Note: This isn't necessarily a breakout character thread, as I'm sure there are quite a few TV shows where the lead was the most popular where some viewers (unpopularly?) preferred other characters anyway.

Ever liked a show in spite of the lead character (especially if the show was centered around him or her) either because you were underwhelmed by or couldn't stand the character?

If so, what or who was the show's saving grace that kept you from changing the channel and never looking back?

The first show that comes to mind for me is Gossip Girl, as I was (and am) underwhelmed by the chick that was supposed to be the center/star of the show - as well as the two guys that they'd originally propped up to be her leads. The reason can be summed up in two words: Blair Waldorf.

The second show that comes to mind is Mad Men, as there isn't a single character on that show (OK, save for the much-missed Sal Romano) that I can stand. The reason why I've been hooked on this show for as long as I have is because of the near pitch-perfect writing, though last season's obsession with Megan tried my patience.

Edited September 20, 201213 yr by VirginiaHamilton

Dawsons Creek is prob one of the leading examples. Dawson was basically universally hated and by season 3 much more of a supporting player.

Aside from that one, for me, Buffy is the next main contender here. I hated buffy, but i loved the show.

One Tree Hill with Lucas is another big one for me.

Yeah, Dawson was my first thought. He was awful all throughout the high school seasons and started to improve when they graduated.

Glee. I HATE Rachel and Lea Michele but I like other elements of the show so I watch anyway.

Will & Grace for me. Jack and Karen were why that show was a hit.

And though I never hated Buffy, she is far from my favourite in the Buffyverse of characters.

And as for current shows, Boardwalk Empire is the epitome of this for me. I HATE Nucky (and Steve Buscemi, whose appeal I don't understand), but I love almost everyone else, especially the characters they killed off last season which I'm still pissed about.

Edited September 20, 201213 yr by Bright Eyes

Thinking of the shows that I watched over the years, I have to agree that Dawson's Creek is the one show that definitely qualifies. I HATED Dawson with as much intensity as I loved Pacey. I rooted for Pacey to win Joey and my only regret is that he never got to beat the [!@#$%^&*] out of Dawson. I stuck with that horrible show into the fourth season because of my Pacey love. To this day, I have affection for Joshua Jackson because of Pacey.

Glee. I HATE Rachel and Lea Michele but I like other elements of the show so I watch anyway.

Ditto. I cant stand Rachel.

People may think this is blasphemy but I HATE Michael Scott from The Office. I seriously could not stand him yet loved the show's early seasons

LOST.

I truly, madly, deeply, unreservedly hated the character of Kate but I kept watching until the show fell apart in other ways.

I'm with y'all on Buffy.

And while I never disliked Anna Torv/Olivia on Fringe, in the beginning I found her kind of dull (and had a hard time not comparing her physically to Poppy Montgomery) but the show's premise, stories and the other characters kept me watching. Anna grew on me.

I do get a little tired sometimes of the Winchester brothers on Supernatural (esp. Dean) but I enjoy supernatural-themed shows--but this show needs to stop killing off its supporting characters. Yeah, I get it--it's supernatural and people die and come back (like soaps) but it's overkill (pun intended).

I actually hated Joey more than Dawson, though I didn't like Dawson either.

Never liked Doug and Carol on ER and was glad with both those characters left.

Erica Kane, All My Children. The most obnoxious and overrated character and craptress that ever "graced" () the soaps.

SIKE! I can't think of nobody.

Glee. I HATE Rachel and Lea Michele but I like other elements of the show so I watch anyway.

Ditto for me. To say I despise Rachel would be an understatement. I consistently want her hit by a car, bus, train, etc. But I still watch the show cause I like other characters.

Probably The Nanny. I like Fran and Maxwell, but I REALLY like Niles and CC.

Law and Order: SVU. I hate the way Benson and (especially) Stabler operate as "detectives." Extremely unprofessional in most of their actions, but damn it if I don't get sucked into Meloni's body the plot lines.

Law and Order: SVU. I hate the way Benson and (especially) Stabler operate as "detectives." Extremely unprofessional in most of their actions, but damn it if I don't get sucked into Meloni's body the plot lines.

Just like when he was on OZ....hehe