TV sitcoms have become a small screen staple, evolving with the times to remain one of the most consistently popular genres on television. They’ve been prevalent for decades, with countless settings, families, and characters all fleshing out some of the most memorable releases in the genre. Many of the best TV sitcoms have earned their place in pop culture history, immortalized due to their ability to make audiences laugh and cry, creating entire worlds we love to revisit again and again.
But let’s be real, for every character we adore – think Sophia from *The Golden Girls* or even a problematic fave – there’s another who makes us want to chuck our remote at the TV. Some sitcom characters are written to be inherently unlikable from the very beginning. Others, however, are hated for other reasons, with fan reactions to sitcom storylines occasionally having unfortunate repercussions for the characters involved.
Regardless of the specific reasons, the fact remains that some sitcom characters are considered deeply unpleasant, irritating, or selfish. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we dive deep into the figures that genuinely got under our skin. Brace yourselves, because some of your faves might be on this list of sitcom villains everyone loved to hate!
1. **Steve Urkel (Family Matters)**Oh, Urkel. Just hearing the name probably brings a high-pitched “Did I do that?” echoing in your mind. Steve Urkel, played by the iconic Jaleel White, started his journey on *Family Matters* as the Winslow family’s perpetually irritating next-door neighbor. His initial role was meant to be a recurring, comedic foil, a character who would pop in, cause some chaos with his peculiar antics, and then vanish until the next episode. But something unexpected happened: he proved popular with fans, propelling him from a side character to the undisputed protagonist of the entire series. It’s a testament to his unique – and undeniably annoying – charm that he transcended the show itself; even those who’ve never tuned into a single episode likely know his face and catchphrases.
The thing is, even as he became the show’s focal point, Urkel never really shed the characteristics that made him so easy to dislike in the first place. His persona was crafted from the ground up to be as obnoxious as possible, a fact that rings true through his distinctive high-pitched voice, his awkward, over-the-top mannerisms, and a personality that was just, well, off-putting. These traits combined to create a character who, despite his newfound popularity, consistently managed to get on viewers’ nerves. It’s a real credit to Jaleel White’s performance that he could make such an intentionally annoying character so memorable, yet so utterly hateable.
Fans often lament how Urkel’s increasing prominence led to a shift in the show’s focus, with his antics often overshadowing the original Winslow family dynamics that initially drew audiences in. His social ineptitude, coupled with a knack for inadvertently causing trouble, never really evolved beyond its initial, grating premise. While he provided plenty of comic relief, the constant high-wattage quirkiness became tiresome for many, leaving a lasting impression of a character who, despite his undeniable impact, was frequently the target of an exasperated eye-roll or two. He was a character you simply couldn’t escape, and for many, that was part of the problem. As the Reddit thread put it, “Dude was annoying, yet became popular, and then took over the whole fucking show.”
2. **Jian-Yang (Silicon Valley)***Silicon Valley* might be an underrated gem, but it’s certainly not short on characters who make you squirm. Yet, even in a show brimming with morally ambiguous tech bros, Jian-Yang, portrayed by Jimmy O. Yang, managed to carve out a special place in the “especially detestable” hall of fame. Starting as a recurring tenant in Erlich Bachman’s famously chaotic innovation incubator, Jian-Yang quickly became a thorn in the side of the show’s protagonists, often finding himself at odds with Richard Hendricks and his crew. His ability to consistently irk everyone, both on and off-screen, eventually earned him a promotion to the main cast from season two through six, cementing his status as a persistent source of frustration.
What truly made Jian-Yang a character audiences loved to hate was his complete and utter disregard for typical social cues and basic common courtesy. He wasn’t just socially awkward; he was actively unpleasant, often reveling in the torment of other characters. From exhibiting various racist views, which he delivered with a disarming nonchalance that only made them more shocking, to more overtly hostile actions like evicting the main characters in the middle of the night, Jian-Yang consistently pushed the boundaries of what viewers could tolerate. His actions were often unpredictable, designed to maximize discomfort for those around him and for anyone watching at home.
But perhaps the most bizarre and truly indicative moment of Jian-Yang’s unpleasantness, the one that truly solidified his reputation, involved a rather unhygienic incident: pouring milk into a solid waste receptacle. This seemingly minor act perfectly encapsulated his bizarre and often repulsive nature, showcasing a character who operated on a completely different, and frankly, grosser, wavelength than everyone else. He was a master of passive-aggressive manipulation and outright antagonism, making him a villain you just couldn’t ignore, no matter how much you wanted to. His detestable nature was a consistent source of cringe, yet a strangely compelling element of the show’s humor.
3. **Donna Pinciotti (That ‘70s Show)***That ‘70s Show* charmed audiences with its nostalgic setting, relatable teenage antics, and a cast of characters who, despite their flaws, were generally endearing. However, even in this beloved ensemble, one character consistently rubbed fans the wrong way: Donna Pinciotti, played by Laura Prepon. While it’s true that none of the main characters were saints and they all had their foibles, Donna, Eric Forman’s spirited neighbor and primary love interest, often crossed a line that viewers found hard to forgive. Despite her major part in the show’s narrative, many fans found her to be the least likable of the core cast, making her a frequent target of audience frustration.
The primary reason for Donna’s widespread dislike stemmed from her consistent mistreatment of Eric, her boyfriend. Time and time again, Donna was portrayed as unreasonable, often emotionally manipulating the well-meaning and generally good-natured Forman. While their relationship was a cornerstone of the show, it often felt unbalanced, with Donna frequently taking advantage of Eric’s devotion. There are countless examples throughout the series where she exhibited difficult or downright unreasonable behavior, from being overly critical to outright dismissive of his feelings, leaving many viewers wondering why Eric put up with it.
What really cemented Donna’s spot on the “most hated” list was the perceived lack of any real redeeming qualities to balance out her negative traits. While the show made most characters’ worst traits endearing in one form or another, it was unable to redeem Donna. Other characters might have had their moments of selfishness or immaturity, but they usually had a heartwarming side or learned from their mistakes. Donna, however, often seemed to double down on her emotional manipulation and unreasonable demands, rarely showing the kind of growth or introspection that would endear her to audiences. This consistent portrayal made her by far one of the show’s most hated characters.
4. **Ida Welker (Malcolm in the Middle)***Malcolm in the Middle* was a show that embraced the chaos of a dysfunctional family, giving us a cast of characters who were memorably horrible in the best possible way. But even among this delightful menagerie of misfits, one character managed to rise above the rest in terms of sheer, unadulterated detestability: Ida Welker, Lois’s mother. Played to perfection by the late Cloris Leachman, this Slavic Canadian matriarch made recurring appearances that were rarely met with enthusiasm. Her appearances were always the source of considerable comedy, albeit cringe-worthy, as she seemed genetically predisposed to being awful to anyone within earshot.
Ida was not just a difficult character; she was meticulously designed to be the absolute worst grandmother and mother imaginable. Her interactions were consistently laced with venom, particularly towards her long-suffering daughter, Lois, and her often-terrified grandsons. It was clear that the writers intended for her to be deeply unpleasant toward everyone, and Leachman executed this perfectly. Whether she was attempting to sue her own family into bankruptcy, a move that would make even the most hardened sitcom villain blush, or relentlessly belittling her young grandsons, Ida’s actions were a masterclass in how to be an utterly terrible human being, wrapped in a blanket of dark humor.
What made Ida so truly hated, despite the hilarity she often brought, was her complete and utter lack of any redeeming qualities. While other characters in the show might have had their moments of nastiness, they were usually balanced by a hidden softness or a moment of genuine care. Ida offered no such reprieve. She was a relentless force of emotional manipulation and negativity, and while her over-the-top villainy was often played for laughs, it didn’t make her any less loathsome to audiences. She was written to be the worst character in a family of unpleasant personalities, cementing her legacy as perhaps the most hated recurring character on the show.
5. **Leonard Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory)***The Big Bang Theory* certainly delivered on its promise of funny characters and memorable guest stars over its impressive 12-season run. Yet, among its core cast, one character, in particular, managed to sour many viewers’ opinions as the show progressed: Leonard Hofstadter. While the series initially focused on the social difficulties and evolving relationships of its brilliant but awkward scientists, it was Leonard who, ironically, seemed to regress in likability, growing into the most unlikable of the bunch. Unlike his friends, who often developed and grew to have more functional relationships, Leonard’s deep-seated issues seemed to stubbornly persist, making his character arc feel stagnant and increasingly frustrating.
The reasons for Leonard’s decline in popularity are manifold, centering on his consistently negative traits: he was frequently jealous, petty, and obsessive. While these behaviors were most acutely directed at his on-again, off-again girlfriend, and later wife, Penny, they also manifested in his interactions with his friends and other romantic interests. Viewers often observed him mistreating and disregarding Penny throughout the show’s run, leading many to the firm conclusion that he simply didn’t deserve her. This recurring pattern of behavior, where he often acted out of insecurity or resentment, made it difficult for audiences to root for him, even when the show tried to cast him as the romantic lead.
What set Leonard apart from his equally socially challenged friends was the nature of his issues. Where the show’s other characters were given plausible reasons for their social difficulties, Leonard’s shortcomings were often portrayed as stemming from a self-loathing and fundamentally unkind disposition. He frequently came across as a whiner who felt entitled to Penny’s affection without earning it through genuine respect or positive actions. This made him a character who, despite his central role, was often the subject of audience disdain, proving that sometimes, even a main character can become the one everyone just loves to hate. We also have to acknowledge his mother, Beverly Hofstadter, who a Reddit user called “objectively awful across every category.”
6. **Screech Powers (Saved by the Bell)**For many of us, *Saved by the Bell* is synonymous with Saturday morning nostalgia, a sun-drenched trip back to Bayside High with Zack, Kelly, Slater, and the gang. Yet, even in this beloved, iconic series, there’s one character who, despite his consistent presence, remains a widely disliked figure: Samuel “Screech” Powers, famously portrayed by the late Dustin Diamond. Screech was one of the few characters to appear across multiple iterations of the franchise, and was initially introduced as the somewhat uncool friend and lackey of Zach Morris. His loyal, albeit often exasperating, presence was a staple, but it quickly became apparent that not everyone appreciated his unique brand of humor.
From his very first appearance, Screech had a knack for rubbing many fans the wrong way. His social ineptitude was legendary, often leading to painfully awkward interactions that made viewers cringe. Coupled with his decidedly odd mannerisms and a perpetually clumsy nature, he embodied the very definition of truly irritating. He was often deployed as the show’s primary source of comic relief, a foil for the “cooler” characters, which frequently meant he was the butt of the show’s jokes. While this was clearly the intention of the writers, it did little to endear him to the audience, who often found his antics more groan-inducing than genuinely funny.
The relentless “full quirk mode, charged up at a thousand watts” ultimately got tiresome. A perfect example of his irritating predictability came in an episode where Screech, boasting about his connections to “baller volleyball players,” ended up bringing an 85-year-old woman, a four-year-old girl (whom he paid with a lollipop, we didn’t make this up), and a surprisingly skinny “Big Pete” to a game. This kind of plot, where his good intentions inevitably led to ridiculous and frustrating outcomes, defined much of his character. Even Dustin Diamond himself reportedly harbored mixed feelings about the role, believing that his iconic portrayal of Screech inadvertently hindered the development of his acting career.
Read more about: Beyond the Laugh Track: Remembering 12 ’90s Sitcom Stars Who Left Us Too Soon
7. **Simon Moon (Frasier)***Frasier* is widely considered one of the most successful sitcom spin-offs of all time, building on the beloved character from *Cheers* to create a show celebrated for its wit, sophistication, and richly developed ensemble. However, even in this critically acclaimed series, there were characters who managed to grate on viewers’ nerves, with Simon Moon standing out as a particularly loathed figure. Simon, brother of Martin Crane’s live-in physical therapist Daphne Moon, made recurring appearances that were rarely met with enthusiasm. Portrayed by Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia, his presence often felt like a jarring intrusion into the refined world of the Crane brothers, quickly cementing his status as perhaps the most hated character in *Frasier*.
Simon’s behavior was a laundry list of unpleasantries. He had a penchant for consistently unfunny jokes that fell flat and engaged in dangerous and childish pranks that often put others in uncomfortable or even perilous situations. Beyond his irritating attempts at humor, Simon was, quite simply, a terrible person. His character was defined by rudeness, an astonishing lack of gratitude, and a generally boorish demeanor that made him insufferable to almost everyone around him. He treated his own family members, including his sister Daphne, and their friends and loved ones with a casual disregard and disrespect that was hard for audiences to stomach.
Adding insult to injury for many viewers, especially those across the pond in the UK, was LaPaglia’s notoriously terrible British accent. What was presumably intended to add to his character’s charm or eccentricities instead became a constant source of distraction and, for many, outright pain. This vocal misstep only amplified the existing dislike for his personality, making him even more detestable than he might have been otherwise. Simon Moon epitomized the unwelcome guest who overstayed his welcome, consistently demonstrating a lack of social grace and a talent for creating discomfort, ensuring his place in the annals of sitcom characters everyone loved to hate.
Alright, if you thought the first batch of sitcom villains was rough, brace yourselves! We’re diving even deeper into the characters who made us want to scream at our screens. From the boorish group member whose prejudice knew no bounds, to the ex who just wouldn’t quit, and the family matriarch who redefined ‘awful,’ these next seven characters truly earned their spots in the Hall of Shame. Get ready to relive some seriously cringey, infuriating, and utterly unforgettable moments from TV history!
8. **Pierce Hawthorne (Community)**While *Community* blessed us with countless brilliant episodes, let’s be real: Pierce Hawthorne, played by the legendary Chevy Chase, was rarely, if ever, the best part of them. He was a foundational member of the central study group from the pilot all the way through the fifth season, and a significant part of *Community’s* main cast. Yet, he consistently served as the most disruptive and unpredictable member, making him a perpetual source of conflict that often overshadowed the group’s attempts at harmony.
What made Pierce such a widely detested figure was a tricky blend of the character’s on-screen actions and the later reports about Chevy Chase’s off-screen behavior. On the show, Pierce was written as an offensive, prejudiced individual, often fueled by deep-seated insecurities that he channeled into manipulating others. His utter lack of moral scruples was always a fine line for the show to walk, and for many, it simply crossed over into genuinely unpleasant territory.
And then there were the whispers, and later outright reports, that Chevy Chase was consistently difficult to work with on set. This behind-the-scenes drama only served to further sour many fans’ opinions on the character, making it even harder to separate the problematic fictional persona from the actor portraying him. Pierce was designed to be a catalyst for conflict, but his particular brand of boorishness often pushed viewers’ patience to its absolute limit.
9. **Ross Geller (Friends)***Friends* is undeniably one of the most successful and iconic sitcoms of all time, running for a glorious 10 seasons and shattering records left and right. Its impact on pop culture is something you simply can’t overstate! However, as the years have passed since the show ended, attitudes towards one of its main characters have shifted considerably. Sadly, Ross Geller has become the *Friends* character that many fans have grown to actively dislike.
Throughout the show’s extensive run, Ross found himself entangled in numerous storylines, and frankly, very few of them painted him in a favorable light. He consistently displayed traits that were selfish, intensely jealous, often obsessive, and even prejudiced. On multiple occasions, he committed acts that most people would consider morally questionable, even for a sitcom character. These behaviors were often played for laughs, which, in retrospect, feels increasingly problematic to a modern audience.
His self-involved nature, while intended as a source of comedy, is something that viewers looking back on the show now find hard to overlook. This pattern of questionable choices and character flaws has unfortunately cemented his legacy as, for many, the sitcom’s most hated main character. It’s a testament to how evolving perspectives can reframe even the most beloved figures in television history.
10. **Benny (George Lopez)**You know, some shows just *had* a vibe, and *George Lopez* was certainly one of them. But while the titular character had his moments, it was George’s boozing, bitter mother, Benny, played by Belita Moreno, who truly elevated the show’s “unlikable” factor to another level. She was a character who, for many viewers, just sucked a little bit more than everyone else, embodying a relentless negativity that was hard to ignore.
Benny was practically a human insult-launching machine, consistently blitzing Lopez and his family with a barrage of cutting remarks and cynical observations. The writers seemed to feed her an endless supply of zingers, and her only real direction seemed to be: “Stand on that ‘X’ over there and let the insults fly.” This constant stream of negativity made her a truly awful matriarch, one whose presence often felt more like an emotional assault than a family interaction.
Her character had very little else going on beyond this relentless antagonism. There was rarely a moment of tenderness or genuine warmth to balance out the bitterness, making her consistently unpleasant. Benny solidified her place as a truly awful family matriarch, contributing significantly to the show’s overall perception for many viewers, and landing her squarely on our list of most hated characters.
11. **Newman (Seinfeld)***Seinfeld*, in its unique brilliance, practically prided itself on crafting an ensemble of characters who were, by and large, inherently unlikable. Yet, even in this masterclass of misanthropy, a select few managed to stand out for their sheer detestability, and Jerry’s neighbor, Newman, ranks incredibly high among them. Portrayed with memorable gusto by Wayne Knight, Newman was more than just a neighbor; he was Kramer’s friend who harbored a deep, almost pathological dislike of Jerry, constantly scheming against him.
Newman’s obnoxious personality was consistently grating, a constant low hum of irritation in the background of Jerry’s life. But it was his slipperiness and his absolute lack of respect for others that truly sealed his fate as one of the show’s most hated figures. Every single time he appeared on screen, you could almost guarantee he was there to irritate, upset, or somehow cause problems for the show’s main characters.
Wayne Knight’s slapstick, bumbling performance perfectly captured the essence of what an unlikable character Newman truly was. He wasn’t just a minor annoyance; he was a full-blown antagonist whose presence made every scene he was in crackle with a unique brand of animosity. In a show filled to the brim with unpleasant characters, Newman managed to be by far the easiest to hate, a true testament to his perfectly crafted villainy.
12. **Janice Litman (Friends)**Speaking of *Friends* (because who can ever get enough of those six?), if Ross landed a spot for his general problematic nature, then Janice Litman, Chandler’s screeching ex-girlfriend, deserves her own podium! She was a blatant rip-off of the historically insufferable Fran character from *The Nanny*, but the writers did a fantastic job—in the worst way possible—of making her uniquely awful. Janice appeared across a string of episodes, always making her presence known.
Her signature move? Entering every room with a drawn-out, ear-splitting scream of “Oh…my…God!” She delivered it at just that speed, over, and over, and over again. It was a catchphrase that burrowed into your brain and, for many, became synonymous with the feeling of nails on a chalkboard. The *Friends* writers, with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes, seemed to deploy Janice as the most annoying decoy ever, a diversion while they cleverly figured out better storylines.
And guess what? It totally worked. Audiences were so busy hating Janice, so utterly distracted by her uniquely irritating persona, that they eagerly anticipated her departure. She was the quintessential obsessive ex, not because of grand schemes, but because her mere existence and ear-splitting presence were enough to drive everyone—characters and viewers alike—absolutely bonkers. Yes, we hate her, and that was precisely the point!
13. **Robert California (The Office)**If you stuck with *The Office* after Michael Scott’s departure, bless your loyal heart. But chances are, if you didn’t keep watching far enough, you were spared the particular agony of meeting Robert California, portrayed by James Spader. After Steve Carrell’s iconic exit, Mr. California assumed the Regional Manager position of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, marking a significant shift in the show’s dynamic.
For many, the smart majority, it was a firm “Yeah, no,” and they wisely moved on. But for the loyalists, those brave souls who decided to soldier on, it became an endurance test. Slogging through a season of the unbearably smug, arrogant, and grating Robert California was a challenge, especially as his presence consequently degraded Andy Bernard into an approval-hungry monkey, losing much of his original charm.
The character simply landed with a thud for many viewers. We had hoped against hope for a worthy successor to Michael Scott’s unique brand of cringe and heart, and instead, we got Robert flippin’ California in return. He represented a stark tonal shift, and his particular brand of unlikability, characterized by his smug, grating demeanor, cemented him as a truly divisive and often hated figure during *The Office*’s later seasons.
14. **Kimmy Gibbler (Full House)**Oh, *Full House*. A show brimming with heartwarming lessons, wholesome family moments, and, for many, one character who consistently made us want to squint and wince until her scenes were mercifully over: D.J. Tanner’s best friend, Kimmy Gibbler, played by Andrea Barber. Your memory might be a little hazy on what she looked like, but the second she opened her mouth, you knew you were in for it.
Kimmy’s catchphrase, which she practically shouted every single time she entered the Tanner household, was the infamous “Hola, Tanneritos!” That tiny bubble of rage you might feel at the back of your skull right now? That’s a natural, perfectly understandable reaction. This was not a character who understood subtlety or personal space, and her constant, often unwelcome, presence was a major point of contention for both the Tanners and the audience.
Her neediness was only surpassed by her almost supernatural inability to take a hint. Kimmy’s awkwardness was so palpable it often induced a strong sense of second-hand embarrassment. While she was undeniably a core part of the show’s dynamic, her relentless “full quirk mode” and grating personality made her one of those characters you simply loved to hate. Hopefully, you’ve somehow avoided all of the countless episodes in which she enthusiastically bellowed that nonsense!
And there you have it, folks! From the annoying sidekicks who wouldn’t quit to the family members who made us question everything, these characters prove that sometimes, the most memorable figures in sitcom history are the ones we genuinely couldn’t stand. They’re a fascinating look into how writers craft irritation and how audiences react, cementing their places in our collective pop culture memory — for better or, often, for much, much worse. So, next time you’re re-watching a classic sitcom, keep an eye out: you might just find your new favorite character to absolutely loathe!”
, “_words_section2”: “1987
