5 Amazing TV Characters Who Single-Handedly Carried Their Series

Sometimes, there’s just one character who makes a show better or who kind of takes over the series, like these five characters.

Adaptations Book Culture Opinions Pop Culture
Leroy Jethro Gibbs sitting at a diner while staring ahead

Sometimes the only redeemable parts of a show are the characters or one character in particular. Other times, the show is great, but the characters are still the most interesting part. Some of them just really stand out and make the show so much better, like these five characters.

Hawkeye Pierce, M*A*S*H TV Show

Hawkeye Pierce talking to someone off screen. He is wearing a grey coat with a stethoscope around his neck.
IMAGE VIA 20TH CENTURY FOX

As one of the only characters who was present from the first episode to the last, Hawkeye certainly had a huge influence on the show. He was an excellent surgeon and put in all his effort to care for patients. Although outside that, he would pull pranks, crack jokes, and was always at the center of whatever was happening. He was charismatic and all the others were drawn to him whether they liked it or not.

Mr. Moseby, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and The Suite Life on Deck

Mr. Moseby smiling and standing near a green carpeted staircase. He is wearing a brown tux.
IMAGE VIA IT’S A LAUGH PRODUCTIONS

Oh, Mr. Moseby…He had to put up with shenanigans from Zack, Cody, London, Mr. Tipton, and various customers. His rants and fussing at the others were hilarious and often were the best parts of the shows. He was also supportive of the younger characters, giving advice when needed and words of comfort. The show may be about Zack and Cody, but it wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining without Mr. Moseby.

Santana Lopez, Glee

Santana in her cheer uniform staring wide-eyed at something off camera in slight shock.
IMAGE VIA BRAD FALCHUK TELEY-VISION, RYAN MURPHY PRODUCTIONS, AND 20TH CENTURY FOX

A Glee without Santana would be bleak. Sure she was toxic, manipulative, and not the best person. But everybody hated Rachel, and she hated Rachel, so it worked. Plus, she was smart, hilarious, very talented, and added more to the show than almost anyone else. She won’t win awards for being a good person, but she was definitely one of the best parts of Glee.

Michelle Tanner, Full House

Michelle Tanner giving a thumbs-up. She is wearing a bright red top with denim overalls.
IMAGE VIA LORIMAR TELEVISION

It certainly started off covering the whole family, but at some point, it became all about Michelle. The finale, for example, was all about her amnesia, and her recovery completely overshadowed DJ going to prom. The writers could have waited to let DJ have her moment, not that miraculously recovering from amnesia isn’t something to celebrate. Love her or hate her, she was at the center of everything.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, NCIS

Gibbs sitting at a diner while staring ahead. He is covering his mouth and looking pensively at the camera, wearing a blue flannel.
IMAGE VIA CBS

While there were other prominent characters, Gibbs was always at the center. Part of that is because he was there for so long, but also, he’s the leader of his small team. Plus, he was a fan favorite with his skill, attitude, tragic backstory, and how he interacted with others, particularly regarding the famous Gibbs smack.

We all have that one character who saved a series for us, so be sure to tell us yours on Instagram, Facebook, or X!


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FEATURED IMAGE VIA CBS