Summary
Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as child loss.
Sitcomshave several iconic characters that can’t be trusted, but some commit betrayals that are so shocking that it’s hard to believe they can get any worse.Betrayals in TV shows are common, especially from characters that prove themselves untrustworthy or corrupt. However, there are instances ofTV show betrayals that everyone sees comingbecause of foreshadowing or because the character’s personality is so predictable. On the other hand, someTV show betrayals nobody sees comingare so unexpected and surprising they leave a lasting effect.
Character betrayals come in many forms, ranging from horrific crimes to simply being terrible to someone they care about.Yet, someTV show villains, especially, are so cruel and awful to those around them that their betrayals are easy to guess. Some characters are so prone to betrayal that they manage to outdo themselves and achieve a new level of atrocities.
12 Worst TV Show Betrayals, Ranked
Some shows manage to build up trust between characters that feels unbreakable, so when a sudden betrayal shatters that trust, it hits hard.
10BoJack Almost Sleeping With Charlotte’s Daughter
BoJack Horseman - Season 2, Episode 11: Escape From L.A.
BoJack Horseman’s titular character is established from its pilot as a terrible person whose lifetime of fame and substance abuse makes him make some heartless decisions.BoJack’s greatest betrayalby far is when he tries to sleep with Charlotte’s daughter, Penny. In the season 2 episode “Escape From L.A.,”BoJack reunites with his old friend in her new home and meets her husband and children.Struggling with his own issues, BoJack makes an unexpected move on Penny, who rejects him. He instead returns to a love-struck 17-year-old Penny, but before he can have sex with her, Charlotte catches them.
Even though Penny is the legal age of consent in New Mexico, it’s incredibly messed up that BoJack attempts anything with her
This night traumatizes BoJack for the rest of the show, and deservedly so. A few episodes later, when in bed with a journalist,BoJack even admits that he would have likely gone through with it if Charlotte hadn’t walked in.Even though Penny is the legal age of consent in New Mexico, it’s incredibly messed up that BoJack attempts anything with her. The only reason he wants Penny is because she’s identical to her mother, and to wallow in his sadness, but to manipulate a child like that is horrid, even by BoJack’s standards.
BoJack Horseman
Cast
Once the famous star of a hit sitcom, BoJack Horseman has fallen on tough times. Stuck in a major career slump and longing to relive his glory days, BoJack attempts to once more become relevant in an industry that has long since turned its back on him. With a few dysfunctional friends at his side, BoJack begins his long-overdue career comeback.
9Roger’s Worst Alter Ego, Ricky Spanish
InAmerican Dad,Roger the Alien has multiple disguises that he switches between within a split second. However,Roger’s worst alter ego is Ricky Spanish, who is often referred to as a “lying, thieving sociopath.”Hilariously, Roger forgets about Spanish’s existence until he finds his costume in the back of a closet,and so decides to take the evil persona out again. Spanish harms everyone in town in some way or another, with a huge list of hysterically funny crimes under his belt. For example, he burns down a zoo with a flamethrower.
Although Roger by himself is generally terrible, Ricky Spanish is a new level of anarchy. Spanish kills Bullock’s wife, making his vicious deeds even more personal and impactful. However,Spanish’s biggest betrayal, which is also his most significant regret, is that he lets his partner-in-crime, Daniel, take the blame for a heist.Spanish only appears inAmerican Dadtwice, but it’s probably for the best, seeing as Langley Falls descends into chaos when Roger’s morally corrupt alter ego is present.
American Dad!
From the creators of Family Guy comes American Dad!, an animated series that follows the exploits of the Smith family. Stan Smith is the average American father, except his job at the CIA sees him made privy to all manner of national secrets. The Smith family is relatively normal, with Stan’s wife Francine, children Haley and Steve, talking pet goldfish Klaus (who has the personality of a German Olympic skier), and the eccentric and sociopathic alien Roger who lives in their attic.
8Barney Cheating On Nora With Robin
How I Met Your Mother - Season 7, Episode 10: Tick Tick Tick
Barney Stinson’s lack of loyalties inHow I Met Your Motheris frequently questioned, especially because he is obsessed with things like “the bro code.” However, the character manages to outdo himself in terms of betrayal when he cheats on Nora with Robin in the season 7 episode “Tick Tick Tick.” At this point in the show,Barney is growing and changing as a character, and his womanizing ways aren’t as prominent as before.His relationship with Nora changes him, and she teaches him that being in love can provide a happiness he isn’t familiar with.
Although it can be argued that Barney leads with his feelings, the situation is easily avoidable if he uses Nora’s good influence to think about his actions before it’s too late
This is why Barney’s unfaithfulness is one of his biggest betrayals.Barney and Robin’s relationship inHIMYMis just a dream he’s holding on to, but a moment of poor judgment undoes all of his well-earned character development. What’s even more disappointing, however, is thatBarney fails to see how content Robin is with Kevin despite her also cheating.Although it can be argued that Barney leads with his feelings, the situation is easily avoidable if he uses Nora’s good influence to think about his actions before it’s too late.
How I Met Your Mother: Every Season, Ranked From Worst To Best
How I Met Your Mother was a consistently great sitcom in its early days. Though later seasons didn’t match up, it always had memorable moments.
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is a television series that follows a father telling his children about his past. Released in 2005, it explores his experiences and adventures with four close friends, leading up to meeting their mother, as depicted through a series of flashbacks.
7Chang Kidnaps The Dean
Community - Season 3, Episode 19: Curriculum Unavailable & Episode 21: The First Chang Dynasty
Ben Chang is easilyCommunity’s greatest villain, but his dictatorship over Greendale in season 3 proves just how unhinged he truly is. When Chang’s security job at the community college starts to make him power-hungry,the ex-Spanish professor launches a plan to take over the entire institution.Chang forms a child army and frames the study group for the riot, but most importantly, he kidnaps Dean Pelton and replaces him with a doppelganger. Although it was funny that so many people don’t realize it’s not Pelton, luckily, Abed is the only one to spot the real Dean’s absence.
Kidnapping the Dean is a new level of disturbing for Chang. A few episodes later, Troy discovers that Chang is keeping the Dean under the cafeteria, and he is eventually freed after two months in captivity. Chang often demonstrates seriously concerning behavior, buttrapping another person from not only their job but their personal life is incredible and baffling.What’s even wilder, however, is that Chang manages to get away with his crimes in the following seasons because of his “Changnesia,” a ridiculous excuse he convinces many to believe in.
Community
Community is a comedic television series that chronicles the lives of diverse students at Greendale Community College, a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado. Released in 2009, the show explores the quirky interactions and relationships among the eclectic group navigating their academic and personal challenges.
6Cartman Feeding Scott Tenorman His Parents
South Park - Season 5, Episode 4: Scott Tenorman Must Die
South Park’s Eric Cartman is one of the worst fictional characters ever to grace the TV screen and is guilty of several horrific things. However, one of theworst things Cartman ever does inSouth Parkhappens in the season 5 episode “Scott Tenorman Must Die.” After high schooler Scott Tenorman tricks him,Cartman plots a twisted and sickening revenge and feeds the older boy his own parents in a chili dish.There are so many things that are messed up about Cartman’s actions, but they aren’t surprising because of his toxic characterization.
For example,Cartman’s plan is so extreme that it’s unnatural that anyone would even consider it.The fact he gets away with it, too, is completely wild. Cartman proves he has no remorse by mocking Scott when he discovers what the mysterious ingredient is and even goes so far as to lick the tears off of the mourning kid’s cheeks. Cartman is guilty of some of the most unsettling actions ever in TV shows, but he somehow manages to drag himself down to an even lower standard by killing and feeding literal corpses to his bully.
South Park
South Park follows the irreverent misadventures of four grade-schoolers—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—that take place in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado. The animated series explores various social and political issues through its characters' humorous and often absurd escapades.
5Mr. Burns Blocks Out The Sun
The Simpsons - Season 6, Episode 25: Who Shot Mr. Burns? Part One & Season 7, Episode 1: Who Shot Mr. Burns? Part Two
While nothing Mr. Burns ever does inThe Simpsonsis surprising, it makes sense that he is shot in season 6. Although it’s later revealed that baby Maggie pulls the trigger, the two-parter “Who Shot Mr. Burns” is one ofThe Simpsons’ most rewatchable episodesbecause of the huge number of suspects that racks up, which builds mystery and intrigue.Mr. Burns upsets the whole of Springfield by plunging the town into eternal darkness,forcing the residents to rely on him for nuclear power. Ever the capitalist, Burns chooses to ignore the chaos and panic this creates.
Burns’ corruption isn’t often at such a large scale, butblocking out the sun impacts everyone in Springfield, so it’s not shocking that so many people join the queue to enact their revenge.If successful, it’s not just power that is lost - it’s the town’s economy and their overall safety, too. It’s unclear whether or not Burns realizes this, but either way, it doesn’t justify his actions. Not only does Burns take control of Springfield’s power, but he’s also imprisoning the town as well, which is terrifying and frankly egocentric.
The Simpsons’ 10 Best Kid-Friendly Episodes
Not every episode of The Simpsons is suitable for the whole family, but the best kid-friendly episodes of The Simpsons are masterpieces of PG comedy.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
4Rick Trapping Two Scientists In The Menagerie
Rick And Morty - Season 3, Episode 8: Morty’s Mind Blowers
Rick Sanchez inRick and Mortyis another TV character who commits a betrayal in almost every episode. While it’s hard to define Rick’s most treacherous moment, his most selfish is in the season 3 episode“Morty’s Mind Blowers.”The episode focuses on the titular character’s wiped memories from adventures they wish to forget about. In one,Rick tricks two NASA employees into rescuing them in a strange alien menagerie.However, rather than leaving with them, Rick gives the scientists their clothes and abandons them there.
It’s unknown what happens to them, not that Rick ever cares. The reason why this is one of Rick’s worst betrayals is thatit is so easy and simple for Rick to escape with Morty without harming the scientists, yet he chooses to leave them there anyway.Rick is cruel and never thinks about other people, but he goes out of his way to harm the pair for no reason other than for the fun of it.
Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction series that follows the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his impressionable grandson Morty Smith as they embark on perilous adventures across space and alternate dimensions. The show explores the impact of these exploits on Morty’s tumultuous family life and personal challenges.
3Sue Makes Brittany Lie About Being Assaulted
Glee - Season 2, Episode 1: Audition
Glee’s iconic Sue Sylvester is one of the most conspicuous characters on TV, whose constant torment of those around her keeps audiences entertained without fail. However,there are a few occasions in which the cheerleading coach takes things too far,and her words and actions border on sociopathic. One of theworst things Sue Sylvester ever does inGleehappens in the episode “Audition,” when she convinces Brittany to lie about the new football team coach, Beiste, sexually assaulting her. Sue’s plots are often wild, but this is ridiculously inappropriate, even for her.
Sue wanting to take the coach down is nonsensical, especially because it’s the Principal who cuts the Cheerio’s funding
It’s incredibly deranged that Sue thinks it’s a good idea to make a minor lie about being assaulted by another adult,especially a teacher in an educational setting.What’s even more bewildering in this situation is that Beiste has only just started at McKinley High, so Sue wanting to take the coach down is nonsensical, especially because it’s the Principal who cuts the Cheerio’s funding. By some miracle, Sue faces minimal repercussions for what she calls a “prank” when Brittany’s attempt at lying flops, but it is still an awfully traumatic moment for everyone involved, real or not.
Glee
In order to escape the stressful reality of high school, a group of misfits decides to join William McKinley’s glee club. Fox’sGleewas created by Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk,and Ryan Murphy, with Leah Michele, Jane Lynch, and Matthew Morrison leading the cast. The series ran for six seasons between 2009 and 2015 and won six Primetime Emmys.
2Lucille Bluth Adopts A Child To Be Petty And Hurtful (Twice)
Arrested Development - Season 1, Episode 14: Shock and Aww & Season 3, Episode 13: Development Arrested
Arrested Development’s Lucille Bluth is never going to be the recipient of Mother of the Year, but it’s still shocking just how much she uses motherhood as a weapon. In season 1, she and George Sr. adopt a Korean boy named Annyong, but it’s later revealed that Lucille only does this to spite their son, Buster. She briefly regrets adopting Annyong, but when he and Buster clash,Lucille starts to thrive on the negative energy between her two youngest children.However, this isn’t the only time she does this. In the season 3 finale, Lindsay discovers she is also adopted.
Lindsay joinsthe Bluth family inArrested Developmentso that Lucille can spite the Sitwells, their biggest business rivals. Lindsay later discovers that she is actually Lucille’s half-sister. However,the Bluth matriarch still proudly admits to screwing over the Sitwells,and clearly, adopting her only daughter isn’t really about helping her family. Lucille voices her disappointment in her children at any given moment, especially Lindsay, and she uses them to be petty and cruel - but it’s still astonishing that she commits this betrayal twice with no repercussions.
Arrested Development
Arrested Development, a television series premiered in 2003, follows the dysfunctional Bluth family who are coping with the loss of their fortune. Central to the narrative is Michael Bluth, the diligent son attempting to stabilize the family amidst their eccentricities and financial turmoil.
1The Gang Holds A Funeral For A Baby
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia - Season 7, Episode 4: Sweet Dee Gets Audited
Inevery season ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,the gang is behind all manner of unethical schemes and plans. However, the very worst thing the gang ever does involves Dee’s pregnancy storyline in season 7. Dee becomes the surrogate mother for Mac’s ex, Carmen, and her husband and gives birth to baby Barnabas Reynolds. While the happy couple take the baby home, Dee claims Barnabas on her taxes but is caught by the IRS. So, as a solution to her issue,Frank suggests they pretend the baby has died, resulting in one of the sickening scenes from the show.
At no point do they consider how Carmen will feel if she finds out or even think about the logistics of what they’re doing
There are so many legal and moral problems with the gang’s funeral for Barnabas. It’s ludicrous that they think they can get away with pretending a newborn is dead, butthe fact they go out of their way to hold a memorial for a child that is still alive is truly messed up.At no point do they consider how Carmen will feel if she finds out or even think about the logistics of what they’re doing. Stupidly, the gang fails to realize they’re digging themselves into a bigger hole in the process.
The 50 Best Sitcoms Of All Time
Sitcoms are one of the most popular formats of TV shows, and the best sitcoms of all time showcase exactly why they continue to dominate.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
