The Most Hated Side Characters in TV and Film

1. Jar Jar Binks [Star Wars]

When The Phantom Menace hit theaters, fans expected a groundbreaking addition to the Star Wars universe. Instead, they got Jar Jar Binks, a clumsy comic relief character who quickly became one of the most disliked figures in sci-fi history. Many criticized his exaggerated humor and offensive stereotypes. Even George Lucas later admitted they may have gone too far with his character.

2. Vinny [Family Guy]

When Family Guy killed off Brian, fans were heartbroken. Their sadness quickly turned to anger when the show replaced him almost immediately with Vinny, a wise-cracking new dog who never quite fit in. Audiences rejected him instantly, and it was not long before Brian returned. Vinny became a symbol of how not to replace a beloved character.

3. Skylar White [Breaking Bad]

Skylar White became one of the most divisive TV characters ever. While she was written as a morally grounded counterpoint to Walter White’s descent into crime, many fans unfairly vilified her. Online hate campaigns grew so large that actress Anna Gunn had to speak out publicly. Skylar remains a study in how audience perception can warp a well-written role.

4. Ned Flanders [The Simpsons]

In the early seasons of The Simpsons, Ned Flanders was the overly nice neighbor that everyone tolerated. But as the show evolved, his personality shifted into an extreme version of itself. He became hyper-religious, judgmental, and at times hostile. What was once a charming character turned into a parody of faith and morality that frustrated longtime fans.

5. Scrappy-Doo [Scooby-Doo]

When the Scooby-Doo franchise started to lose steam, producers introduced Scrappy-Doo to revive it. Instead of saving the show, he nearly destroyed it. His loud, egotistical personality clashed with the rest of the gang’s charm. Fans disliked him so much that later adaptations often mocked or erased him entirely from the series.

6. Sparky [Fairly OddParents]

Sparky, Timmy Turner’s magical dog, was introduced late in The Fairly OddParents series. Unfortunately, his arrival shifted the show’s balance and tone. Fans felt he replaced the clever writing and heartfelt humor that once defined the series. It was clear that not every addition to a successful show improves it.

7. The “Real” Seymour Skinner [The Simpsons]

Few episodes of The Simpsons caused as much backlash as “The Principal and the Pauper.” In it, viewers discovered that the real Seymour Skinner had been replaced by an imposter for years. This twist angered fans and even some of the show’s creators. It broke continuity and trust, leaving audiences questioning the show’s storytelling choices.

8. Thanos [Squid Game 2]

Even before the second season’s release, Thanos divided the Squid Game fanbase. Some found his eccentric personality entertaining, while others felt he disrupted the show’s dark tone. He quickly became one of those rare characters that people either love or completely despise. Controversial, chaotic, and unforgettable, Thanos proves that not every bold character lands well with fans.

Final Thoughts: Why We Love to Hate These Characters

Every story needs contrast, and sometimes the most hated characters make the biggest impact. Whether they were meant to be comic relief, emotional anchors, or plot devices gone wrong, these side characters left a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. Love them or loathe them, they remind us that strong reactions mean strong storytelling.