Regardless of the genre, sidekicks often play an essential role in a story. Sometimes these secondary characters steal the light from the protagonists due to their humor and wit. Other times, these characters are well-developed with multiple layers to unravel. Moreover, they can simply be endearing, gaining quick likability from viewers. Sidekicks are often more relatable and serve to humanize the lead.

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While sidekicks are usually intend to assist the protagonist, they can just as easily get in the way. These characters can start as friends before turning on the lead, or be colleagues with their own agendas. In those cases, they often serve as an obstacle in the protagonist's path.

10 Janice Complicates Tony's Double Life (The Sopranos)

Janice Soprano looking ahead - The Sopranos

The Sopranos is one of the most notable HBO series. The crime drama centers on Tony Soprano, the leader of a crime syndicate who tries to balance his personal life and family with his business. Although it's difficult to imagine a sidekick can serve as a challenge to Tony, his sister often gets in his way.

Unlike her brother, Janice lacks real power. On the other hand, she is conniving, manipulative, and repeatedly stabs Tony in the back. Janice tries to undermine Tony's power in different situations, like sharing embarrassing childhood anecdotes. Another time, she assaults another parent at a soccer game, which causes the family to come under police and public scrutiny.

9 Barney Marries Ted's Love Interest (How I Met Your Mother)

Robin and Barney's Wedding in How I Met Your Mother

While Ted Mosby has many romantic relationships in How I Met Your Mother, the storyline often centers on his connection with Robin Scherbatsky. Robin and Ted are an on-and-off couple throughout the show's nine seasons, allowing Ted to keep up hope. However, when Robin and Barney Stinson get married, it stops Ted's attempts to get her back.

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Barney often considered himself Ted's best friend, but he couldn't turn off his feelings for Robin. Robin had a more serious and healthy relationship with Barney than the one she and Ted shared, making it seem clear Robin and Ted weren't meant to be — despite what many fans hoped for. Ted had to wait many years until the couple divorced before he could try winning her back.

8 Madison Was A High School Stereotype (Veronica Mars)

Madison Sinclair yelling - Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars revolves around the titular protagonist who's a teenage private detective. Being in high school and uncovering secrets brought Veronica many enemies, including Madison Sinclair. Madison was rude and condescending, embodying the mean-girl trope.

Madison's unchecked power often led her to pick on her colleagues and reveal their secrets. Furthermore, her actions indirectly led to Veronica's sexual assault. Moreover, Madison was one of the side characters who didn't develop or grow. Instead, she obnoxiously got in Veronica's way throughout the season and film.

7 Andrew Was Toxic (The Office)

Andrew sitting at his desk  - The Office

The Office had a vast ensemble cast, creating various dynamics between the characters. The sitcom revolved around the employees of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The Regional Director of Sales, Andrew Bernard, was often unlikable. He thought he was superior, and bragged about his education.

Furthermore, Andrew's anger issues were a cover for his extreme insecurity. He only cared about himself and his professional advancement. Often, Andrew sucked up to other employees to reach his goal while simultaneously sabotaging them. In particular, he always tried to create obstacles for Dwight Schrute, including trying to replace him.

6 Niles Upstages His Older Brother (Frasier)

Frasier and Niles drinking coffee at Cafe Nervosa in Frasier

In the critically acclaimed sitcom Frasier, the protagonist Frasier Crane always competes with his younger brother Niles. When Frasier returns to his hometown, Niles convinces him to let their father move in, which interferes with his dating life and privacy.

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While Frasier has a radio show and Niles has his private practice, both are renowned psychiatrists. Frasier is never satisfied with his fame and tries to steal the spotlight from his brother. In one instance, Frasier depends on Niles to nominate him as "Wine Master," but Niles decides to run instead. When he wins, Frasier is devastated.

5 Jake Uses Olivia's Power To His Benefit (Scandal)

Jake and Olivia walking beside each other - Scandal

Jake Ballard, who started out as Olivia Pope's love interest in Scandal, soon became an obstacle to her success. In time, his love for Olivia turned into possession and manipulation. Jake's tactics only worsened when Olivia got back with President Fitzgerald Grant.

Jake constantly surveils Olivia and tries to sabotage her relationship with Fitz. Furthermore, he hides crucial information about B613, a secret government organization started by his father and led by him. Jake uses Olivia's power to his benefit, which causes irreparable harm and keeps her from uncovering the truth.

4 Dawn Stole The Spotlight (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Dawn Summers in her room - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The cult classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, followed the protagonist as she balanced her everyday life with that of hunting vampires. After five seasons, Buffy gets a teenage sister who was originally the "Key," a form of magical energy.

From that point on, Dawn Summers becomes the center of attention. Aside from being intensely disliked by fans, she changes the course of her sister's adventures. Buffy's primary goal shifts to protecting Dawn at all costs. Buffy also has to help Dawn adjust to daily life.

3 Scrappy-Doo Is The Staple Of Bad Sidekicks (Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo)

Scrappy-Doo pops out of a box in Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo

First making an appearance in 1979, Scrappy-Doo was Scooby-Doo's obnoxious nephew. This new character's introduction successfully improved the cartoon's ratings. However, Scrappy-Doo became a nuisance to the ensemble and viewers.

There was a heavy and exaggerated reliance on Scrappy's catchphrases, cuteness, and toughness. He often initiated fights, causing the crew to watch over him. Since Scrappy-Doo was highly detested, he eventually became an antagonist in 2002's Scooby-Doo movie.

2 Paige Tried To Drown Emily (Pretty Little Liars)

Paige at a party - Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars was full of toxic characters. The thriller revolved around a group of friends who received threats from an unknown blackmailer after the body of their missing friend was found. One of the protagonists, Emily Fields was often challenged by her competitive teammate, Paige McCullers.

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Fearing that Emily would get the top spot, Paige tried drowning Emily by holding her head down in the pool. The rivalry turned into an on-again, off-again romantic relationship. Even then, Paige kept taking advantage of and manipulating Emily.

1 Jeremy Was An Obstacle To Pawnee's Improvement (Parks and Recreation)

Jeremy Jamm in city council - Parks and Recs

Parks and Recreation follows Leslie Knope, an enthusiastic bureaucrat in the Parks Department. Leslie is passionate and has many ideas to help improve her town, Pawnee. However, Jeremy Jamm constantly rejects her proposals from his seat on the city council.

Jeremy was corrupt and often got in the way unless he could benefit from a decision. He was extremely arrogant and relied on favors to further his career. Moreover, Jeremy found joy in impeding Leslie's progress and often went back on his deals with her.

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