These TV shows are fantastic, but their main characters? Not so much. While the plots are engaging and the settings captivating, some protagonists just make you want to pull your hair out. From their irritating habits to their cringe-worthy decisions, these characters often leave us wondering how we’re supposed to root for them. Whether it’s their selfish actions, cluelessness, or downright annoying personalities, they manage to turn what could be enjoyable experiences into frustrating ones.
So, buckle up as we take a closer look at the TV characters that drive us up the wall, yet somehow keep us coming back for more. Join us in this exploration of the most aggravating protagonists who manage to steal the spotlight for all the wrong reasons!
10. Alison DiLaurentis — “Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)
Although the show is full of flawed personalities, Alison DiLaurentis stands out. Her disappearance and supposed death set the story in motion, but flashbacks reveal her manipulative and cruel behavior. She was a high school nightmare, mistreating everyone, from enemies like Jenna and Mona to friends like Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer. Even after she returns, her behavior doesn’t improve much, leaving us wishing Emily had found a better romantic partner.
9. Otis Milburn — “Sex Education” (2019-)
Otis started strong, but as the series progressed, his flaws became more apparent. He’s insensitive to the feelings of others, particularly Ola and Maeve, and his drunken outburst at both of them is difficult to forget. One of the worst moments is when he abandons his best friend Eric on his birthday, showing a complete lack of regard for his well-being. Here’s hoping his redemption arc is on the horizon.
8. Serena van der Woodsen —“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
While Gossip Girl is the show’s main villain, Serena van der Woodsen is far from an angel. Her entitled attitude and questionable actions, like sleeping with her best friend Blair’s boyfriend Nate and later marrying Dan despite his deceitful actions, make her hard to root for. She often overshadows Blair, and her constant need for attention gets tiring quickly.
7. Emily Cooper — “Emily in Paris” (2020-)
Emily personifies many American stereotypes in Europe, initially making little effort to embrace French culture or language. Though she improves slightly, her instant success in the marketing world and her tendency to jaunt around Paris without consequences are grating. Plus, her betrayal of her friend by sleeping with her ex is unforgettable.
6. Rory Gilmore — “Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)
Rory’s transformation from a charming, intelligent teenager to a deeply flawed adult was painful to watch. At Yale, she makes poor choices, like sleeping with a married Dean, dropping out of school, and damaging her relationship with her mother. The most frustrating part is her lack of awareness and growth for a long time.
5. Carrie Bradshaw — “Sex and the City” (1998-2004)
Carrie Bradshaw, a columnist on sex and relationships, ironically struggles with both. She’s a terrible friend, as shown when she sends Aidan to help Miranda instead of going herself. Her mistreatment of Aidan, who was one of her better partners, showcases her self-centered nature. No wonder her romantic life is such a mess.
4. Dawson Leery — “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)
Dawson is the epitome of the “nice guy” trope gone wrong. His self-righteousness and poor treatment of friends and love interests make him increasingly unlikable. His constant belittling of Pacey and selfish behavior towards Joey make it no surprise that Pacey and Joey ended up together, leaving Dawson as a mere meme.
3. Hannah Horvath — “Girls” (2012-17)
Despite having a character like Marnie on the show, Hannah manages to be even more annoying. Her self-obsession overshadows her friendships, romantic relationships, and career. Shoshanna’s confrontations with Hannah often echoed the audience’s frustrations with her behavior.
2. Ted Mosby — “How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
Ted is the quintessential “nice guy” who isn’t really nice at all. His obsessive nature and disregard for Robin’s feelings make him a problematic protagonist. His behavior is toxic, and his actions towards Robin continue to be inappropriate long after their breakup.
1. Rachel Berry — “Glee” (2009-15)
Rachel Berry takes the cake for being the absolute worst. Her relentless ambition and mean girl tendencies make her a nightmare. She’s willing to sabotage anyone who threatens her stardom, and her inappropriate crush on Mr. Schuester is just one of many cringe-worthy moments. Rachel’s behavior made her difficult to watch, and we’re glad to see her go.
