16 TV Series With Protagonists Who Evolve the Most Over Time

Television allows for long-form storytelling that enables writers to develop characters over several years. Audiences witness protagonists undergo radical transformations that fundamentally change their personalities and motivations. These shifts often drive the central narrative and keep viewers engaged through multiple seasons. The following series feature some of the most significant character evolutions in television history.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Walter White begins the series as a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He initially cooks methamphetamine to provide financial security for his family before his impending death. The narrative tracks his gradual descent into darkness as he embraces the ruthless drug kingpin persona known as Heisenberg. His journey illustrates a total moral decay that destroys the man he once was.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Jimmy McGill starts as an earnest public defender who desperately wants to gain the respect of his successful brother. He constantly struggles against his instincts to cut corners while navigating the legal world. The series chronicles his slow transformation into the morally flexible criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. This prequel adds tragic layers to the character by showing the humanity he eventually loses.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

The Rose family begins as wealthy and out-of-touch socialites who lose their entire fortune. They are forced to relocate to a small town they once bought as a joke. Living in a motel room forces them to rely on each other and eventually integrate into the quirky community. Alexis and David Rose specifically evolve from selfish individuals into caring and responsible adults.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Sansa Stark starts her journey as a naive girl who dreams of marrying a prince and leaving her northern home. She suffers immense trauma and manipulation at the hands of political rivals in King’s Landing. These brutal experiences teach her how to navigate the complexities of power and strategy. She eventually returns home to reclaim her identity and rule as the Queen in the North.

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Eleanor Shellstrop enters the afterlife as a selfish loner who only looks out for herself. She realizes she has been sent to the titular paradise by mistake and tries to learn ethics to earn her spot. Her relationships with her fellow humans and a demon architect help her understand the value of community. She ultimately becomes a self-sacrificing leader willing to give up everything for others.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

Peggy Olson begins her career as a shy and submissive secretary at a male-dominated advertising agency. She displays natural talent for copywriting and slowly climbs the corporate ladder despite systemic sexism. Her style and confidence grow as she navigates complex relationships and professional challenges. She ends the series as a powerhouse creative director who commands respect from her peers.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Prince Zuko spends the early parts of the series as an angry exile hunting the Avatar to restore his honor. He grapples with his loyalty to his tyrannical father and the wise teachings of his uncle Iroh. His internal conflict leads him to question the imperialist propaganda of the Fire Nation. He eventually joins the heroes to help end the war and becomes a benevolent ruler.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Steve Harrington is introduced as a popular high school bully who cares more about his social status than other people. He experiences a reality check after encountering supernatural threats and facing rejection. He finds a new purpose as a protector and father figure to the younger group of children. His bravery and loyalty turn him into one of the most reliable heroes in Hawkins.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Carol Peletier starts as a meek and abused housewife who is terrified of her husband and the zombie apocalypse. The loss of her daughter triggers a hardening of her spirit that turns her into a pragmatic survivor. She learns to wield weapons and make difficult decisions that others cannot face. Her evolution transforms her into a formidable warrior who single-handedly saves her group on multiple occasions.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Willow Rosenberg begins as a shy computer nerd with low self-esteem and a fear of public speaking. She discovers her affinity for magic and gradually becomes a powerful witch integral to the team. Her growing power leads to an addiction that nearly destroys her and the world. She eventually finds balance and serves as a confident leader for the next generation of slayers.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

April Ludgate starts as an apathetic intern who actively avoids work and enjoys making people uncomfortable. Her relationship with Andy Dwyer and the mentorship of Leslie Knope help her find direction. She discovers a passion for animal control and eventually pursues a career in foundation work. She retains her dark sense of humor while becoming a competent and driven professional.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

Wendy Byrde begins as a dissatisfied spouse who cheats on her husband before getting dragged into his money laundering scheme. She discovers a natural talent for political manipulation and criminal strategy as the stakes rise. Her ambition soon surpasses that of her husband as she makes ruthless decisions to secure power. She evolves from a reluctant participant into a cold and calculating cartel operator.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Octavia Blake spends her childhood hidden under floorboards as an illegal second child on a space station. She is the first to embrace the freedom of Earth and eventually integrates with the Grounder warrior culture. She becomes a ruthless leader known as Blodreina who forces her people to resort to cannibalism to survive. Her journey is a violent cycle of trauma and redemption as she seeks peace.

‘Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)

Donna Clark starts as a frustrated engineer working at Texas Instruments while managing a household. She takes a risk to join the personal computing revolution and discovers her aptitude for business management. Her career spans decades as she adapts to the shifting landscapes of gaming and the internet. She evolves into a visionary venture capitalist who empowers other women in tech.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Oswald Cobblepot begins as a lowly umbrella boy for a mid-level mobster. He uses his intellect and lack of scruples to pit rival crime families against one another. His rise to power is marked by betrayal and violent outbursts as he eliminates his competition. He ultimately embraces his identity as the Penguin and becomes the criminal kingpin of Gotham City.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Kendall Roy starts as the heir apparent who is desperate to prove his worth to his domineering father. He cycles through periods of addiction and rebellion while attempting to take control of the family media empire. His repeated failures and betrayals strip away his moral compass and emotional stability. He ends the series as a broken man who has lost his soul in the pursuit of power.

Tell us which character transformation surprised you the most in the comments.