The best sitcoms have characters who make us laugh and want to come back again and again for more. While each sitcom has annoying and uninteresting characters, an excellent television show will have at least one or more beloved sitcom characters that people love to watch. Whether the sitcom is from the 1950s or is more recent, specific characters stand up against the test of time.
A lovable sitcom character will be able to make their audiences laugh. Additionally, the character will have complexity, depth, and a personality many people can relate to. The beloved sitcom 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.
While every list like this is subjective, the beloved sitcom characters on this list are said again and again to be favorites among the majority. To compile a list of the most beloved sitcom characters, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous entertainment sites, including IMDb. (If you love sitcoms, read our list of annoying sitcom neighbors that would make you want to move.)
Lucy Ricardo
- TV Show: “I Love Lucy”
- Years on Air: 1951 to 1957
- Played By: Lucille Ball
One of the most beloved sitcom characters to ever grace television screens is Lucy Ricardo. Lucille Ball acts with everything inside her as she portrays Lucy. She captured America’s heart for many reasons. For starters, she was a comedic genius and had a knack for adding hilarious facial expressions to accompany her comedy.
Another reason why everyone loved Lucy so much is because her character was 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”
- Years on Air: 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 and is fun to be around. Not to mention, his catchphrases are legendary, too.
Winston Schmidt
- TV Show: “New Girl”
- Years on Air: 2011 to 2018
- Played By: Max Greenfield
The first time we meet Schmidt, he seems self-centered. However, the more time the audience spends with him, the clearer his heart becomes.
Schimdt has refined tastes, humorous banter, and a very caring heart. He repeatedly comes through for his friends, which endears him to the audience.
Sophia Petrillo
- TV Show: “The Golden Girls”
- Years on Air: 1985 to 1992
- Played By: Estelle Getty
Sophia Petrillo is Dorothy Zbornak’s mother, and she never minces words. Although she can sometimes be cheeky, 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”
- Years on Air: 1982 to 1993 and 1993 to 2004
- Played By: Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer plays Frasier Crane in “Cheers” and its spinoff “Frasier.” He is a psychiatrist who often advises patients throughout his time on the show.
People are drawn to “Frasier” because it is a different type of sitcom. The characters repeatedly try to better themselves, understand one another, and more. Although Frasier can come off as snobby, he is also caring and witty.
Chandler Bing
- TV Show: “Friends”
- Years on Air: 1994 to 2004
- Played By: Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry brought Chandler Bing to life with iconic jokes, timely pauses, and sarcasm. He became a popular character that many people love because he is relatable. His annoyance with his friends often comes across the screen. However, he also has a soft spot for them all, no matter how annoying they may be.
Sam Malone
- TV Show: “Cheers”
- Years on Air: 1982 to 1993
- Played By: Ted Danson
Sam Malone owns the Boston bar Cheers. He is relatable to the audience for many reasons.
Sam is down to earth, competitive, and loves flirting with the ladies. He can be promiscuous and selfish, but he is loyal to his friends and always willing to lend a listening ear.
Michael Scott
- TV Show: “The Office”
- Years on Air: 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.
Michael gives the audience what they love in a comedy: awkward and hilarious comments. However, he can also be relatable and has a soft side.
Nick Miller
- TV Show: “New Girl”
- Years on Air: 2011 to 2018
- Played By: Jake Johnson
Nike Miller is one of the most relatable characters in “New Girl.” He doesn’t know where he wants to go in life, can be pretty grumpy, and is easily annoyed with his roommates. He is also very self-aware, with the desire to grow but the ability to see himself for who he truly is.
Yet, through Nick’s character growth, we see him succeed in his love life and career. Throughout the series, the audience sees his tenderness, humor, and compassion for his friends.
Charlie Kelly
- TV Show: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
- Years on Air: 2005 to present
- Played By: Charlie Day
Charlie Kelly is a smart (in the nontraditional sense) character who is very musically gifted and maintains a moral ground.
Charlie grew up with a difficult childhood. However, he adjusted decently into adulthood and has a soft heart for people.
Fran Fine
- TV Show: “The Nanny”
- Years on Air: 1993 to 1999
- Played By: Fran Drescher
Fran Fine is typically a character on the most loved or most annoying lists. Audiences are split on whether they love this character or can’t stand her.
Those who love her enjoy how she eludes confidence. She is content with who she is as a person. Fran has a personality that can feel a bit much, yet she is outgoing, charming, and funny. Although she may participate in many antics, she truly cares for the family in her charge.
Karen Walker
- TV Show: “Will & Grace”
- Years on Air: 1998 to 2006, 2017 to 2020
- Played By: Megan Mullally
Karen Walker comes across as spoiled. She is a socialite who doesn’t like to work. On the outside, she seems like she should be unlikeable. However, for some, she is one of their favorites.
Karen can be wise at times and very honest. She is unapologetic about who she is. However, she loves her friends. Additionally, her wit and humor make her fun to watch.
Capt. Raymond Holt
- TV Show: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
- Years on Air: 2013 to 2021
- Played By: Andre Brougher
Capt. Raymond Holt is a beloved character for numerous reasons. He is stoic and sarcastic yet humorous and intelligent.
Additionally, he gives sound advice to those around him and often uses situations as teaching moments. He is a memorable character who fans love to root for because of his persistence and hard work.
Andy Dwyer
- TV Show: “Parks and Recreation”
- Years on Air: 2009 to 2015
- Played By: Chris Pratt
Andy Dwyer has often been described as a “man-child.” So, why would anyone find him loveable? Although he is constantly goofy and annoys his friends and co-workers, he comes off as a softie.
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
April Ludgate is a dry character who keeps her emotions under the surface. She can be lazy but also has spouts of passion. April also has the ultimate RBF (resting b*tch face).
People love her because although 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”
- Years on Air: 2021 to present
- Played By: Janelle James
Ava Coleman is the school principal in the show “Abbott Elementary.” Although she can come across as tone-deaf and insensitive, her character quickly grows.
Ava loves herself, eludes confidence, and remains genuine to herself. Additionally, she is abrupt and inconsiderate, but 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”
- Years on Air: 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.
Although he doesn’t always take things seriously, Jake is great for a laugh. He also 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”
- Years on Air: 2003 to 2006, 2013 to 2019
- Played By: David Cross
Tobias Funke is described as a “nonsensical” character. While not everyone finds these types of characters satisfying to watch, they bring a specific type of humor to a show that is hard to duplicate.
Tobias is an optimistic and cheerful character. Sometimes, it’s hard to understand why he is so optimistic. 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”
- Years on Air: 2015 to 2020
- Played By: Annie Murphy
One of the reasons people love certain sitcom characters is for their growth. When we first meet Alexis Rose, she is spoiled, annoying, and self-absorbed.
Throughout the run of “Schitt’s Creek,” Alexis makes immense progress in growing as a person. She is also very witty, and her one-liners stick in your head long after the show ends.
Monica Geller
- TV Show: “Friends”
- Years on Air: 1994 to 2004
- Played By: Courteney Cox
Monica Geller is the mother hen of the “Friends” group. She loves nice and tidy things. 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.
She’s willing to stand up for her friends, constantly goes out of her way to be a hostess, and has a witty personality.
James Evans
- TV Show: “Good Times”
- Years on Air: 1974 to 1979
- Played By: John Amos
James Evans was a character in the 1970s show “Good Times.” He was a hardworking father and husband who wanted to provide for his family. James also desires to teach consideration and responsibility to his children and succeeds.
Arnold Jackson
- TV Show: “Diff’rent Strokes”
- Years on Air: 1978 to 1986
- Played By: Gary Coleman
Arnold Jackson captured the hearts of many with his witty catchphrase (remember “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, such as racism and the white savior complex.
Mr. Feeny
- TV Show: “Boy Meets World”
- Years on Air: 1993 to 2000
- Played By: William Daniels
Mr. Feeny was the ever-present voice of reason in the show “Boy Meets World.” As Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and their families grow throughout the series, Mr. Feeny consistently offers advice and a listening ear and pushes each one toward their true potential.
As Mr. Feeny follows the crew 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”
- Years on Air: 1974 to 1979
- Played By: Esther Rolle
Florida Evans is James Evans’s relatable wife. She 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”
- Years on Air: 2009 to 2015
- Played By: Nick Offerman
Ron Swanson has a deadpan personality, which is why many people find his character hilarious. He is serious when he delivers his jokes, with hardly any emotion. Furthermore, Nick Offerman plays Ron Swanson impeccably, with incredible comedic timing.
Sheldon Cooper
- TV Show: “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon”
- Years on Air: 2007 to 2019 and 2017 to 2024
- Played By: Jim Parsons (Adult Sheldon) and Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon)
Sheldon Cooper is a character that is also either on the most loved or most annoying list. One reason people may find him annoying is their inability to understand his personality. While the producers have publicly stated that they did not write Sheldon with the official autism diagnosis, he does exhibit many stereotypical autistic traits.
This alone sheds light on those who are not neurotypical, regardless of their diagnosis. Although Sheldon sometimes comes across as insensitive and mean towards his friends, he can also be loving and caring. Many people root for Sheldon because they want to see him make real connections and thrive in life.
Jessica Day
- TV Show: “New Girl”
- Years on Air: 2011 to 2018
- Played By: Zooey Deschanel
Another character often split between loved and disliked 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. (Do you love sitcoms? Take a look at the very best sitcoms of all time.)