What’s one thing most sitcoms have in common? A quirky and annoying character that makes you cringe every time they show up on set. More often than not, the most annoying character on the show also lives right next door or across the street from the main character. Even though these quirky and annoying sitcom neighbors are part of what makes sitcoms so comical, you’re probably glad you don’t live next to these characters. (Click to read about the most iconic duos in television.)
To compile a list of the most iconic sitcom neighbors, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous entertainment sources. These include IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Here are 10 annoying sitcom neighbors that would make you want to move.
Mr. Feeny (Boy Meets World)
It’s hard to imagine anything more uncomfortable for a young kid than living next door to their teacher. Even though Mr. Feeny does get Cory from “Boy Meets World” in trouble with his parents from time to time, their relationship develops throughout the show as well. By the end of the show, he ends up being more of a mentor to several of the characters, including Cory.
Ned Flanders (The Simpsons)
Even though Ned Flanders is a pillar of the community in Springfield, his hyper-friendly demeanor and “perfect” family make him the target of Homer Simpson’s hatred. While most people who are familiar with the show and characters would tell you Homer only hates Flanders because he’s jealous of him, Flanders quickly becomes a caricature of himself as the show goes on, making him an annoying character to many viewers as well.
Cody Lambert (Step by Step)
While technically not a neighbor since he lived in a van in the driveway, Cody Lambert from “Step by Step” was still annoying enough to make the list. His Valley teen accent was enough to drive the Lambert family crazy, but he was known to surprise the other characters with some wisdom now and then as well. Although Cody does start to get along with Karen and Mark, it takes Dana a while to get used to him being around.
Mr. Heckles (Friends)
You might consider Mr. Heckles from “Friends” more bizarre than annoying, he was an annoyance to Monica and Rachel, especially when he was banging on his ceiling with a broom to get them to quiet down. Unfortunately, Mr. Heckles dies in Season 2, but you might have forgiven any dislike toward Mr. Heckles when you found out he’s the real reason why Joey and Chandler became friends.
Frank and Marie Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)
In real life, living next to your in-laws could either be a blessing or a nightmare. When the neighbors in a sitcom are the main character’s in-laws, you can usually guess which one it’s going to be. While Frank is more of a downer than anything else, Marie is the source of most of the conflict on the show. Her desire to be over-involved and highly critical of everything Debra does is enough to make anyone want to move.
Gladys Kravitz (Bewitched)
Another required qualification for being one of the most annoying neighbors is being the gossip of the neighborhood. And when it comes to neighborhood gossip, Gladys from “Bewitched” definitely fits the bill! While Gladys has an idea that something strange is going on with Samantha, she can’t seem to rest until she digs her nose into it and proves that she’s right. Witch or not, nosy neighbors are the most annoying kind!
Fred and Ethel (I Love Lucy)
Fred and Ethel Mertz are the perfect examples of the most annoying neighbors being some of the best. While Fred doesn’t play as strong of a role on the show, Lucy’s antics combined with Ethel’s are part of what makes the show so entertaining. Some of the most hilarious moments in “I Love Lucy” include a situation when Lucy and Ethel are up to no good. Fred and Ethel are two of the most famous TV neighbors. However, even though they’re friends with Lucy and Ricky, Ethel and Fred do have that typical nosy neighbor quality to them. They might not be the kind of neighbors you would want for yourself.
Lenny and Squiggy (Laverne & Shirley)
Aside from being the neighborhood gossip, the worst kind of neighbor also barges over without warning. If an overly intrusive neighbor is one of your pet peeves, Lenny and Squiggy would make you want to move. Despite their annoying neighborly habits, they’re an important part of the humor in “Laverne & Shirley.” Their goofiness is endearing in many ways, even if their band, Lenny and the Squigtones is particularly horrible.
Steve Urkel (Family Matters)
Even if Steve Urkel is the most annoying sitcom neighbor, there’s no doubt his character is the most entertaining part of “Family Matters.” Urkel was originally meant to be a minor character on the show. However, with his signature catchphrases and nerdy outfits, he quickly captured the hearts of “Family Matters” viewers everywhere. There’s no doubt having him as a neighbor in real life would drive anyone crazy, Steve Urkel is proof that sometimes the most annoying sitcom neighbors can also be the best sitcom neighbors.
Newman (Seinfeld)
Some people would say Kramer was the most annoying neighbor to Jerry on “Seinfeld,” but Kramer ends up being a pretty well-loved character and a good friend to the other characters on the show. Unlike Kramer, Newman from “Seinfeld” is an annoying and yet less endearing character. Every time he shows up, it’s hardly ever for a positive reason and you can even hear this contempt in Jerry’s voice when he greets Newman. (If you love the show “Seinfeld,” read about how the show is the most-loved show set in New York.)