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Relatable TV characters and shows are some of the most important forms of pop culture media consumed regularly. Unlike movies, which are seen occasionally, TV shows are an everyday thing for most people. Therefore, the depiction of relatable and full of depth characters is much needed to engage the audience. A TV character that people can relate with makes the show more enjoyable and connected. Here are the 10 most relatable TV characters of all time.
Lizzie McGuire, Samantha Jones, and other relatable TV characters
1. Lilly Truscott – Hannah Montana
Lilly, the beloved best friend of Miley/Hannah Montana, is one of the most relatable TV characters from a Disney show. She is the loyal best friend to Miley, and has a funny and awkward side that we can all relate to. Like a true best friend, she is offended that Miley did not tell her about her big secret of being Hannah Montana. However, she is also the one who is always there for Miley and puts up with all her shenanigans.
Whether it is a problem related to her fame or any boy drama, Miley can always confide in Lilly and is always standing next to her best friend. Lilly always has Miley’s back and is also a tomboy, which again makes her relatable for most girls who went through that phase. Lilly is also a cool character as she knows how to do cartwheels, wave surfing, and more.
2. Fleabag - Fleabag
Even though she remains unnamed throughout most of the show, viewers have come to identify the protagonist of the series, with the show’s name. The awkward, hilarious, and extremely relatable character portrayed by Phoebe Wall Bridge, hits close to home. Like any other adult growing up in today’s fast-paced world, she illustrates the viewer's anxiety in a biting and sarcastic manner. She is flawed, fails to form deeper connections, and tries to make a joke out of a serious incident, which is just like the rest of us.
Her unabashed portrayal of her authentic self, makes Fleabag one of the most relatable TV characters in modern times. Her awkward but heartwarming relationship with her sister is like any other sibling duo. Even during moments of seriousness, she can portray the rage and helplessness, we have all felt inside ourselves. Her heartwarming relationship with the Pastor is hilarious and beautiful, which feels like a proper adult connection. Most importantly, her frequent breaking of the fourth wall and interaction with the viewers, connects her with us.
3. Lizzie McGuire – Lizzie McGuire
Another most relatable TV character from the Disney world is the famous protagonist, Lizzie McGuire. Like any other teenager, she has a set of awkward but lovable friends, a gang of bullies in school, an annoying brother, overbearing parents, and doubts about her own identity. The show tackled all kinds of adolescent topics like insecurities and fitting in, which was done through the character of Lizzie.
As viewers, one could feel that they were also growing up with her or were reliving their memories through her. Like any other teenager going through an awkward phase of their life, Lizzie was also battling with relatable problems like having a crush on someone, wanting to be fashionable, and trying to find one’s independence. Even her animated alter-ego is extremely relatable at times as she is the collective voice of all of us, who have gone through teenagerhood.
4. Jake Peralta – Brooklyn 99
The childish, immature, yet heartwarming protagonist, Jake, is one of the most relatable TV characters in the modern sitcom. Like a passionate person in his job, Jake has a role model, John McLane, and loves to be a police officer. However, he is goofy and always fails to comply with the orders from his commanding officer—another point that makes him so relatable with young adults who also struggle at their workplaces.
Even though he is haywire and chaotic, he has a heart of gold and has some of the most beautiful relationships with his colleagues, Amy, Boyle, and others. He is a true friend to anyone and always sticks by their side, even if it means that he might get into trouble. Some of his funniest moments include having a can of orange soda when everyone else has drinks and always having child-like enthusiasm.
5. Samantha Jones – Sex and the City
One of the four members of the gang of friends in the show, Samantha Jones, holds her wit with a lot of style and panache. She is one of the most relatable TV characters as she is outrightly fierce and independent. She embodies a modern woman and is no hold barred, unapologetic, and lives life on her terms. Like many modern women, she does not let societal customs dictate her life and is one of the only characters in the show who does not need a man to define herself.
Even though her other friends try to find a man to find their purpose and identity, Samantha does not believe in this and makes men fall for her. She is charming, seductive, and sassy. Further, she is always ready to stand by her friends through thick or thin. She is therefore a relatable friend for many and does not even think once to step into a problem for her gang.
6. Meemaw – Young Sheldon
The fiery grandmother of Sheldon, Meemaw is another rebellious character, known for her sass and wit, and is one of the most relatable TV characters out there. Even though she is a grandmother, she does not let her age and role define how she will behave. She is not coy or demure but loves to live life to the fullest. Like many single women of her age, she decides to date, run a business, and have an active life after the death of her husband.
She deeply loves him but decides to live heartily in his memory. She knows how to handle a situation and is always there for her grandchildren. Like a loving grandmother, she is the one who takes Sheldon to college, but she is also the one who corrects him when he goes wrong. Similarly, she is the cool grandmother for her granddaughter Missy and often helps her with her girlhood issues. She is therefore one of the coolest and most relatable characters.
7. Sydney – The Bear
The right hand of the head chef Carmy, Sydney, is one of the most enigmatic characters and her flawed yet ambitious persona makes her one of the most relatable TV characters in modern times. She is a fully developed character with many layers, and can embody all her intricacies on the show. Like many young people trying to follow their dreams, Sydney is also enamored by Carmy and his work as a chef and decides to enter the culinary world.
She is relatable to everyone who is ambitious over their career and strives to create a Michelin-level experience in Carmy’s restaurant to. She derives her sense of self-worth from her job, cooking, and therefore devotes countless hours to get a dish right. She is also a team player and looks out for everyone at the restaurant. Her heartwarming relationship with her father is another side of her character, making her relatable to all those devoted to their parents.
8. Chandler – Friends
One of the most charming members of the famous gang of six, Chandler is an iconic and one of the most relatable TV characters in sitcom history. From his cool and laidback attitude to his mature and sensible yet goofy persona, he is one of the most balanced characters on the show. And that is what makes him relatable to most people. His awkward personality around women is heartwarming and many people can relate.
But he is always by his friends’ side and is ready to drop all his problems if his friends need him. Perhaps his most beautiful side is revealed when he and Monica start dating and grow into one of the most mature yet funny couples. The way he handles her, is always there for her, even during serious moments, stands by her side, makes him an ideal partner, and therefore a relatable character for many.
9. Bojack Horseman – Bojack Horseman
The main character, Bojack, is one of the most relatable TV characters for all those who have hit a low point in their lives. There are few accurate representations of depression and existential angst in pop culture and Bojack is one of the most realistic characters who can embody the feelings of declining mental health with poignance and sensitivity.
Like many people grappling with loss of identity and meaning, Bojack is rude, arrogant, and self-centered. However, with time, he grows to become more mature. He is relatable to most people as everyone has felt low self-esteem and has tried to sabotage their relationships. His nihilistic view on life and his addiction for alcohol is also a raw and relatable depiction of a person trying to control their life amidst all the challenges.
10. Mabel – Only Murders in the Building
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As part of a trio, of which two are elderly gentlemen who could be her father’s age, Mable finds herself in a precarious situation. And yet, she is one of the most relatable TV characters. Mable is young, fashionable, and trying to find her purpose in the world. She portrays the plight of everyone who feels lost and wants to prove themselves.
Even though she finds herself in a unique situation where she must solve murders along with two elderly men, at the heart of it all, she just wants to see her meaning and purpose in the world. Like many others, she feels lost and directionless and depends upon her friends to guide her. She finds new avenues to fulfill herself and never restricts herself to one path. Therefore, she tries to live her life to the fullest. Her moments of existential angst over finding a stable home and career make her relatable.
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