While it is impossible to resolve the TV vs. movies debate, it is undeniably true that with more time on their hands, TV shows can provide their characters long-term arcs. Over multiple seasons, TV characters undergo gradual changes, like most people in the real world do.
Because of the limitations of the medium of film, they have to be more economical about character development. Meanwhile, TV show characters have to face challenges season by season to become who they are in the finale, for better or for worse.
11Jenny Humphrey — ‘Gossip Girl’ (2007-2012)
InGossip Girl, both the book and the TV show, everyone wants to be a part of the Manhattan Elite. New to the uber-rich world of bratty socialites, Dan Humphrey’s younger sister, Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen), decides to pursue this path of fame as well. Through the seasons, we watch as she tries and fails to make her place in the “it” crowd.
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Soon after, she realizes it isn’t all she thought it would be and enters her punk rock era. She tries to sabotage various storylines. While her hatred for wealthy peers is justified, her overall character takes the brunt of her actions and ultimately becomes insufferable.
10Winston Bishop — ‘New Girl’ (2011-2018)
One of the most wholesome characters of all time, Winston Bishop (Lamorne Morris), is complex and dynamic. It is evident from the first episode that Winston is quirky and hilarious but struggles to hold his own compared to strong characters like Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and Schmidt (Max Greenfield). With time, he turns into what can only be called the best character on the show.
Winston’s comedic timing and physical comedy skills add an element of lightheartedness to the show; however, he also displays moments of vulnerability and emotional depth. While the change in his behavior isn’t governed by any significant event, his development into aquintessential, multi-dimensional characteronNew Girlis beautiful.
9Robin Buckley — ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-)
When we first meet Robin (Maya Hawke) inStranger ThingsSeason 3, she is scooping ice cream and cracking Russian code alongside Steve (Joe Keery), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Erica (Priah Ferguson) at Starcourt Mall. While initially an enigmatic and sarcastic character, Robin’s layers are peeled as Season 4 progresses, revealing her multifaceted personality and vulnerability.
Unafraid to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, Robin defies expectations by coming out as gay to Steve. This pivotal moment showcases her courage and authenticity while challenging heteronormative narrative conventions. The change in her personality is drastic and feels different across both seasons, but it’s well-executed and works perfectly.
8Eli Moskowitz/Hawk — ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018-)
Fed up with being a meek and tormented teenager with a cleft lip, Eli Moskowitz (Jacob Bertrand) takes up karate, gaining confidence and undergoing a massive personality change. With an array of unique tattoos and a mohawk hairstyle, Hawk evolves into one of the most formidable fighters atCobra Kaikarate dojo.
As he embraces his new persona, Hawk develops newfound confidence and takes pleasure in his physical prowess; however, this newfound power sometimes leads to questionable decisions. Despite being a result of mistreatment, this transformation leads Eli to develop mean-spirited behavior, much like his bullies. Fortunately, he eventually lets go of his anger, and a sliver of his real personality shines through.
7Leslie Knope — ‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009-2015)
We all love and adore Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), but her character has developed insanely since the pilot ofParks and Recreationaired. Like most shows, writers struggled with finding a harmonious balance with Leslie, and by Season 2, Leslie became the driven powerhouse everyone loves.
This change helps Leslie’s character survive the test of time. While she can occasionally come across as overly enthusiastic or even relentless in pursuing her goals, Leslie’s heart is always in the right place;she genuinely cares for others' well-beingand seeks to positively impact their lives.
6Manny Delgado — ‘Modern Family’ (2009-2020)
During the early seasons ofModern Family, Manny Delgado (Rico Rodriguez) used to be one of the best parts of Modern Family, but his character arc’s progress in the series goes on to disappoint countless fans. Initially, Manny impresses viewers with his mature demeanor and old-fashioned qualities that seem beyond his tender age.
As he grows into a teenager, the consistency of his character goes haywire, and his personality feels unrecognizable and awkward. While he remains a loved character, his earlier years are remembered more fondly than those later.
5Elena Gilbert — ‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009-2017)
Despite being the main character ofThe Vampire Diaries, Elena Gilbert’s(Nina Dobrev)characterization is quite messed up. Initially, she’s a reserved goody-two-shoes stuck between two handsome vampire brothers, but then her character takes on a new role every season.
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She dies, becomes a vampire and human again, and dates both Salvatore brothers. While her grief over lost family members is tragic, her character over the season keeps deteriorating. She’s either angry, lovestruck, or has turned her humanity switch off. Ultimately, her character loses all charm.
4Cami O’Connell — ‘The Originals’ (2013-2018)
InThe Originals, a spin-off ofThe Vampire Diaries, Cami O’Connell (Leah Pipes) is a therapist who accidentally gets caught among creatures she isn’t supposed to know about. She befriends Klaus as he struggles with his family, past, and identity. As one would expect from aThe Vampire Diariesspin-off, Cami eventually becomes a vampire, and that’s when her personality takes a 360-degree turn.
During her short stint as a vampire, Cami becomes unbearable and ultimately concludes her time in the series as an exceedingly annoying character. While her becoming a vampire wasn’t bad, the inexplicable change in her personality was a bummer note to end her character.
3Jan Levinson — ‘The Office’ (2005-2013)
The character development of Jan Levinson (Melora Hardin) inThe Officeis almost impossible to explain. While initially an ambitious and confident corporate executive overseeing the Scranton branch and attempting to implement changes to improve its efficiency, she quickly changes into a whacky madwoman with a strange obsession with candle making.
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She’s the complete opposite of Michael Scott in the early seasons but becomes a weird enigma once she starts dating him. She makes many questionable choices, which may be satirical to what the corporate ladder can do to you.
2Joey Tribbiani — ‘Friends’ (1994-2004)
Joey(Matt LeBlanc)fromFriendsis one of those rare characters who effortlessly blends charm, wit, and naiveté tobecome one of the most beloved figures in television history. Beyond his happy-go-lucky, carefree nature lies a surprisingly complex individual struggling with his professional aspirations and personal relationships.
However, as the seasons progress and other friends become more layered, Joey’s character resorts to being comedic relief among the group. He is portrayed as codependent and often struggles with everyday chores. Finally, Joey’s character remains a husk of what it could’ve been, which plagues fans to this day.
