Love or loathe them, TV’s most hated characters often stay with us long after the credits roll. Recently enough, a buzzworthy list ranking the most hated TV characters of all time has taken the internet by storm and sparked a lively debate beyond mere entertainment, diving into the nitty-gritty of villainy and the powerful impact of storytelling. Ranker’s roundup, titled “Most Hated TV Characters of All Time,” brings together a collection of over 100 of the most hated TV characters of all time, relying on user input to determine the most “universally detested” figures.
At the time of writing, the ranking had already amassed almost 277,000 votes, as users expressed their opinions by upvoting or downvoting their chosen selections. As per the list’s author, Matthew Cole Weiss, it’s important to note that the compilation doesn’t exclusively feature characters branded as inherently evil or malicious. Some characters earn their spot not because of their moral compass but “simply because every time they come on the screen, you wish they’d just go away.” They might not fall into the “love to hate” category—though a few probably do. Instead, they’re the ones people generally don’t like, find annoying, or “absolutely can’t stand”.
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Even though the rankings are constantly in flux due to users constantly upvoting or downvoting, the top 10 is dominated by HBO’s Game of Thrones characters. Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) and Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) reign supreme in first and second place, respectively, while Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) secures the fifth spot. AMC’s Breaking Bad also makes an impact, with Skyler White (Anna Gunn) initially sparking controversy in the third position. However, it’s worth noting that Gunn’s White has since been downvoted to the twentieth spot while Todd Alquist (Jesse Plemons) rightfully sits on the eighth spot, and Marie Schrader takes up the twenty-ninth spot.
Skyler White’s inclusion to the list and her ranking have fueled intense debate and controversy among fans, leading to a sharp divide. Over a decade has passed since Breaking Bad wrapped up, yet Skyler White’s controversy continues to encompass the television landscape. Many strongly advocate for her character, arguing that she has been unfairly judged. During the show’s original run, she was the most criticized character among vocal fans. However, many fans agree with Anna Gunn’s portrayal of Skyler, and her nuanced portrayal has turned her into a barometer of viewers’ complex relationships with complex female characters on television.
Many people took to X to voice their opinions about Skyler’s ranking, with one user commenting, “Wait, what? Why is Skyler White on there? Sure it’s been a while since I watched the last season of BB but I don’t remember her being a character you hate at the end?” Meanwhile, another user expressed disbelief, stating, “Imagine hating a woman for trying to get her husband treatment for cancer, & trying to protect her children from that man.”
Yet another user seemed to echo the sentiment about Skyler’s inclusion, noting, “a lot of people seem confused as to why Skyker White is up there on the list; only the real ones know why. I would explain, but this could turn into another big conversation…” So, while the internet may never reach a consensus on Skyler White, it surely can stir up a lively debate about her character. After all, who doesn’t love a little spice in their life?
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