There are someTV characters who shineas the heart of a show, becoming unforgettable staples of pop culture—and sometimes, they aren’t even the main character.Some supporting characters may go underused or are even meant for a one-episode arc, but unexpectedly, they go on to steal the scene and win the love of viewers. Whether it’s through charm and pure swagger or unexpectedly deep arcs that show viewers who they truly are, some characters just radiate main character energy and steal the spotlight away from the actual main characters.
Characters likeHappy Days’Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler), who transformed from a simple leather-jacket-wearing sidekick to a pop-culture phenomenon, andStranger Things' Steve Harrington (Joe Keery),who found his evolution from a bullying jerk to a monster-slaying babysitter, prove that supporting roles can be just as impactful as any lead.Compiled on this list are similar characters who oftensteal the showand truly exude main character energy.
8Uncle Iroh
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
Thisiconic animated fantasy seriescontains a plethora of standout characters, but one of the finest within the show happens to be a tea-loving fountain of knowledge and wisdom.Avatar: The Last Airbendercenters around a young boy named Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), who is the destined hero meant to master all of the elements and bring peace in a time of strife. Among those who help him on his journey is the wise Uncle Iroh (Mako), who may wear the colors of his foes but is too thoughtful and kind to ever truly be one of them.
Though Uncle Iroh is a supporting character, he brings a great amount of heart to the show. Iroh is a source of wisdom, warm humor, and an incredible fighter in moments when he must. The retired Fire Nation general is an instant favorite for viewers, with theAvatar: The Last Airbenderfanbase supporting him with vigor, despite him being the uncle to the show’s antagonist.Iroh is admired greatly for his calm strength and his quotable, profound words.His impact and popularity far exceed that of a typical supporting character, as he radiates warmth and strength, making him the perfect addition to this list.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
7Saul Goodman
Breaking Badis a popular Americancrime drama seriescreated by Vince Gilligan.The beloved drama follows mild-mannered high school chemistry teacherWalter White(Bryan Cranston) and his transformation into a criminal mastermind and drug kingpin. By his side is his flashy lawyer, Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk).
Saul is definitely one of the more colorful side characters out there, quickly becoming one ofBreaking Bad’smost prominent and memorable figures. He just about instantly grabs viewers' attention with his shrewd schemes and dark humor.Saul is such a popular character that he earned himself his very own spin-off calledBetter Call Saul. Fans are quite addicted to the crooked yet charming lawyer, who carries enough main character energy to gain him an acclaimed series of his own.
Breaking Bad
‘Sesame Street’
Thislong-running showstands as one of the best, with some of the most memorable characters.Sesame Streetis set on a friendly city street with humans and Muppets who teach kids their letters and numbers. Elmo (Kevin Clash) is one of the show’s most beloved characters, known for his curious nature, happy tone, and amazing ability to connect with the world and the people around him.
Even as a late entry toSesame Street, the sweet red monster with an infectious laugh was able to gain huge amounts of popularity almost instantly. By the 1990s,Sesame Streethad essentially become the Elmo Show.The lovable character is in the lead of most episodes and merchandiseand wields an incredible ability to engage kids, with a personality that can even charm adults.
Sesame Street
5Steve Harrington
‘Stranger Things’
Stranger Thingsis an amazing sci-fi thriller that took the world by storm with its story. The popular series follows a crew of kids and their discovery that monsters do exist, only they live in a parallel universe. Among thestandout cast of charactersis the beloved character Steve Harrington, who starts out as comic relief but soon evolves into a complete fan favorite.
Steve is introduced as a bold, cocky, bullying jerk — a character seemingly destined to stand as an annoying antagonist. But at the end of Season 1, the once stereotypical high school character begins his redemption arc. Steve quickly becomes a big brother figure to the younger kids of the show, standing out even if he is little more than a glorified babysitter. Fans felt their hearts opening to the changed character as they witnessed his growing integrity and kindness. Though no one likely expected Steve to become a key character in the beginning, he became increasingly significant, earning himself several independent story arcs and the title of a monster hunter who radiates main character energy.
Stranger Things
4Tyrion Lannister
‘Game of Thrones’
This underdog is a belovedand cherished character in the iconic fantasy seriesGame of Thrones. The fantasy drama follows the acts of several noble families as they vie for power and the Iron Throne. Among those families are the Lannisters, and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is the horribly underestimated youngest son of the house.
Tyrion Lannister may have started out as the comic relief — a sex fiend that seemed to think accountability was someone else’s problem — but beneath that was a man who, despite all his misfortunes, still cared.Though he once stood as a character among the dozens of supporting characters, his clever mind and sharp-tongued wit made him a true star.While Tyrion may not be the main character of theGame of Thronesseries, his sharp intellect and underestimated skills not only make him a beloved character among fans but also an unmistakable wielder of main character energy not often found in side characters.
Game Of Thrones
‘Star Trek: The Original Series’
Thisiconic sci-fi adventurefeatures some of the most popular and recognizable characters seen on TV.Star Trek: The Original Seriesis a space adventure series that follows the starshipEnterprisecrew, led by Captain Kirk (William Shatner). At the head of popularity with audiences is the half-Vulcan science officer, Spock (Leonard Nimoy).
Spock is a highly recognizable character, with his pointed ears and calm, cool personality. He is a character who spoke to viewers who felt the slightest bit different.His fandom grew so great that the writers ofStar Trek: The Original Serieshad to actively adjust the series to avoid the character overshadowing the great Captain Kirk.With a massive following and status as a cultural phenomenon, Spock is definitely a character that exudes main character energy.
Star Trek: The Original Series
2Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli
‘Happy Days’
Happy Daysis afun 1970s sitcomthat produced memorable catchphrases, nostalgic moments, classic charm, and — most of all — iconic characters who left a lasting mark on pop culture.The story, set in the 1950s, follows clean-cut teen Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) and his family in Milwaukee. Among the cast is the once minor character Arthur Fonzarelli.
While Arthur Fonzarelli (or more iconically known as Fonzie) started as a simple minor character, with his suave personality, leather jacket, and fun catchphrases, he quickly becameHappy Days’breakout star. Fonzie is a true and masterful scene-stealer.He’s a charismatic character that viewers absolutely adore, so much so that Fonzie eventually becomes a central figure within the show.With his epic swagger and cool persona that led to a blast of popularity, Fonzie undeniably has main character energy by the boatload.
Happy Days
1Steve Urkel
‘Family Matters’
Family Mattersis aclassic sitcom, cherished by all those who’ve watched it.The series may have been about the middle-class Winslow family who reside in Chicago, but it was the nerdy neighbor next door, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White), who truly stole the hearts of viewers, leading him to effortlessly become the star of the show.
Steve was initially meant to be a one-episode character, but his suspenders, nasally voice, and iconic catchphrase “Did I do that?” garnered him instant popularity with viewers.Urkel is a quirky character who grew so popular as a fan favorite that he basically took over the show, so much so that writers replaced other characters to give him more screen time.While he may be clumsy and a bit of a stalker when it comes to love, the nerdy character definitely deserves the number one spot as a supporting character who displays main character energy.
Family Matters
NEXT: The 10 Most Beloved TV Show Characters of All Time, Ranked
