10 Characters Who Ruined Great Shows

Sitcoms and dramas often win our hearts with their perfect blend of humor, heart, and compelling stories. But sometimes, a single character can throw everything off balance, turning a great show into a frustrating watch.

Whether they’re poorly written, clash with the cast, or just feel out of place, these characters can disrupt the magic of a series. Here are 10 TV characters who nearly ruined their shows, with a look at how their presence impacted the stories we loved.

Scrappy-Doo

Scrappy-Doo, Scooby’s nephew in ‘Scooby-Doo’ (1969-present), was introduced in 1979 to boost ratings. His loud, brash attitude clashed with the gang’s laid-back vibe, annoying fans who loved the original Mystery Inc. dynamic.

Instead of adding charm, Scrappy’s over-the-top antics and catchphrases like ‘Puppy power!’ overshadowed the show’s classic mystery-solving charm. His presence felt forced, and I still skip episodes where he dominates the screen.

Cousin Oliver

Cousin Oliver appeared in the final six episodes of ‘The Brady Bunch’ (1969-1974) as a last-ditch effort to refresh the show. His cutesy, precocious nature felt like a gimmick, disrupting the established family dynamic.

Fans found him grating, and his addition signaled the show’s creative decline. I cringe watching him try to fit into the Brady household, as it feels like the writers ran out of ideas.

April Nardini

April Nardini, Luke’s surprise daughter in ‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000-2007), showed up in season 6 and threw a wrench into Luke and Lorelai’s romance. Her intellectual quirks were sweet but felt out of place.

Her storyline shifted focus from the show’s core relationships, frustrating fans who wanted more of Stars Hollow’s charm. I felt her arc dragged the series down, pulling attention from what made it special.

Ted Mosby

Ted Mosby, the narrator of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005-2014), started as a charming romantic but grew whiny and obsessive. His endless pining for Robin, despite her clear rejections, made him hard to root for.

The controversial finale, where Ted reverts to chasing Robin after the mother’s death, undid his growth and left a sour taste. I found his repetitive love stories exhausting by the end.

Piper Chapman

Piper Chapman, the lead in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019), began as a relatable entry point into Litchfield Penitentiary. But her self-centered antics and entitlement soon overshadowed the richer ensemble cast.

As the show progressed, her storylines felt forced, detracting from more compelling characters like Red or Taystee. I was relieved when the focus shifted to others, as Piper’s drama felt repetitive.

Emily Waltham

Emily Waltham appeared in ‘Friends’ (1994-2004) as Ross’s love interest in season 4, creating a love triangle that disrupted the Ross-Rachel dynamic. Her controlling nature and lack of humor made her unlikable.

Her abrupt exit after Ross said Rachel’s name at their wedding felt like a relief, as she drained the show’s comedic energy. I always fast-forward through her episodes to get back to the core group.

Dawn Summers

Dawn Summers, Buffy’s sudden sister in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997-2003), arrived in season 5 with little explanation. Her whiny demeanor and constant troublemaking frustrated fans of the show’s strong female leads.

Her presence shifted focus from Buffy’s battles, making episodes feel less impactful. I found myself annoyed every time Dawn’s antics slowed down the action.

Randy Pearson

Randy Pearson joined ‘That ’70s Show’ (1998-2006) in season 8 after Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher left. His bland, nice-guy persona lacked the spark of the original cast, failing to fill the void.

Fans missed the dynamic energy of Eric and Kelso, and Randy’s weak chemistry with the group made the final season a slog. I struggled to care about his scenes, yearning for the show’s earlier vibe.

Jo Wilson

Jo Wilson, introduced in season 9 of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-present), started as a promising intern but became whiny and overly secretive. Her drama with Alex Karev felt forced and dragged down his arc.

Her focus pulled attention from more beloved characters like Meredith or Cristina, making her episodes feel like a chore. I often wished the show would prioritize its stronger players instead.

Seven

Seven, the Bundys’ sudden third child in ‘Married… with Children’ (1987-1997), appeared in season 7 to boost ratings. His random addition felt out of place, lacking the sharp humor of the core family.

Fans ignored him, and the show later mocked his existence with a milk carton gag. I barely noticed when he vanished, as he added nothing to the Bundys’ chaotic charm.

Which character frustrated you the most, or did I miss one that ruined a show you loved? Share your thoughts in the comments!