Introducing a new character to an established television show is a huge risk. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Yet these popular television shows tried to fix it, only to end up breaking it.
Whether it was a last-ditch effort to boost ratings or over anxious writers trying something new, these characters ruined the TV shows they appeared on.
1. Randy Pearson – That 70’s Show
Replacing Eric Foreman was always going to be difficult. Randy, played by Josh Meyer, attempts to slide into that role. Instead, he lacks any chemistry with the cast and helps make the popular show’s final season forgettable.
2. Walden Schmidt – Two and a Half Men
After Charlie Sheen’s off-screen antics in 2010, it became apparent that he would need to be replaced. That replacement was Ashton Kutcher’s character, but fans of the show argue that things would have been better off if the series ended instead of going on for several additional seasons.
3. The Camera Guy – The Office
Remember when The Office decided it was a good idea to introduce tension into Jim and Pam’s marriage? I get that you needed to try new ideas after the departure of Michael Scott, but this was not a good one.
4. The Great Gazoo – The Flintstones
First appearing in 1965, The Great Gazoo is an example of The Flinstones jumping the shark. If your show’s premise is about a Stone Age family, why are you introducing an alien to the show?
5. Scrappy Doo – Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Hanna-Barbera didn’t learn any lessons after Gazoo because they tried the same stunt with Scrappy Doo after the show’s ratings began to fall.
6. Debby – Shameless
You know that you’ve ruined your show when fans end their rewatch when your character is introduced. That’s how people feel about Debbie Gallagher. In a family of bad people, Debbie is far and away the worst.
7. Cousin Oliver – The Brady Bunch
Here’s the story of a family cousin who made everyone’s lives awful. Cousin Oliver was so poorly received that the introduction of a younger character to boost unsuccessfully boost ratings became known as “Cousin Oliver Syndrome.”
8. Che Diaz – And Just Like That
Imagine rebooting a popular HBO series and introducing a character everybody loathes. That’s exactly what happens here.
Not only is Che emotionally immature, but she also takes advantage of Miranda. She acts like they’re not in a relationship unless it’s beneficial to her. Miranda deserves better!
9. Steve Urkel – Family Matters
Image Credit: Miller-Boyett Productions.
It’s a hot take but arguably a very good one. Steve was supposed to be a side character, and the series was meant to focus on the family. Instead, Urkel became the star attraction, and the sitcom lost sight of what it was originally trying to do.
10. Poochie – Itchy and Scratchy Show
He almost killed the Itchy and Scratchy Show, but he has to go now; his planet needs him.
Note: Poochie died on the way back to his home planet.
