There’s just something satisfying about hating a television character.
They don’t necessarily have to be the villain or antagonist; even minor foils to the hero are the type of characters that are easy to dislike.
Sometimes, though, these hated characters find a way to redeem themselves, even at times becoming fan favorites.
Steve Harrington – Stranger Things
Steve went from the stereotypical 1980s foil during the first season of Stranger Things to being so beloved by season 4 that fans were ready to storm Netflix in the event he died during the season finale.
Thankfully, Steve and his wonderful hair survived, and he is ready to protect friends and the city of Hawkins, Indiana, from whatever threats they may encounter from Vecna.
Jamie Tartt – Ted Lasso
In a series known for its lovable, wholesome characters, Jamie Tartt stuck out like a sore thumb.
The talented footballer for AFC Richmond was overly smug, a little too confident, and rubbed everyone the wrong way, viewers and teammates alike.
However, Tartt enjoyed a little bit of humble pie over the series’ run, helping him come back down to Earth and become one of the more endearing characters that I found myself rooting for.
Hank Schrader – Breaking Bad
It’s easy to hate on Hank Schrader when you can’t help but want to root for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
Here’s the thing, though: Schrader’s an excellent cop, which, like Jamie Tartt, rubs people the wrong way, especially when you’re rooting for the criminals.
Over time, though, it becomes clear that Walter White is no hero; he’s the villain, and Hank Schrader’s one of the few beacons of morality in the series.
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Howard Hamlin – Better Call Saul
A lot of the issues with Hank Schraeder propped back up again with Better Call Saul‘s Howard Hamlin.
You’re too busy rooting for Jimmy McGill that you can’t help but hate people standing in his way. That includes Hamlin, who is a little too loyal to Jimmy’s brother Chuck.
By the end, though, it becomes clear that Howard Hamlin was one of the more genuine characters on the show, and maybe Jimmy and Kim were a little too hard on him.
Jaime Lannister – Game of Thrones
One of the biggest sins of the final season of Game of Thrones, and trust me when I say there were many of them, was how they spoiled the character of Jaime Lannister.
Was Jamie a little spoiled at the show’s start? Absolutely; he’s a Lannister, and they’re all a bunch of spoiled rich kids. His transformation, though, along with his humanization, especially the revelation of his motivation for killing the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen, as well as his love and devotion to his brother Tyrion, shows that at the end of the day, Jaime’s one of the good ones.
Pete Campbell – Mad Men
Pete’s journey from being one of the most unlikable characters in television history to a fan favorite, and ultimately to someone who was brutally honest with himself and his faults.
That’s not exactly a common occurrence in the Mad Men universe, so seeing Pete Campbell undergo some actual growth was a very welcome development.
Sawyer – Lost
Sawyer’s character arc over the first five seasons of Lost is a textbook example of how someone can evolve from being the most unlikable character on the television screen to one of our favorites.
His growth only happens for one reason: his empathy and compassion. He’s no longer the selfish, smug conman only out for himself. He truly becomes a selfless hero.
Richie – The Bear
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an insufferable, annoying character I’ve wanted to punch in the face more than the debut of Richie Jerimovich in The Bear.
At a time when I can’t help but feel sorry for Cammy, Richie is just pouring salt into the wound.
Seeing his face turn take place over the show’s run is incredibly satisfying.
Roland Pryzbylewski – The Wire
What an incredible turnaround for Pryzbylewski.
At the start of The Wire, he’s the literal definition of an incompetent cop. By the show’s end, though, he gets his act together and becomes a teacher, of all things, as well as one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Given the star power of The Wire, that’s saying something.
Schmidt – New Girl
Yes, it’s possible for a sitcom character to undergo a transformation from hated to loved.
It was always fun to laugh at Schmidt’s immaturity, but let’s be honest here: he’s the guy you hated most because he annoyed you the most.
By the time he settles down with Cece, he’s won you over, showing that even the biggest man-child not named Nick Miller can grow up.
Barney Stinson – How I Met Your Mother
In a similar manner, Barney Stinson underwent the same transformation.
Was he the antagonist of the show? Absolutely not; I’m not sure any of the main cast members can be described as an antagonist, outside of Ted, ironically.
But like Schmidt, he grows up from an immature jerk to a true best friend. A bro, if you will.
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