The Best TV Lists - Find or Make a TV Characters List  | Ranker  | Ranker - A World of Lists

TV Character

Piper Chapman

Piper Chapman is a fictional character from the tv series Orange Is the New Black.

After spending so very many hours watching a TV show, we form strong attachments - and revulsions - to certain characters. Let's rank 'em.

TV Characters We Love & Hate

Best TV

Dive into the ultimate showcase of the best TV characters of all time, lovingly assembled by dedicated TV buffs from all corners. These are the characters who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, the ones whose legacies outlive their shows, thanks to a compelling blend of writing, performance, and depth that allows viewers to forge deep connections with them.From beloved heroes to those you wouldn't want to grab a coffee with in the real world, our list spans the full spectrum of the television cosmos. Whether you cheered on Dexter Morgan in Dexter or found yourself drawn to the complexities of enigmatic masterminds like Tony Soprano, the characters featured here are the ones that made us laugh, cry, and ponder long after the screen faded to black.It's now your time to weigh in. Who tops your list of the greatest TV characters? Browse our selection, vote for the ones that left a lasting impression on you, and don't hold back if you want to reshuffle the rankings to give credit where it’s due. Your input contributes to a broader conversation celebrating the unforgettable personalities that continue to color our televisual experience.

Jerry Seinfeld

Srch

affiliatized

Amazon Alexa

watchworthy_treatment

Ranker Prime

Flagship Poll

watchworthy_social

Scalable Cleanup

SNet_Lists

primis_nerdstalgic

RETIRED - Revite

Revite Blather

Revite Fine Tuners

Revite Bulk Scrape

Images Audited

Finished Forever

Moderated Timely

Do Not Delete - Cleaned

Do Not Delete - Quality Filters

SEO Node Blather

The Greatest TV Characters Of All Time

Fictional Character

The 800+ Best TV Characters Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

Ranker Community

Watchworthy

Television is fun, but some TV characters are just the worst. For every beloved character on TV, whether it be Mary Tyler Moore of The Mary Tyler Moore Show or everyone's favorite resident of the Seven Kingdoms, Tyrion Lannister, there's an equally and adamantly <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-deserved-tv-villain-ends/jack-rogers">disliked character</a> on the tube (hi, Joffrey and Cousin Oliver!) This list ranks the worst of the worst, including all the most terrible and hated TV characters of all time.Yes, it's true that not everyone is going to like every character on a show, just as not everyone will like every person in real life. However, some characters are so universally detested that no one bats an eye to learn they're near the top of this list of awful TV characters.&nbsp;Have you ever stopped watching a show simply because one character annoyed you so much? This is a list about those guys and gals.The curated collection includes some of the most vile TV characters. They aren't necessarily vile because they are bad or evil, but simply because every time they come on the screen, you wish they'd just go away. &nbsp;In other words, they're not characters you "love to hate" - they're unpopular, disliked, and even annoying characters you just absolutely can't stand.Vote up the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-most-annoying-tv-and-film-characters-ever?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">worst characters</a> in all of television history you dislike the most!

Shane Walsh

Exclude All in One Blocks

Ticker Exclude

Exclude NodeTagged RLs

Trending on Ranker

Tag Wizard

Glance Media

The Most Hated TV Characters of All Time

The 100+ Most Hated & Annoying TV Characters Ever, Ranked

Matthew Cole Weiss

Lists about the most memorable fictional characters in film, TV, and literature that will stick in our minds forever.

Characters We'll Never Forget

Popular Opinion

In television and film, certain characters emerge as the most annoying characters that draw universal ire. From grating voices to maddening personalities, these are the figures audiences love to hate. The exciting aspect of these characters lies in their ability to generate such strong reactions. They can turn a great show or movie into a testing experience, effectively becoming pop culture's most hated TV and film characters.When discovering the most annoying movie and TV personas, you'll find a long list. These characters range from the deliberately obnoxious to the inadvertently bothersome. The vast spectrum covers whiny children, pompous adults, and irritating CGI nightmares. What connects them all is their power to annoy viewers to the brink of teeth-gnashing exasperation. These characters also serve a narrative purpose, often highlighting the qualities of more likable characters by sheer contrast.Consider some of the biggest annoyers immortalized on screen. Dolores Umbridge from the&nbsp;Harry Potter franchise is a prime example, with her saccharine smile masking an iron fist of tyranny that drives viewers up the wall. Meanwhile, The Annoying Orange's constant barrage of puns and high-pitched shrieks makes it a poster child for infuriating internet characters. Then there's Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka &amp; the Chocolate Factory, whose petulant demands and bratty behavior epitomize the spoiled child. These characters represent just a fraction of the lineup of the most annoying characters crafted to test viewers' patience.Ultimately, the most hated characters of all time are more than mere irritants; they provide a foil to protagonists, inject necessary conflict into stories, and even offer a cathartic outlet for viewers. Their very existence creates vexing storylines that linger in our minds. Each character adds a unique flavor to the list of irritating on-screen presences. Think you've got the patience to rank the most annoying characters? Cast your vote, and let’s see which irritating character grates on you the most! &nbsp;

Steve Urkel

instagram_posted

temp_ab_tag

Revite List Description Title

The Most Annoying TV and Film Characters Ever

The Most Annoying TV and Film Characters Ever, Ranked 

Celebrating the best female TV characters of all time, this ranked list highlights iconic women who have graced our screens, transcending the confines of soap operas, sitcoms, and sci-fi sagas. The criteria for making this list extend beyond mere popularity, focusing on <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/strong-female-characters/anncasano?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">complex female characters</a> with uniquely appealing attributes and a broader societal impact. Conceived by passionate fans and industry connoisseurs, this crowd-ranked compilation underscores the essential role of pioneering and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-female-movie-characters/ranker-characters">influential female characters</a> in both transcending stereotypes and shaping the television landscape.Our journey through television history introduces us to trailblazing women who have left indelible impressions on audiences worldwide. Comedic legend Lucy Ricardo of I Love Lucy set the bar high with her slapstick humor, paving the way for modern comedians like the quirky Phoebe Buffay from Friends. Meanwhile, unforgettable and pioneering TV warriors like Buffy Summers from <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/buffy-vampire-slayer-cast-age-changes-then-vs-now/lila-reid?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Buffy the Vampire</a> Slayer and Arya Stark from Game of Thrones exemplify resilience and intellect, crafting new archetypes for female empowerment in television. Dynamic matriarchs such as Morticia Addams showcase the fierce and multifaceted nature of women, while characters like Dana Scully from The X-Files and Eleven from Stranger Things exhibit a blend of emotional resilience and intellectual brilliance. These trailblazers continue to inspire new generations, becoming timeless symbols of television excellence.As we traverse different timelines and narratives, these multi-dimensional women from classic shows and contemporary series have defined their eras, capturing our hearts and revolutionizing the portrayal of women on screen. Each character's portrayal has sparked important conversations, connected audiences, and set the tone for future female TV protagonists, marking specific shifts in cultural attitudes about women's roles and capabilities. Whether they hail from the golden age of television or the realm of modern TV protagonists, their stories provide a tapestry of female experiences that embrace empowerment and complexity.We now invite you to partake in celebrating these extraordinary women on television. Cast your vote for the top female TV characters, ensuring they ascend the ranks on this cherished list. Your vote is pivotal in shaping this homage to the formidable and compelling women who define television, solidifying their places as essential cultural touchstones. After all, the fans' voice is the definitive measure in determining the ultimate female TV character of all time.FAQ<ul><li>How has female representation on television evolved over the decades?</li></ul>Female representation on television has transformed dramatically from the limited domestic roles of the 1950s to today's diverse array of complex characters. Early breakthroughs came with characters like Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) in the 1970s, challenging the notion that women's stories revolved solely around family life. The 1990s introduced more women in traditionally male professions and with flawed, realistic personalities. Contemporary television now features women across all genres, with increased diversity in race, sexuality, age, and body type, though challenges in equal representation continue behind the camera.<ul><li>What makes a great female TV character?</li></ul>Great female TV characters combine complexity, authenticity, and depth that transcend stereotypes. They display agency in driving their own stories, demonstrate growth over time, and connect with audiences through relatable struggles and triumphs. The most memorable characters balance strength with vulnerability, intelligence with emotion, and often challenge societal expectations about women's roles and capabilities.<ul><li>Which female TV characters have had the biggest impact on younger viewers?</li></ul>Characters like Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) revolutionized how young women were portrayed, showing they could be both feminine and physically powerful. More recently, Eleven (Stranger Things) has connected with younger audiences through her journey of self-discovery and extraordinary abilities. Animated characters like Lisa Simpson have provided intellectual role models who stand up for their beliefs and values. For teen audiences, characters including Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls) and Veronica Mars demonstrated that intelligence and determination are superpowers in themselves, while newer characters like Rue Bennett (Euphoria) tackle complex issues of mental health and addiction that resonate with Gen Z viewers.

Morticia Addams

Editorial Team Fine Tuners

Finished Upkeep Regular

The Greatest Female TV Characters Of All Time

The 100+ Best Female TV Characters, Ranked By Fans

Lists and lists of the things that make each US State unique, from the weirdest laws to the most popular drinks and dog breeds to the shows residents are streaming most on Netflix.

This Is America

Some of our favorite fictional characters are so wonderful and relatable because they represent a very specific part of the US. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-tv-characters-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best fictional characters</a> from every state speak to American&nbsp;truths at large while simultaneously embodying the quirks, mannerisms, and twangs of certain regions. Whether the most famous fictional character in every state is from a book, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-movie-from-each-state/mason-weigel">movie</a>, or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-tv-show-from-each-state/zack-howe">TV show</a>, they entertain us and make us proud (or sometimes embarrassed) to call our state of residence "home."From characters like Dwight Schrute of Pennsylvania serving up a twisted take on farm life&nbsp;to Ace Ventura acting crazy like Floridians are wont to do, these <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-movie-characters-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous fictional characters</a> from every state do a fantastic job of reppin' their state while contributing significantly to the melting pot that is American fiction.&nbsp;

cleanup_exclude

Who Is The Most Famous Fictional Character From Your State?

Matthew Lavelle

Look, you watch enough of a show, you get to know the characters. Maybe you even care about them. Maybe you even love them. Or hate them. Or want to read tons of lists about them.

The People in Your TV

Some of the greatest characters in this new golden age of TV are female right now, and their characters span centuries, cultures, and personalities of all types. The shows they're on range anywhere from fantasy to comedy to drama and everything in between. Which female characters are the best of the best on <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-tv-characters-of-all-time">TV show characters</a> right now?Are you a Jess Day kind of person, or an Arya Stark lover instead? The choice is up to you. Vote up all of your favorite female characters currently on TV, and add any that aren't already on the list.

Jennifer "JJ" Jareau

longtail_search

Fascinating

Nebulous

The Best Female Characters on TV Right Now

Best Female Characters on TV Right Now 

Ranker TV

Entertainment

There&rsquo;s almost always that one character - you know, the one that makes you cringe or scream at your television set, &ldquo;Go away!&rdquo; Here are 15 terrible characters who ruined good shows.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. These sometimes annoying, sometimes self-absorbed, sometimes irrelevant, almost always <a href="/list/current-tv-characters-we-love-to-hate/anncasano" target="_blank">awful characters</a> on great TV shows were perhaps <a href="/list/bad-seasons-of-good-tv-shows/tamar-altebarmakian" target="_blank">not horrible enough</a> to make you stop watching a program. However, they could be bad enough to get on your last nerve.

Base-breaking characters aren&#39;t limited to guest stars or the supporting cast. Just as often, it&#39;s the <a href="/list/shows-where-the-main-character-is-the-worst/josh-plainse" target="_blank">main characters who are the worst</a>. Is&nbsp;Hannah from Girls the most self-absorbed person in the history of television? Was Skyler from Breaking Bad the most hated? Any way you slice it, Screech&#39;s schtick on Saved By&nbsp;The Bell grew so tiresome that he has to be considered one of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-hated-tv-characters/matthewcoleweiss?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">worst TV characters</a> ever.

Vote on these shows ruined by crappy characters.&nbsp;Maybe some of these guys and gals don&rsquo;t deserve the dis;&nbsp;perhaps they were simply just misunderstood?

FKA Pushable Teams

Graph Value Blog

Archive Ignore

Regrettable Characters Who (Nearly) Ruined Good TV Shows

15 Regrettable Characters Who Ruined Good TV Shows

Ann Casano

Cringing and whinging about the most annoying characters on the big and small screens.

Boo!! Get Off the Screen!!

These days, every show seems to have the &quot;average man/woman&quot; character,&nbsp;the one whose sole purpose is to&nbsp;balance&nbsp;out all the craziness carried out&nbsp;by the other characters in each episode.&nbsp;Oftentimes, though, this person can come across as&nbsp;so insanely dull or annoying that the show&nbsp;would probably be better off without them.People often point to Skyler&nbsp;from Breaking Bad&nbsp;as a prime example, as she&nbsp;comes across as a total downer, even if her true motivations are to keep her family safe and intact. There's also a&nbsp;case to be made for&nbsp;a character who replaces&nbsp;another beloved cast member, and just can't quite live up to people's expectations (something that happens far too often).It's hard to provide enough background and intrigue to individual characters, especially when they're generally seen as a single piece of an ensemble. For whatever reason, these characters became&nbsp;a nuisance to the audience, and are seen as inconsequential additions to already full and endearing casts. This has nothing to do with their individual behavior, but instead focuses on the fact they offer nothing of real value to the show as a whole.Vote up the characters you wish were excluded from your favorite programs, and vote down those you believe were irreplaceable.&nbsp;

Which Characters Are So Annoying That They Almost Make Your Favorite TV Shows Unwatchable?

The 30+ Most Annoying TV Characters That Almost Ruin Great Shows

Ryan Carlquist

“Who's the worst main character we're supposed to sympathize with?” - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.reddit.com/user/LuinAelin/">u/LuinAelin</a>Just because a writer or a show creator wants viewers to like a character, it doesn't mean we will. Sometimes, that character is so badly written or too morally ambiguous for people to get behind. Think of the Caillous, Peppa Pigs, and Anakin Skywalkers of the world. Here are a few main characters and so-called heroes who annoy more than enjoy. Vote up the main characters who rub you the wrong way.&nbsp;

GraphExclude NoValue

SiteWide RL Exclude

Brand Unsafe HP

Worst-Of List

Reddit Scrape

Exclude_MobileApp

Trending Team

WW Team

Trainer Exclude

Slot Hide

SEO Excluded

Pre-2024 'Tier 3'

20 'Sympathetic' Main Characters We Are Supposed To Like But Are Just Really Awful, Vile People 

General

Damon Davis

Usually, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-most-annoying-tv-and-film-characters-ever" target="_blank">fan-hated characters</a> tend to meet their demise pretty soon since they&#39;re so disliked. However, many shows have featured lead characters who happen to be the ones that <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-hated-tv-characters/matthewcoleweiss" target="_blank">fans hate</a>. This is usually due to the leads making decisions that don&#39;t really put them in the best light. Not to mention how certain characters tend to be less useful or charming compared to the supporting characters. Of course, there are those lead protagonists who are just so annoying that it&#39;s difficult for fans to stand them.

Fans Are Sharing The Most Unlikeable TV Protagonists Of All Time

Fans Are Sharing The Most Unlikeable TV Protagonists

Saim Cheeda

Dealing with annoying people on a daily basis is part of being an adult. Actually, it might just be part of being a human. And if there is anything that can completely ruin a pleasant situation, it's someone being obnoxious. Unfortunately, since art tends to imitate life, these annoying people also often end up in our favorite TV shows. While they may not immediately ruin a show, they can definitely make it harder to enjoy. Although to be honest, some obnoxious characters can actually totally earn their spot in the limelight. It's hard not to love SpongeBob, despite his frequent irritating behavior. We asked Ranker readers to tell us who they think they most annoying main character on TV is, and our commenters came out swinging. Which of these characters also just rubs you the wrong way?Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Google News

Apple News

Prime Team

Meta Fb Scrape

Ranker Readers Share The Most Annoying Main Characters On TV

August Alva

If our favorite fictional characters were capable of taking Myers-Briggs personality Type Indicator tests, these would be their results. Which one are you?

Fictional MBTI Types

ENFP

Step into the vibrant world of ENFPs, the endearing and spirited personalities who bring energy to our beloved movies and TV shows. ENFP, one of the personality types defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, signifies individuals who are Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. These characters captivate audiences with their infectious charm, inventive minds, and genuine affection for others. Although their zest for life is admirable, their impulsive actions can sometimes appear disorganized or overly concerned with gaining approval.Handpicked by our keen movie and TV aficionados, this collection showcases the most memorable ENFP characters from screen and page. Meet the likes of the ever-cheerful Michael Scott and the effervescent Carrie Bradshaw, whose ENFP traits shine through their dynamic screen presence. Cartoon enthusiasts will appreciate Frozen's Anna and Aladdin's Genie on the list, while anime fans can relate to the likes of Ash Ketchum and Howl. Sift through the lineup and vote for the ENFP characters you find most authentic and engaging, and feel free to pass over any that don't quite fit the bill. Who will rise to the top as the definitive ENFP in the world of fiction? Your votes will decide!

LowGeneralInterest

Mens Lifestyle

Slot Bury

primis_ranker

50+ ENFP Fictional Characters

50+ ENFP Fictional Characters, Ranked Best to Worst By Fans

Jason Bancroft

Lists about the Netflix series that follows sheltered Piper Chapman through her 15 month sentence in a minimum-security women's federal prison, surrounded by other criminals.

Orange. It's the New Black.

Orange Is the New Black

Known for tackling hard-hitting subjects, Orange Is the New Black has become synonymous with powerful television. The show focuses on the experiences and relationships of inmates at Litchfield Penitentiary, delving into their backstories to reveal how they ended up behind bars. With its captivating plot and diverse cast of characters, Orange Is the New Black has become a fan favorite for viewers across the globe.

A significant factor contributing to the success of Orange Is the New Black is its colorful characters. Not only do these individuals bring depth and intrigue to each episode, but they also provide viewers with relatable figures facing real-life challenges. The best characters on Orange Is the New Black have managed to leave a lasting impact on fans.

Three standout personalities among the ensemble are Nicky Nichols, Tasha &#39;Taystee&#39; Jefferson, and Poussey Washington. Each character faces adversity in her own way while proving her strength and resilience throughout various trials within the prison walls. Nicky, for example, battles addiction while still maintaining her sarcastic wit; Taystee exhibits loyalty as she fights for justice; Poussey&#39;s intelligence and humor shine despite personal struggles.

What sets these characters apart is their ability to navigate both personal challenges and larger societal issues. Their stories enhance each episode by providing depth and authenticity that keeps viewers invested in their journeys both within Litchfield Penitentiary and beyond its walls. These characters are well-rounded individuals who confront real-world issues head-on while revealing their vulnerabilities along the way, Orange Is the New Black becomes a commentary on the human experience itself.

The Best Characters on Orange Is the New Black, Ranked

The 25+ Best Orange Is the New Black Characters, Ranked

Elise Trenton

TV characters based on real people are as popular as ever. What better source to draw upon than real life?&nbsp;After all, real life is stranger than fiction. People who inspired&nbsp;TV characters can be horrifying while some can be inspirational.&nbsp;Some, like Lady Gaga's character on American Horror Story: Hotel are based off one of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/worst-serial-killers/tool100?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most notorious serial killers</a> in history.&nbsp;Others, like Moe from The Simpsons, are based off famous athletes who retired from the sport but kept their feisty spirit alive. They are politicians, mob bosses and even an eccentric next door neighbor. What all of these people have in common is their mark as inspirations for some of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-movie-characters-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most memorable characters</a> on television.&nbsp;Let's check out some fictional characters based on real people and see if you guessed they were real all along.

Top Tier

29 Popular TV Characters Who Were Based on Real People

Lisa Waugh

Hit Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black premiered in 2013, and already it seems like the women have been in prison for forever. The ladies of Litchfield Penitentiary must be frustrated and exhausted by their lack of wardrobe choices. Drab prison garb isn&#39;t exactly the most fashionable or glamorous attire around. For seasons now, audiences have seen the protagonists dressed from head to toe in the dreariest tans and most&nbsp;phosphorescent&nbsp;oranges. Once in a while, fans get a rare glimpse of the characters in something other than oversized, stain-covered jumpsuits, but those moments are few and far between.

In real life, the <a href="/list/best-netflix-original-shows/ranker-streaming?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">Orange Is the New Black</a> actors are much more fashion forward than the characters they play. In fact, most of the cast is quite good at picking out regular clothes, likely to make up for the colorless sweats and tees they&#39;re required to wear on set every day. When the Orange Is the New Black cast gets ready for a Hollywood event, they go all out. If you&#39;ve ever wondered what the OITNB cast looks like outside of Litchfield, prepare to be blown away.

You would never guess it after binge-watching them in beige for 13 hours, but these actors are stunners on the red carpet. Here are pictures of the Orange Is the New Black characters like you&#39;ve never seen them before: out of their prison jumpsuits. When you&#39;re done here, make sure to also head on over to our list of more great <a href="/list/what-to-watch-if-you-love-orange-is-the-new-black/watchworthy" target="_blank">shows&nbsp;like Orange is the New Black.</a>

'Orange Is The New Black' Characters Out Of Their Prison Jumpsuits

Orange Is the New Black Characters in Regular Clothes

Ryan Davis

Aircraft

The Best Comics Lists - Find or Make a Fictional Characters List  | Ranker  | Ranker - A World of Lists

Top 10 TV Lists: Television Lists and Rankings of Every Facet of Television

FANS ALSO LIKE

Piper Chapman

Listed on...