful!)

“Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)

Though there have been over a dozen iterations of the Doctor since it premiered in the 1960s, we can always count on every version to whisk unsuspecting companions off to adventure with a catchphrase and their iconic screwdriver. Regardless of which portrayal is the viewer's favorite, the Doctor is always fearless about plunging into the unknown to defend the universe (and maybe meet an iconic character from history). The time travel and science fiction aspects could have made the show entertaining enough on its own, but the unique spin each starring Doctor puts on their era lets fans treat each regeneration almost like a whole new show.

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

On a show about characters testing the limits of nerdiness, the far and away winner is Sheldon Cooper. His obsessive habits, dedication to geek culture, and obliviousness to social cues not only make him the most memorable on “The Big Bang Theory,” but also one of the most memorable characters in TV history. He has a signature knock AND a signature catchphrase. Even though Sheldon does evolve throughout the sitcom to become a bit more socially adept and even eventually gets married, what we all watch for is how he drives his friends crazy.

“Gotham” (2014-19)

Joker who? In the world of “Gotham,” Oswald Cobblepot is the main villain we all love to fear. He didn’t start out that way, though - he began as a more minor character and crony for Fish Mooney, but his talent for painstakingly manipulating events in the criminal underworld helps him quickly establish himself as the “King of Gotham” by season two. His not-so-slightly deranged personality and penchant for violence to get what he wants only grows as the show goes on. In a city ruled by the bad guys, Penguin is not only incredibly dangerous, but also incredibly compelling to watch.

“Family Matters” (1989-98)

The style, the glasses, the unmistakable voice - once you’ve seen Steve Urkel, you’re not likely to forget him anytime soon. The character was intended to be just a guest star on the sitcom “Family Matters,” but Jaleel White’s unforgettable performance as the Winslow family’s next-door neighbor quickly caught the attention of audiences - and he became a regular. His unique physical comedy combined with a propensity for getting into ridiculous scrapes meant we were in for a wild ride in every episode. Stefan Urquelle may have had a smoother, more traditional personality, but we all missed the original version when he wasn’t around. And can any of us say “Did I do that?” in a voice other than Urkel’s?