9 Side Characters Who Transformed Their TV Shows For The Better

Great TV shows usually depend on strong lead characters, but memorable supporting characters can be just as important – and even improve the series. We love getting invested in the friend groups of comedies or the families in dramas like Parenthood and The Sopranos, but a show truly comes alive with interesting and well-developed secondary characters.

It’s difficult to picture Seinfeld without Jerry’s memorable and unique girlfriends, or Wednesday without the magical and often rebellious students at Nevermore Academy.

As a film and TV buff, I’ve always been fascinated by those side characters who just instantly grab your attention. You know, the ones who walk onto the scene and immediately make a difference, really impacting the story? It doesn’t matter if they’re a beloved local in a charming small town setting or a game-changing newcomer in, say, the fourth season of a sci-fi hit – these supporting characters are vital. They truly matter to the overall narrative.

Morgan Tookers (Ike Barinholtz)

The Mindy Project

Okay, let’s talk about Mindy Kaling’s sitcom from the 2010s. While it had its moments, I definitely found myself frustrated with the on-again, off-again relationship between Mindy Lahiri and Danny Castellano – he could be a bit much! Honestly, if it weren’t for Ike Barinholtz as Morgan Tookers, who really stole every scene he was in and became the heart of the show as things went on, I’m not sure the series would have worked at all. He was a total scene-stealer and really elevated the whole thing.

Morgan is a lovable character on The Mindy Project, whether he’s dealing with his own relationship struggles, offering advice to Mindy, or simply brightening the office. In season 3, his storyline becomes more serious when he achieves a professional goal but feels unsupported by those around him.

The romance between Morgan and Tamra (played by Xosha Roquemore) stands out as the most genuine and memorable relationship on the show. Unlike the often-complicated pairing of Mindy and Danny, Morgan and Tamra’s wedding in the final episode provides a heartwarming conclusion to the series.

Penny Widmore (Sonya Walger)

Lost

Penny Widmore, played by Sonya Walger, is a crucial character in Desmond Hume’s (Henry Ian Cusick) storyline, and the show Lost wouldn’t be the same without her. While the first season and pilot are captivating, seasons two and three often leave viewers with more questions than resolutions.

Without the character of Penny, Lost might have been just another confusing and disappointing science fiction show. The moment Charlie Pace (Dominic Monaghan) writes “Not Penny’s boat” on his hand before he dies, you know the series has reached its best point and will continue to improve.

Desmond’s relationship with Penny is central to the story because it demonstrates that the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 were all fully developed people with rich lives before the plane crash. Their longing for loved ones like Penny fuels their determination to survive and find a way home. Even with many unanswered questions, Penny’s appearance in the season 3 finale kept viewers emotionally connected and engaged.

Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper)

The Office

Ellie Kemper joined The Office in season 5 as Erin Hannon, and quickly became a key reason the show remained funny and engaging. Introducing a new character so late in a series is challenging, but Erin—and her often-complicated connection with Andy Bernard (Ed Helms)—became a central part of the show’s success.

Erin is more than just the funny person on the show; her difficult childhood makes her a particularly relatable and endearing character. Discovering she grew up in foster care explains her deep desire for love and a sense of belonging, making viewers genuinely root for her. By the end of The Office, her happy outcome feels truly deserved.

Kirk Gleason (Sean Gunn)

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls is a beloved show from the 2000s, and many fans enjoy watching Lorelai and Rory’s quick, witty conversations endlessly. It’s so popular that many people rewatch it every fall.

Stars Hollow wouldn’t feel like the cozy town we love without memorable characters like Kirk Gleason (Sean Gunn). Without them, Gilmore Girls might have been just another romance drama instead of the unique show it became.

I always loved when Sean Gunn first showed up as the internet guy, Mick, in the first season! But then he came back as Kirk, and honestly, I think that really made the show even better. Kirk is just… Kirk! Whether he’s driving Luke crazy, making those weird films, or having surprisingly sweet moments with Lorelai, he’s such a memorable character. He’s a little dorky, totally lovable, and just completely one-of-a-kind.

Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Okay, let’s talk about the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A lot of fans agree it doesn’t quite hit the heights of what comes later, and honestly, the show wouldn’t be the same without some key supporting players. Watching Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy learn the ropes and fight baddies is definitely fun, but for me, Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase really steals the show. She makes a bigger impact than you might expect, and she’s a huge part of what makes those early episodes so memorable.

When I first met Cordelia, I’ll admit, she didn’t make much of an impression. She seemed like your typical, somewhat shallow teenager, focused on boys and being popular. Honestly, she came across as a little ditzy and even a bit boring. But then, she surprised me! It turned out she was incredibly intelligent and genuinely cared about others, and that’s when she really became a standout character – one I truly admire.

Cordelia’s role with the Scooby Gang and her surprising romance with Xander were important to the show’s story. While Buffy centers on the main character, supporting characters like Cordelia help build a richer, more engaging world. After seeing Cordelia grow, viewers became eager to see how other characters would develop as well.

Taylor Townsend (Autumn Reeser)

The O.C.

When Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) died at the end of season 3 of The O.C., it was uncertain how the show would go on. Taylor Townsend (Autumn Reeser), who hadn’t been a major character before, stepped into a key role during season 4.

Without Taylor Townsend, there’s no real draw to watch the last season, and it would have been incredibly sad to see Ryan, Summer, and Seth deal with Marissa’s death. Taylor brings a much-needed brightness and positivity to the show, even though a major character who drove a lot of the drama is gone.

Taylor and Ryan’s relationship is a highlight of the show. While Ryan’s love for Marissa was strong, their connection was troubled. Being with Taylor helps Ryan recover and find genuine happiness.

Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

Grey’s Anatomy

Before Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) appeared in season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy, the show was pretty standard for a medical drama. It was nice seeing Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and the other young doctors pursue their careers, and it was easy to fall for the romance between Meredith and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey).

Denny’s introduction to the show instantly made it captivating, signaling viewers were in for intense and unpredictable stories, a hallmark of Shonda Rhimes’ work. Izzie Stevens’ (Katherine Heigl) romance with a patient was a standout moment, and Denny’s eventual return as a ghost made it even more unforgettable.

The Denny Duquette storyline on Grey’s Anatomy was definitely controversial, but it’s still being discussed years later. Actor Jeffrey Morgan even said the show was a turning point in his career, explaining he didn’t need to audition for roles afterward because Grey’s Anatomy had given him so much opportunity.

Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd)

Friends

By its ninth season, the hit 90s show Friends had arguably lost some of its spark. The main couples were clearly headed for predictable outcomes, and while memorable moments like “Pivot!” and “a moo point” still delighted fans, the show just didn’t feel as fresh as it once did.

Mike Hannigan, played by Paul Rudd, arrives late in the series and quickly becomes a fan favorite thanks to his kindness and sweet relationship with Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow). It was refreshing to see Phoebe finally experience a significant love story like her friends, and the dynamic created by the love triangle with David (Hank Azaria) added some fun drama.

Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn)

Stranger Things

It’s hard to believe Stranger Things season 4 without Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn), who was crucial in helping the group defeat Vecna. He quickly became a fan favorite, and many viewers hoped he’d return for the show’s fifth and final season, though it appears that won’t happen.

Even with Eleven and her friends being so strong, Eddie is a welcome and important new character. People enjoy his rebellious spirit and how true he is to himself.

Season four of Stranger Things is seriously one of the best, and I think a huge part of that is Eddie Munson. That scene where he plays “Master of Puppets” while facing down those Demogorgons in the Upside Down? Absolutely unforgettable. It’s rare for a show to bring in a character as amazing as Eddie so late in the series, and even rarer for them to have such a big impact on everything that happens. He totally stole the show!

2025-11-15 21:34