These 6 Side Characters Have Major Main Character Energy

Television has given us some genuinely iconic main characters, but sometimes, the side characters steal the show entirely. These scene-stealers bring enormous energy, iconic one-liners, and unmatched vibes, and we’re always counting down to their next moment on screen. Here are six unforgettable TV side characters who’ve arguably outshone their shows’ leads.

1. Kimmy Gibbler (Full House, Fuller House)

If chaotic bestie energy were a person, it’d be Kimmy Gibbler. From the moment she burst through Danny Tanner’s front door with her neon outfits and unfiltered opinions, Kimmy brought the absurdity and humor we didn’t know we needed. While the Tanner family was all about love, hugs, and life lessons,  Kimmy’s quirkiness made her a fan favorite, whether it was her bizarre habits, over-the-top confidence, or a knack for saying the wrong thing at the right time. Even in Fuller House, she’s still the eccentric bestie we’d love to have in our corner.

2. Erica Sinclair (Stranger Things)

You can’t spell America without Erica! The younger sister of Lucas Sinclair, Erica went from occasional annoyance to full-blown icon as she bossed her way into the Stranger Things core group as one of the biggest side characters in the series. With her razor-sharp wit and unrelenting sass, Erica doesn’t just hold her own among the older kids; she completely dominates. She’s intelligent, unflinchingly honest, and unapologetically herself. Every line she delivers is pure gold, proving that even amid Demogorgons and alternate dimensions, a little bit of Erica’s shade can’t be beaten.

3. Janice (Friends)

Oh. My. Gawd. Could Janice be any more unforgettable? Chandler’s on-again, off-again girlfriend with the nasal voice and laugh etched into sitcom history is a prime example of a character so specific that she’s impossible to ignore. Janice’s appearances are like a shot of adrenaline to every episode she’s in, as she breezes in with her leopard print outfits, bold lipstick, and signature catchphrases. While the central six were great, Janice brought a chaotic energy that made you wish she had her spin-off.

4. Sophia Petrillo (The Golden Girls)

Picture it: Sicily, 1922. The Golden Girls is already a comedic masterpiece, but Sophia Petrillo—with her tiny stature and even sharper tongue—takes it to another level. (And, believe it or not, she wasn’t even supposed to be a main character! But after the pilot episode, she tested so well with audiences that they made her a regular…and we are all the better for it.) As Dorothy’s elderly mother, Sophia is the queen of no filter, roasting everyone around her without hesitation. Her stories (often dubious, always hilarious) and old-school wisdom make her stand out in a cast already brimming with talent. Plus, she proves you’re never too old to be the funniest person in the room.

5. Sue Sylvester (Glee)

Sue Sylvester didn’t just upstage Glee; she practically turned it into the Sue Sylvester Show. The tracksuit-wearing cheerleading coach is the villain you hate to love and love to hate. With her biting insults and absurd schemes, Sue’s mission to destroy the Glee Club somehow made her the star of the series. But beneath the sarcasm and ambition, Sue occasionally revealed a softer side, making her a surprisingly layered character. Who else could deliver monologues with that much venom and comedic genius?

6. Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)

Barbara Howard is the seasoned teacher we all wish we had growing up. As the moral compass of Abbott Elementary, Barbara’s calm demeanor and endless wisdom balance out the school’s chaotic energy. Played with impeccable grace by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Barbara’s subtle humor and moments of vulnerability make her incredibly relatable. Her dynamic with Janine—part mentorship, part exasperation—is a cornerstone of the show. She proves that quiet strength can steal the spotlight as effectively as a loud punchline.

These characters are more than just sidekicks; they prove that the main character’s energy sometimes comes from the sides. Whether through shade, sass, or straight-up chaos, they’ve carved out a permanent place in TV history and our hearts.