10 TV Characters Who Improved Over Time

The best part of a show is when a fan-favorite character, or even one who didn’t start as such, undergoes an incredible arc. In some cases, they transition from a bad guy to a good one, or from a less favorable character to one that fans rally behind. Some of the best characters have had great redemption arcs, while others have simply grown into more significant roles.

From iconic dramas to sitcoms and comedies, many TV show characters have changed for the better over the years. A few, in particular, stand out for how the actors and the clever writing transformed them from their initial portrayal to someone almost unrecognizable by the end of their journey.

One of the well-known facts about Breaking Bad is that Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) was not supposed to last beyond the first season. But Paul’s amazing portrayal and his chemistry with Bryan Cranston as protagonist Walter White convinced creator Vince Gilligan to keep Jesse around. That was for the better.

He started as an aimless drug addict and dealer who Walter reaches out to for help selling his pure blue meth. But through the seasons, Jesse begins to show interest in learning about chemistry and a good sense of self. He develops remorse for the awful things he does alongside Walter and builds strong bonds with others, including a girlfriend and her young son. Jesse’s desire to better his life grows as Walter’s character becomes more despised and feared. Fans root for Jesse to come out unscathed, and his sorrow when he loses important figures in his life deepens his character, evolving him from just a junkie to someone fans genuinely care about.

Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) goes down as one of TV’s best villains, but his introduction on The Walking Dead left a bad taste in fans’ mouths. This is because he killed two fan-favorite characters and caused even more death and destruction. The harm he inflicted on the communities and Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) was unforgivable. Or was it?

Negan had one of the most compelling redemption arcs on television. After terrorizing communities, he was kept in captivity, giving him time to reflect and change. Over the years, he changed his ways and proved he had become a different person. From working with Carol (Melissa McBride) to take down Alpha (Samantha Morton) to saving Judith’s (Cailey Fleming) life and protecting Hershel (Kien Michael Spiller), Negan paid his dues. His backstory episode added another dimension to his character, making fans feel sympathy for him for the first time.

Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) is arguably the character who changed the most for the better on The Walking Dead. Unlike Negan, he didn’t commit heinous and evil acts. Instead, he started as a cowardly and fearful man who lived with the remorse of locking his parishioners out of his church. At one point, he even turned his back on Rick’s group.

But something changed in Gabriel. He learned to fight and became a skilled fighter, protector, and a confident and loyal member of the group. Although he lost his way a few times, he maintained his faith and helped many others find hope. Gabriel stepping up to take care of Coco after the deaths of both Siddiq (Avi Nash) and Rosita (Christian Serratos) capped off his transformation into one of the characters who changed the most for the better.

Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) was introduced on Stranger Things as the typical arrogant jock. He was Nancy’s (Natalia Dyer) handsome, athletic, and popular boyfriend who thought he was better than everyone else. But his involvement in the main plot with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the Upside Down, particularly during scenes with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and the other kids, made him endearing to fans.

Steve became a big brother type after helping Dustin learn how to impress girls. Despite losing the girl and working a dead-end job at the mall’s ice cream shop after graduation, Steve became a bona fide father figure loved by fans.

The Mandalorian/Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) on The Mandalorian started as a lone bounty hunter disinterested in others, much less a baby creature from another planet. But his relationship with Grogu showed Djarin’s heart. He went from living by a strict code to becoming a protector and father figure, making him far more relatable and beloved by fans.

Moira Rose (Catherine O’Hara) on Schitt’s Creek never changed the essence of what made her Moira, but she gained appreciation for people she never would have otherwise. She grew closer to her kids and became more of a mother than she had ever been, showing that she genuinely cared about others.

Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) on Game of Thrones started as a despised character involved in an incestuous relationship with his twin sister. But his capture, imprisonment, and the loss of his hand changed him. He developed a deeper bond with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), showing a rough but genuine side. Despite his strange relationship with his sister, he loved her and died trying to save her.

Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) is one of the funniest characters on Ted Lasso, showing the most growth by going from grunting whenever he saw Ted (Jason Sudeikis) to becoming a good friend. His relationship with Keeley (Juno Temple) was one of the sweetest on the show, and his rivalry turned friendship with Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) showcased his growth. Roy opened up to people he never thought he would, maintaining his endearing foul-mouthed charm.

Nick Miller (Jake Johnson) in New Girl was a smart but lazy and unmotivated slacker. Jess (Zooey Deschanel) coming into his life inspired positive changes. By the end of the series, Nick had a book deal, and he and Jess had married, proving he had matured and grown up.

Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) had over 30 years for his character arc to develop. He started as the popular bully in The Karate Kid and evolved into a complex character in Cobra Kai. Despite a troubled life, Johnny’s rough personality became endearing. From standing up to his old sensei to teaching a new group of kids and squashing his beef with Daniel, Johnny went from movie villain to fan-favorite TV show character, showing immense growth over 30+ years.

Source: Collider