The purpose of sitcoms is to entertain the viewer. While many scripted comedies certainly do that, there are some programs that often have characters that go above and beyond. Within the last 50 years, there have been around 27,000 scripts written for sitcoms, according to Washington State University. That means 27,000 opportunities for viewers to be entertained, to laugh, and to get to know fictional characters that we welcome into our homes almost weekly (although thanks to binge-watching, we can be amused daily).
Sitcoms with characters that delight us, those who make us laugh and want to keep coming back for more, are generally the best ones. Much as in life, each sitcom may have that certain characters that aren’t quite as charming as others, but there is always at least one beloved character that leaves us feeling like we know them, or that we could be friends if they really existed. It doesn’t matter when the sitcom aired, whether it was decades ago or more recently, these specific characters stand the test of time.
A lovable sitcom character will have complexity, depth, and a personality many people can relate to. The adored characters on this list are likable for many reasons. Sometimes, they are so hilarious that no matter what comes out of their mouth, you can’t help but laugh. Other times, the actor or actress who portrays the character already has our hearts.
To compile a list of the most adored sitcom characters in history, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous entertainment sites, including IMDb. While everyone’s tastes are subjective, the most adored sitcom characters listed here are said again and again to be favorites among the majority. (If you love sitcoms, read our list of annoying sitcom neighbors that would make you want to move.)
Lucy Ricardo
- TV Sitcom: “I Love Lucy”
- Aired: 1951 to 1957
- Played By: Lucille Ball
Not only was Lucy Ricardo one of the most adored sitcom characters in the history of television, but her portrayer, Lucille Ball, was just as adored. She was a comedic genius and had a knack for adding hilarious facial expressions to accompany her comedy. Her character was also the opposite representation of a housewife that many were so used to during this time. Her character is not content to simply stay home and wait on her husband; she wanted so much more out of life.
Barney Stinson
- TV Show: “How I Met Your Mother”
- Aired: 2005 to 2014
- Played By: Neil Patrick Harris
Barney Stinson is portrayed as a womanizer who makes bad decisions and devises terrible schemes. However, despite this, many people fall in love with his character. He has a soft spot for his friends, is fun to be around, and has legendary catchphrases.
Winston Schmidt
- TV Show: “New Girl”
- Aired: 2011 to 2018
- Played By: Max Greenfield
The character of Schmidt at first appears to be self-centered but the more time the audience spends with him, the clearer his heart becomes. He has refined tastes, humorous banter, and a very caring heart and repeatedly comes through for his friends, which endears him to the audience.
Sophia Petrillo
- TV Show: “The Golden Girls”
- Aired: 1985 to 1992
- Played By: Estelle Getty
Sophia Petrillo is Dorothy Zbornak’s mother, and is known to dole out advice in a very straightforward manner. Not one to mince words, she can sometimes be cheeky, but her banter is quirky and magnetic. However sassy she may be, Sophia still loves her daughter and her daughter’s friends, which becomes evident throughout the series.
Frasier Crane
- TV Show: “Cheers” and “Frasier”
- Aired: 1982 to 1993 and 1993 to 2004
- Played By: Kelsey Grammer
The character of Frasier Crane made his debut in “Cheers” as part of an ensemble cast and later starred in the spinoff, “Frasier.” He is a psychiatrist who often advises patients throughout his time on the show. Although Frasier can come off as snobby, he is also caring and witty and the characters repeatedly try to better themselves, understand one another, and more.
Chandler Bing
- TV Show: “Friends”
- Aired: 1994 to 2004
- Played By: Matthew Perry
Chandler Bing was brought to life by Matthew Perry and became a popular character that many people love because he is relatable. His annoyance with his friends often comes across the screen, and his use of iconic jokes, coupled with timely pauses, and sarcasm resonated with viewers. No matter how annoying his friends may be, he has a soft spot for them all.
Sam Malone
- TV Show: “Cheers”
- Aired: 1982 to 1993
- Played By: Ted Danson
Sam Malone was a former baseball player (believed to be based on real Boston Red Sox player Sam McDowell) who owns the Boston bar Cheers. He is down to earth, competitive, and loves flirting with the ladies and although he can be promiscuous and selfish, he is loyal to his friends and always willing to lend a listening ear.
Michael Scott
- TV Show: “The Office”
- Aired: 2005 to 2013
- Played By: Steve Carell
Michael Scott is a complex character who sometimes has trouble understanding his employees and other people’s emotions. However, many people love Michael for his great moments as well as his terrible moments. Although he gives the audience what they love in a comedy, awkward and hilarious comments, he can also be relatable and has a soft side.
Nick Miller
- TV Show: “New Girl”
- Aired: 2011 to 2018
- Played By: Jake Johnson
Nike Miller is like many of us – he doesn’t know where he wants to go in life, can be rather grumpy, and is easily annoyed with his roommates. Yet, through Nick’s character growth, we see him succeed in both his personal and professional life. Throughout the series, the audience sees his tenderness, humor, and compassion for his friends.
Charlie Kelly
- TV Show: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
- Aired: 2005 to present
- Played By: Charlie Day
Charlie Kelly is a unconventionally smart character who is very musically gifted and maintains a moral ground. He grew up with a difficult childhood but adjusted decently into adulthood and has a soft heart for people.
Fran Fine
- TV Show: “The Nanny”
- Aired: 1993 to 1999
- Played By: Fran Drescher
The character of Fran Fine can go either ways in how she is received. People either love her or hate her. Audiences are split on how they feel about her but those who do love her delight in never-ending confidence. She has a personality that can feel a bit much, yet she is outgoing, charming, and funny, and always content with who she is. She may participate in many antics but she truly cares for the family in her charge.
Karen Walker
- TV Show: “Will & Grace”
- Aired: 1998 to 2006, 2017 to 2020
- Played By: Megan Mullally
Karen Walker may just be one of the best sitcom characters of all time. A socialite who doesn’t like to work, she often comes across as spoiled and it seems like she should be unlikeable, but she ranks high on the list of favorites. At times very wise and always very honest, she is unapologetic about who she is.
Capt. Raymond Holt
- TV Show: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
- Aired: 2013 to 2021
- Played By: Andre Brougher
Capt. Raymond Holt is stoic and sarcastic yet humorous and intelligent. He gives sound advice to those around him and often uses situations as teaching moments and is a memorable character who fans love to root for because of his persistence and hard work.
Andy Dwyer
- TV Show: “Parks and Recreation”
- Aired: 2009 to 2015
- Played By: Chris Pratt
Often described as a man-child, Andy Dwyer is constantly goofy and annoys his friends and co-workers but despite his childlike ways, he is kindhearted and loves to be there for those he cares about. Another reason people love him is that he shows some character growth and grows up just a bit by the end of the series.
April Ludgate
- TV Show: “Parks and Recreation”
- Years on Air: 2009 to 2015
- Played By: Aubrey Plaza
Just like the actor that portrays her, April Ludgate is a dry character who keeps her emotions under the surface. Although she can be lazy, she also has spouts of passion and even though she seems unmotivated and uncaring, she actually has a tender heart. Like Andy Dwyer, her character grows throughout the series, which is something most people love to see.
Ava Coleman
- TV Show: “Abbott Elementary”
- Aired: 2021 to present
- Played By: Janelle James
School principal Ava Coleman can come across as tone-deaf and insensitive, but her character quickly grows. She loves herself, exudes confidence, and remains genuine to herself and although she may be abrupt and inconsiderate, she is still incredibly hilarious. It’s this type of comedic ability that, more often than not, endears an audience to a character.
Jake Peralta
- TV Show: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
- Aired: 2013 to 2021
- Played By: Andy Samberg
Andy Samberg plays the always-loveable and very imperfect Jake Peralta, who is funny, a good friend, and intelligent. He may not always take things seriously, but he is great for a laugh and possesses the self-awareness that many characters lack. This means that when the time calls for it, Jake can be serious.
Tobias Funke
- TV Show: “Arrested Development”
- Aired: 2003 to 2006, 2013 to 2019
- Played By: David Cross
Described as a “nonsensical” character, Tobias Funke may not be for everyone but he brings a specific type of humor to the show that is hard to duplicate. Tobias is an optimistic and cheerful character, and this optimism is at times hard to rationalize. His ability to be ignorant at times of the reality of life is what draws many people to love him.
Alexis Rose
- TV Show: “Schitt’s Creek”
- Aired: 2015 to 2020
- Played By: Annie Murphy
One of the reasons people love certain sitcom characters is for their growth and it appears that there is no other character that has grown as much as Alexis Rose. When we first meet her, she is spoiled, annoying, and self-absorbed, with very witty one-liners that often remain in your head, but throughout the run of “Schitt’s Creek,” Alexis makes immense progress in growing as a person.
Monica Geller
- TV Show: “Friends”
- Aired: 1994 to 2004
- Played By: Courteney Cox
Monica Geller is a bossy perfectionist who is obsessive-compulsive and incredibly competitive. She likes things a certain way – nice and tidy – and although her friends rightfully point out that she is high maintenance, it doesn’t keep her from having a caring heart towards those she loves.
James Evans
- TV Show: “Good Times”
- Aired: 1974 to 1979
- Played By: John Amos
James Evans was a hardworking father and husband who wanted to provide for his family in the 1970s show “Good Times.” He also desires to teach consideration and responsibility to his children and succeeds.
Arnold Jackson
- TV Show: “Diff’rent Strokes”
- Aired: 1978 to 1986
- Played By: Gary Coleman
Arnold Jackson captured the hearts of many with his witty catchphrase, “Whatchu talking ’bout, Willis?”. He was comedic and adorable yet had the ability to express important ideas and subjects. Additionally, the show tackled topics that many would shy away from, even today, like racism and the white savior complex.
Mr. Feeny
- TV Show: “Boy Meets World”
- Aired: 1993 to 2000
- Played By: William Daniels
Mr. Feeny was the ever-present voice of reason in the show “Boy Meets World,” consistently offering advice and a listening ear and pushes everyone toward their true potential. As he follows the Cory, Shawn, and Topanga through middle school and eventually college, we see the incredible relationships he forms with each one. He was a beautiful representation of how a caring teacher can genuinely impact their students.
Florida Evans
- TV Show: “Good Times”
- Aired: 1974 to 1979
- Played By: Esther Rolle
Florida Evans is James Evans’s relatable wife who loves her family and quickly became a fan favorite. She is intricate but resilient and amiable, which is why the audience falls in love with her character.
Ron Swanson
- TV Show: “Parks and Recreation”
- Aired: 2009 to 2015
- Played By: Nick Offerman
Ron Swanson has a deadpan personality, which is why many people find his character hilarious. When he delivers his jokes he is serious, showing almost no emotion.
Sheldon Cooper
- TV Show: “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon”
- Aired: 2007 to 2019; 2017 to 2024
- Played By: Jim Parsons (Adult Sheldon) and Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon)
Equally one of the most loved and the most annoying is the character of Sheldon Cooper. One reason people may find him annoying is their inability to understand his personality. Sheldon often comes across as insensitive and mean towards everyone around him but he can also be loving and caring. While the producers have publicly stated that they did not write Sheldon with the official autism diagnosis, he does exhibit many stereotypical autistic traits, which sheds light on those who are not neurotypical, regardless of their diagnosis.
Jessica Day
- TV Show: “New Girl”
- Aired: 2011 to 2018
- Played By: Zooey Deschanel
Another polarizing character is Jessica Day from “New Girl.” Her quirky style, ability to stand up for herself, and compassion for her friends endear many people towards her. As she navigates relationships, friendships, career changes, and more, people love to root for Jess. Whether it’s because of her loud printed dresses or her loving heart, her caring personality comes out repeatedly.
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