16 Minor TV Characters Who Were More Popular Than the Leads
This list shows 16 TV characters who were supposed to be minor but became more popular than the main stars.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Sometimes, small characters on TV become very popular. Fans love their funny lines, special personalities, or interesting stories. Many shows even changed to give these characters more screen time. This list shares sixteen times when a minor character stole the spotlight.
1. Steve Urkel (Family Matters)
Miller-Boyett Productions on Wikimedia Commons
Steve Urkel was only supposed to appear once, but his funny voice, big glasses, and clumsy charm made everyone love him. Viewers laughed at his goofy moves and catchphrases. He became so popular that the whole show started to focus on him.
2. Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Happy Days)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
Fonzie started as a side character but quickly became the coolest person on the show. His leather jacket, thumbs-up, and calm attitude made him a fan favorite. The show slowly became more about him than the original main characters.
3. President Bartlet (The West Wing)
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia Commons
President Bartlet was not supposed to be in every episode, but Martin Sheen played him so well that fans wanted more. His wise and kind leader became the center of the show. His character gave the show heart and meaning.
4. Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)
Martini on Wikimedia Commons
Sheldon’s strange habits, smart talk, and funny behavior made him stand out right away. People loved watching his funny way of thinking and talking. Soon, he became the face of the whole show, even though he was not meant to be the star.
5. Laura Palmer (Twin Peaks)
Carnby on Wikimedia Commons
Laura Palmer’s death started the whole mystery, but even after she was gone, her story stayed important. Fans couldn’t stop wondering what had happened to her. Her character’s mystery kept people talking and watching.
6. Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad)
Gage Skidmore, derivative editing by Poke2001 on Wikimedia Commons
Jesse was supposed to die early, but people loved his deep emotions and close bond with Walter. His sad story and funny lines made him very important. The show kept him and made his role as big as the lead.
7. Omar Little (The Wire)
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Omar was a small-time thief but quickly became a favorite. His fearless ways and special rules made him stand out. Fans loved his bold style and interesting storylines.
8. Hal Wilkerson (Malcolm in the Middle)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
Hal was the silly dad who made people laugh with his strange hobbies and wild ideas. Bryan Cranston played him so well that many fans found him even funnier than Malcolm. His crazy antics became a big part of the show’s charm.
9. Ryan Howard (The Office)
Jakub Mosur on Wikimedia Commons
Ryan started as the quiet new guy but became more important as the show went on. His strange career moves and awkward behavior made him fun to watch. He added many funny and unexpected moments.
10. Doug Heffernan (King of Queens)
Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics/ on Wikimedia Commons
Doug was supposed to be just the funny husband, but his jokes and silly habits made him a fan favorite. People loved his funny fights with his wife and father-in-law. He became the one many viewers related to most.
11. Cliff Clavin (Cheers)
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia Commons
Cliff was a mailman who always shared useless trivia. His strange facts and funny talks made people laugh. He became one of the most remembered characters in the bar.
12. Norm Peterson (Cheers)
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
Norm’s entrance always brought laughs when everyone yelled “Norm!” His love for beer and easy-going jokes made him unforgettable. He became one of the most loved faces of the show.
13. Barb Holland (Stranger Things)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Barb only appeared for a short time, but fans quickly loved her. Many were upset when the show did not focus more on her. Her brief role sparked a massive online fan movement.
14. The Janitor (Scrubs)
Angela George on Wikimedia Commons
The Janitor played tricks on the main character all the time. His funny pranks and strange stories made him one of the funniest parts of the show. Fans always looked forward to his weird surprises.
15. Castiel (Supernatural)
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia Commons
Castiel came in as a serious angel, but his deep emotions and strong friendship with the brothers made fans love him. His role grew bigger each season. He became one of the show’s most important characters.
16. Fez (That ’70s Show)
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia Commons
Fez was the foreign exchange student who brought a lot of laughs with his accent and awkward moments. His strange habits and sweet personality made him stand out. Over time, many viewers loved watching his funny crushes and silly jokes as much as the main cast.