10 Neglected Characters from Sit-Coms That Deserved More Attention in Writing

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Sitcoms are full of lovable and quirky characters, but sometimes it feels like a few were just left in the shadow as the more attention-grabbing characters took center stage. It is as if they were there just to support the main storylines, yet they had so much more to offer. From the underappreciated sidekick to the quirky best friend, these characters gave the shows their charm and depth but often rarely received much acknowledgment in the storylines. 

Such over-looked characters deserved more air-time, that was lost in the writing and focus on the main characters. And, here are some of the best characters from top sitcoms who would have done great on-screen, if they had gotten more from the plotlines. 

Gunther’s character in Friends deserved more depth

In the world-famous sitcom, Friends

that followed the popular group of Rachel, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica, and Phoebe, the quirky character of Gunther who popped in here and there, was left unexplored. Yes, his unrequited love for Rachel Green could be seen quite often, yet the show mostly left his potential unexplored. Gunther’s subtle exchanges and occasional outbursts hint at a depth beyond his job as a coffee server. 

For example, Gunther’s history as a former actor Bryce on All My Children

, and more of his appearances were full of great potential for rich storytelling. However, these aspects were not explored too much, leaving viewers to ponder what more James Michael Tyler, as Gunther

could have brought to the series. 

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The untold story of Jerry Gergich in Parks and Recreation

In the world of Parks and Recreation

, Jerry Gergich was one of the loved characters, who was portrayed in a comical light in the office as someone who was hit upon for jokes at the hands of his colleagues. However, Jerry’s life at home was way different. Here, he proved to be an excellent husband for his beautiful wife Gayle as played by Christie Brinkley, and a super proud father of three gorgeous girls. 

This loving family life was a secret that Jerry kept from his coworkers, who did not know that Jerry lived a life filled with love and happiness outside the office. Exploring Jerry’s personal life further could have provided a richer narrative, showing the depth of his character beyond just the office banter.

Vinny’s short-lived spotlight in Family Guy

Family Guy

fans would remember the loss of beloved dog Brian Griffin who was a fan-favorite. You would also remember how the family then decided to replace him with Vinny, a smooth-talking Italian-American dog, voiced by Tony Sirico. Vinny was one of those characters who changed the dynamics of the show, bringing comedy to another level on the show. Nevertheless, his stay does not last very long. In the very next episode, Stewie uses his time machine to save Brian, completely erasing Vinny. This very swift and sad ending for Vinny left a big hole with fans pondering over how they could have seen something greater from him.

Sheldon and Leslie’s witty banters in The Big Bang Theory

In the early seasons of The Big Bang Theory

, viewers enjoyed the swift and sharp exchanges between Sheldon Cooper and Leslie Winkle. Sometimes, Leslie made Sheldon’s theoretical ideas and egos crumple with witty comebacks that fueled their little banters which were full of humor and tension, giving a fun depth to the whole university setting in the show. While their argument kept coming and going, Leslie eventually became less prominent throughout the series, leaving the path empty where more could have been explored of their fun dynamic. 

Charlie’s star-studded support group in Two and a Half Men

A funny episode in Two and a Half Men

had Charlie hosting his very own support group at his place in Malibu. This is not your regular get-together because the list included star names like Sean Penn, Elvis Costello, and Harry Dean Stanton among others. The episode hilariously dives into moments as Alan, feeling left out, tries to join the elite group, making for some funny interactions that end on a memorable note. This funny group was cut-short too soon as fans would have loved to see more of them if they became a regular occurrence. 

The MacDougalls came as a wholesome addition who went away too soon!

When Amy MacDougall became a regular on Everybody Loves Raymond

, she brought her delightfully quirky family, the MacDougalls along. From the conservative parents Hank and Pat to her eccentric and socially awkward brother Peter the family quickly became a favorite to watch. Though the MacDougalls showcased a great potential for rich stories and humor, they could be seen in only a few episodes, leaving fans missing their wholesome hilarity.

Principal Brian Lewis’ chaotic energy in American Dad

The animated world of American Dad

has produced some of the wildest, most unpredictable, and fun characters, and at the top of them was Principal Brian Lewis. This principal shocks the students and fans with his erratic behavior and questionable decisions at every turn. From dubious side hustles to outrageous comments, Principal Lewis brings a chaotic energy to the show each and every time leaving fans both amused and bewildered. Even though he was on screen for a relatively short time, his memorable appearances left a mark on fans, with many wishing that more episodes could be centered around his character.

Frank Costanza the unforgettable firecracker in Seinfeld

Frank Costanza, played by Jerry Stiller in Seinfield

, was a burst of energy that no one could ever forget. He was unpredictable and unforgettable, with fiery outbursts and quirky habits, such as inventing the holiday Festivus, turning ordinary moments into comedic gold. Frank’s dynamic with his son George added more layers to the humor of the show, and their hilarious banters are one of the reasons why fans found themselves wanting more of his explosive personality and comedic self.

Frasier’s fiery agent, Bebe Glazer was deserving of her own spotlight!

In Frasier

, Bebe Glazer served as the sharper-tongued, cunning agent who would go to any end to secure deals. Her relentless ambition and devilish charm made each and every appearance unforgettable, with her leading Frasier humorously into ethically gray territories. Her dramatic screen presence and multifaceted complexity would have made for great character development that added to the plotlines. That being said, her quick-witted banter and larger-than-life personality have left viewers wanting more. 

Ricky Spanish being the unforgettable alter ego from American Dad

Roger the alien known in the animated series American Dad

for his changing disguises and personas. Among them all, Ricky Spanish was his most infamous and hated alter ego. Ricky Spanish was first seen in Season 7 and this persona was so detestable that even Roger himself shuddered at his own actions. Ricky Spanish did attract mixed reactions from fans most of whom appreciated the character’s dark humor while others did not love his antics so much. However, despite the controversy, Ricky Spanish still remains one of the most iconic and influential characters in American Dad

.

These neglected sitcom characters may have slipped between the cracks, but their moments of brilliance still shine. Sitcoms would not be the same without them, and they definitely deserved more attention in the writing department. Whether it was their humor, depth, or unique quirks, these characters made the shows better in ways fans will always remember.

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What do you think? Did we miss any characters who deserved more screen time? Drop a comment below and let us know!

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