The Dark Side of TV: 10 Characters You Can't Help but Cheer For

Summary

TV shows often feature morally reprehensible main characters, such as Walter White and Tony Soprano, whom audience members still end up rooting for.

Beloved as they may be, characters such as Homer Simpson and Larry David are, in fact, individuals who inflict harm upon those in their vicinity.

Although depicted as protagonists, individuals like Daenerys Targaryen and Dexter Morgan are, in truth, villains; nonetheless, their admirers persist in supporting them.

These 10 TV show characters, despite their morally reprehensible actions, often find themselves surprisingly championed by viewers. While most TV protagonists are typically portrayed as good-hearted individuals whom audiences sympathize with and root for, there are exceptions to this rule. In fact, some of the most beloved TV shows of all time revolve around antiheroes, individuals who engage in questionable behavior but somehow still manage to capture the hearts of fans. Here are 10 prime examples of this phenomenon.

The world of cinema has also long been known for its portrayal of despicable characters that are mistakenly revered as heroes by audiences. Films like Fight Club, There Will Be Blood, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Joker are just a few examples where morally dubious characters take center stage, often serving as the catalyst for a tragic narrative. However, it is in the realm of television that this trend truly thrives. With the luxury of countless hours dedicated to character development, TV shows are uniquely positioned to delve into the complexities of these flawed individuals. Consequently, numerous TV series are brimming with characters who, despite their questionable actions, manage to capture the loyalty of viewers, in spite of it all.

10 Walter White (Breaking Bad)

The prime illustration of an unsympathetic protagonist can be seen in Walter White, the main character of Breaking Bad. The show cunningly manipulates the audience's emotions, gradually transforming a cancer-stricken, mediocre middle-aged man into a merciless drug lord. Even during his initial foray into the drug business, Walt is portrayed as an underdog, making viewers root for his eventual triumph. However, as the series progresses, Walt becomes a murderer, a liar, a rapist, and a betrayer, inflicting harm upon everyone he holds dear. Tragically, Walter White emerges as one of the few victors in Breaking Bad, a fact that tragically garners misplaced admiration from many fans.

9 Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)

As the protagonist of The Sopranos, Tony Soprano exemplifies the character type known for his ruthless nature. Throughout the HBO series, Tony consistently exhibits terrible behavior, mercilessly taking the lives of numerous individuals, including his own acquaintances. His criminal lifestyle brings ruin upon his own family, culminating in his shocking act of murdering a close relative. While Tony Soprano is undeniably a monstrous figure, many viewers find a certain satisfaction in his ultimate evasion of justice within the storyline of The Sopranos.

8 Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)

Homer Simpson, the beloved protagonist of the enduring animated sitcom The Simpsons, often goes unnoticed for his questionable character traits. Throughout the series, Homer consistently exhibits a complete disregard for responsibility, frequently causing harm to those in his vicinity. Notably, he incessantly harasses his neighbor, Ned Flanders, leading to the destruction of his business and the tragic demise of his wife. Homer's actions also reveal instances of racism and homophobia, as vividly portrayed in season 8's episode "Homer Phobia." Although many of Homer's shortcomings stem from sheer foolishness rather than intentional malice, that should not absolve him of the consequences of his behavior in The Simpsons.

7 Don Draper (Mad Men)

Don Draper, although admired for his wit and charm by devoted Mad Men fans, is far from an exemplary figure. His womanizing ways and constant infidelity to his wife reveal a deeply flawed character. Furthermore, Draper's demeaning treatment of his assistants and girlfriends highlights his pervasive sexism, a trait he rarely confronts throughout the series. Rather than being praised, Don Draper should be recognized as the source of numerous heartaches and pain in Mad Men.

6 Rick Sanchez (Rick & Morty)

Rick Sanchez's struggle with depression and alcoholism, as portrayed in Rick and Morty, resonates with countless fans, evoking a profound sense of sympathy towards him. However, despite his attempts at reconnecting with his family, the show consistently emphasizes that Rick is incapable of undergoing any genuine change. Prior to the events of the series, Rick had abandoned his family, and upon his return, his reckless actions repeatedly put them in harm's way. It becomes evident that Rick is a narcissistic individual who callously disregards the emotions of those around him, leading to catastrophic consequences.

5 Daenerys Targaryen (Game Of Thrones)

Despite being a protagonist in Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen is portrayed as anything but a noble character. In reality, she emerges as a formidable antagonist within the series, displaying her true villainous nature through her actions. While Daenerys completely embraces her dark side towards the end, her relentless pursuit of power already solidifies her as an atrocious ruler. Uncompromising violence and a lack of moral compass define her, and although the realm of Game of Thrones is notorious for its morally ambiguous characters, Daenerys unequivocally falls into the category of those who cannot be considered good.

4 Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

3 Carrie Bradshaw (Sex & The City)

Larry David, the comedic protagonist of Curb Your Enthusiasm, may not be considered evil, but he is certainly far from being a good person. Inconsiderate, bigoted, and selfish, Larry exemplifies the characteristics of a massive jerk. Throughout the series, he actively seeks to make people's days worse, even going so far as to spitefully open an entire coffee shop. While based on a real person, the character of Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm is a exaggerated and unpleasant portrayal.

Although Carrie Bradshaw is the central character in Sex and the City, it's important to note that she may not necessarily be deserving of support. One of Carrie's major flaws lies in her repeated acts of infidelity, as she cheats on her partners multiple times throughout the series. Additionally, Carrie has exhibited various prejudices, displaying a striking lack of empathy towards numerous characters. Moreover, she actively seeks out and creates unnecessary drama, causing significant difficulties in the lives of the other characters in Sex and the City.

2 Dexter Morgan (Dexter)

1 Frank Reynolds (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)

Dexter Morgan, the eponymous protagonist of Dexter, is widely regarded as one of the most malevolent TV protagonists to ever grace the screen. Despite being a literal serial killer, fans of Dexter still inexplicably find themselves rooting for him. This paradox can be partially attributed to Dexter's assertion that his victims are solely the guilty, although his vigilante brand of justice remains deeply unsettling. Regardless, Dexter has garnered a loyal following who have passionately rallied behind him for countless years.

Despite his comedic appeal, Frank Reynolds, a prominent character in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has gained a strong following due to his hilarious demeanor. However, it is crucial to recognize that Frank's actions have been nothing short of abhorrent. From abandoning his own children to expressing joy over his wife's demise, Frank displays a complete disregard for basic human decency. Additionally, his misuse of firearms, involvement in money laundering, sexual harassment of women, and ownership of a sweatshop in Vietnam further highlight his morally reprehensible behavior. Although Frank's detestable traits are intended as part of the show's humor, it is baffling that fans continue to cheer for him, seemingly overlooking his repugnant conduct.