16 TV Characters That Were Cooler Than Their Shows' Protagonists

An homage to Regina Falange, Carlton, Locke, and Jim.

1. Regina Phalange from Friends

NBC

Friends has its fair share of supporting characters, but Regina Phalange is truly the underdog stand out. Phoebe's alter ego might have become one of the show's most enjoyable characters if she had only appeared more often.

2. Claire Underwood from House of Cards

Netflix

Fearlessly facing off with politicians, sticking her neck out there when need be, and adapting to the rhythm of her husband and country all make Claire much better than ol' Frankie — so much so that she transitioned from being a secondary character to the main character on the series.

3. Crazy Eyes from Orange Is the New Black

Netflix

While it's true that the series is based on the experiences of Piper Chapman, the daily routine of the Litchfield prison would be totally different and totally uninteresting without a little Crazy Eyes.

4. Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad

AMC

Okay, Walter White is one of the best characters to ever appear on the small screen, but his lawyer Saul gave him a run for his money. Saul Goodman had a pivotal role in the series from start to finish, and then even afterward on his own spin-off show, Better Call Saul.

5. Barney from How I Met Your Mother

CBS

Everyone knows that the plot revolves around Ted's quest for love, but Barney is the most outgoing and fun character on the show, and he's certainly a character that anyone can fall in love with.

6. Jonas from Sense8

Netflix

Jonas is the guy who knows the truth behind what the sensates are and tries to help them through all of their challenges. Nobody gives him the credit he deserves, but anyone who watches even one episode will discover that he is the best of all.

7. Joan from Mad Men

AMC

Joan never loses face, despite squaring off with a number of misogynous men on her way to the top of the advertising industry.

8. The Demogorgon from Stranger Things

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Netflix

You can never be quite sure what he's done, who he's eaten, where he's from, and who he truly is — all of which make him a crucial asset to the storyline.

9. Jim from The Office

NBC

He's the face that can save the day in the office, he was your friend on the playground, he was always there when you needed him. The universe can't function without people like Jim. Be like Jim.

10. Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

NBC

You probably know him best for his dancing abilities, but truly, he might be the strongest character on the whole show. Sorry, Will, but your loser cousin is way fresher than you.

11. Locke from Lost

Divulgação ABC

Let's forget the insane finale for a minute, okay? Locke always had the best advice, with the courage and attitude to lead everyone on the island.

12. Foggy from Daredevil

Divulgação Netflix

Sure, Daredevil is super cool and saved Hell's Kitchen or whatever. But it's Foggy who's got all the knowledge, charm, and sense of humor.

13. Titus Andromedon from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Netflix

Titus Andromedon is SO MUCH more amazing than Kimmy. You'll definitely find yourself watching the series just for him.

14. April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation

Reprodução NBC

Leslie Knope has got nothing on April Ludgate. She'll literally judge anyone for no reason at all. EVEN YOU.

15. Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones

Divulgação HBO

In a world full of treachery and the thirst for power, it is always a relief when Brienne appears. Honorable and faithful to her promises, she quickly became one of the most beloved characters. She even starred in one of the best fight scenes on the show when she fought off the Hound.

16. Rochelle from Everybody Hates Chris

Reprodução CW

Rochelle is the best. She's both Chris's best friend and his worst nightmare. The series would never be the same without the Rock family's fear of her.