Several TV characters leave a lasting impression on the audience. They become popular, and even after the show ends, they remain etched in the hearts of the audience.
From character-based spin-off series to fan pages and merchandise, many characters outlive the shows. However, there are some characters who left a bad/negative impression on the viewers. Some are outright negative to the core, such as Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones; others have a layered personality that often overrules their controversial actions. This article peels those layers of such TV characters and explains why they remain controversial to this day.
Here’s a list of the top 5 most controversial TV characters of all time.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the author’s opinions. Reader discretion is advised.
Top 5 most controversial TV characters
Archie Bunker from All In The Family
Any list that features controversial TV characters of all time remains incomplete without Caroll O’ Connie’s Archie Bunker from All in the Family. On several instances, he made racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. He never thought twice before hurling slurs at minorities. All in the Family follows the dysfunctional working-class Bunker family who live in Queens. The show mainly focused on the conservative couple Edith and Archie Bunker. While the show is mostly satirical and fun, there were instances when Archie Bunker crossed the line. The show wanted to highlight backward thinking and the stubborn attitude of such people and their unwillingness to change. However, many critics and viewers pointed out that the bigotry in such scenes was inappropriate. Here’s what Carroll thought about his character (via Me TV)
“Archie’s dilemma is coping with a world that is changing in front of him. He doesn’t know what to do except lose his temper, mouth his poisons, and look elsewhere to fix the blame for his discomfort. The root of his problem is himself, and he doesn’t know it.”
The show is available to stream on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother
Ted Bosney is portrayed by Josh Radnor in How I Met Your Mother. Yes, Ted did have a layered personality. He was a flawed protagonist from the beginning, but there are several problematic traits that went unnoticed in the beginning. First, he was too possessive and controlling in his relationships. Often, his toxicity was hidden beneath layers of romance. Secondly, he overshared unnecessary, inappropriate events with his children. For instance, in How I Met Your Mother, Season 5, Episode 14, he tells them how Barney wanted to sleep with seven women in a week. Also, Barney is also one of the controversial TV characters; he’s an example of toxic masculinity. Available to stream on Hulu.
Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones
Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones remains one of the most hated characters all time. He’s an antagonist of all sorts. From brutally torturing Theon to killing and ra**** women for fun, he is one of the most controversial TV characters of all time. Even after marrying Sansa, he abused her to assert control. In fact, several scenes were uncomfortable to watch. Available to watch on HBO Max.
Eric Cartman from South Park
South Park‘s Eric Cartman was supposed to be comic relief, but instead, he became one of the most controversial characters of the show. He’s a misogynist, a homophobe, and anti-Semitic, and the hate sprawling out of an eight-year-old seems quite inappropriate. South Park is available to watch on HBO Max.
Don Draper from Mad Men
Don Draper from Mad Men might not look aesthetically pleasing, but beneath the charm lies the dark reality that was overlooked initially. He cheats on Betty, repeats the same in his next relationships, lies about his identity, and avoids responsibility, and it becomes a pattern. The show is available to stream on Hulu.
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Edited by Priscillah Mueni