There is a kind of character in television shows which has the ability to make a very patient viewer, yell at the TV screen, “Oh, come on”! These characters, either being evil incarnate or just extremely irritating, basically, have the ability to provoke you in every possible way.
From calculating masterminds to narcissistic heroes, here’s a top nine countdown of TV characters who’ve got fans totally up the wall—beginning with the least infuriating (but still maddening) and moving on towards the worst offenders.
9. Lorelai Gilmore – Gilmore Girls
At first glance, Lorelai is all charm, coffee, and quick wit. But watch closely—especially on a rewatch—and you’ll see the cracks. She freezes out Rory whenever things get messy, treats Sookie like a sidekick, and constantly clashes with her parents over petty grudges. Oh, and skipping out on her wedding without even showing us the breakup? Not cool, Lorelai.
8. Andy Bernard – The Office
Andy started as a goofy, a cappella-obsessed weirdo. Then there was “boat trip, Andy,” and all bets were off. He turned petty, mean to Nellie, and clingy in a desperate attempt to get back with Erin—only to stand her up later. It’s the type of character shift that makes you scream, “Bring back Season 3 Andy!”
7. Zoey Pierson – How I Met Your Mother
Ted’s had his share of bad romances, but Zoey takes the “why are you like this?” crown. She’s manipulative, always gets what she wants, and attempts to sabotage Ted’s career aspirations. If “walking red flag” were human, it would be Zoey Pierson.
6. Rory Gilmore – Gilmore Girls
Rory’s downfall is the very embodiment of TV cautionary tales. From Stars Hollow bookworm sweetheart to self-centered Yale undergrad who body-shames ballerinas, sleeps with a married ex, and flunks out of college without a second thought, many of the fans who used to be her biggest supporters now are. Not so much.
5. Marcia Langman – Parks and Recreation
Pawnee’s in-house morality police never fails to have a protest against Leslie Knope’s suggestions—whether it’s closing down senior adult education or being outraged at same-sex penguin weddings. She’s a human blockage of advancement, and she’s there to be despised… mission accomplished.
4. Joffrey Baratheon – Game of Thrones
Cruel, spoiled, and sadistic, Joffrey managed to bring the whole fandom together—in sheer contempt. His abuse of Sansa, offhand killings, and condescending smirk made his ultimate fall one of the best TV moments in history.
3. Will Schuester – Glee
Mr. Schue was supposed to be the motivating soul of the show. What he did instead was interfere excessively in his students’ lives, overstepped his boundaries repeatedly, and did embarrassing raps nobody requested. He became more difficult to support than the show’s actual villains at some point.
2. Bernadette Rostenkowski – The Big Bang Theory
Clever, witty, and successful in print—yes. But on television? Quite often, downright cruel. Her perpetual put-downs of Howard and biting taunts at friends made what had the potential to be a charming character one that viewers dreaded.
1. Joffrey Baratheon – Game of Thrones
Yes, here he is again. Joffrey doesn’t merely qualify for the crown of most-despised—He essentially created it. There’s no other character who so completely became “please let this bad guy get his due” as him. And when he finally dies, Chef’s kiss. Whether they had you laughing, groaning, or wishing for the fast-forward button, these characters all left their impressions. Love them or despise them (despise them most especially), they’re evidence that sometimes the most annoying people on television are the ones you will never forget.