From Beloved Heroes to Disappointing Flops: The 1 TV Character We Never Saw Coming

In the world of television, characters undergo a tumultuous and emotional journey that can captivate viewers, shifting from likability to being despised. Throughout a series, characters experience compelling and transformative arcs. Their initial introduction as likable individuals changes over time, often leading to a negative transformation. These significant changes deeply impact the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

The carefully crafted character arcs, skillfully molded by talented writers, have the ability to evoke empathy, admiration, and occasionally, disdain. Each character's journey offers valuable insights into the intricacies of human nature and the repercussions of their choices. Some writers take their characters down a dark path, introducing captivating twists and shocking storylines that cannot be easily forgotten.

13 Walter White In Breaking Bad

Walter White's transformation in Breaking Bad was a captivating character arc. Initially a charismatic high school chemistry teacher, he eventually morphed into a merciless drug lord. Throughout the series, his descent into the criminal world unveiled his intricate personality. Despite initially sympathizing with his desire to secure his family's financial future by manufacturing and selling methamphetamine following his cancer diagnosis, viewers' perception of Walter changed when his avarice and ambition consumed him.

With each passing episode, Walter grew more manipulative, deceiving his loved ones and orchestrating horrific acts of violence. The tipping point came when he allowed Jesse's girlfriend, Jane, to die without intervening, highlighting his plunge into darkness. Assuming the persona of Heisenberg, Walter became unrecognizable, forsaking his once endearing traits in favor of power and control.

12 Daenerys Targaryen In Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen emerged in Game of Thrones as a charismatic and sympathetic character. Being the apparent last Targaryen, she initially portrayed herself as a liberator, fighting for justice and vowing to reclaim the Iron Throne. Her captivating journey, from an abused young woman to the Mother of Dragons, won over the audience. Each conquest she achieved only enhanced the admiration for her compassion and determination.

Nonetheless, her noble intentions took a sinister turn in the final season. Faced with the loss of her closest advisors and personal betrayals, Daenerys's thirst for power grew stronger. Following the surrender of King's Landing, she unleashed her dragons, indiscriminately burning innocent civilians alongside enemy soldiers. This shocking act of brutality, one of the most unforeseen moments in Game of Thrones, revealed her transformation from a liberator to a tyrant. The character once beloved lost her moral compass, and her journey towards the throne became a path of fear and destruction.

11 Nate Archibald In Gossip Girl

Nate Archibald initially captivated audiences with his charm and amiability, making him one of the most beloved characters on Gossip Girl. He was not only dating Blair, but also served as the Lacrosse team captain and a loyal friend to Chuck Bass. Despite his privileged upbringing, Nate faced personal struggles stemming from a tumultuous family life and complex relationships. Unfortunately, as the show unfolded, his character took a negative turn.

Throughout the series, Nate's actions became increasingly self-centered and morally questionable. He consistently switched between love interests, causing emotional turmoil for those involved (a notable instance being his decision to choose Raina Thorpe over his friend Chuck Bass after only a few days of knowing her). This indecisiveness and lack of accountability tarnished his reputation with viewers. Additionally, his inability to grow and evolve as the series progressed further solidified his transformation from a likable persona to an unappealing and indecisive character.

10 Andy In The Office

Andy Bernard, originally portrayed as a charismatic and enthusiastic individual on The Office, quickly captured the hearts of the audience with his passion for acapella and endearing eagerness. In many ways, he mirrored Michael Scott's zeal and demonstrated empathy towards his friends, colleagues, and even love interests like Angela. However, as the show progressed, Andy's character underwent notable transformations that diminished his likability.

Gradually, Andy became consumed by insecurities, constantly seeking validation from others. It was during the ninth season of The Office that he became even more unlikeable. Neglecting Erin, his most beloved companion, Andy embarked on a three-week boat trip of self-discovery with his brother. This act showcased his unresolved personal issues and lack of emotional maturity. Andy's character development deviated from the charm that initially endeared him to the audience, leaving a flawed impression in their minds.

9 Rory Gilmore In Gilmore Girls

Rory Gilmore initially captivated viewers of Gilmore Girls with her intelligence, ambition, and endearing qualities. Her strong bond with her mother and dedication to academia made her a relatable and admirable character. Furthermore, she proved to be a supportive friend to Lane and played a role in improving her mother's relationship with her grandparents. Rory's intriguing relationship timeline with Dean added another layer to her character. However, as the series progressed, drastic changes occurred that affected Rory's likability.

Her transition into college and adulthood unveiled a sense of entitlement and self-centeredness. Despite her intelligence and numerous opportunities, Rory made questionable decisions in her life, including engaging in an affair with a married ex-boyfriend. Moreover, her inability to handle criticism and setbacks fostered a entitled attitude, prompting those around her to feel disconnected. Furthermore, her actions, such as stealing a boat, showed a lack of accountability. These instances diminished the charm and likability Rory initially possessed, leaving the audience with a more nuanced perspective of her character.

8 Piper Chapman From Orange Is The New Black

Initially captivating audiences with her relatable fish-out-of-water persona, Piper Chapman ventured into the daunting world of prison as the series unfolded. Viewers sympathized with her vulnerability and determination to survive. However, over time, Piper's charm faded away as she delved into manipulation and self-serving tendencies.

She engaged in dubious business endeavors, taking advantage of her fellow inmates for personal gain. Piper's actions also had grave consequences for her friends, as evidenced by her involvement in drug smuggling, which resulted in severe punishments for those who aided her. Her self-centered nature and disregard for others' well-being eclipsed any remnants of her once-endearing character, ultimately alienating many viewers.

7 April Kepner In Grey's Anatomy

April Kepner's journey in the series began as a caring and devout resident. Amidst chaos and danger during the shooting episode, she displayed exceptional bravery and quick thinking, saving the lives of numerous patients and friends. Her kindness and dedication to becoming the best doctor she could be were undeniably compelling. However, her character took a significant negative turn.

Her constant indecisiveness and tendency to sabotage her relationships led to a downfall in her character development. April's inability to make important decisions not only affected her personal life but also her professional one. One defining moment that contributed to her downfall was her decision to run away with Dr. Jackson Avery on her wedding day, causing harm to several characters and damaging her reputation among fans.

6 Francis Underwood In House Of Cards

Francis Underwood, the central character in the political drama series House of Cards, initially captured viewers with his ambition and ruthless pursuit of power. As a whip, his strategic manipulation of political rivals was captivating. However, as the show progressed, Francis evolved into a less likeable figure.

Driven by an insatiable hunger for control, Francis resorted to questionable and unforgivable actions, including murder and betrayal. His complete lack of empathy was clear when he callously disposed of anyone who stood in his way, like journalist Zoe Barnes. The more viewers discovered Francis's true nature, the more they distanced themselves from this once intriguing character. Ultimately, he was revealed as a true villain.

5 Emily From Emily In Paris

Emily Cooper burst onto the screen as a vibrant, optimistic young woman who landed her dream job in Paris. Initially, audiences were captivated by her effervescent personality and her eclectic wardrobe, which perfectly matched her lively character. However, as the series progressed, Emily's charm began to wane.

Her disregard for French culture and insistence on imposing her American ways on her new colleagues and friends resulted in constant misunderstandings and conflicts. Instead of adapting to her surroundings, Emily stubbornly clung to her own beliefs, cultivating a sense of entitlement that became unappealing. Moreover, her unprofessional behavior and poor decision-making at work demonstrated a lack of personal growth and self-awareness.

4 Annalise Keating In How To Get Away With Murder

Annalise started off as a formidable and respected lawyer and law professor with a complicated past. Her strength and determination initially earned admiration from viewers, as well as her dedication to defending the underprivileged. She commanded admiration from her students, many of whom vied for her approval and a spot in her intern group.

However, as the series progressed, Annalise's character ventured further into a dark and morally ambiguous realm. Her involvement in concealing murders and manipulating her students to shield her reputation eroded her redeeming attributes. The boundaries between protagonist and antagonist became blurred, notably when she orchestrated a scheme to frame an innocent man for murder, betraying her own principles for self-preservation.

3 Hopper From Stranger Things

In the early seasons of Stranger Things, Chief Jim Hopper earned the audience's favor through his tough exterior and kind-hearted nature. He genuinely cared for the children, particularly Eleven, and had a strong sense of justice. However, as the story progressed, Hopper took a darker path, displaying controlling and aggressive behavior.

In season 3, Hopper's conduct grew more oppressive and overprotective towards Eleven, hindering her independence and making questionable choices. His frequent anger outbursts and explosive temper caused a rift between him and those around him, tarnishing his once admired reputation. Notably, his confrontation with Mike and Eleven in the latter part of the series stemmed from anger rather than rationality, making it difficult for viewers to empathize with him.

2 Cordelia In Angel

In the spinoff series Angel, Cordelia Chase initially captivated audiences as a charismatic and highly likable character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, as the show progressed, Cordelia's appeal began to wane. She gradually became self-centered, solely focused on her own fame and success, which caused her to lose favor among viewers.

Cordelia's involvement with the malicious entity Jasmine led her to abandon her friends and embark on a dark path. Her willingness to sacrifice others, even using Angel's son, Connor, for her personal gain, turned her once-beloved character into someone irredeemable. This drastic transformation, from a loyal and witty friend to a deceitful and power-hungry individual, betrayed the trust of fans who had grown fond of her character's growth throughout the series.

1 Britta In Community

Britta Perry initially portrayed the role of the morally-conscious and idealistic voice of reason within the study group on Community. Her advocacy for social justice and willingness to stand up for causes garnered her favor among viewers. However, as the show progressed, Britta's character experienced a decline and became less appealing to the audience.

She transformed into the group's dampener, and her attempts at activism frequently resulted in calamity. A prime example was her involvement in the "MeowMeowBeenz" episode, which highlighted her ineptitude in handling power and attention. As the series unfolded, Britta's evolution from a principled and strong-willed individual to a more indecisive and inept character decreased her likability.