11 Times a Side Character Deserved the Main Role

11 Times a Side Character Deserved the Main Role

Sometimes the best characters on our favorite shows aren’t the stars—they’re the ones who steal every scene they’re in. Side characters often bring depth, humor, and heart that make us wish we could see more of their stories. From witty one-liners to emotional breakthroughs, these supporting players prove they had what it takes to carry their own show.

1. Ron Swanson – Parks and Recreation

Ron Swanson walked into Parks and Recreation as Leslie Knope’s grumpy boss, but he quickly became a fan-favorite icon. His deadpan humor, love of breakfast foods, and anti-government philosophy created comedy gold in every episode. Nick Offerman brought such depth to this character that viewers couldn’t help but root for him.

What made Ron special was his surprising emotional complexity beneath the tough exterior. He valued loyalty, craftsmanship, and genuine friendships, showing that real men can express feelings without losing their masculinity. His relationship with Diane and his mentorship of Andy revealed layers most supporting characters never get to explore.

A Ron Swanson spinoff could have explored his woodworking business, his childhood, or even his adventures in Scotland. His philosophical approach to life deserved more screen time than thirty-minute episodes allowed.

2. Tyrion Lannister – Game of Thrones

While others fought with dragons and steel, Tyrion fought with strategy and words. His intelligence became his greatest weapon in a world that tried to dismiss him, and his evolution from disgraced Lannister to trusted advisor was nothing short of remarkable.

Every scene featuring Tyrion crackled with intelligence and unexpected humor. He navigated political intrigue better than most kings and queens combined. His complex relationship with his family added layers of emotional depth that resonated with viewers.

A show centered on Tyrion’s perspective would have explored the political landscape through the eyes of someone who truly understood power’s nature. His story deserved more spotlight than it received.

3. Ben Linus – Lost

You never knew where Ben stood—or if he was ever telling the truth. His shadowy history and skill at turning the tables made him one of the most fascinating and unpredictable characters on Lost.

The character’s backstory revealed a traumatic childhood that explained his ruthless behavior. Ben’s relationship with the island went deeper than any other character’s connection. He sacrificed everything for a place that ultimately rejected him.

Watching Ben navigate moral gray areas made for television gold. His redemption arc felt earned rather than forced. A series following his rise to power would have answered so many burning questions about the island’s history.

4. April Ludgate – Parks and Recreation

April’s deadpan delivery and sarcastic worldview provided the perfect counterbalance to Pawnee’s relentless optimism. She started as an apathetic intern but grew into someone who genuinely cared about her weird little work family. Her evolution happened so naturally that viewers barely noticed until it was complete.

The relationship between April and Andy became one of the show’s most beloved romances. Their odd pairing worked because both characters embraced their quirky authenticity. April’s artistic side and hidden depths emerged gradually throughout the series.

A spinoff focused on April’s adventures would have been endlessly entertaining. Her unique perspective on life made ordinary situations hilarious. She deserved a chance to lead her own comedic journey.

5. Castiel – Supernatural

When Castiel showed up, Supernatural shifted gears. His arrival expanded the show’s mythology and added a whole new layer of emotional depth. Watching an angel try to make sense of humanity (and pop culture) made for some of the show’s most iconic moments.

The bond between Castiel and the Winchester brothers became the show’s emotional core. He sacrificed his place in Heaven multiple times to protect his human friends. His struggles with faith and doubt mirrored real questions about belief and belonging.

Exploring the angel’s perspective on humanity’s chaos would have made for fascinating television. Castiel’s journey from obedient soldier to independent thinker deserved more focus. His story arc contained enough material for several seasons of compelling drama.

6. Stiles – Teen Wolf

Stiles brought humor and humanity to a show filled with supernatural threats and teenage angst. As the only human in a pack of werewolves, he proved that courage and loyalty mattered more than supernatural abilities. His quick thinking saved the day more times than anyone’s claws or fangs.

The character’s struggles with anxiety and his mother’s death added realistic emotional weight. Stiles never let his vulnerabilities stop him from protecting his friends. His detective skills and research abilities made him invaluable to the pack.

A series following Stiles solving supernatural mysteries would have been wildly successful. His personality shined brightest when he took center stage. He carried episodes through sheer charisma and clever dialogue.

7. Cho Hyun-ju – Squid Game

Living authentically takes guts, and Hyun-ju had plenty. Even inside a brutal, dehumanizing system, she stayed focused on one thing: completing her transition and living life on her own terms.

Throughout the competition, Hyun-ju demonstrated remarkable strength and strategic thinking. She formed genuine connections with other players while maintaining her focus on survival. Her vulnerability never became weakness—instead, it revealed her incredible resilience.

A prequel exploring Hyun-ju’s life before the games would have provided powerful social commentary. Her perspective deserved more screen time and deeper exploration. She represented hope and authenticity in a world designed to crush both.

8. Caroline Forbes – The Vampire Diaries

Out of everyone, Caroline probably had the biggest glow-up. She didn’t just survive being turned into a vampire — she thrived, turning her pain into power and becoming the steady, organized backbone of the group.

Unlike other vampires who struggled with their nature, Caroline embraced her new abilities while maintaining her humanity. She protected her friends fiercely and never compromised her values. Her relationships felt genuine because she always wore her heart on her sleeve.

A spinoff centered on Caroline would have explored what it means to thrive rather than just survive. Her optimism balanced the show’s darker elements perfectly. She proved that strength comes in many forms, not just physical power.

9. Spike – Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Spike evolved from villain to antihero to genuine hero across seven seasons of supernatural drama. His punk rock aesthetic and British wit made him stand out among Sunnydale’s vampire population. The character challenged everything viewers thought they knew about vampires and redemption.

His complicated romance with Buffy pushed boundaries and sparked endless debates among fans. Spike’s journey to earn his soul voluntarily set him apart from every other vampire in the series. He proved that change was possible even for supposedly soulless creatures.

A show following Spike’s adventures before Sunnydale would have been endlessly entertaining. His century of mayhem contained countless untold stories. He commanded attention whenever he appeared on screen, making him perfect leading man material.

10. Bonnie Bennett – The Vampire Diaries

While others chased love and drama, Bonnie was out here literally saving lives. She carried the group time and time again, sacrificing everything — including the people she loved — to keep her friends alive.

Her magical abilities made her one of the most important characters, yet the show rarely gave her the romantic storylines or character development she truly earned.

Unlike other characters who got multiple chances at happiness, Bonnie constantly put others first. She deserved a series exploring her Bennett witch heritage, her incredible powers, and her journey to find peace. Her loyalty and strength made her the real hero, not just a supporting player in someone else’s drama.

11. Kim Wexler – Better Call Saul

Kim Wexler starts as Jimmy McGill’s love interest but quickly becomes the most compelling character on screen. Her transformation from by-the-book attorney to someone willing to bend the rules rivals any protagonist’s journey. Rhea Seehorn’s performance brings layers of complexity that make you root for Kim even when she’s making questionable choices.

What makes Kim fascinating is her moral struggle. She’s brilliant, ambitious, and fiercely independent, yet her relationship with Jimmy pulls her into darker territory. Watching her internal battle between doing what’s right and what feels thrilling creates tension that often overshadows the main storyline.

A series focused entirely on Kim’s rise in the legal world would be captivating. Her backstory, her motivations, and her ultimate fate deserve center stage treatment.