Unforgettable Characters: 10 TV Shows That Took a Terrible Turn in Later Seasons

TV shows often disappoint loyal viewers by transforming great characters into bad ones in later seasons. It is not an easy task for audiences to find TV characters worth following, but once a connection is formed and a character becomes fascinating, it becomes difficult to sever that bond.

This is why when TV characters with promising story arcs are ruined, it leads to a significant backlash against the offending shows. These exceptional TV characters go beyond being mere entertainment icons; they represent progress within their respective genres and storytelling styles. Some of them have even played a crucial role in addressing the problem of underrepresentation in marginalized communities on television. A person's favorite television characters can reveal not only their personal preferences but also their underlying social beliefs and perspectives.

When these remarkable TV characters take a turn for the worse, it not only hurts the show but also affects the audience who have dedicated their time and emotions to following these fictional individuals. Unfortunately, instances of TV shows tarnishing great characters in later seasons are all too common.

10 Beth Dutton In Yellowstone

9 Joey Tribbiani In Friends

John Dutton's only daughter, Beth Dutton, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, was initially the most captivating character in Taylor Sheridan's acclaimed Western drama series, Yellowstone. In charge of the financial affairs at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, Beth fearlessly wields the influence that accompanies her Dutton name. Additionally, her compelling romantic relationship enhances the overall allure of any contemporary TV Western. Nevertheless, as the series progressed, Beth's ongoing rivalry with her brother Jamie lost its edge and has begun to feel like a burden to the show's narrative. However, as the final story arc of Yellowstone approaches with season 5, part 2, there is a glimmer of hope for Beth Dutton's character to reinvent herself and rejuvenate the series.

Joey Tribbiani, the perpetually single actor and ladies' man portrayed by Matt LeBlanc on Friends, is an adored character from the iconic '90s sitcom. Despite his womanizing behavior, Joey's magnetic charm, below-average intelligence, and genuine perspective make him the epitome of his sitcom archetype. However, Joey's eternal bachelorhood becomes a hindrance to his pursuit of a happy ending, which poses a bittersweet yet arguably realistic conclusion for his character. Being the only member of the Friends cast left single and alone, Joey's story feels incomplete to viewers who identify with him.

8 John Constantine In DC's Legends of Tomorrow

7 Miranda Hobbes In And Just Like That...

Starring Matt Ryan in the title role, Constantine season 1 showcased a captivating and true-to-the-comic portrayal of the irreverent British exorcist. However, when Constantine was canceled, Ryan's character was transferred to DC's Legends of Tomorrow, where the eminent live-action John Constantine became a secondary figure. Although Constantine's demise served as a suitable farewell, it was merely in one episode of DC's Legends of Tomorrow that truly embodied the essence of a Constantine narrative throughout the character's four-season tenure on the show.

Cynthia Nixon portrays Miranda Hobbes, a character who expertly juggles her roles as a lawyer and a single mother, making her arguably the most astute character in Sex and the City. However, in the sequel series And Just Like That..., Miranda's introduction immediately displays her engaging in racist microaggressions and proclaiming difficulty in navigating the current political climate. Furthermore, she betrays her husband by having an affair with another woman, showing little remorse and even placing blame on her accomplice. Surprisingly, And Just Like That... also neglects to address Miranda's battle with alcoholism, almost as if the sequel forgets her role as the voice of reason among her friends in Sex and the City.

6 Robin Scherbatsky In How I Met Your Mother

Cobie Smulders's Robin Scherbatsky, the stunning love interest for Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother, initially portrayed a charmingly flawed character. As a news anchor with a passion for hockey, she aspired to be a credible journalist. However, Robin had the most limited character development among the show's cast. She displayed unfair treatment towards Ted's previous partners, including the mother of his children, causing heartbreak for both Ted and Barney. Throughout the series, Robin continuously led Ted on, without personal growth in later seasons. Ultimately, the messy justification of their reunion underscored Robin's stagnant persona.

5 Bran Stark In Game of Thrones

Brandon Stark, portrayed by Isaac Hempstead Wright, was a young boy whose unintentional actions sparked the central conflicts in Game of Thrones. As the sole main character with a disability, Bran's unique circumstances contributed to his captivating character development amidst the multitude of subplots within the show. Nevertheless, even prior to the dissatisfying conclusion of Game of Thrones, Bran's transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven became the most arduous aspect of the series. Bran's storyline is the intersection of mysticism and politics in the Game of Thrones universe, and looking back, the lack of effort to sustain its intrigue serves as an early indication of the show's trajectory.

4 Villanelle In Killing Eve

3 Negan In The Walking Dead

: The character of Jodie Comer's Villanelle started off as an invincible killer who became fixated on Sandra Oh's Eve Polastri, the M16 agent assigned to apprehend her. Although Killing Eve initially broke ground in LGBTQ+ representation within the spy and crime genres, it later fell into the same trope of transforming compelling characters into something lackluster. Despite the show hinting at a union between Villanelle and Eve and Villanelle finding redemption by eliminating The Twelve, Killing Eve's disappointing conclusion aligns it with other series that give tragic endings to LGBTQ+ characters purely for dramatic effect.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan introduced audiences to the character of Negan in The Walking Dead, portraying him as the ruthless leader of the Saviors. However, Negan's journey transcended his initial villainous nature, as he underwent a transformation and became an integral part of the battle against The Whisperers. Negan's complex nature made him more than just an antihero; he began to emerge as a potential protagonist. Despite the dark history between them, Negan developed a compelling relationship with Maggie, who tragically lost her husband to him. Despite this, Maggie still chooses to trust Negan and rely on him for support. Unfortunately, when The Walking Dead's eleventh season began with Negan abandoning Maggie to her fate, it felt like a regression in his character development from the past two seasons. As a result, Negan's path to redemption felt unfinished.

2 Sherlock Holmes In Sherlock

1 Rick Sanchez In Rick and Morty

Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed the iconic character of the modern Sherlock Holmes exquisitely in the TV series Sherlock. The combination of clever dialogue and stylish montages truly did justice to one of the most revered figures in literature. However, after the second season, the narrative of Sherlock took a significant downturn. From Sherlock's faked death and his fascination with Moriarty, to the introduction of exaggerated deductive abilities, the show began to resemble more of a superhero series rather than a gripping mystery. Even though the initial seasons of Sherlock also had their flaws, they established a solid foundation for what could have been the ultimate interpretation of Sherlock Holmes in live-action. Unfortunately, this potential was ultimately squandered in the later seasons.

Rick Sanchez, the beloved and relatable antihero of Rick and Morty, initially emerged as a promising satire of the archetypal sci-fi mad scientist. It delved into the extraordinary and dramatic potentials of a trope that is rarely scrutinized with such depth. Rick's interactions with his family and the fates of other Ricks and Mortys across various dimensions ultimately weave a tale that is both amusing and reminiscent of ancient epic sagas. However, over time, the show's recurring pattern of Rick experiencing a moment of emotional realization, following yet another predicament that he himself caused, has lost its allure. Nevertheless, perhaps there will be a shift in the upcoming Rick and Morty season 7.