10 ’70s Sitcom Characters That Were Plain Annoying

The 1970s was a golden era for sitcoms, bringing some of the most iconic shows to our television screens. While many characters from this decade have become beloved figures in TV history, there were a few who irritated audiences more than they entertained. Here’s a look at ten characters from ’70s sitcoms that viewers found particularly annoying, for various reasons.

Sammy – “The Jeffersons”

Sammy was known for showing up uninvited and having a knack for overstaying his welcome. His interruptions often derailed important conversations, leaving viewers frustrated at his lack of social cues. Though intended to add humor, his presence often felt more intrusive than amusing.

Howard Borden – “The Bob Newhart Show”

A neighbor with no concept of privacy, Howard frequently invaded the lead’s space under the guise of friendliness. His inability to pick up on social hints made scenes awkward. What was meant to be endearing came off as tiresome to many.

Jan Brady – “The Brady Bunch”

Middle-child syndrome took a physical form in Jan Brady. Her constant complaints about her lack of unique qualities compared to her siblings were a central theme. While her struggles were relatable to some, her incessant whining made it hard for viewers to sympathize with her.

Frank Burns – “MAS*H”

Frank was the guy everyone loved to hate. His arrogance and incompetence in a medical setting were not only dangerous but also frustrating. His actions often caused more problems than solutions, making viewers question his role in such a critical setting.

Lenny and Squiggy – “Laverne & Shirley”

This duo was meant to provide comic relief but often came off as just plain irritating. Their untimely entrances and loud, obnoxious behavior made them more annoying than funny. They tried to be the life of the party but ended up as the guests you can’t wait to leave.

Kimberly Drummond – “Diff’rent Strokes”

Kimberly meant well but often found herself in situations that made her seem naive and oblivious to the world around her. This trait, while intended to show her innocence, instead made her appear ignorant, reducing the character’s potential complexity.

Arnold Horshack – “Welcome Back, Kotter”

Arnold’s distinctive laugh and incessant hand-raising were his trademarks. Initially charming, these quirks quickly became grating. While he was meant to be the lovable class clown, the act wore thin, leaving viewers wanting him to take it down a notch.

Fred Sanford – “Sanford and Son”

Although the main character, Fred’s constant scheming and insults grew tiresome. His stubbornness and refusal to accept help or change his ways made resolving conflicts more complicated than necessary, making some episodes frustrating to watch.

Peter Brady – “The Brady Bunch”

Peter’s constant voice cracking and awkward adolescent phase might have been meant to provide comic relief, but it often came off as more awkward than amusing. His attempts at humor often fell flat, making his scenes a bit cringe-worthy.

Reverend Jim – “Taxi”

Known for his spaced-out behavior and slow understanding, Reverend Jim’s moments of confusion were initially funny. Over time, however, his character’s one-dimensional portrayal turned from humorous to monotonous, as each encounter was predictable.