Sitcoms have held a tight grip on the world of TV for decades, and certain characters from these titles have helped redefine the genre forever. While it has always been hard to define what a perfect sitcom is, there’s no doubt that there are certain shows that audiences generally agree as being top-tier. Over the years, there have been many iconic figures in sitcoms who went on to influence other titles in the genre, whether that was because of the actor themselves or their character’s archetype.
The funniest sitcom characters of all time have been remembered by viewers for their wacky personalities, unique actions, and overall presence on-screen and in the media. From weird and wonderful bosses to the unhinged and quirky, these characters redefined the genre altogether and ended up playing a big part in changing the course of sitcoms forever.
David Brent/Michael Scott
‘The Office’
It’s almost impossible to decide who had a bigger cultural impact: Ricky Gervais’ David Brent in the British original of The Office or Michael Scott from the American version of The Office. While Brent was the source material, there’s no doubt that Michael Scott expanded upon the concept of a cringey, annoying boss with little to no self-awareness incredibly.
The Dunder Mifflin regional manager (or Wernham Hogg in the UK version) was nothing short of astounding. Both Brent and Scott lacked the ability to read a room, hogged attention at any given moment, and made some rather strange and nonsensical decisions at times. However, their characterizations were so wild, to the point that no real person would ever dream of attempting half the things they did, that it was hard not to find them endearing.
Leslie Knope
‘Parks and Recreation’
Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation is still a legendary character in the world of sitcoms, and a figure that proved you can be funny without being mean (to a certain degree). Parks and Recreation‘s intense yet heartwarming lead was full of fire, and unlike some career-obsessed characters from workplace sitcoms, Leslie’s flaws made her likable.
From the beginning through to Parks and Recreation‘s finale, Leslie went through some fantastic character development. While she was initially supposed to serve as a Michael Scott figure, the writers thankfully gave Leslie a chance to find her own voice, and from Season 2 onwards, she stood out for being so unique. While there were others, there has yet to be another sitcom character quite like Leslie Knope.
Cosmo Kramer
‘Seinfeld’
Seinfeld‘s Kramer was a fascinating figure. Kramer has been remembered as one of the most diabolical sitcom characters of all time, and his absurd behavior throughout the show was a great example of why. His wacky hairstyle, eccentric characterization, and incessant need to burst into the room were just a few reasons why Kramer has become such a notable figure.
Kramer’s outbursts were also hilarious, although he frequently struggled to maintain a consistent volume during his rants. From his unhinged stories to his odd allyship with Newman, Kramer’s hold on the world of sitcoms is obvious. While the rest of the main characters in Seinfeld are undoubtedly iconic in their own ways, Kramer’s legacy somewhat transcends Jerry Seinfeld’s sitcom.
Rachel Green
‘Friends’
Rachel Green from Friends has a massive influence on the world of sitcoms for several reasons. While her character started off rather one-note, a spoiled daddy’s girl with no idea how to look after herself in the real world, Rachel later stood on her own and was still funny. Rather than focusing on stories that fit within the “rich brat” stereotype, Friends gave Rachel layers and complexities that made her a more well-rounded character.
Of course, her biggest cultural impact was on the world of fashion. Even decades after the Friends finale, viewers have continued to fawn over Rachel’s iconic looks, some of which simply screamed the 1990s, some that were amazingly ahead of their time. Out of all the main characters in Friends, Rachel always stole the focus because of what she was wearing, whether that was a mint green dress or a patchwork skirt.
Abed Nadir
Community‘s Abed Nadir might just be the most meta TV character to have ever existed. The comical and quirky community college student was both predictable and unpredictable, which often resulted in hilarity. While he was always obsessed with film and TV, especially concerning storytelling structure and tropes, you never knew how Abed’s attempts at social interactions would go.
Community tackled Abed’s characterization in a fascinating way. While the show didn’t directly define Abed with any particular label, there were several references to him being neurodivergent. However, rather than simply mocking him for this, Community implemented his needs and point of view in ways that everyone, neurodivergent or not, could relate to in some form or another, and this is something viewers are looking forward to seeing once again in the upcoming Community movie.
Lucy Ricardo
‘I Love Lucy’
Considering it’s one of the most influential TV shows ever, it’s no surprise that Lucille Ball’s main character in I Love Lucy is such an impactful figure. While Ball’s Lucy Ricardo wasn’t the first female lead in a sitcom, she was (and still is) a standout in the genre. Ricardo broke away from the housewife archetype and provided audiences with non-stop laughs, and while she was undoubtedly funny, the character has also been remembered for being a trailblazer.
Unlike other female characters in the 1960s, Ball’s performance as Ricardo involved a lot of physical comedy. On top of this, Ricardo’s friendship with Ethel was a fascinating example of female relationships in broadcast media. Lucille Ball’s alter ego, Lucy Ricardo, has continued to be a hilarious and iconic figure in comedy all these years later, and her presence has impacted the sitcom genre in so many ways, big and small.
Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli
‘Happy Days’
There has never been anyone quite like the Fonz, and years later, even those who haven’t seen Happy Days are somewhat familiar with Henry Winkler’s renowned character. Fonzie’s statement leather jacket and his catchphrase “Ayy!” were just two of the most notable parts of the character, and alongside his rebellious attitude and magnetic personality, he simply oozed coolness.
Of course, the biggest way Fonzie changed sitcoms forever was when he jumped the shark. “Jumping the shark” is a term used in broadcast media, especially TV, to refer to a title that has run out of ideas and so implements an over-the-top or ridiculous story beat to regenerate interest. There have been some fascinating examples of shows “jumping the shark” in the years since Happy Days did it, but the Fonz literally jet skiing over a shark will forever remain the most notable.
Sheldon Cooper
‘The Big Bang Theory’
Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory is a great example of a sitcom character who impacted the genre. The erratic physicist was provided with a fascinating backstory, and throughout the show’s lengthy run, the writers learned some important lessons about writing sitcom characters. Generally, audiences have a love/hate relationship with Sheldon. In the earlier installments, his quirks and stubbornness were initially endearing, but they quickly got annoying and one-note.
Over time, Sheldon grew and went through some realistic character development. This was essential because, for a time, he didn’t feel like a real person, even by sitcom standards, and viewers got irritated by him. With Sheldon being the main character connecting The Big Bang Theory universe titles, he needed to be redeemed by the end of the parent show and left with a legacy that wasn’t just about nerd culture, which he thankfully was.
Frank Reynolds
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’
Danny DeVito’s career was always going to be well-remembered, but when he was first cast in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, nobody expected Frank Reynolds to become such a staple character in his filmography. Frank’s unhinged role as the financier of Paddy’s Pub and the gang’s wacky escapades have resulted in many iconic quotes and memes, like “Can I offer you an egg in this trying time?” While sitcoms have always been over-the-top, they have also been criticized when characters have done something too unrealistic, but Frank Reynolds quickly proved himself exempt from this.
Frank has managed to get away with everything and anything, but it somehow always made sense for his character. He has never really cared about what people think of him, and Frank has let loose to such an extent that it’s baffling he and the rest of the gang haven’t been imprisoned at this point. It’s wild to think of a time when Frank wasn’t in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (which was only for a short time), but there’s also no doubt that casting Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds saved the show, too.
There have been loads of sitcom characters who impacted the genre. Every viewer has their own personal experience, and so they might believe that there are other characters who deserve a place on this list. Who do you agree changed the face of sitcoms forever? Do you think any of these characters listed didn’t make a mark on the sitcom genre? Let us know in the comments.
Source link
Add Comment