They are the characters viewers love to hate — villains, antagonists, and even some overly exuberant personalities. Television has provided us with a wide array of memorable characters throughout its history, and while some are unforgettable for their likability or comedic moments, others have made an impression through sheer loathing. Let’s take a look back at some of the most famously despised characters that have ever graced the small screen with their detestable presence.
Joffrey Baratheon
Game of Thrones brought us one of the biggest despots ever seen on television. Joffrey Baratheon, played by Jack Gleeson, was the teenage King of Westeros for the first four seasons of the show and is easily the least popular character of the show. Joffrey’s sadistic behavior reflected the true evil of his inherited throne, from having innocent individuals beheaded publicly to involving himself in the torture of those he perceived as a threat. It’s no wonder then that Joffrey quickly became the public’s most hated character.
J.R. Ewing
The most reviled character in Dallas’ history, J.R. Ewing was played by Larry Hagman and quickly became an iconic culprit. J.R. had no problem whatsoever with financing his own selfish agenda with his family’s money or reputation, and he wasn’t above retaliating or manipulating those in his own family if it meant getting what he wanted. He also had no qualms in pinning his schemes on other people, even if it meant putting innocent bystander’s lives in danger. For these reasons, J.R. was a despised character across the world.
Cersei Lannister
Another Game of Thrones villain, Cersei Lannister was played brilliantly by Lena Headey. She was a character whose single-minded focus was on staying ahead of the game and it led her to commit some particularly detestable acts. Greedy, manipulative, and cruel to her adversaries, Cersei had no problem stirring up conflict and using anyone as a pawn to ensure her victory. Her ability to insight a powerful and extreme loathing among the show’s audience led to her being one of the most hated characters to ever appear on the small screen.
Typical Antagonistic Traits of TV Characters
Viewers have a way of spotting characters with bad intentions from a mile away, and they typically fall into certain archetypal traits. The most annoying of these characters are typically highly egotistical, selfish, lacking any sense of guilt and often in possession of a distorted sense of right and wrong. They may be power-hungry and express a disregard for human life and feelings in order to get what they want.
Top 5 Most Despised TV Characters of All Time
Now let’s take a look at the cream of the crop when it comes to the characters that turn our stomachs and make us cheer when they finally get theirs in the end. Without further ado, here are the top five most despised TV characters of all time:
- Joffery Baratheon – Game of Thrones
- J.R. Ewing – Dallas
- Cersei Lannister – Game of Thrones
- Alan Harper – Two and a Half Men
- Penny Hofstadter – Big Bang Theory
Joffrey Baratheon
We start our list with the most oddly hated TV character of all time – Joffrey Baratheon, King of the Seven Kingdoms. Played by Jack Gleeson, Joffrey was a monster who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He was cruel, manipulative, and sadistic, and his lack of remorse for the atrocities he committed led him to be the most disliked character in the entire television history. He was so despised, in fact, that the phrase “I hate Joffrey Baratheon” has become an internet meme.
J.R. Ewing
No list of detested TV characters would be complete without the indomitable J.R. Ewing. Played by Larry Hagman, J.R. quickly worked his way into the hearts of viewers with his characteristic swagger and devil-may-care attitude. He was selfish, unapologetic, and masterful when it came to manipulating people, and his unyielding ambition and tendency toward evil made him widely loathed by those who witnessed his disdain for the feelings of others.
Cersei Lannister
Much like Joffrey Baratheon, Cersei Lannister was a member of the prominent family of Lannister on Game of Thrones. Played by Lena Headey, Cersei was an ambitious, dangerous, and immoral character with a tireless resolve and desire to get ahead at any cost. Her willingness to step outside of the moral boundaries of Westeros and her lack of regard for innocent lives make her one of the most universally hated characters seen in the history of TV.
Alan Harper
Arguably one of the most annoying characters to ever grace television, Charlie Sheen’s Alan Harper from Two and a Half Men was intense to say the least. Alan was quite possibly the poster child for selfishness, and his tendency to whine, not listen, and generally act like an entitled party pooper made him one of the most despised characters in sitcom history. His antics quickly drove viewers away, and it was a relief for all when his character finally disappeared in the series finale.
Penny Hofstadter
Big Bang Theory fans may be reeling over this final entry, but it’s no secret that Kaley Cuoco’s character of Penny Hofstadter was often seen as an annoyance in the show’s universe. Though Penny was typically well-meaning, she often did more harm than good in her interactions and decisions with her group of nerdy friends. Her response to learning new and difficult concepts was often exasperation, which is something viewer couldn’t quite sympathize with or understand.
No matter what decade or genre of television a show falls under, there is sure to be a loathed character who graces the screen with his or her presence. From the sadistic Joffrey Baratheon to the endlessly irritating Penny Hofstadter, the range of detestable characters on television ensures that no matter who you can’t stand, there is someone out there who is just as hated as you think. What makes a character so hated? It truly depends, but one thing is for sure: really hated characters make an impression, and viewers will always remember them, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons.
