More Loved Than Lead Stars
Some TV characters were never meant to be the main event, yet they somehow stole the spotlight. Thanks to their one-liners and unforgettable personality, these sidekicks outshined all others.
Steve Urkel (Family Matters)
No one expected a suspenders-clad nerd to take over a family sitcom, but that’s exactly what happened when Jaleel White’s Steve Urkel walked onto the Winslows’ doorstep. His nasal-voiced catchphrases and oddball charm turned Family Matters into The Steve Urkel Show in everything but name.
Family Matters | Do the Urkel | Warner Bros. Entertainment by Warner Bros. Entertainment
Fonzie (Happy Days)
Richie Cunningham may have been the lead, but Arthur Fonzarelli was the reason people tuned in. Played by Henry Winkler, the Fonz had an effortless coolness and a simple yet iconic “Ayyy” that made him a pop culture legend. Eventually, he became the true heart of Happy Days.
MeTV Presents The Best of the Fonz by MeTV
Kramer (Seinfeld)
A character who could make an entrance without saying a word is bound to leave an impression. Cosmo Kramer, played by Michael Richards, turned sliding through Jerry’s apartment door into an art form. His bizarre business ideas and unpredictable behavior made him Seinfeld’s wildcard.
Kramer is a wealthy industrialist | Seinfeld by Sony Pictures Entertainment India
Fez (That ‘70s Show)
In a basement full of burnouts, Fez stood out. Wilmer Valderrama’s foreign exchange student was a mystery wrapped in an unknown accent. His bizarre infatuations and delightfully awkward misunderstandings made him an instant fan favorite. While Eric and Hyde played it cool, Fez was unafraid to be unapologetically weird.
That 70s Show - Fez and Nina by RaccoonWarriorPrincess
Kimmy Gibbler (Full House)
Every sitcom needs an obnoxious neighbor, and Kimmy Gibbler mastered the art of irritation. Andrea Barber’s portrayal of DJ Tanner’s eccentric best friend was loud and nosy. Her offbeat fashion choices and complete disregard for social cues made her a scene-stealer.
Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)
What is How I Met Your Mother without Barney? Yes, the show was all about Ted Mosby’s love life, but Barney Stinson was the reason many fans stuck around. Played with unmatched charisma by Neil Patrick Harris, he elevated the show with his encyclopedic knowledge of pickup artistry.
10 minutes of barney stinson by amilyy
Penny (The Big Bang Theory)
Penny may have started out as the bubbly girl next door, but let’s be real—she stole the show. Her street smarts clashed hilariously with the guys' science talk, and somehow, she ended up being the most relatable character in a sea of PhDs.
Chuck Lorre Productions, The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)
Schneider (One Day At A Time)
Handymen aren’t usually the most memorable part of a sitcom, but Dwayne Schneider was no ordinary repairman. With his ever-present tool belt and inflated self-confidence, he was One Day at a Time’s resident scene-stealer. Pat Harrington Jr gave him a charm that made him feel like family.
The Best of Schneider | One Day at a Time by FETV
Darla (The Little Rascals)
The boys might have thought girls were nothing but trouble, but Darla Hood proved otherwise. As the heart of The Little Rascals, she had more charisma than all the mischievous boys. Her charm and smooth ability to steal the spotlight made her a standout in a cast full of scene-stealers.
Darla Sings Our Gang by A. Kamminga the Third
Sophia Petrillo (The Golden Girls)
Small and sassy, Sophia Petrillo launched punchlines like missiles. With her iconic wicker purse and Sicilian flashbacks that always started with “Picture it,” she brought a whole new level of comedy to The Golden Girls. Every scene she entered instantly leveled up because of her no-nonsense attitude and brutal honesty.
Touchstone, The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
Niles Crane (Frasier)
Being the younger brother of a pompous radio psychiatrist should have kept Niles in the background. However, David Hyde Pierce refused to let that happen. His unshakable snobbery and lifelong infatuation with Daphne made him Fraiser’s secret weapon.
Frasier | Niles Gets Into a Fight by Peacock
Carla Tortelli (Cheers)
The Cheers bar had plenty of personalities, but Carla was in a league of her own. With a sharp tongue and an even sharper attitude, she dished out insults with machine-gun precision. Rhea Perlman made her the ultimate no-nonsense bartender.
Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe in Cheers (24 Sep. 1987) - Home Is The Sailor - S06 E01 by Film Major
Bubbles (Trailer Park Boys)
Thick glasses and a soft heart made Bubbles the least threatening member of the Trailer Park Boys, but he was also the most beloved. Mike Smith balanced the character’s absurdity with sincerity by delivering hilarious one-liners while maintaining a fierce loyalty to his friends.
The best of bubbles (Trailer park boys) by Stooby doo
Stiles Stilinski (Teen Wolf)
Teen werewolves are cool, but sarcastic best friends are cooler. Dylan O’Brien’s Stiles was the heart of Teen Wolf, as he balanced supernatural chaos with well-timed humor. His quick wit and emotional depth gave the show layers beyond its horror-fantasy roots.
Stiles Stilinski - Teen Wolf - The Best Of Season 3 by tininha92
Brittany S Pierce (Glee)
What started as a background cheerleader turned into one of Glee’s funniest and most quotable characters. Heather Morris played Brittany with a perfect mix of airheaded innocence and deadpan delivery. She wasn’t the smartest in the room, but she was undeniably the most entertaining.
Every Brittany S Pierce Line in GLEE Season 4 by Meghan
Mr Feeny (Boy Meets World)
Most TV teachers dispense wisdom and disappear, but Mr Feeny wasn’t going anywhere. Played by William Daniels, he followed Cory Matthews from middle school to college, dishing out life lessons at every turn. His mix of tough love and dry wit made him the show’s moral compass.
Mr. Feeny Shame On You - Boy Meets World S4E19 by Mr. Feeny's Fence
Roz Doyle (Frasier)
Keeping up with Frasier Crane’s ego is no easy task, but Roz Doyle made it look effortless. Always quick with a sharp remark, she grounded the show’s highbrow antics with her no-nonsense attitude. Peri Gilpin gave Roz a wit that often outshone Frasier’s endless monologues about wine and opera.
roz doyle being my favorite frasier character for 9 minutes by mvgxntm
Eddie Munster (The Munsters)
In a household full of eccentric monsters, you wouldn’t expect the kid to be the scene-stealer. Yet Eddie Munster, played by Butch Patrick, became the show’s unexpected heart. With his widow’s peak and schoolboy charm, he was the most relatable Munster—just trying to fit in.
Can Eddie Let Herman Shave? | The Munsters by The Munsters
Jesse Katsopolis (Full House)
Uncle Jesse was the one everyone wanted to hang out with. John Stamos gave Jesse an inherent swagger factor by balancing rockstar dreams with a surprising love for hair products and lullabies. Whether playing in his band or raising three girls, he made Full House a lot cooler.
Full House - Stephanie plays beauty parlor and cuts Uncle Jesse's hair by Mr. Bear
Ed Norton (The Honeymooners)
Many believe that Ed Norton had better comedic timing than Ralph Kramden in The Honeymooners. Art Carney played him with a perfect mix of bumbling charm and oblivious confidence. Without Norton, the show wouldn’t have been nearly as funny.
The Honeymooners - Suwanee River by 525wireman
Jo Polniaczek (The Facts Of Life)
Introducing a tough, motorcycle-riding girl into a prim and proper boarding school was bound to shake things up. Jo Polniaczek, played by Nancy McKeon, brought an edge to The Facts of Life, which made her far more compelling than the show’s original leads.
Dr Perry Cox (Scrubs)
Can an insult be funny? Few TV characters managed to do it like Dr Cox. John C McGinley delivered his rapid-fire rants with surgical precision, often at the expense of poor JD. His gruff exterior masked a complicated personality, which made him unforgettable.
Top 10 Savage Dr. Cox Rants on Scrubs by MsMojo
Larry Dallas (Three’s Company)
Jack Tripper’s womanizing best friend, played by Richard Kline, was a walking disaster in polyester in Three’s Company. His ridiculous schemes and shameless confidence made him a constant source of comedy. In a show built on misunderstandings, Larry was often the cause—and the highlight.
Bud Light Larry Three's Company Commercial 1986 by Blasted Billy
Arthur Spooner (The King Of Queens)
With his cranky, conspiracy-fueled rants, Jerry Stiller kept The King of Queens from ever feeling stale. He stole every scene when picking absurd fights and making bizarre demands. To many, Arthur was the biggest attraction, although Doug and Carrie told the main story.
Best of Arthur Spooner (Compilation) | The King of Queens | TV Land by TV Land
Shego (Kim Possible)
Villains rarely take a backseat to their own sidekicks, but Shego flipped the script. As Dr Drakken’s snarky and cool enforcer, she was sharper and far more competent than her boss. Nicole Sullivan’s dry delivery turned Shego into a fan favorite.
