Everything moves a lot faster on TV.
Settings change, characters disappear or get killed off, and new characters may suddenly appear. That is just showbiz, baby.
When the latter happens, it can either change the show for better or for worse. Thankfully, in the case of these 10+ TV characters, it was for the better. Let’s get right into it!
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1. Jesse Pinkman from *Breaking Bad*
He was the other half to what made the show so iconic. He balanced the always-serious Walter White, while Walter helped him think things through more.
So it’s crazy to realize that the show’s creator, Vince Gillian, almost killed Jesse off in Season One.
He pitched the idea that Walt would lock him up in a basement and torture him.
In the end, Jesse would have killed himself. We’re so glad this never happened since the show wouldn’t be the same without Jesse.
Also, Netflix’s Breaking Bad special El Camino wouldn’t have been possible.
2. Luke Danes from *Gilmore Girls*
Just like Lorelai and Rory, he was the heart of the show. And yet, he was initially supposed to be a minor character.
In Graham’s book, Talking As Fast As I Can , she said that Luke being written as a love interest came with the characters’ chemistry.
“He was simply Cute Grouchy Diner Owner in the beginning, and it could have gone in any number of directions,” she wrote.
“But Luke took on a more important role because of Scott’s special sexiness, which was mixed with a gruffness that was the perfect contrast to Lorelai’s chirpy cheerfulness.”
3. Andy Bernard from *The Office*
Andy’s character went through a lot of changes throughout the show.
But as soon as Michael left, he was the best person to take his place since Dwight would have been a tyrant as the boss and no one likes to see a serious Jim.
4. Andy Dwyer from *Parks and Recreation*
Get this: he was only supposed to be on the show for six episodes.
But producer Michael Schur told The AV Club that Chris Pratt was “too funny to not use.'” I can definitely agree with that!
“We slowly changed the character to one that’s more lovable and sweet — a moron and a doofus, but not a bad person.”
We’re so glad that they did since his breakup with Ann led her to find the right one for her and Andy ended up falling in love with April.
5. Summer Roberts from *The O.C.*
Ah, Summer. Where would Seth Cohen be without her? We loved watching every minute of their love story.
She’s also the reason nerds everywhere have hope that they can fall in love with their high school crush.
6. Arthur Fonzarelli from *Happy Days*
It’s hard to find a TV character as iconic as The Fonz. That’s precisely why you’ll be hella surprised to learn that his character originally had few lines.
Thankfully, this all changed when viewers liked him so much.
7. Steve Urkel from *Family Matters*
Where would we be without Urkel’s famous line: “did I do that?”
He was only supposed to be a one-time character, but viewers soon couldn’t get enough of his signature catchphrases, nerdy personality, and funky outfits.
8. Robin Buckley from *Stranger Things*
Just like fans became obsessed with Steve Harrington on the show, the same thing happened with Robin.
Played by Maya Hawke (yes, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke’s daughter), she blew audiences away.
9. Patrick Brewer from *Schitt’s Creek*
While some fans were rooting for Stevie and David to get together, everything made sense when Patrick was added into the mix.
His love story with David, which ended in marriage, is one for the record books.
10. Winston Bishop from *New Girl*
Fans were introduced to Winston purely by luck. That’s because Damon Wayans Jr., who was originally cast in New Girl’s pilot, had a scheduling conflict with another show.
Despite this, he filmed New Girl’s pilot.
When his show, *Happy Endings* got canceled, he rejoined *New Girl*.
But, let’s be real: we all forgot about Coach as soon as his character was replaced by Winston.
He was just such a loveable and sensitive character that we wanted to protect at all costs.
11. Coconut Head from *Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide*
While it’s off the air now, this is a kid’s show that even adults would love . Coconut Head helped make that happen.
Rob Pinkston, the actor who played him, told MTV that he originally had no lines.
He was merely a recurring character at first.
“[Coconut Head] was a very small role when I auditioned for it, in fact, it didn’t even have any lines,” he said.
We are so happy the show gave him more screen time!
12. Castiel from *Supernatural*
He is such a fan-favorite, which is why it’s an absolute travesty that he wasn’t introduced until the fourth episode of Season Four .
Soon, he basically became the third Winchester brother to obsess over.
13. Michonne from *The Walking Dead*
Say what you will about The Walking Dead , but no one can deny that Michonne made the show better.
She was someone to root for right from the start with her two chained zombies. She even ended up as a love interest for Rick.
14. Jess Mariano from *Gilmore Girls*
Ah, Jess. When we were introduced to him in Season Two, he added a love triangle element between Rory, Dean, and Jess.
And, since he and Rory were clearly meant to be together, you couldn’t help but root for him.
