Shockingly Controversial: Unveiling the Dark Secrets Behind 10 TV Characters Humiliated for Laughs
Discover the TV characters who endured relentless bullying for comedic effect From Jerry in Parks & Rec to Ted in Scrubs, these individuals faced constant torment, providing both laughter and reflection on the harsh realities of bullying
Summary
Television shows often include a character who is consistently bullied, providing comedic relief for viewers.
In sitcoms, it is common to see characters who become the target of jokes and ridicule. These characters, exemplified by Jerry from Parks & Rec and Toby from The Office, consistently handle the continuous teasing with a cheerful demeanor.
The portrayal of a character who is constantly bullied is a popular comedic tool used in television shows. However, to maintain the empathy of the audience, the series must provide a valid and non-offensive reason for this mistreatment. Each character possesses certain quirks or negative qualities, such as clumsiness, affability, boredom, or others, which make them the subject of ridicule by those around them.
Sitcoms frequently feature characters who are bullied for comedic effect, as it has become a customary element in comedy series. It would seem incomplete if a sitcom lacked a character that others can mock and laugh at. Nonetheless, there are ten characters in particular who have endured an exceptionally harsh treatment throughout their time on their respective television shows.
10 Jerry In Parks & Rec
Jerry Gergich (also known as Garry or Larry), portrayed by Jim O'Heir, endures a constant stream of jokes throughout all seven seasons of the NBC mockumentary series, Parks & Rec. One recurring jest revolves around his name. Despite being truly named Garry, the other characters consistently misidentify him, resulting in him being referred to as Jerry, Larry, Lenny, Terry, and every imaginable variation. Among the characters, April Ludgate and Tom Haverford particularly enjoy poking fun at Jerry due to his embarrassing escapades. However, Jerry typically responds with a cheerful disposition, making him one of the most content individuals in Parks & Rec.
9 Toby In The Office
The Office's Michael Scott had a strong dislike for Toby Flenderson, portrayed by Paul Lieberstein. Toby, who served as the Human Resources Representative at Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch, was met with immediate disdain from Michael upon their first encounter. Consequently, Michael frequently subjected Toby to bullying. Ironically, despite Toby's position as head of the HR department, he rarely took any action to address Michael's constant jokes and torment. Nonetheless, this was the role Toby played in The Office.
8 Boyle In Brooklyn 99
Although Charles Boyle, played by Joe Lo Truglio, was Jake Peralta's closest companion in Brooklyn 99, his peculiar idiosyncrasies and eccentric remarks often made him the target of mockery by the other characters. Gina Linetti, in particular, enjoyed teasing Boyle, but she was not the only one. Even Peralta would occasionally make playful jibes at his best friend, although Boyle's unwavering loyalty to Peralta prevented him from ever becoming truly upset.
7 Meg In Family Guy
Undoubtedly, Meg Griffin, who is voiced by Mila Kunis, is the least favored child of Peter and Lois in the popular show Family Guy. Their true feelings towards their daughter are far from discreet. Meg endures constant torment from her family, making their bullying a recurring element within the Fox animated series. However, while Meg typically maintains a passive demeanor, she does possess the ability to assert herself when faced with excessive degradation from her family.
6 James In Derry Girls
5 Patrice In How I Met Your Mother
Dylan Llewellyn portrayed James Maguire in the popular British teen sitcom Derry Girls. As the only male student in the secondary school, James often fell victim to teasing from the main girls and other characters. He was affectionately referred to as "the wee English fella" and his unfamiliarity with Irish culture became a source of amusement for them. Nevertheless, amidst the mockery, the girls genuinely cared for James and, over time, acknowledged him as an honorary Derry Girl.
Unfortunately, Patrice (played by Ellen D. Williams) never stood a chance at developing a friendship with Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother. Despite Patrice's genuine desire to become close friends with her coworker, Robin continuously berated her and asserted that she couldn't do anything correctly throughout their time together on the CBS sitcom. Robin's tendency to unleash her anger on Patrice only intensified when she (pretended to) date Barney Stinson in season 8 of How I Met Your Mother.
4 Rose In The Golden Girls
Rose Nylund, portrayed by Betty White, is widely regarded as one of the most easily fooled personalities in the history of television. In the acclaimed sitcom The Golden Girls, her naivety consistently became a subject of mockery and amusement for Dorothy Zbornak, Blanche Devereaux, and Sophia Petrillo. It is true that the laugh track and the occasional remarks from her fellow characters could be interpreted as a form of bullying. Despite this, Rose ultimately endeared herself to audiences and remains as one of the most beloved figures in the NBC series.
3 Sandra In Superstore
Sandra Kaluiokalani, portrayed by Kaliko Kauahi, was the primary target of ridicule on the sitcom Superstore. Colleagues at Cloud 9 found it easy to mock her due to her timid nature, passive demeanor, and lack of confidence. Persistent teasing, particularly from Dina Fox, became a regular source of comedy for the audience. Despite the constant jokes, Sandra typically maintained her composure and seldom showed distress, except when they were directed at her by Carol Malloon, Jerry's former girlfriend and Sandra's love interest.
2 Fez In That '70s Show
1 Ted In Scrubs
Even though Wilmer Valderrama's character, Fez, was a member of the central friend group in That '70s Show, he was constantly subjected to relentless teasing from the other characters - Eric Forman, Jackie Burkhart, Michael Kelso, Steven Hyde, and Donna Pinciotti. Initially, they dubbed him Fez because they couldn't pronounce his real name, using the acronym for foreign exchange student. However, throughout the eight seasons of the Fox sitcom, the friends incessantly made jokes at Fez's expense, regardless of what he said or did.
Sam Lloyd portrayed the character Ted Buckland in the TV series Scrubs. Ted served as a lawyer in the legal department of New Sacred Heart Hospital, enduring relentless bullying from Dr. Robert Kelso. Dr. Kelso openly expressed his aversion towards Ted, and this sentiment was shared by other hospital staff members, including doctors and nurses. Ted's profession, which had the potential to complicate their work, became a basis for consistent teasing. However, as the ABC comedy show progressed, Ted gradually gained more acceptance and support from his colleagues.
