Adina Kruskal lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Adina Kruskal - Lists at Ranker

Look, you watch enough of a show, you get to know the characters. Maybe you even care about them. Maybe you even love them. Or hate them. Or want to read tons of lists about them.

The People in Your TV

Total Nerd

Given that TV shows usually feature large ensembles, it's natural for characters to appear or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-characters-disappeared-without-explanation/adina-kruskal">disappear</a>. Sometimes new arrivals are clearly meant to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-show-replacements-same-character/adina-kruskal?ref=profile_own">replace</a> an old character; other additions may simply be intended to expand possibilities beyond the current group of characters.It's strange for viewers when we see a character who was not on the show before, but the people in-universe act as if they know them and they've been around the whole time, conveniently off-camera. In some settings - a school, a workplace, a town - it's understandable, but other closed-off settings, like a deserted island, make it harder to suspend disbelief. Some shows even joke about the new arrival upon introduction before moving on to incorporate them into the show. Here are the most notable characters who joined TV shows partway through their run but supposedly were “there all along.”

13 Times TV Shows Introduced New Characters And Pretended They Were There All Along

General

TV Shows That Introduced New Characters And Pretended They Were There All Along

Adina Kruskal

Watchworthy

Teen movies offer a certain relatability and humor that gives them re-watch value even long after leaving our teen years. High school, in particular, provides greater emotional highs and lows than any other period of life, so along with the moments of wish fulfillment and comedy, teen movies balance out the wins with major embarrassment. We all know adolescence is tough, but some scenes in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/high-school-movie-details/jonathan-kantor">classic teen movies</a> are so scarring in terms of secondhand embarrassment that we block them from our memories completely.Though nostalgia preserves our favorite parts of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-teen-movie-small-details/abeswaves">these films</a>, our brains are skilled at erasing the memories of scenes that are hard to watch due to rejection, humiliation, or flat-out disgusting experiences. Prepare to have some memories unlocked and turn your cringe onto max as you read this list of teen movies with one incredibly embarrassing scene you forgot about.

Teen Movies You Forgot Have One Super Embarrassing Scene

Film

A closer look at the funny shows that keep us going.

Sit-Comedy

Sitcoms

While watching sitcoms, we fall in love not only with the plot and the humor, but also the chemistry between the actors. Long-running shows put the same faces on our screen for hundreds of episodes, creating a positive feeling simply from seeing them together.When a show wraps up, the actors move on, but occasionally we are treated to a reunion of stars who once starred together. These reunions can happen by chance, though sometimes they're planned as an excuse for the friends to work together again! Certain reunions may include nudges or nods to the original sitcom, as a bonus for viewers in the know. These moments may be crafted specifically to recall the old sitcom's comedic dynamics; alternatively, some thrust the actors together in a new genre or environment that's totally different than before. Even when decades have passed, these stars retain their chemistry.

16 Times Famous Sitcom Co-Stars Reunited On A Totally Different Show

Famous Sitcom Co-Stars Who Reunited On A Totally Different Show

Lists about Matt Groening's animated sitcom about an average family from Springfield, airing since 1989.

The Simpsons

The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted TV show in America, with 34 seasons and counting. The titular family, alongside the rest of the citizens of Springfield, has produced laughs for decades. Although the characters remain the same age, the show keeps up with contemporary culture and political references, enough to gain a reputation for&nbsp;seemingly <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.vulture.com/2016/11/barts-not-happy-simpsons-predicted-trumps-win.html">predicting the future</a>.With such a large volume of content,&nbsp;however, The Simpsons has sparked its share of controversies. Humor, of course, changes over time, and some things that were previously deemed acceptable to say or joke about are now widely considered disrespectful. Other jokes may be widely accepted in the United States but are controversial in other countries.Conversely, the show's portrayal of marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, sparks backlash from those prejudiced against those groups. Celebrities may take issue with episodes that portray them in an unflattering light, or new information may leak about a certain public figure, retroactively making episodes featuring them seem in poor taste.This list highlights times&nbsp;The Simpsons found itself at the center of controversy for various reasons throughout the decades.

Controversial Moments Surrounding 'The Simpsons'

The Most Controversial 'Simpsons' Moments

Ranking, deconstructing, and thinking about movies based on books, TV shows based on comics, plays based on cartoons, musicals based on toys, etc.

Great Adaptations

Adaptations

Adaptations of any sort are risky. Whether going from book to film, or stage, or television, intellectual property does not always translate well from one medium to another. At best, adaptations manage to improve upon flawed source material; at worst, they can upset fans of the original, or just feel pointless, as has often been the case when adapting films into television shows. Though it can be a challenge when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-based-on-tv-shows/ranker-film">adapting the other way</a>, from small screen to large, the film-to-TV pipeline has a poor track record.&nbsp;Occasionally, lightning strikes twice, and a great film becomes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-tv-shows-based-on-movies/ranker-tv">a great TV show</a> that can hold up to comparisons to the original&nbsp;and stand as a great show in its own right. Here are the best examples of that double-achievement.

15 Surprisingly Great TV Shows Based On Great Movies

TV Program

Surprisingly Great TV Shows Based On Great Movies

One of the great joys of viewing sitcoms, especially those that run for many years, is falling in love with the characters. Whether they're good people in real life or horrid individuals we'd never want to meet, sitcom characters win us over with their particular quirks and idiosyncrasies. After many seasons, we know characters as well as our own friends.&nbsp;However, an additional treat is when our favorite characters are kind enough to provide us with additional identities. Whether mere aliases for an already-wacky character to cause trouble, or an entirely separate identity opposite in nature to the character's usual self, these alter egos are always amusing when they crop up. Though they're usually sporadic treats or running gags, these alternate personas leave us begging for more. Here are some of the most memorable alter-egos of sitcom characters that left us craving additional appearances.

15 Sitcom Alter Egos We Wish We Could See More Of

Sitcom Alter Egos We Wish We Could See More Of

In the entertainment industry, shows and movies about cops and lawyers are considered especially great. These are their stories.

Book 'Em, Danno

Mystery Entertainment

Mystery and crime are incredibly popular genres in all media. For decades, literature, film, and especially TV have seen the whodunit format endure as a vital method of storytelling. With the proliferation of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/procedural-drama-tv-shows-and-series/ranker-tv">crime-solving shows</a>, it's a common trope to center on one lead detective who is a bit… unusual.&nbsp;All of these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/who-would-you-want-investigating-your-murder-">detectives</a> harness their quirks to help them on the job. Whether their distinctions are supernatural abilities that help them on the job, or past traumas that both weigh them down and inspire them to work harder, each sleuth here uses their oddity to their advantage.

TV Crime-Solvers Who Use An Unorthodox Approach To Crack Cases

TV Character

Unorthodox TV Crime-Solvers Best At Cracking Cases

Entertainment

A common complaint about why viewers don't connect with movies or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/current-tv-characters-we-love-to-hate/anncasano">TV shows</a> is that "the main character wasn't likable." What defines "likability" for fictional characters is often different than in the real world, though. We may find kind characters exceedingly boring, whilst major jerks can be some of the most entertaining leads of all time. While watching a truly well-written movie, we can empathize with what a main character is fighting for, even if they take morally questionable actions along the way.Alternatively, some characters are simply so charming and hilarious that we forgive them for heinous actions because they make the movie worth watching. Along with writing, a charismatic actor can single-handedly make an awful character into a fan favorite. Though these people would be selfish or abhorrent humans to know in real life, here are the movie protagonists we can't help but love, even though we probably&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/characters-we-hated-made-us-sad/jacob-shelton">shouldn't be rooting for them</a>.&nbsp;

19 Lovable Main Characters We Shouldn't Actually Be Rooting For

Lovable Main Characters We Shouldn't Actually Be Rooting For

Pop Culture

In the days before social media, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/funniest-celebrity-tv-cameos/julian-hoffman">cameos were an exciting prospect</a>. Cameos provided a chance to see your favorite actors - or even celebrities who didn't usually act - onscreen in your favorite show in-between other appearances. Whether stars appeared as themselves, as a famous figure the other characters want to meet, or even as a humble one-off character within the show (requiring us to pretend not to recognize their A-list fame), these guest appearances by notable figures proved a delight every time.Especially when going back to rewatch old classics, we may be shocked to see the caliber of guest stars that appeared in minor roles in our favorite sitcoms. It's a mix of nostalgia and surprise to rediscover which big names were willing to step into cameos as themselves or a quirky one-off character to have some fun. The '90s were a golden age for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/musician-cameos-90s-sitcoms/shane-fraser">the art of the cameo</a>, so here are the biggest cameos from '90s sitcoms you probably forgot happened.

'90s Sitcoms That You Forgot Had Huge Cameos

These are the most dramatic, petty, savage, and entertaining rivalries since Cain & Abel.

Where's the Beef?

Unscripted

There is a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movies-with-almost-same-plot-that-came-out-at-same-time/zack-howe">well-known phenomenon</a> in Hollywood of “parallel development.” Time and again, different groups of writers or producers will be working on films or shows with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/different-movies-based-on-the-same-story/ryan-izay">similar premises</a> at the same time, entirely independently of each other. It's rarely a matter of "copying," but it can still result in suspiciously similar TV shows on air simultaneously.&nbsp;Whether inspired by current events or by total coincidence, shows with similar settings, lead characters, or themes can emerge at the same time and inadvertently compete with each other for the same audience, even if they remain distinct in some ways. This has happened many times throughout the last several decades, sometimes producing great competition and sometimes… well, not so much. Here are some of the most memorable pairs of similar rival TV shows that were on the air at the same time.&nbsp;

17 Rival TV Shows That Aired At The Same Time

Rival TV Shows That Aired At The Same Time

Lists about actors and actresses and the characters they became, how they disappeared into roles, what they really look like, and more.

The Art of Acting

Though we're in a golden age of TV now, with many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-movie-stars-who-went-to-tv/tyler-mitchell">movie stars returning to smaller series</a>, the pipeline used to head the other way. For many decades, actors would toil away on the small screen for an indeterminate number of years until they got their big shot in a film, providing a chance to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/debut-performances-that-led-to-instant-stardom/jim-rowley">break out</a> and rebrand themselves from "TV actor" to "movie star."&nbsp;It's hard to imagine some of the names on this list not being stars, but they all started from the bottom before becoming headliners. Even with some notable TV roles under their belt, it took one high-quality film performance to get the world to take them seriously as big-screen actors. Here are the roles that made a splash on the silver screen and transformed TV stars into movie stars.

17 Roles Where TV Stars Officially Became Movie Stars

Film character

Roles Where TV Stars Officially Became Movie Stars

The 1990s brought a wave of amazing, unforgettable programming designed specifically for kids. Let's rank 'em.

'90s TV for Kids

Family Entertainment

Looking back at TV shows from 20-30 years ago, we may find that old favorites seem dated. While nostalgic, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-90s-tv-shows/ranker-tv">‘90s shows</a> can be in some ways inferior to current programming in topical content, the sophistication of stories, or the quality of effects. However, the 1990s in particular brought a lot of classic kids’ shows that were not only high quality, but ahead of the curve. These classics from Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network are our old favorites because they remind us of a previous era, and also because each brought new innovation in some aspect.Whether in their humor, animation, or willingness to tackle taboo subjects, the shows listed here are well ahead of the game compared to other shows airing at the time, especially other kids' cartoons. Here are some of the most transgressive and boundary-pushing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-90s-kids-shows/ranker-tv">kids' shows</a> from the '90s.&nbsp;

'90s Kids' Shows That Were More Transgressive Than We Realized At The Time

18 '90s Kids' Shows That Were More Transgressive Than We Realized

Behind The Scenes

2022 was a fantastic year in television, with many acclaimed shows returning from COVID-induced extended hiatuses, as well as plenty of new juggernauts premiering. Fans surely recognize many powerhouse actors who appeared in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-shows-you-should-have-watched-in-2022/jacob-bryant">2022 TV shows</a>, but may not know some of the talent <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/behind-the-scenes-of-movie-fantasy-creatures/thomas-west?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">behind the scenes</a> who bring these stories to life. Showrunners, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-characters-writers-didnt-like-actors/jonathan-sherman">writers</a>, directors, and producers are all essential in shaping the shows that get to our screen, and some very influential creatives had their hand in a wide range of hits in 2022.Whether established titans of TV, or new faces, here are some of the creators who were most prolific and influential in 2022 behind the camera.&nbsp;

Who Had The Best 2022 On TV Behind The Camera?

Person

Which TV Writers Had The Best 2022?

In the '90s, most <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-bts-old-sitcoms/thomas-west">sitcoms</a> were designed for family viewing. In order to appeal to multiple generations, these shows featured kids and teens alongside their parents, grandparents, or other adult guardians. Usually, these shows kept to light, wholesome topics, like arguments over chores, or children begging for a pet. However, some plots with these younger characters must have raised alarm bells with parents, depicting kids getting into bad behaviors like drinking, drugs, and stealing. Or, children being perfectly responsible, but still being endangered by other people with guns, robbery, abuse, manipulation, and more.Even worse, many of these stories also involve the child characters lying to adults to cover up these behaviors.&nbsp; Most episodes end with the children learning their lesson, and the parental figures comforting them. These safe, happy endings put younger viewers at ease, but adults know that real life is not always so simple. Here are episodes of '90s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/making-of-famous-sitcom-episodes/tracey-graham?page=3">shows</a> that are designed specifically to terrify parents.&nbsp;

Episodes Of '90s TV Shows Designed To Terrify Parents

TV Episode

The craze of reviving, rebooting, or creating sequels to beloved (and not-so-beloved) TV shows has been going strong for many years now and shows <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-tv-reboots-and-revivals-in-2022/sergio-pereira">no sign of slowing down</a>. Reboots can range from cute but not as good as the original, to superior to the original, to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-tv-reboots/ranker-tv">disgraceful to the original</a>, but good or bad, it's time for the TV industry to tackle some forgotten YA shows of the '90s.A source of nostalgia for Gen X and Millennials, these shows have either lived on as cult classics or faded into our memories, but it's time these VHS archives get dusted off for another look. Whether our classic teens-attending-school dramas, or wacky sci-fi comedies, or spooky anthology tales, or even some cheesy cartoon adventures, there's potential in many of our old favorites that we haven't thought about in years. Here are the top ‘90s kids’ TV shows you forgot about that deserve to get rebooted.&nbsp;

Forgotten '90s Kids TV Shows That Deserve A Reboot

Lists of the best movies to watch when all you want to do is wrap yourself in a blanket burrito, flop over sideways, and feel terrible about the world and everything in it.

Movies to Bum You Out

Cheesy tear-jerker movies have fought hard to win their reputation. Not everyone wants to cry at a movie. Comedies, thrillers, horror, and feel-good flicks all have their place, for eliciting different emotions. However, when you want to cry, you want a good cry, and certain movies have a reputation for getting the job done.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-biggest-tearjerkers-ever-made">Tear-jerkers</a> have held a place in Hollywood for decades because of the catharsis they provide, from either the pain of tragedy or the relief of a happy ending - sometimes even both. Some may call these films "cheesy" for the over-the-top emotions they create, but cheese isn't a bad thing. Melodrama and gut-wrenching acting work to get those tear ducts going, as many of the classics below prove. Here are some of the most well-known movies that, while cheesy, can still be counted on to make you cry anyway.&nbsp;

Cheesy Movies That Make You Cry Anyway

It's natural for fans to feel any range of emotions when a character&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/saddest-comedy-final-scenes/julian-hoffman">leaves a sitcom</a> they love. Viewers may feel frustrated at the plot or real-life circumstances that forced the exit; they may feel disappointed, wondering what other stories might have happened if the character didn't leave; or they may feel&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/heartbreaking-moments-happy-shows/jacob-shelton">heartbroken</a>, watching the pain of characters saying goodbye to each other.Some departures hit harder than others, especially when the characters use their exit as a chance to show how much they care for one another - or express when they let each other down. Whether they're tears of happiness or tears of betrayal, here are some of the most gut-wrenching farewell scenes for characters in TV comedies.&nbsp;

13 Times Characters Left Sitcoms With One Final Emotional Gut Punch

13 Times Characters Left Shows With One Final Emotional Gut Punch

2022

Plot is engaging, and worldbuilding is wonderful, yet the main reason we as fans show up to new installments in our favorite TV shows or movie franchises is the characters. It's comforting to see familiar faces, yet thrilling to see them take on new challenges. However, any franchise would get stale if it kept the exact same ensemble year after year.2022 was a big year for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-switched-franchises-and-leveled-up/jack-morgan">many franchises</a>, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe (on both big and small screens), the DC Extended Universe, the&nbsp;Game of Thrones universe, the&nbsp;Star Wars universe, and more. In addition to bringing back our favorite heroes and villains, each of these fictional worlds introduced us to some new compelling characters. Throwing acclaimed actors or breakout performers in the mix adds a new energy to any series, whether they're a sidekick, a dastardly antagonist, or a rising hero. This light highlights the greatest additions of new characters, big or small, to our favorite franchises in 2022.&nbsp;

New Characters That Leveled Up Our Favorite Franchises In 2022

Fictional Character

The Best New Franchise Characters Of 2022, Ranked

Some movies are made to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/what-movies-can-you-watch-over-and-over-again--v1">rewatched</a>. When you view a film enough times, you may start to feel like you know the characters. Some characters in movies have such cool, distinct <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-friend-groups-on-tv/adina-kruskal">groups of friends</a> that children and adults alike might long to be a part of their group – even if those characters aren't the "good guys" in the movie. The film friend groups may have a cool hangout spot, wacky "rules" of conduct, or simply be bonded through wild experiences that bring them a deeper understanding of each other.Whether you're lonely in real life, or you have your own friends but just want to imagine hanging out with these zany characters, there are plenty of fictional cliques worth envying for their cool members or the perks of hanging with them. Whether&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-bromance-movies/ranker-film">buddies</a> or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-female-buddy-movies/ranker-film">gal pals</a>, this light highlights the best friend groups from movies through the ages that we dream of hanging out with.

Fictional Friend Groups In Movies You Most Want To Join

Fictional Relationships

Friendship is wonderful. Romance is wonderful, too. Most of the time, TV shows give us the best of both. Once in a while, a pair of characters shows up that, for whatever reason, remain just friends when there's definitely more potential there. These couples often drive fans crazy, making them beg the writers and actors for their beloved relationship to grow into something more, because while these characters make good friends, they also have enough obvious chemistry that they'd make a perfect couple, too!It's tragic to look at shows that have ended and see endless missed romantic opportunities. Rather than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-tv-couples/lisa-waugh">pairings that made us go gaga</a> with their actual romantic storylines unfolding before our eyes, this list highlights couples that&nbsp;should've happened at some point on our favorite TV shows.&nbsp;

TV Friends That Never Got Together, But Should Have

TV Characters

When you spend multiple seasons watching a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-tv-shows-of-all-time">TV show</a>, you may start to feel like you know the characters personally. It's easy to watch a group of characters bond over many episodes and begin to adopt their catchphrases, imitate their games, or mimic their traditions. Groups may have a cool hangout spot, or wacky "rules" of conduct, which help them survive any ups and downs of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-shows-about-best-friends/ranker-tv">the plot</a>.Whether you're lonely in real life, or you have your own friends but just want to imagine hanging out with these wacky characters, there are plenty of fictional cliques you can dream of being a part of. This list highlights the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-friend-groups-in-movies/adina-kruskal"> friend groups</a> from TV shows&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-tv-best-friends/amber-hubert">old</a> and new that we most want to hang out with.

Fictional Friend Groups In TV Shows You Most Want To Join

The crossover episode is a long-standing TV tradition, where characters from one show appear on another. It often happens between shows that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-arrowverse-shows/ranker-tv">share a universe</a>, or shows that are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-tv-spinoffs">spin-offs</a> of each other. But it can also happen as a special event between shows on the same network. ABC in particular is known for doing iconic crossover episodes among shows that air on the same night, and other networks have copied the success of that strategy. It's a good way to excite existing fans, or promote a new show to the audience of a long-running hit.Crossovers can vary in success, from being all-time great episodes, to fun events, to desperate marketing attempts that turn off the loyal audience. Here are some of the best TV crossover episodes, plus some information on how well they did ratings-wise.&nbsp;

The Best TV Crossover Episodes

Looking closer at the casting and performances of unforgettable TV characters.

The Actors in Your TV

It's tough to break into acting, but it's even tougher to break out. Getting any job is a milestone for an up-and-coming performer, and supporting roles and co-star gigs are just as important to stories as the main characters. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-got-roles-with-no-experience/anncasano">Instant stardom is rare</a>; most actors do great work in minor roles before eventually getting recognized and cast in a leading role that brings much more attention to their name.&nbsp;In fact, many actors that we consider big television stars today began with small roles before one big break, leading to lots of retroactive recognition when watching older shows and spotting such A-listers as a waiter with two lines. There are even legendary actors who we consider unquestionable stars who often <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-started-acting-late-in-life/anncasano">didn't achieve any fame until very late into their careers</a>!&nbsp;Honoring their work before they became household names, here's a list that highlights TV actors who nailed big roles after doing bit parts.&nbsp;

Actors Who Nailed Their First Big TV Role After Years Of Bit Parts

TV Actors Finally Got Lead

Lists that explore the creative, visually stunning, most unforgettable worlds in film, TV, literature, comics, video games, and other media.

Fictional Places & Universes

As we grow up watching movies or TV shows, we like to project onto the lives of young characters, yearning to live in their&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-rooms-we-wish-we-had/adina-kruskal">cool bedrooms</a> or longing for their&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/superpowers-we-wish-we-had/benjamin-dunn">superpowers</a>. School is a big part of youth, so it's easy to dream about attending the same school as your <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-your-favorite-fictional-character-says-about-you/nathan-gibson?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">favorite fictional characters</a>, sharing their classes, friend groups, and extra-curriculars. Whether these institutions have magic or superpowers involved, better class options, less homework, or just cool uniforms, we really wish these schools existed in real life so that we could attend. Here are some of the most fun and memorable fictional schools we always dreamed of attending while watching TV and films from our childhood.

The Best Fictional Schools We Always Wanted To Attend

Villains are at their best when they get under your skin. Perhaps they make their mark by committing absolutely unthinkable evil acts,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/action-movie-villains-who-werent-wrong/jacob-shelton">making some surprisingly good points</a>, or from appearing out of left field. The scariest villains tend to be the ones you never see coming. Some may be allies of the protagonists who reveal they were working against them the whole time; others may have been hiding in plain sight with both the heroes and the audience unable to pick up on their concerning motivations until it's too late.Whether in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-protagonists-who-are-surprise-villains/alex-kirschenbaum">movies</a> or TV, a villain reveal that catches you off-guard is always a gut-wrenching and memorable viewing experience. Spoilers ahead, so be careful if you're afraid to find out some of the most shocking TV villains that had gasp-worthy revelations after sneaky starts!

The Most Shocking Villain Reveals On TV

Celebrating and hissing at the best and worst villains and anti-heroes ever to spice up the small screen.

Baddies of the Small Screen

The best villains leave a mark on both the characters and the audience long after they're defeated.&nbsp;On the big screen, villains get one film to shine, while on&nbsp;TV, &nbsp;antagonists sometimes have hundreds of episodes over a whole series to prove their evil and terrifying bonafides. The more impressive feat is when a TV villain shows up out of the blue and forces series regulars to respect their power <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-characters-written-off-in-ridiculous-ways/tyler-mitchell">before being written off</a>.With chilling goals and captivating performances, these characters prove it only takes one season to make a lasting impact on not only the fictional world where they wreak havoc, but also the memory of audiences. Some may <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-dad-actors-who-played-movie-villains/tyler-mitchell">subvert their sitcom roots</a> while others revitalize careers, in the end, all of these antagonists live on in the scars they leave behind.

One-Season TV Villains Who Leave A Major Impact

The Best One-Season TV Show Villains

Cast members naturally come and go from TV shows… that's expected from time to time. Most get an explanation of where they're going and why, but once in a while, a character simply disappears. Unlike some characters who were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-characters-who-were-not-supposed-to-exist/karen-fratti">never meant</a> to exist but got added due to writer-inspiration or a last-minute plot change, these characters were deemed unnecessary after they were already on the show and evaporated <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/full-cast-of-without-a-trace-cast-list-for-the-show-without-a-trace/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">without a trace</a>.&nbsp;Unlike other characters we&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-characters-who-overstayed-their-welcome/nydahmad">wish would've left sooner</a>, most characters here had no other issue besides maybe being a little generic. On the other hand, some characters may have been intended for a longer arc, but the actor got another job leading to their exit. &nbsp;So vote up your favorite characters who got "put on a bus" and left their respective shows without warning or explanation.

14 TV Characters Who Simply Disappeared Without An Explanation

TV Characters Who Disappeared Without An Explanation

Saying goodbye to any character in a movie is hard, but it's even harder when that character is a beloved friend to the protagonist. While there are secretly shady sidekicks who&nbsp;have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-sidekicks-who-betray-the-hero/williamsbrianjake">turned on the hero</a>, the truly elite supporting characters will put it all on the line for their friends, even sacrificing themselves completely to help other characters complete a mission or simply to survive.Some sacrifices are even more gut-wrenching when the heroes watch it happen,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/helpless-powerless-movie-moments/sergio-pereira">powerless to intervene</a>. After a good sacrifice, the sidekick may get a final moment of peace to take comfort in knowing they've given their life for a worthy cause, providing bittersweet catharsis. These climactic scenes where sidekicks sacrifice themselves for the greater good are so effective that it almost hits you on a personal level.

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