Some characters steal the spotlight, while others are content in the shadows.
Minor characters — those who don’t have much screen time — sometimes steal our hearts. Even though they don’t do much on-screen, there’s no question that our favorite shows wouldn’t be the same without them.
Here are some of the minor characters we adore.
Hit the comments with your favorites, and don’t forget you can watch TV online here at TV Fanatic whenever you need to see the characters that have most captured your heart!
Danny Dixon – A Million Little Things
A Million Little Things deals with a ton of heavy topics, and the Dixon family is in disarray after Jon’s suicide, but Danny brings some much needed lightness in all of his scenes with “Uncle Gary”, who is really just a big kid at heart.
Missy Cooper – Young Sheldon
Missy might be living in her brilliant twin’s shadow, but she steals every scene she’s in with her snarky comments or her ability to revel in her ignorance. We’re grateful there’s one semi-normal kid in the Cooper household!
Phyllis – Murphy Brown
Every workplace comedy needs a wisecracking bartender, and Murphy Brown’s Phyllis is among the best. She’s not afraid to stand up to any unruly, rude, or bigoted customer, and since she’s played by Cagney and Lacey’s Tyne Daly, she gets double points for referencing her past life as a New York City police officer!
Grover Johnson – The Neighborhood
Little Grover was dragged to a new neighborhood — and a conflict between his dad and their next door neighbor. He often doesn’t do much except be cute, but even surly Calvin can’t help smiling around him. And neither can we!
Melinda Warner – Law & Order: SVU
The SVU detectives don’t always consult the medical examiner when they’re investigating a case, but when they do, she always provides invaluable information. Plus Tamara Tunie imbues her with such humanity despite the clinical nature of her job.
Beverly Hofstadter – Big Bang Theory
Beverly Hofstadter is one of those deliciously obnoxious characters that we love in small doses! Christine Barinski plays Leonard’s demanding mother to perfection and we’re grateful for it!
Arianna Horton – Days of Our Lives
Little Ari’s role in her parents’ stories is mostly off-screen, but whenever she is shown, it really makes the episode! Ari is cute and smart, and we wish she could have more screen time but are grateful for every sighting.
Kevin Keller – Riverdale
Kevin is among the most tragically underused characters on Riverdale. The torch he carries for closeted Moose and his heartbreak over Serpent Joaquin’s betrayal are two of the best stories the show has ever had and we’d love to see more of him!
Mike B. – Madam Secretary
Mike B is a little quirky, and Elizabeth may want to think twice about having him as her campaign manager, but he and that dog of his are always fun when they pop up on Madam Secretary.
Janet – The Good Place
There’s a lot to love about The Good Place, but we’re especially grateful for Janet. Who knew that an artificial intelligence unit could add so much to this quirky, funny show?
Irving Feldman – The Resident
ER doc Irving Feldman may not play a big role on The Resident, but the show wouldn’t be the same without his sweet, sensitive, awkward self. Mina might not think so, but we certainly do!
Wendy Harris – Mom
Thank goodness for Weepy Wendy! Her emotionality, attempts to fit into the group, and lack of tact add even more depth to the recovering-addict family comedy, and her potential bisexuality scores points for representation.
Abigail Baker – Blue Bloods
Most of the time, Baker’s entire function is to act as a receptionist for Frank, or sometimes as a buffer between him and people he’d rather not see. But you can tell there’s a lot more to her than that, and once in a while when she gets her own story, she really shines!
