10 Sitcom Characters Who Left Fans Disappointed

Article Overview

Well-developed TV characters are essential to keeping the plot moving and creating new storylines.

Sudden changes or reversals in a character's growth can be disappointing for audiences.

Characters' endings should be true to their development and not feel forced or rushed.

A good television character is defined by their evolution and transformation throughout a show. However, certain sitcoms have let down their audience with underwhelming conclusions for their most prominent characters. The pressure to give these characters a satisfying farewell often leads to writers neglecting important aspects of their development and storyline.

In the greatest sitcoms of all time, characters undergo substantial changes and emerge as completely different individuals from when they initially appeared. It's worth mentioning that, even though sitcoms usually follow a story-of-the-week structure, well-developed TV characters are vital in driving the narrative forward. Without their growth and evolution, there would be no fresh stories to tell. Consequently, when a character regresses and undoes all their progress, it becomes exceedingly disappointing.

10. Donna Pinciotti From That '70s Show

Forgave Eric after she'd healed

Donna Pinciotti from That '70s Show had a complex history with Eric, as they went from being neighbors to friends, had an on-and-off relationship, and even experienced a failed wedding. However, in the final season, Donna made the decision to leave Point Place. After Eric left for Africa and ended their relationship, Donna started to move on and embrace her independence. Yet, everything changed when Eric unexpectedly returned from Africa on New Year's Eve, just before Donna's scheduled departure. Despite the hurt he had caused, as soon as Donna saw Eric, they couldn't resist the temptation and ended up kissing, seemingly rekindling their relationship, with Donna momentarily forgetting his abandonment.

9. Malcolm Wilkerson From Malcolm In The Middle

It was disheartening to witness such a sudden transformation in the previously determined individual, who had consistently expressed a strong desire to pursue a career and explore the world. The fact that Eric abandoned Donna at the altar made it even more heartrending to witness him once again leaving her, this time thousands of miles away. The eighth season of That '70s Show appeared to serve as a period of healing for Donna. Therefore, it was truly disappointing to see her readily accepting Eric back into her life moments after he arrived in their driveway.

Viewers didn't see him break the cycle

Middle child Malcolm Wilkerson, portrayed by Frankie Muniz, held the spotlight throughout the seven-season run of Malcolm in the Middle in the early 2000s. The show revolved around the prodigious Malcolm and his blue-collar family, contending with the challenges of raising several children and facing financial difficulties. As the series concluded after its seventh season, Malcolm, having completed high school, embarked on a new chapter by enrolling at Harvard. Surprisingly, the final moments of the show unveiled Malcolm's decision to work as a janitor at Harvard to sustain his studies.

Following seven seasons of witnessing the family's perpetual struggle to make ends meet, it would have been gratifying to witness Malcolm breaking free from this cycle. The writers had the potential to explore this possibility, especially considering that in a previous episode titled "Malcolm's Money," Malcolm was awarded a grant for his education. Given Malcolm's exceptional intelligence, it seems implausible that he would only receive such limited financial assistance.

8. Troy Barnes From Community

Wasn't even mentioned in the finale

After the passing of Pierce (Chevy Chase) in Community, the fifth season also witnessed the departure of series regular Troy Barnes (Donald Glover). Troy discovered that Pierce had bequeathed him a staggering 14 million shares of Hawthorne Wipes, on the condition that he embarks on a global journey aboard his boat. Despite feeling apprehensive about his voyage, Troy bid farewell to Greendale, sailing away in Pierce's boat with the company of Levar Burton, famed for his role in Star Trek.

The Community finale, "Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television," featured the return of original cast member Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) on-screen, following Glover's departure. Surprisingly, Troy did not make a comeback. It was rather peculiar considering the strong bond Troy shared with Abed (Danny Pudi) that none of the characters even mentioned his absence. Nevertheless, there is confirmed news that Community Movie will commence production in 2024, with the return of Donald Glover. Hence, there is hope for audiences to witness the long-awaited reunion of Troy and Abed.

7. Charlie Harper From Two and a Half Men

Brought back just to be killed again

After Charlie Sheen left Two and a Half Men, Ashton Kutcher replaced him as billionaire Walden Schmidt. Sheen's departure was due to his ongoing struggles with drug rehabilitation, and the show's writers decided to kill off Charlie off-screen. Surprisingly, in the final season of the show in 2015, it was revealed that Charlie was actually alive before his on-screen death happened.

Throughout the later seasons of Two and a Half Men, several storylines revolved around Charlie's death, including the introduction of his previously unknown daughter Jenny (played by Amber Tamblyn) in season 11. It was unexpected to see Sheen return for the show's finale, considering these storylines. However, the explanation given for Charlie's absence felt somewhat forced and hastily done. It was revealed that Charlie had been held captive by his stalker, Rose (played by Melanie Lynskey). Although he managed to escape, he met his demise when a helicopter dropped a piano on his head, just before he could reunite with Alan (played by Jon Cryer).

6. Haley Dunphy From Modern Family

Came full circle despite her growth

From 2009 to 2020, Haley Dunphy (played by Sarah Hyland) was an integral part of the Modern Family cast. Initially portrayed as a spoiled teenager obsessed with her phone, Haley's character underwent a remarkable transformation throughout the show's 11 seasons. She evolved from a rebellious college dropout to an independent woman who carved out a successful career through sheer determination and hard work. Additionally, her perspective on romantic relationships, particularly influenced by Andy (played by Adam DeVine), enabled her to recognize her own value.

Haley tied the knot with Dylan in the conclusion of Modern Family, assuming the role of a mother to twins. While their relationship was endearing, it was disheartening to witness Haley complete a full circle in her journey, only to ultimately end up with her first love interest. Initially, Haley failed to recognize her own potential, but as the character evolved throughout the later seasons of Modern Family, she became empowered to pursue any path she desired. Consequently, her conclusion felt lackluster.

5. Tracy McConnell From How I Met Your Mother

Died soon after being introduced

Tracy McConnell, played by Cristin Milioti, made her highly-anticipated debut on How I Met Your Mother in the season 8 finale, "Something New." Viewers had eagerly awaited her appearance after years of Ted, played by Josh Radnor, sharing the story of how he met their mother with his children. Season 9 of the show focused primarily on Robin and Barney's wedding, as well as the events that led each member of the group to cross paths with Tracy.

The controversial ending of How I Met Your Mother revealed that Tracy had been killed off, leaving Ted to raise their children alone. This was disappointing for fans who had invested hundreds of episodes and years in the anticipation of discovering the identity of the Mother. However, the show later released an alternate ending in which Tracy survives, offering some consolation for what had been done to her character.

4. Kelly Kapoor From The Office

All the growing up she did was scrapped

Mindy Kaling played the lively and sometimes scatterbrained character Kelly Kapoor on The Office. She was a mainstay on the show until season 8, making a brief appearance in the season 9 opener, "New Guys," where she revealed that she was engaged to her boyfriend Ravi (Sendhil Ramamurthy) and was moving away. Kelly had an on-again, off-again relationship with Ryan Howard (BJ Novak) throughout the series, and both characters left the show in season 8. However, they both returned for The Office's finale in season 9.

Kelly and Ryan’s relationship in The Office often stirred up a significant amount of drama for Kelly, which she claimed to find enjoyable. However, she eventually came to the realization that they had no future together. This marked a pivotal moment in Kelly's character development as she finally broke free from the manipulation Ryan had imposed on her for years. Surprisingly, in the finale, Kelly and Ryan rekindled their romance and promptly disappeared into the sunset as a couple. Although it had a comical touch, it was disheartening to witness all of Kelly's personal growth being instantly invalidated.

3. Michael Cordero From Jane the Virgin

Returned in an anticlimactic way

The storyline of Jane the Virgin was greatly shaken up by the death of Michael (Brett Dier), leaving Jane as a young widow trying to raise her son, Mateo. Despite her heartbreak, Jane eventually finds solace in a relationship with Mateo's father, Rafael (Justin Baldoni). However, in Jane the Virgin season 4, it is revealed that Michael is actually alive but suffering from amnesia. Their reunion is somewhat underwhelming, and despite eventually regaining his memories, Michael decides to marry someone else, making his past with Jane seemingly irrelevant.

2. Penny Hofstadter From The Big Bang Theory

Changed her perspective on kids suddenly

Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco in The Big Bang Theory, underwent significant character development throughout the show's 12-season run. Initially portrayed as a struggling actress working as a waitress, she eventually evolved into a prosperous pharmaceutical sales representative. Additionally, Penny's on-off relationship with Leonard, portrayed by Johnny Galecki, culminated in marriage.

Throughout the series, Penny consistently expressed her lack of desire to have children, much to the disappointment of her father and Leonard. However, the finale of The Big Bang Theory revealed that Penny and Leonard were expecting a child together. This surprising turn of events depicted Penny as a changed character from the pilot episode, seemingly capitulating to the idea of parenthood solely due to her pregnancy rather than a genuine change of heart.

1. Rachel Green From Friends

Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston, initially portrayed a spoiled character who eventually grows and becomes independent while living with Monica, played by Courtney Cox. By the tenth season of Friends, Rachel achieves great success in the fashion industry and also navigates the challenges of being a single mother to her daughter Emma, whom she raises with Ross, portrayed by David Schwimmer.

In the finale, Rachel is offered her dream job in Paris. Despite being excited about her future, she ultimately decides to stay in New York because of her lingering feelings for Ross. This decision is disheartening as it demonstrates a regression for her character, who had developed into a strong and independent woman. It is unfortunate to witness her sacrificing her dreams to remain with a man who has consistently caused her pain over the past decade.

Editor's P/S

1. In the beloved sitcom "That '70s Show," Donna Pinciotti's character growth was a central focus throughout the series. However, the finale left fans disappointed with her sudden regression. After Eric left for Africa and ended their relationship, Donna made the decision to leave Point Place and embrace her independence. However, when Eric unexpectedly returned on New Year's Eve, Donna couldn't resist the temptation and ended up kissing him, seemingly rekindling their relationship. This moment undid Donna's previous character development, as she had expressed a strong desire to pursue a career and explore the world. It was disheartening to see such a sudden transformation in Donna's character, and it left fans feeling disappointed with her ending.

2. Malcolm in the Middle was another popular sitcom that disappointed fans with its character endings. The show revolved around the prodigious Malcolm Wilkerson and his blue-collar family. After seven seasons, Malcolm completed high school and enrolled at Harvard. However, the final moments of the show revealed that Malcolm had decided to work as a janitor at Harvard to sustain his studies. This ending was disappointing for fans, as it seemed to undo Malcolm's character growth and potential. Throughout the series, the Wilkerson family struggled to make ends meet, and it would have been satisfying to see Malcolm break free from this cycle. The writers had the opportunity to explore this possibility, especially considering that Malcolm had been awarded a grant for his education. Given Malcolm's exceptional intelligence, it seems implausible that he would only receive such limited financial assistance. The decision to have Malcolm work as a janitor felt like a letdown, and it left fans feeling disappointed with his ending.