MomSkoop
Remember those side characters who often stole the show with their witty one-liners or quirky personalities? While main characters drive sitcom plots forward, it’s frequently the supporting cast who leave lasting impressions with viewers. These scene-stealers have developed such rich personalities and backstories that they could easily headline their own series. Here’s our list of supporting sitcom characters who deserve a chance to shine in their own spotlight.
1. Creed Bratton from ‘The Office’
The mysterious quality control director at Dunder Mifflin barely revealed anything about his bizarre past, yet every tidbit was comedy gold. Hints about his involvement with cults, time in rock bands, and possible criminal activities created an enigmatic character begging for exploration. A spinoff could follow Creed’s adventures before joining Dunder Mifflin, showcasing his time with The Grass Roots band in the 60s and his subsequent descent into weirdness. The show could alternate between young Creed’s exploits and present-day Creed evading authorities while living under a new identity.
2. Donna Meagle from ‘Parks and Recreation’
Retta’s portrayal of the confident, luxury-loving office manager gave us glimpses of a fascinating life outside city hall. Her “treat yourself” philosophy and mysterious romantic escapades made fans curious about her world beyond Pawnee government. A Donna-centered show could explore her real estate empire, her cousin Ginuwine’s music connections, and her international travels. The series would showcase her balancing high-end tastes with shrewd business sense while mentoring younger women in the art of confidence. Each episode might feature a different celebrity cameo as one of Donna’s many admirers or connections in her surprisingly vast network.
3. Niles Crane from ‘Frasier’
After Frasier ended, fans were left wondering what happened to his neurotic yet endearing younger brother. David Hyde Pierce’s portrayal of the fastidious psychiatrist earned him multiple Emmys, and for good reason—his physical comedy and repressed emotions created comedy magic. A spinoff could pick up with Niles and Daphne raising their son while navigating Seattle’s elite social circles. His continued rivalry with other psychiatrists and helicopter parenting would provide plenty of comedic situations. The show could maintain the sophisticated humor of Frasier while exploring Niles’ journey as a father and his evolution now that he’s achieved his long-pursued happiness.
4. Titus Andromedon from ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’
Titus’s flamboyant personality and outrageous performing ambitions made him a standout character worthy of further exploration. His dramatic reactions and musical moments (“Peeno Noir” anyone?) consistently delivered some of the show’s biggest laughs. A spinoff could chronicle his continuing quest for Broadway stardom, featuring audition disasters, bizarre day jobs, and his unique perspective on New York City’s entertainment scene. The show would showcase his relationship with construction worker Mikey while exploring Titus’s past in Mississippi and his journey to self-acceptance. Each episode might include an original song or performance highlighting Titus’s theatrical talents.
5. Gina Linetti from ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
The self-proclaimed “human form of the 100 emoji” left the Nine-Nine precinct too soon, leaving fans wondering what adventures awaited the narcissistic civilian administrator. Chelsea Peretti’s deadpan delivery and dance obsession created a character too big for a supporting role. A Gina-focused series could follow her entrepreneurial ventures after leaving the police department. Her social media empire, dance company, and attempts to become famous would showcase her unearned confidence and surprising business savvy. The show would feature her raising her daughter while maintaining her uniquely self-centered worldview, with occasional appearances from her former police colleagues.
6. Jean-Ralphio Saperstein from ‘Parks and Recreation’
The world’s worst entrepreneur but best hype man deserves his own showcase for his outlandish schemes and boundary-crossing behavior. Ben Schwartz’s sing-song delivery and boundless energy made every Jean-Ralphio appearance memorable, despite limited screen time. A spinoff could follow Jean-Ralphio and his equally terrible sister Mona-Lisa attempting various get-rich-quick schemes after faking their deaths. Their toxic co-dependency and complete lack of work ethic would lead to increasingly absurd situations as they try to maintain their lavish lifestyle. Guest appearances from other Pawnee characters trying to rein in their chaos would connect the show to its parent series.
7. Phoebe Buffay’s Twin Sister Ursula from ‘Friends’
While Phoebe Buffay was a main character, her identical twin Ursula appeared in only a handful of episodes. Yet Lisa Kudrow created a distinctly different personality for her—cold, manipulative, and mysterious—the complete opposite of Phoebe’s warmth. A spinoff could reveal Ursula’s life as she drifts between odd jobs, scams unwitting boyfriends, and possibly engages in light criminal activities. The show would maintain the dark humor hinted at in her brief appearances while exploring her antagonistic relationship with her sister. The series could answer long-standing questions about the twins’ troubled childhood and why they ended up so different despite identical genetics.
8. Newman from ‘Seinfeld’
Jerry’s nemesis and postal worker extraordinaire brought villainous glee to every scene he appeared in. Wayne Knight’s portrayal of the scheming mailman with sinister laughs and grudges created one of television’s most memorable minor antagonists. A Newman-centered show could explore his work life at the post office, revealing his elaborate schemes and workplace politics. His continued rivalry with Jerry could feature in the background while showcasing Newman’s surprising success with women and his secret life as a poetry enthusiast. The series might reveal that Newman is actually quite popular outside his interactions with Jerry, adding layers to his previously one-dimensional character.
9. Mose Schrute from ‘The Office’
Dwight’s cousin and beet farm co-worker appeared rarely but made a strong impression with his beard, peculiar running style, and limited social skills. Michael Schur’s deadpan portrayal of this strange man-child created a character shrouded in comedic mystery. A spinoff could focus on Mose’s daily life on Schrute Farms, his attempts to integrate into modern society, and his surprising technological abilities. The show would maintain the mockumentary style while exploring the bizarre customs and traditions of the Schrute family. Each episode might reveal a new and unexpected talent or quirk of Mose’s, gradually building a complex character from what was essentially a running gag.
10. Ethel Beavers from ‘Parks and Recreation’
The elderly court stenographer with a surprising wild side stole scenes with her deadpan delivery and unexpected revelations about her personal life. Helen Slayton-Hughes created a memorable character who seemed to have lived a much more exciting life than anyone realized. A spinoff could follow Ethel’s adventures in retirement, revealing her as a senior citizen with an active dating life and unexpected hobbies. The show would subvert expectations about elderly characters while maintaining the warmth that made Parks and Recreation special. Flashbacks to Ethel’s younger days could reveal her connections to Pawnee’s history and the many government officials she’s outlasted.
11. Gunther from ‘Friends’
The platinum-haired Central Perk manager appeared in more episodes than many realize, yet remained largely in the background despite his unrequited love for Rachel. James Michael Tyler’s subtle performance created a character who felt like part of the furniture yet had hidden depths. A Gunther-focused show could explore his life outside the coffee shop—his apartment, family, and friendships we never saw. The series might reveal he leads a surprisingly exciting life when not serving coffee to the gang. The spinoff could maintain the Friends tone while showing New York City through the eyes of someone who observes rather than participates, offering commentary on relationships and city living.
12. Lily Truscott from ‘Hannah Montana’
Miley’s loyal best friend provided much of the show’s comedy through her quirky fashion sense and unwavering support. Emily Osment’s character had her own musical talents and unique personality that could have carried a show after Hannah Montana concluded. A spinoff could follow adult Lily pursuing her own dreams in the fashion industry while navigating life without her famous best friend constantly by her side. The series would maintain the comedy while exploring more mature themes as Lily discovers her own identity separate from Miley/Hannah. The show could feature Lily’s perspective on having lived in someone else’s shadow and her journey to finding her own spotlight.
13. Buster Bluth from ‘Arrested Development’
The man-child with a hook for a hand and an unhealthy attachment to his mother created some of Arrested Development’s most quotable moments. Tony Hale’s physical comedy and childlike delivery made Buster simultaneously pathetic and endearing. A Buster-centric show could chronicle his attempts at independence after his mother’s imprisonment. His struggles with basic adult tasks and navigation of the dating world would provide plenty of comedic situations while allowing for character growth. The spinoff could maintain the narrator format of the original series while focusing on Buster’s unique perspective on the world and his gradual (very gradual) maturation.
14. Dr. Leo Spaceman from ’30 Rock’
The incompetent physician whose medical advice ranged from questionable to illegal made every appearance on 30 Rock memorable. Chris Parnell’s deadpan delivery of outrageous medical claims created a character who somehow maintained a medical license despite clear malpractice. A spinoff could follow Dr. Spaceman’s medical practice, showcasing his bizarre treatments and complete disregard for medical ethics. The show would maintain 30 Rock’s rapid-fire joke style while expanding the world of this dangerously unqualified doctor. Guest appearances from other 30 Rock characters seeking medical treatment would connect the spinoff to its parent show.
15. Artemis Dubois from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’
Frank’s strange theater friend brought an unpredictable energy to every scene with her sexual openness and bizarre behaviors. Artemis Pebdani created a character unbound by social norms who seemed to exist in her own reality separate from the already chaotic world of Paddy’s Pub. An Artemis-focused series could explore her daily life as a struggling actress in Philadelphia, revealing her apartment, other friends, and the odd jobs she takes between acting gigs. The show would maintain the dark comedy of Always Sunny while showcasing Artemis’s unique worldview. Her relationship with Frank could be a recurring element without dominating the narrative.