20 characters that became as iconic as their shows

Originally, Steve Urkel wasn’t supposed to be as relevant to Family Matters as he became, but once fans saw him, they couldn’t fathom the show without him. Today, Steve Urkel is still one of the most well-known characters in TV history.

Happy Days was about Richie Cunningham and his friends, but for some reason, the older guy who hung around their local eatery became the character that most people associate with this classic TV show.

It’s hard for anyone to shine brighter than any character played by Mr. T.

Cheers is one of the best ensemble sitcoms to come out of the ‘80s, and while many of their characters will never be forgotten, only Frasier Crane got his own successful spinoff.

Pamela Anderson wasn’t an original cast member, but that didn’t stop her C.J. Parker from being the symbol of Baywatch in that iconic red bathing suit.

Blossom was a phenomenal show that balanced silly sitcom plots with real-life situations that were quite groundbreaking for the time, covering things like addiction. Along the way, Joey managed to coin a catchphrase that’s still one of the most memorable things about the NBC series.

Not every character comes with a signature dance move like Carlton Banks.

If there were a Mount Rushmore of catchphrases from television, “Not the Mama” from Dinosaurs would be on there because that prehistoric animatronic puppet had people absolutely living in the ‘90s.

There will forever be an allure of how cool Jordan Catalano was on My So-Called Life.

Every generation attaches themselves to a character that’s a bit... out there. In recent years, that character has been Tina Belcher. This is why she’s been the standout from Bob’s Burgers since the show debuted back in 2011.  

Even with no lines, the Jack Russell terrier from Frasier managed to become the symbol for the show.

Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout Willis?

The way Seth Cohen was an agreed-upon perfect man by an entire generation is iconic.

30 Rock had a lot of vibrant personalities, but none as sweet as Kenneth the Page.

A mother like no other, Jessica Walter delivered one of the worst yet best parents to ever grace the small screen.

Who's that girl? Who's that girl? It's…Nick Miller? Yup, Jake Johnson went above and beyond without even knowing it with his role in New Girl.

It takes no more than two NoHo Hank scenes to know he made Barry that much better.

Beets. Bears. Because everyone loves a heartfelt hothead.

He was a talking cat. What more could he have done to be on this list? Not much.

The only Karen people want to mess with.