A myriad of miraculous shows have sustained their positive reception and record-breaking success by having a concrete cohort of characters that remain during the duration of the series. Hoisted as the ideal, show runners, crew and cast mates would love for the opportunity to have their stories told from beginning to end with little to no complications. While change is accepted and even upheld as a core component of storytelling on television, unprecedented events such as the absence of a beloved character, the introduction of a new character, or a difference in setting can be risks to the show’s overall longevity and quality.
The addition of a new character has a specific challenge to overcome. Whether the decision comes from the departure of an actor or a need to enhance the existing dynamics between protagonists, a new character could either be a program’s saving grace or its final nail in the coffin. Comedies, horrors, and dramas experience the same issue to varying degrees.
For instance, comedies typically having a more relaxed plot, it may be easier to introduce new neighbors, love interests, or adversaries. Even then, the best examples of a new addition both incorporates fresh humor into the show while also complementing the acting styles of their peers. The same could be of any genre, however in series where suspense and drama take precedent, accomplishing an additional actor’s seamless transition into the universe of the show may come with more difficulties.
Among a sea of fan favorites, here are twenty television characters that were introduced and accepted as protagonists of their respective series.
20Page Matthew (Charmed)
Amid reported conflicts between the show runners and certain cast mates, the fourth season ofCharmedsaw the departure of Shannen Doherty. Tasked with defending a doctor from The Source of All Evil,the three sisters approached the battle with divided attention. In the midst of her rendezvous with Cole (Julian McMahon), Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) is not only distracted but absent during the ordeal. Underestimating Shax, the assassin sent to handle the sisters and the doctor, both Prue (Doherty) and Piper (Holly Marie Combs) are ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the calamity that follows afterward. Delivering a fatal gust of wind Prue’s way, she is one of two casualties claimed that day and Piper, her husband Leo (Brian Krause), and Phoebe, struggle to accept Prue’s fate.
In the season four premiere, the sisters and the viewers are introduced to Paige Matthews (Rose McGowan), a woman who’s spent the most of her lfie fending for herself due to being an orphan since her teenage years. At Prue’s funeral, she meets Piper and Phoebe, as well as their partners. Due to her premonitions, Phoebe believes that Shax is after Paige and shortly after, the sisters realize that Paige is, in fact, their half-sister. WIth the Power of Three reunited, the sisters continue to protect the world from dangerous forces, managing to vanquish the Source of All Evil not once but twice.
Following her introduction, fans and critics welcomed both Matthews and McGowan with open arms. Paige was deemed “relatable”, “lovable”, and kindhearted" by various outlets with McGowan being revered for her “well-suited” portrayal and noted as a “great casting choice” by sites such as Geek Speak and Movieweb. The reviewers were far from inaccurate given that McGowan enjoyed a long tenure on the series, from season four to its conclusion.
19Mary-Louise Wright (Big Little Lies)
Despite being cut short, partly due to the untimely passing of director Jean-Marc Vallée,Big Little Liescontinues to hold the reputation for being one of the best series produced by HBO. The show, adapted from the Liane Moriarty of the same name, documented the lives of five women and their families in Monterey, California. The cast included icons such as Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Laura Dern alongsideSeverancelead Adam Scott, Alexander Skarsgård, and Zoe Kravitz.
BIg Little Liesopens with Jane (Shailene Woody) and her son Ziggy Chapman (Iain Armitage), the newest residents of Monterey, who quickly garner interest among the parents, to their initial benefit and otherwise. With the two easily connecting with Madeleine and her children, Jane believes that this is the perfect escape from her traumatic past. Nonetheless, her dreams are cut short after a contentious quarrel between parents.
After Ziggy is accused of assaulting Amabella, Renata’s daughter. The parents are divided into two warring sides however the showdown is the catalyst of many, previously unearthed secrets coming to light. The remarkable season finale findsthe various storylines convergein one of the most impressive scenes on television, incriminating one of the husbands for his reign of terror.Big Little Liesexcels in carrying out the suspense of the series without ever losing its audience’s interest and the conclusions are never underwhelming.
Season 2 finds Mary-Louse Wright (Meryl Streep) move to Monterey to help Celeste (Nicole Kidman) raise her two kids. There is a lingering distrust that both the other women and the audience picks up on, but it is never revealed until later on in the season that Mary Louise is plotting to take custody of Celeste’s children. Streep’s performance either heightens already permeating tension among characters or shockingly leaves some room for amusement. Whether it’s her two-faced approach to dealing with Celeste or her snide remarks about women like Madeleine, Mary-Louise was a refreshing addition to the already excellent narrative.
18Toph Beifong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
The social media ecosystem today and its reverence forAvatar: The Last Airbenderis a clear indicator that the show not only stands the test of time but was also an influential and genuinely enjoyable series. Following the adventures of Aang (Zachary Tyler Eisen) and his new friends Katara (Mae Whitman) and Sokka (Jack DeSena) as they journey across to the world to help Aang fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, master the four elements, and save the world from the treachery of the Fire Nation.
After successfully preventing a full scale invasion of the Northern Water Tribe in the first season,the second season finds the trio travel to the Earth Kingdomto find an Earthbending teacher for Aang. Their earliest attempts were rather futile, coming across and exploitative Earth Kingdom general and a previously Earth Kingdom powerhouse being colonized by the Fire Nation. Nevertheless, Aang’s visions lead him to the grand estate of the luxurious Beifong Family.
In the episode “Blind Bandit”, the three attend a wrestling competition and come across the titular prodigy. Unbeknownst to them, the Blind Bandit is Toph, the sole heiress of the Beifong Family. Toph’s confidence radiates through the screen and her talent is remarkable. After liberating the trio and herself from her family and greedy wrestlers, Toph joins the “Gaang” and proves to be a good teacher but a great friend. The protagonists ofAvatar: The Last Airbenderoperate as a chosen family while on their travels and Toph is the perfect sister for them. While there are times that Toph can be grumpy and in her own head, she’s equally jovial and caring, doing the utmost to train Aang and grow alongside the rest of Team Avatar. Since the show’s conclusion, Toph has enjoyed years of praise and admiration, being heralded as one of the best animated characters on television due to her various abilities and personal growth throughout the rest of the series.
17Colonel Potter (MAS*H)
With his appearance teased in the season four premiere, “Welcome To Korea”, Colonel Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan) was properly introduced to fans ofMAS*Hshortly after. Characterized as a “regular career man” by producers and juxtaposed with the more lenient Henry Blake, Colonel Potter was tasked with leading the 4077th.
Following Blake’s discharge and sudden passing, Potter’s stern approach to leadership was met with apprehension by characters such as Hawkeye and B.J., who felt that Potter would be a detriment to the 4077th, rather than conducting the regiment with strong leadership. However, after suffering a massive blow, the duo were impressed and ultimately convinced that Potter’s leadership was legitimate. Putting an effort to befriending and learning about his comrades, Potter soon grew fond of the 4077th, even regarding them as “family”. Similarly, the viewers received Potter with open arms, considering him as a necessary addition to fill the void left by Blake. Aspects of his character such as the father-like role he provides to Radar (Gary Burghoff) and his fondness of horse riding ultimately contributed to Potter’s likability, and eased initial reluctance towards him.
Despite his seriousness, Potter’s inclusion was a notable yet important shift away from Blake’s leadership. Their stark differences aside,both men were successful in preparing the 4077thfor war and also recognizing the humanity in their soldiers.
16Klaus Mikaelson (The Vampire Diaries)
Invoking fear into allies and enemies alike with a simple whisper of his name, many fans ofThe Vampire Diariesimmediately recognized Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) as a harrowing figure. When news of Morgan’s casting was revealed to the world, an equally fervid attraction the character grew alongside the fear of the devastation he would unleash onto the protagonists. The first two seasons saw recently orphaned Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and her then-boyfriend Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) face off against vampires such as Stefan’s mischievous brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder), the ever-so vindictive Katherine Pierce (Nina Dobrev), and scheming werewolves such as Mason Lockwood (Taylor Kinney).
After taking control of Alaric (Matt Davis), Klaus begins his tour of terrorism by torturing Caroline and Bonnie, as well as attempting to extort Elena. It isn’t until the episode, “Klaus”, that Klaus appears in his own body. Introduced as an Original, Klaus' reputation precedes him, being regarded as one of the most powerful vampires. However, it is soon revealed that he is also the first vampire-werewolf hybrid, making him one of the most powerful figures in the universe ofThe Vampire Diaries.
Whether it be through his romances with Caroline and Katherine,as well as his own relationships with his siblings, viewers have come to have a soft spot for Klaus despite his horrendous track record. Many viewers can acknowledge the centuries of unresolved trauma and additional pain that Klaus has experienced at the hands of his parents, other vampires, and witches due to his identity and thus, some find themselves championing Klaus' endeavors, especially when he receives his own seriesThe Originals.
Introducing a complex yet frightening villain such as Klaus madeThe Vampire Diarieseven more entertaining. A character posing such a threat to an already established world, Klaus raises the stakes for many of the protagonists, leaving little to no survivors on his path to dominance.
15Erica Sinclair (Stranger Things)
After her initial appearance in Season 2, Erica Sinclair (Priah Ferguson) won over the hearts of manyStranger Thingsfans. As she iconically declares in “The Sauna Test”, “you’re able to’t spell America without Erica” and as many viewers have come to learn, Erica is crucial to the enjoyment ofStranger Things.In the midst of pervasive danger, Lucas' younger sister not only provides comedic relief but also lends support with her unique wits that prove to be useful in defending Hawkins from the Upside Down.
Evolving from her recurring role,the third and fourth seasons find Erica coming into her own. She is both snarky and quick-witted as seen in her exchanges with her brother, his friends, and adults like Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman). The show runners have shied away from pigeonholing Erica into the ‘sassy black girl’ trope, a reality for many other black female and femme characters in television history. Instead, Erica is appreciated for her sharpness and remarkable discernment, but also her intelligence and genuine interest in games such as Dungeons and Dragons.
One of the most heartfelt scenes in the series is a conversation between her and Lucas, who reaffirms her that there is nothing wrong with her interests but also doesn’t suggest that she conform to societal expectations of nerds. Priah Ferguson does an exceptional job at portraying Erica, offering a realistic and entertaining depiction to fans everywhere while also contributing to the immense world ofStranger Things.
14Love Quinn (You)
In spite of her short tenure, Victoria Pedretti stole the hearts of millions after appearing as the sweet, bloodthirsty chef Love Quinn. During the first season, audiences followed Joe (Penn Badgley), his worrying obsession with budding writer Beck (Elizabeth Lail), and his turbulent childhood in the grand city of New York. In spite of a disturbing infatuation with Joe among fans, there has been a healthy evaluation of the systems at play that allow Joe to enact and get away with lying, murder, and questionable vigilantism. First appearing in season two, fans watch with hope that Love doesn’t meet the same fate as Beck, while later evaluating the manner in which Love is criticizedas opposed to Joe’s lack of criticism.
Youfinds itself tackling the predictable, yet interesting critique of the artifice found among the Los Angeles elite and couples that with Joe’s hypocrisy, following his trail of blood from seedy sharks, predators hidden in plain sight, and friends of Love who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, at least according to Joe’s version of events.
The issue is accentuated in season three when Joe and the viewers have to deal with the fact that Love is a mirror image of Joe: obsessive, violent, and manipulative. After vacating Los Angeles for the quieter Madre Linda suburbs. There, the couple come across monfluencers, anti-vaxx parents, and mysterious CEOs. Among the archetypes of suburban life in Season 3, the episodes interrogate Joe’s sense of justice and his entitlement as well Love’s concern for family, her past relationships, and her volatile relationship with Joe. Pedretti offers a stellar performance as Love, a character with her own desires and detriments, but also someone that forces Joe to confront his inclination for violent, unchecked misogyny, and worrying hypocrisy.
13Missandei (Game of Thrones)
After venturing throughout Essos: riding with the Dothraki, searching for blood-riders. and eventually recruiting the Unsullied, a victorious Daenerys arrives in Astapor. The first of three Slaver Bay cities, viewers watch as Daenerys and Ser Jorah contend with the normalized dehumanization around them.. Escorted by Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel), a Naathi woman enslaved by the ruling class, she and Daenerys form a professional and diplomatic relationship before quickly evolving into a friendship.
Throughout her five season tenure onGame Of Thrones, Missandei wowed her new peers and audiences with her impressive understanding of multiple (nineteen) languages. The perfect example lies in the episode “Mhysa” where she translates the significant word for Daenerys, resulting in the iconic yet brow-raising scene of the Targaryen hoisted in the air by those formerly enslaved.
Related:13 TV Shows That Kept Going After the Main Character Left
While Missandei couldn’t escape some of the troubling tropes most women of color experience, she had the fortune of having a romantic relationship with Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson), one of the few moments of pure love in the series. Furthermore, her emancipation allows for her to actively contribute to Daenerys’ campaign, using her intelligence to steer war policy while holding a myriad of conversations with Daenerys, ranging from the personal to the political. Emmanuel’s strong performance is all the more impressive after learning that Missandei, much like Daeneryswas aged up from 10 to twenty-three.
12Unique Adams (Glee)
Is it undoubtedly factual thatGleemight have jump started the careers of many as its core cast proved to be dynamic, magnetizing, and truly talented. Stars such as Darren Criss, Melissa Benoist, and Amber Riley have enjoyed continued success off of the show. However, it would be a crime not to highlight the talented Alex Newell.
Prior to their immaculate run on Broadway, Newell greaves the screens of millions as Unique Adams, a talented trans girl who hopes to wow students and faculty alike with her incredible vocal skills. Introduced as rather timid, Unique’s brightness begins shines when affirmed by her peers. In spite of the pervasive transphobia that threatens to shun her, Unique’s resilience is both admiring but also a painful reminder of the many lived experiences of trans and gender expansive people in this world.
Aside from her stellar talent as the lead vocalist of New Directions, Unique brings a tenderness and determination that rivals the rest of the cast. With Newell breathing life into an already realistic character, they deserve all the flowers for being a trailblazer for positive depictions of black and LGBTQ+ characters on screen. In spite of the troubling stereotypes attached to Unique, Newell excelled as giving Unique the chanceto be amazing, shy, flawed, and most importantly complex.
11Andy Bernard (The Office)
The Officehas built quite the reputation for its mockumentary style and mode of comedy that fans find quirky and entertaining. Steve Carrell leads the pack as Michael Scott, the comical director of Paper Distribution, and viewers follow him among others like Mindy Kaling, John Krasinski, and B.J. Novak create chaos around the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin Inc.
Introduced in the season three premiere, Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) is the Regional Director in Charge of Sales at the Stamford Branch of the company. After Jim Halpert (Krasinski) is transferred, he and the audience grow accustomed to Andy. Known for his temper and attempts to win Michael over, Andy slowly but surely blossoms into a memorable story with a trajectory that surely sent fans in every direction. From his iconic rivalry with Dwight to his romances with Angela and Erin, Andy underwent an entertaining metamorphosis, leaving his combativeness aside and opening up to his co-workers. Despite a reversion in the final season, many fans still continue to hold Andy near and dear to their hearts for offering some of the most humorous moments onThe Office, considering hima crucial part of the series altogether.
