“They Destroyed Everything”: 18 TV Shows Ruined By One Bad Apple

We all have our favorite TV shows. You know, those series where every episode is a treat, every scene is magical… until THAT one character appears on screen and throws off the balance! Let’s take a look at those pesky characters who almost pulled the rug from under some epic shows.

Lost – Jack’s Leadership Woes

Photo Credit: ABC.

The island of “Lost” was a canvas of mysteries and unpredictable events. Most survivors naturally gravitated towards Jack, viewing him as a beacon of hope in dire times. However, Jack’s overly rigid style became evident as the series progressed. Instead of uniting the survivors, his decisions occasionally widened the divide, worsening their situation.

That ’70s Show – Randy’s Sudden Arrival

Photo Credit: Fox.

The quaint town of Point Place introduced us to a lovable group of teenage friends navigating the ups and downs of the ’70s. Then along came Randy, whose presence felt more forced than organic. Unlike the established characters, which grew on viewers over the seasons, Randy’s character lacked depth and connection. His attempts to blend in felt intrusive.

The Office – Andy Bernard’s Awkward Antics

Photo Credit: NBC.

“The Office” showcased a delightful ensemble of eccentric characters set within the gray walls of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch. But with his frequent emotional outbursts and constant need to showcase his singing, Andy Bernard sometimes disrupted the comedic flow. Andy’s unpredictability was less endearing and more jarring.

Stranger Things – Jonathan’s Less-Than-Stellar Spotlight

Photo Credit: Netflix.

Hawkins, Indiana, captivated audiences with its dark secrets and otherworldly events. However, Jonathan’s character sometimes fell flat in this intricate balance. Although realistic, his brooding demeanor and overwhelming teenage angst took away from the series’ primary focus. His emotional struggles felt overstretched in the broader narrative.

The Brady Bunch – The Sudden Surprise of Cousin Oliver

Photo Credit: ABC.

The Brady clan was the perfect blended family experience, juggling relatable issues with warmth and humor. However, the introduction of Cousin Oliver felt out of place. His character, designed to bring youthful energy, seemed to detract from the core essence of the show. Oliver’s episodes lacked the quintessential Brady charm.

Friends – The Piercing “OH MY GOD” of Janice

Photo Credit: NBC.

“Friends” remains iconic for its witty dialogues and memorable catchphrases. However, Janice’s shrill “OH MY GOD” became an unforgettable, albeit grating, refrain. Her flamboyant personality, magnified by her distinct fashion choices and annoying laughter, sometimes threatened to eclipse the nuanced humor of the central characters.

Community – Pierce’s Persistent Pettiness

Photo Credit: NBC.

At Greendale Community College, students from diverse backgrounds converged, resulting in hilarious misadventures. Among them, Pierce Hawthorne stood out — and not always in a good way. As episodes progressed, Pierce’s character struggled to evolve. His interactions feel more predictable and less in tune with the show’s innovative spirit.

Euphoria – Elliot’s Murky Motives

Photo Credit: A24/HBO.

Through the lens of “Euphoria,” audiences looked into the complexities of modern teenage life. Amid its colorful yet chaotic spectrum, Elliot’s character remained enigmatic. His layered persona felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. While the show thrived on raw emotions and stark realities, Elliot’s narrative took attention from more central, impactful storylines.

The Haunting of Hill House – Steve’s Skeptic Spectacles

Photo Credit: Netflix.

The Crain family’s traumatic experiences at Hill House gave viewers both chills and emotional depth. However, while initially grounding, Steve’s adamant skepticism eventually became tiresome. His continuous dismissals, instead of creating intrigue, often hindered the emotional journey of other characters. He made some episodes feel stagnant.

The Walking Dead – Andrea’s Agonizing Actions

Photo Credit: AMC.

In the dangerous world of “The Walking Dead,” survival instincts are paramount. Andrea’s character was commendable among the group, but her impulsive decisions often spelled trouble. Andrea’s actions consistently added layers of complication, whether it was her misplaced trust in villains or her inability to see obvious dangers.

Seinfeld – Kramer’s Krazy Kapers

Photo Credit: NBC.

New York City, the vibrant and bustling backdrop of “Seinfeld,” was a character on its own. The city showcased a buffet of quirks, so Kramer’s wild hair and even wilder ideas sometimes felt like overkill. While his spontaneous personality and oddball ventures tickled some, others felt the show would’ve hit its comedic stride better without his constant whirlwind presence.

Married… With Children – The Odd Addition of Seven

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures.

The bold Bundys were every ’90s suburban nightmare – hilariously dysfunctional and ever-chaotic. But just when viewers adjusted to the family’s zany antics, along came Seven. The kid felt out of place, and his random addition was more of a curveball than a pleasant surprise. The show had spice, but with Seven, it was like an unexpected chili pepper!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Spike’s Sudden Soft Side

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Buffy Summers was the epitome of teen angst mixed with supernatural responsibility. She had a town to save, friends to protect, and night crawlers to vanquish. Spike, the bad-boy vamp, was initially an ideal foil. However, his transition from ruthless enemy to Buffy’s brooding lover threw a curve in the narrative. Think Batman dating Joker!

The Umbrella Academy – Ben’s Barely-There Presence

Photo Credit: Netflix.

The Hargreeves’ home was nothing short of explosive, with each sibling shining in their own light. Except, seemingly, for Ben. He had an awesome power — summoning monsters — but we hardly got a good peek! Viewers often craved more of him and less of the same old family drama. But when we got a peek in season 3, it wasn’t good enough.

NewsRadio – Max’s Off-Beat Antics

Photo Credit: NBC.

“NewsRadio” served up a hearty dose of laughter with its engaging crew. And then, in walked Max. His unpredictable and, sometimes, confusing humor threw listeners off the main broadcast. Was he a quirky addition or just a detour from the show’s usual hilarity? The jury’s still out on this one.

Breaking Bad – Skyler’s Overwhelming Worries

Photo Credit: AMC.

Amid the sandy stretches of crime and Walter White’s thrilling downward spiral, Skyler’s continuous mistrust and face-offs with Walter felt like a thorn in an otherwise smooth story. Her issues took up way too much time. Her endless doubts, though sometimes justified, became a buzzing in the background that many wished they could mute.

How I Met Your Mother – Ted’s Lengthy Laments

Photo Credit: CBS.

Sitting around their favorite New York bar, Ted Mosby loved to regale with tales of love and loss. But sometimes, his long-winded stories about finding “the one” had viewers reaching for the fast-forward button. Were his kids on the couch as eager for the end as we were? We don’t think so! This show ran on far too long with Ted.

Charmed – The Billie Blip

Photo Credit: The WB.

The Halliwell sisters were the perfect brew of enchantment and adventure. Enter Billie. With her unpredictable ways and different motives, she seemed more like a hiccup in a well-sung chant. Some people on fan forums declared her as a refreshing change, whereas others said it was merely a miscast spell. Either way, they had a field day!

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Richard Vincent

Writer & Blogger

Richard Vincent is a passionate cinephile dedicated to creating a vibrant community for film enthusiasts. Through our platform, Shah strives to cultivate a space where individuals can engage in meaningful exploration, discussion, and celebration of the enchanting world of cinema.

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