More often than not, television shows boast a variety of memorable characters, whether discussing something as dramatic as The Sopranos or as light-hearted as The Simpsons. As fantastic as many of these shows’ lead characters are, certain supporting characters manage to forge their own lasting reputation within the annals of pop culture. Appearing alongside their series’ respective main characters, in some cases, these supporting characters even managed to outshine their show’s protagonist, maintaining audiences’ interests on a week-in, week-out basis.
Typically described as a “hipster doofus” by his closest friends (especially Elaine), the multifaceted Cosmo Kramer was a man of eclectic tastes and numerous idiosyncrasies. An unemployed slacker who displayed a multitude of distinct quirks, mannerisms, and catchphrases, Kramer added some much-needed flair to the cast of Seinfeld, making his trio of friends seem almost normal by comparison. Keeping himself busy with his harebrained financial schemes and short-lived professional ventures, audiences knew they were in for some kind of surprise whenever Kramer came barging into Jerry’s apartment unannounced.
A character that was almost too easy to hate in his initial incarnation, Dwight’s transformation from a petty sycophant into a capable and kind-hearted manager forms a major narrative thread of The Office. Perhaps the most eccentric employee at Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, Dwight’s overly serious manner and plethora of quirks made him a constant source of entertainment, especially when he was paired with his best friend/mortal enemy, Jim Halpert.
A character so popular, he received his very own spin-off, Joey provided Friends with constant comic relief throughout the series’ 10 year long run. A suave ladies’ man with an insatiable appetite, Joey’s immature antics and childlike attitude meshed well with his somewhat more mature friends in the series. Rather than growing up and settling into an idyllic family life like his fellow cast members, Joey seemed content living out his days in New York City. But even then, Joey’s final relationship with Alex signified profound growth from the carefree bachelor lifestyle he once held at the start of the show.
The 2000s successor to Joey Tribbiani, Barney Stinson became known as the archetypical ladies’ man shortly after his debut on How I Met Your Mother. Relaunching Neil Patrick Harris’s career with his suave charisma and debonair personality, Barney appeared as the proverbial devil on all of his friends’ shoulders. The main author of the chauvinistic Bro Code, Barney may have been a selfish, calculating womanizer throughout most of the series–but he somehow managed to become a character audiences couldn’t bring themselves to hate. Like all his short-lived female companions, he won viewers over through his abundant charm, crisp smile, and well-tailored three-piece suits.
The straight-faced director of Pawnee’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Ron Swanson quickly became the standout character on Parks and Rec from the first season onward. A dedicated Libertarian whose political ideals often clashed with his employee Leslie Knope’s, Ron’s stereotypically masculine views never failed to get a chuckle from one episode to the next. Whether gorging himself on bacon, steak, or shrimp (his three favorite foods) or indulging in whittling and woodwork in his spare time, any scene featuring Ron was destined to be pure comedic gold.
The analytical second-in-command of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Spock has achieved an iconic reputation within the annals of pop culture, dwelling alongside other classic sci-fi characters like E.T. or Darth Vader. A deadpan Vulcan with an intellect as vast and boundless as the galaxy he delighted in exploring, Spock’s tactful view of the universe made him an invaluable member of the original Enterprise crew. Without Spock and his sobering logic, who knows how many dangerous missions might have seen Captain Kirk and his crew perish?
The breakout character of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper embodies all the core characteristics commonly associated with a cliched “nerd.” A theoretical physicist who prides himself on his massive intelligence, Sheldon nevertheless possesses numerous less than admirable qualities, including a bloated ego, petty vindictiveness, and an unchecked superiority complex. Yet like all the best TV characters, Sheldon slowly grew into a better and more accepting person–someone who, even at his worst, most people found themselves breaking out in laughter at.
