1. Ethel Mertz (I Love Lucy)
Ethel always felt like the friend who showed up armed with common sense, only to immediately get dragged into chaos anyway. She balanced Lucy’s wild ideas with deadpan humor, making even their quiet scenes sparkle. Fans loved how she could roll her eyes one minute and be all-in on a ridiculous scheme the next. Her timing was so sharp that sometimes you watched an episode just to see how she’d react. And even though the show centered on Lucy, Ethel was the glue that made every misadventure feel grounded. She gave the stories a warmth that made the trouble seem oddly comforting. Without her, half of Lucy’s antics wouldn’t have been nearly as funny.
When Ethel stepped into one of those over-the-top situations, you could see the delight behind the exasperation. She carried an incredible sense of partnership, as if she and Lucy had agreed long ago to embrace the absurd. Fans gravitated toward her because she felt familiar, like a neighbor who always had your back but wasn’t afraid to tell you when you’d lost your marbles. Her support added heart to the show and elevated every plot she touched. As much as Lucy was the star, Ethel quietly became the one everyone rooted for. That steady loyalty, paired with her subtle comedic bite, made her unforgettable.
2. Barney Fife (The Andy Griffith Show)
Barney had a way of trying so hard that you couldn’t help but love him, even when he created more problems than he solved. His nervous energy added a spark to Mayberry, making routine situations unexpectedly hilarious. Every time he puffed out his chest or boasted about his policing skills, you knew something chaotic was coming. But that was the charm, watching him stumble through his duties with absolute confidence. The way he contrasted Andy’s calm presence gave the whole show its rhythm. And his single bullet, tucked safely in his pocket, became legendary. His earnestness was the kind of comedy you could feel in your bones.
Under all that bluster was a character who genuinely wanted to do good, which kept viewers firmly in his corner. He had a sweetness wrapped inside the bravado, making even his biggest mistakes endearing. Fans loved seeing him get a tiny win after a string of mishaps, almost like cheering for the underdog. And whenever he shared heartfelt moments with Andy, it reminded everyone what the show was really about, friendship and community. Barney may have been the sidekick, but he infused Mayberry with life. Without him, the town would have felt just a little too quiet. His presence stole scenes in a way that felt effortless.
3. Kimmy Gibbler (Full House)
Kimmy was the kind of neighbor who popped in unannounced and somehow made everything brighter and more chaotic. Her quirky fashion choices and unapologetic personality made her instantly memorable. Even when the Tanners sighed at her timing, she brought a fun energy that cut through the seriousness of the moment. She was the kid who marched to her own beat, never trying to impress anyone. And viewers loved her for it because she seemed completely comfortable being herself. Her oddball humor balanced the show’s wholesome tone. Kimmy’s presence made the world of Full House feel a little more unpredictable.
What made her stand out was how much heart she had hiding underneath all the eccentricity. She could be goofy, loud, and overconfident, but she also showed up when it mattered. There was a vulnerability in her close friendship with D.J., a loyalty that grounded her character. Fans related to her more than they expected, especially anyone who ever felt like the “weird” kid. And watching her grow into her own person over the seasons felt surprisingly meaningful. Kimmy may have entered every room like a mini tornado, but she left it warmer. In her own wonderfully odd way, she stole every scene she touched.
4. Rhoda Morgenstern (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Rhoda brought a dry wit and bold personality that perfectly contrasted Mary’s polite optimism. She said what everyone else was thinking but didn’t dare to say. Her humor was sharp and refreshingly real, which made her incredibly relatable. Rhoda had a confidence that made her the perfect foil to Mary’s earnest charm. And her presence added depth to the show, turning simple conversations into comedic gems. Viewers instantly connected with her because she felt like the honest friend you could always count on. Even when she teased Mary, it came from a place of genuine affection.
Her character blossomed as her backstory unfolded, showing a mix of strength, insecurity, and ambition that resonated with audiences. She often expressed frustrations that many viewers shared, from career dilemmas to dating woes. And yet, she never lost her spark of humor, even in tougher moments. Rhoda’s scenes had a raw authenticity that made them shine. It became clear why she earned her own successful spinoff. She had already been stealing scenes from day one. Her presence made the show feel fuller, richer, and funnier.
5. George Costanza (Seinfeld)
George walked through life like every moment was a crisis, which made him endlessly entertaining. His meltdowns were practically an art form, blending frustration, humor, and surprising vulnerability. Fans saw bits of themselves in his struggles, from workplace disasters to relationship mishaps. And while Jerry technically led the show, George often drove the funniest plots. His neurotic tendencies kept episodes moving in directions you never expected. He embraced being a mess with such conviction that it became strangely admirable. George didn’t just support the story, he propelled it forward.
Underneath the chaos, his character was surprisingly complex. He wanted to be successful but couldn’t get out of his own way, creating a constant loop of self-sabotage. His friendship with Jerry, Kramer, and Elaine felt lived in and authentic. And as frustrating as he could be, he also delivered some of the show’s sharpest comedic lines. George became the character fans quoted most at parties and still do today. His flaws made him lovable because they were all too real. He may not have tried to steal the show, but he often did anyway.
6. Rose Nylund (The Golden Girls)
Rose’s sweetness and earnest personality brought a softness to the home she shared with Blanche, Dorothy, and Sophia. Her St. Olaf stories became iconic, especially the way she delivered them with total sincerity. She balanced the sharper humor of the other women, grounding the group with her pure heart. And although she was often the butt of the joke, Betty White’s performance gave Rose dignity and warmth. Viewers adored her because she reminded them of the person who always tries to see the best in others. Her kindness made difficult moments easier to digest. She was the quiet soul of the group in many ways.
But Rose also had surprising depth, revealing strength when the situation called for it. Some of her storylines touched on real issues, giving the show emotional layers beyond the humor. And her innocence often led to unexpected comedic gold, especially when she misunderstood something entirely. The contrast between her gentle nature and the sass around her made her scenes sparkle. She offered heart without ever trying to be the center of attention. And that subtle power often made her the most memorable person in the room.
7. Screech Powers (Saved by the Bell)
Screech brought wide-eyed enthusiasm and unfiltered awkwardness that made Bayside High feel like a real teen universe. His quirky behavior and earnest attempts at fitting in often led to some of the show’s funniest moments. He served as the perfect companion to Zack’s cool confidence. And while other characters chased popularity, Screech just lived in his own unique lane. Fans appreciated how he embraced his differences without apology. His slapstick humor gave the show a kid-friendly goofiness that balanced the teen drama. Screech made awkwardness feel lovable.
Even as he dealt with crushes, school struggles, and friendships, he stayed true to himself. His loyalty to Zack was unwavering even when it wasn’t always deserved. That sweetness made audiences root for him. At times, he even surprised viewers with genuine insight or emotional moments. And though he wasn’t the heartthrob or the rebel, Screech became essential to the show’s charm. He created comic relief that felt natural and rooted in character. His presence was sometimes chaotic, but always memorable.
8. Woody Boyd (Cheers)
Woody’s cheerful innocence brought a fresh dynamic to the bar once he arrived. He had that small-town straightforwardness that made him instantly endearing. His simple remarks often revealed surprising wisdom. And the way he interacted with the regulars added sweetness to their snarkier banter. Woody felt like a breath of fresh air in a room full of sharp personalities. Viewers loved seeing how his upbeat attitude played against the weary cynicism around him. His presence reminded the audience that kindness could still be funny.
As his character grew, Woody showed more complexity than people expected. He could be naïve, but he wasn’t clueless. His deep loyalty to his friends made him a welcome addition to every storyline. And his romantic and career missteps brought relatable humor. Woody Harrelson’s delivery made even the simplest line hit with perfect comedic timing. For a character who wasn’t supposed to dominate the show, Woody quickly became a fan favorite. His charm quietly pulled the spotlight without ever asking for it.
9. Carlton Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
Carlton was a burst of enthusiasm wrapped in sweater vests and confidence. He had a way of pairing earnestness with outrageous reactions. His rivalry and bond with Will gave the show some of its best moments. And of course, his iconic dance became a cultural phenomenon. Fans loved watching him take himself so seriously, only to fall apart at the funniest possible moment. Carlton’s blend of intelligence and insecurity made him relatable. He brought a controlled chaos that balanced Will’s laid-back energy.
Beyond the comedy, Carlton had a lot of heart. Some of his most emotional storylines showed a more vulnerable side. His desire for success and acceptance felt real, and viewers connected with it. Yet his ego often led to gloriously dramatic meltdowns. These moments made him unforgettable because they were exaggerated but grounded in real feelings. Carlton became a standout character by simply being himself. He was the sidekick who never stayed in the background for long.
10. Urkel (Family Matters)
Urkel entered the Winslow household as a one-episode character and instantly stole the spotlight. His nasally voice, catchphrases, and scientific mishaps made him unforgettable. He made awkwardness into a full-blown comedy style. And his crush on Laura became one of the show’s longest running threads. Fans loved the unpredictability he brought to every scene. Even his entrances felt like a comedic event. Urkel brought energy that shifted the tone of the entire show.
But despite all the chaos, he had a genuine heart. His good intentions always shone through even when his inventions exploded. And as the show evolved, he grew into a more layered character. His loyalty to the Winslows was unwavering. Viewers appreciated seeing him mature without losing his endearing quirks. Urkel’s accidental rise to center stage became part of television history. He was the rare sidekick who transformed the entire show around him.
11. Florence Johnston (The Jeffersons)
Florence had a razor-sharp wit that cut through any tension in the Jefferson household. Her timing was impeccable, delivering zingers that often left everyone speechless. She balanced George’s bluster with effortless cool. And audiences loved her because she said what they wished they could. Florence understood the dynamics of the family better than almost anyone. Her boldness gave the show a memorable comedic edge. Without her, the Jeffersons’ penthouse wouldn’t have felt quite as lively.
At the same time, Florence’s character wasn’t all punchlines. She showed compassion in quieter moments, revealing a depth that kept her more than a stereotype. Her evolving friendships with the Jeffersons added warmth to the show. And even when she clashed with George, there was affection behind it. Fans came to rely on her voice of reason, even if she delivered it with a sarcastic twist. Florence stole countless scenes simply by walking into the room. That effortless charisma made her unforgettable.
12. Jack McFarland (Will and Grace)
Jack’s flamboyant personality brought a bright, frenetic energy to every scene. His over-the-top reactions and constant theatrics made him feel like a one-man show. And yet, he blended perfectly with the ensemble. Jack’s humor came from a place of total authenticity. He was unapologetically himself, and that gave viewers permission to laugh freely. His friendship with Karen created one of sitcom history’s best comedic duos. Fans tuned in just to see what the two of them would come up with next.
But beneath the exaggerated antics, Jack had a loving and vulnerable side. His moments of honesty often caught viewers off guard. He showed the complexity of trying to find yourself in a world that doesn’t always make it easy. That depth made his journey feel meaningful, not just funny. His loyalty to Will, Grace, and Karen made him the emotional glue of many episodes. Jack managed to steal the spotlight, but he also carried some of the show’s real heart. That balance made him extraordinary.
13. Eddie Haskell (Leave It to Beaver)
Eddie’s smooth-talking politeness hid a mischievous streak that kept both the Cleavers and viewers on their toes. He had a talent for charming adults while stirring up trouble behind the scenes. His two-faced antics became one of the show’s biggest running jokes. And he played the part so well that audiences couldn’t help but be amused. Eddie brought a playful unpredictability to the otherwise wholesome world of the Cleavers. His appearances often signaled that things were about to get interesting. He stood out by being just sly enough to avoid getting caught.
Despite his trickster vibes, Eddie remained surprisingly lovable. His interactions with Wally and the Cleavers gave the show some of its sharpest humor. He was the classic “troublemaker friend,” but one who never pushed things too far. You could sense a sliver of good in him, even when he acted out. Viewers found themselves laughing at his antics, even when they knew better. Eddie never needed to dominate an episode to leave a mark. His presence was enough to tilt the whole story in a memorable direction.
14. Fez (That ’70s Show)
Fez brought a sense of wonder and confusion that fit perfectly into the basement crew. His foreign-exchange-student perspective led to endless misunderstandings. And the exaggerated delivery of his lines gave even ordinary moments a comedic twist. Fez balanced innocence with flirtatiousness in a way that was delightfully unpredictable. Fans loved how he embraced American culture with wide-eyed excitement. And his dramatic reactions became a signature part of the show’s humor. Fez felt like the heart of the friend group without even trying.
Over time, his quirks evolved into more depth, showing loneliness, longing, and unexpected bravery. Those layers made him feel more real and relatable. His crushes, friendships, and rivalries added warmth to the storylines. And he formed connections with the others that felt genuine despite the jokes. Fez didn’t need to lead a storyline to steal the spotlight. His humor and tenderness made him memorable in every single episode. He became a standout through pure charm.
15. Kramer (Seinfeld)
Kramer burst into Jerry’s apartment like a force of nature every single time. His entrances alone could earn a laugh before he said a word. He existed in his own universe of odd jobs, inventions, and half-baked ideas. And somehow he made each one sound plausible enough to be hilarious. His physical comedy felt effortless, like watching a cartoon character come to life. Kramer never needed to try to be funny, he just was. And he gave the show its wildest, most unpredictable energy.
But beneath the eccentric exterior, Kramer genuinely cared about his friends. His loyalty showed up in strange but touching ways, making him more than a comedic gimmick. He added warmth to the show without smothering it in sentimentality. His unpredictability turned every scene into an adventure. And the contrast between his madness and Jerry’s calm grounded the humor. Kramer may have been the quirky neighbor, but he quickly became an irreplaceable part of the show’s identity. He stole every scene with just a slide through the door.