I imagine most actors and writers don’t set out to annoy the stuffing out of every member of the viewing audience. It must be difficult to reflect back on your career and know that your most memorable contribution to humanity is inspiring rage in the very people you were trying to entertain. While our television sets have introduced us to characters we end up liking more than most people we know, the same source of joy has turned on us and produced creations of severe traumatising annoyance.
As the saying goes, "dying is easy, comedy is hard". It seems that this was never truer than for that bleak period of television during the late '80s and early '90s. Cast your mind back and remember a time when the sitcom reigned supreme and the laugh track was a regular part of life. It was during this period that we were introduced to the likes of Erkel, Screech and Balky and for a brief moment enjoyed their hilarious adventures. The intrigue soon turned to horror as collectively we all seemed to wish for the sudden demise of these fictional characters.
We have compiled our top ten most annoying TV characters. We honour the imminent death of the sitcom with a look back at its most abhorrent creations. Watching these clips will cause even the most mild mannered of viewer to become overwhelmed with pure rage.
10. Skippy from Family Ties
The wacky neighbour was a staple of '80s sitcoms but rarely did they get as annoying as the lovelorn Skippy. Commendation is in order for the second best mullet TV has on offer, MacGyver will never be dethroned.
9. Charlie in Two and a Half Men
Remember when Charlie Sheen was considered a good actor? Charlie, as he is known in the show, delivers every single one of his horrible lines with even worse timing. Plus what the hell is up with those shirts?
8. Uncle Joey in Full House
Nothing worse than an unfunny uncle. Cut it out indeed.
7. Randy Taylor in Home Improvement
The smugness of this kid was unbearable, I think we are all happy that Jonathon Taylor Thomas’ movie career never took off.
6. Screech in Saved by the Bell
Worst sidekick ever. Gave nerds everywhere a bad name.
5. Joey Jeremiah from Degrassi Junior High
How the hell did he end up with Caitlin? It’s been almost two decades and my hatred, and deep jealousy, for him knows no bounds. I might be alone on this one.
4. Balki from Perfect Strangers
A good enough reason for tougher immigration laws. How this series lasted for eight seasons I do not know.
3. Cody from Step by Step
He was the lovable idiot until we all discovered he liked to hit women.
2. Fran from The Nanny
Every word she uttered felt like someone was dabbing a cotton bud in vinegar and stabbing me in the ear.
1. Steve Erkel from Family Matters
Just watch…