10 Iconic TV Shows That Should Have Cast a Different Lead Character

Article Overview

Some main characters in TV shows can fall short, overshadowed by flaws or inadequacies that make them less suitable as the lead.

The success of a show often depends on the strength of its central character, however, there are instances where the supporting cast or even the villains outshine them.

Flawed protagonists can negatively impact the overall success and sense of camaraderie in a show, underscoring the significance of having a captivating main character.

In television shows, the main character often takes the spotlight. However, there are times when the protagonist falls short, leaving viewers wanting more from other characters instead. Whether it's because of poorly developed storylines, unpleasant personality traits, or questionable choices, some main characters end up being the weakest part of an otherwise promising show. These situations underscore how crucial the main character is in determining a show's overall success, and how a single misstep can change viewers' perspective. Despite this, there are instances where the supporting cast or even the villains surpass the main character in terms of impact. While the definition of a good character may vary, a compelling protagonist remains essential for a show to succeed. There are numerous shows where the flaws or shortcomings of the main character become a significant drawback, making viewers yearn for a different character to drive the story forward.

10. Rachel Berry From Glee

Played By Lea Michele

The TV show "Glee" first premiered on May 19, 2009. It features a talented cast including Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, and Amber Riley. The show encompasses genres such as comedy, drama, and musical, while being rated TV-14. It has a total of 6 seasons.

9. Dawson Leery From Dawson's Creek

Lea Michelle's Rachel Berry may have been positioned as Glee's main character, but her unwavering confidence, although impressive, overshadowed notable flaws. While Rachel led some outstanding performances, her obsession with being the standout singer and her pushy demeanor as a theater enthusiast who would trample others for stardom made her unsuitable for a show that thrived on camaraderie and sharing the spotlight. In contrast, Sue, who shared similar traits, was depicted as the show's villain. Although Rachel played an integral role in Glee's plot, her execution as the lead character was flawed, ultimately making her better suited as a supporting player.

Played By James Van Der Beek

Dawson's Creek is a drama series that was released on November 30, 1997. The cast includes James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Mary-Margaret Humes, John Wesley Shipp, Mary Beth Peil, Kerr Smith, and Busy Philipps. The show consists of 6 seasons.

Dawson Leery's major flaw as a main character in Dawson's Creek was his sense of entitlement towards women, which was evident throughout the entire series. Despite his nice guy image, he struggled to handle rejection and often engaged in arguments and accusations when his girlfriends decided to end their relationships. This possessiveness resulted in the show's biggest love triangles but ultimately cost Dawson the sympathy of the audience. As the series progressed, it became clear that Pacey was a more likable character. However, Dawson was still portrayed as the show's moral center, despite his toxic behaviors and lack of personal growth, making it challenging to continue watching Dawson's Creek.

8. Hannah Horvath From Girls

Played By Lena Dunham

Girls

Release Date April 17, 2012Cast Lena Dunham, Adam Driver, Allison WilliamsGenres ComedySeasons 6

Hannah lacked the qualities that typically make a protagonist easy to root for in Girls. Although she had redeeming qualities, her personal growth throughout the series was questionable, raising doubts about her suitability as the lead character. Throughout the show's six seasons, she frequently clashed with her close-knit group of friends, resulting in her becoming isolated from all but one of them. Hannah's interactions with others often revealed her inclination towards negativity, particularly when confronted with personal struggles. She found it difficult to accept criticism concerning her appearance, behavior, and life choices, often responding defensively because of her deep-seated insecurities.

7. Ted Mosby From How I Met Your Mother

Played By Josh Radnor

How I Met Your Mother

Release Date: September 19, 2005

Cast: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, Bob Saget

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Seasons: 9

Ted Mosby's portrayal as the central character in How I Met Your Mother fell short due to various personality traits that made him unappealing. His hopeless romanticism, characterized by unusual and impulsive actions such as stealing a French horn and prematurely declaring his love, diminished his likability. Additionally, Ted's constant need to correct his friends' remarks didn't make him endearing. Compared to the more complex characters in How I Met Your Mother, Ted's significance as the main character becomes questionable.

6. Piper Chapman From Orange Is The New Black

Played By Taylor Schilling

orange is the new black

Release Date: July 11, 2013

Cast: Taylor Schilling, Dascha Polanco, Natasha Lyonne, Samira Wiley, Kate Mulgrew, Danielle Brooks, Michael Harney, Uzo Aduba, Jason Biggs, Laura Prepon

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Crime

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 7

Despite the abundance of likable characters in Orange Is the New Black, Piper Chapman was positioned as the central figure. While the show boasted a diverse and well-developed cast, each character had the potential to tell their own captivating stories. However, Piper stood out awkwardly, initially serving as an introduction to prison life but ultimately becoming an unnecessary presence. Her constant whining and lackluster storylines paled in comparison to those of her fellow inmates, often feeling like mere filler until the more compelling characters took the spotlight.

5. Kimmy Schmidt From Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Played By Ellie Kemper

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Release Date: March 6, 2015

Cast: Ellie Kemper, Carol Kane, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski

Genres: Sitcom

Seasons: 4

Although Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is renowned for its witty humor and eccentric cast, it unfortunately suffered from a main character who occasionally hindered the overall quality of the show. Ellie Kemper's portrayal of Kimmy failed to capture the true essence of the character, resulting in her remarks coming off as annoying rather than endearing. While season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt elevated the show's unique humor to new heights, Kimmy's character development became one of the less captivating storylines. The show attempted to compensate for this by introducing more intriguing supporting characters, yet it remained a challenge to fully embrace Kimmy as the heroine.

4. Carrie Bradshaw From Sex And The City

Sex and the City

Release Date June 6, 1998Cast Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin DavisGenres Romance, Comedy, DramaRating TV-MASeasons 6

While viewers were intended to sympathize with the main character of Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw consistently fell short of being a likeable protagonist. Her involvement with a married ex-boyfriend and her subsequent actions after losing both him and her current partner were difficult to tolerate. The series sought to elicit sympathy for her, even when it was apparent that she was in the wrong. She frequently vented about her own life without considering the troubles of her friends. Despite Carrie's role as the protagonist, it was primarily her friends who made the show so captivating.

3. Jim McNulty From The Wire

Played By Dominic West

The Wire

Release Date June 2, 2002Cast Lance Reddick, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, Dominic West, Wood HarrisGenres DramaSeasons 5

2. Meredith Grey From Grey’s Anatomy

Detective Jimmy McNulty was not the right choice as the main character in The Wire, despite the gripping world of the Barksdale Organization it depicted. McNulty's dismissive attitude, fueled by his belief that he was smarter than everyone else, led him to defy authority and fabricate evidence, hindering the resolution of cases. His arrogant demeanor left no room for personal growth, and his frequent clashes with his ex-wife demonstrated his unreasonable behavior. While McNulty's characteristics might suit a wildcard character, he was portrayed as an imperfect "average Joe" whose constant errors made him an unfit choice for a leading role.

Played By Ellen Pompeo

Grey's Anatomy

The popularity of Meredith declined as Grey's Anatomy progressed, mainly because the show constantly suggested that she was the superior doctor at the hospital, even though there were others with significantly higher success rates in surgeries. The emphasis on Meredith's abilities seemed artificial, especially when she was honored with a Harper Avery Award, which contradicted the established fact that doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital were not eligible for such recognition. While she had intriguing storylines in the show, the writers' insistence on highlighting her excellence, rather than letting it naturally unfold, made her a less than ideal choice for the main character.

1. Sookie Stackhouse From True Blood

Played By Anna Paquin

true blood

Release Date: September 7, 2008

Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Sam Trammell, Alexander Skarsgard, Stephen Moyer, Rutina Wesley, Anna Paquin, Chris Bauer

Genres: Drama, Supernatural, Horror, Romance, Thriller, Fantasy

Seasons: 7

Sookie Stackhouse had the potential to be intriguing with her unique human-faerie background, but unfortunately, she fell short as a protagonist. Her character was largely unlikeable due to her poor decision-making and negative demeanor. Consistently disregarding her friends' advice, she made ill-advised choices and then shifted blame onto them for the resulting consequences. Sookie's attitude was abrasive, constantly imposing her own unfounded opinions while disregarding her friends' emotions. At one point, she prioritized her personal problems over her best friend's happiness. Her recklessness, rudeness, and self-centeredness made it challenging to connect with her character emotionally.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have a few thoughts on the article.

First, I agree with the author that some of the main characters in these TV shows should have been cast differently. For example, I think that Rachel Berry from Glee was too self-centered and annoying to be the main character. I would have much rather seen the show focus on one of the other characters, such as Kurt Hummel or Mercedes Jones.

Second, I think that the author is right that the success of a show often depends on the strength of its central character. When the main character is well-developed and relatable, it can make all the difference in the show's success. For example, I think that the show Parks and Recreation is so successful because of its main character, Leslie Knope. Leslie is a strong, funny, and relatable character who viewers can easily root for.

Finally, I think that the author is right that it is important to have a captivating main character in a TV show. When the main character is boring or unlikable, it can make it difficult for viewers to stay engaged with the show. For example, I think that the show The Walking Dead has suffered in recent seasons because of its main character, Rick Grimes. Rick has become increasingly unlikable and viewers are starting to lose interest in the show.