The most hated TV characters, as voted for by fans

Virgin Radio

28 Nov 2023, 14:56

Credit: HBO/Netflix

They've all made us gasp, scream, wretch, and even break our screens but only one character can claim the dubious crown of the most hated tv character.

According to a poll on Ranker, the throne of disdain is claimed by none other than Joffrey Baratheon from the groundbreaking series Game of Thrones.

Jack Gleeson's portrayal of the sadistic and petulant king garnered the most votes, accumulating over 273.4k in a poll that keeps evolving.

While the realm of television has birthed numerous characters deserving of both love and loathing, Joffrey Baratheon stands tall as the pinnacle of antipathy. However, he is not alone in this dubious honor. The list of the most disliked characters on TV is a melting pot of villainy and annoyance.

In the runner-up position, we find the sinister Ramsey Bolton from Game of Thrones, portrayed by Iwan Rheon. Known for his sadistic tendencies, Ramsey Bolton left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. The bronze medal of detestation goes to Shou Tucker from Fullmetal Alchemist, a character whose actions left fans gasping in disbelief.

Adding a surprising twist to the poll, we discover Rachel Berry from Glee and the innocent children's TV character Caillou making unexpected appearances on the list. It appears that the spectrum of dislike extends beyond traditional villains and delves into the realm of annoyance and, in the case of Caillou, perhaps a little too much whining.

Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series that sparked countless debates and discussions, concluded its eight-season saga in 2019. Despite its end, the legacy continues with the spin-off House of The Dragon, which debuted in 2022. The second season of the dragon-centric series is eagerly anticipated for the coming year. HBO also teased another prequel spin-off based on George R.R. Martin's Dunk and Egg novellas, exploring events 90 years before the iconic Game of Thrones storyline.

The Walking Dead, another television juggernaut, wrapped up its eleven-season journey in November of the previous year. However, the universe it birthed continues to expand with spin-offs like Fear the Walking Dead, which recently concluded its eighth season. Fans can also look forward to upcoming series like The Walking Dead: Dead City and Daryl Dixon, exploring the untold stories of beloved characters.

While Joffrey Baratheon reigns supreme in the unflattering kingdom of TV's most hated characters, the diversity of the list showcases the varied reasons viewers may turn against a character. Whether driven by villainy, annoyance, or a resentment of children's programming, these characters have left an enduring mark on the television landscape. As the poll continues to evolve, who knows which character may rise or fall in the unpredictable tides of viewer sentiment. We'll love-to-hate-watch all the same.