21 Most Underrated TV Characters of 2017

2017 has been a year of exceptional TV performances. We are guilty, though, of overlooking some powerful and compelling characters. Have no fear. We are here to provide you with a list of underrated characters so we can give them the attention they deserve.

Here’s our list of the most underrated TV characters of 2017, in no particular order:

1. Diane Johnson (black-ish)

Diane has achieved BAMF boss status well before she enters her teen years. Even though the adults and teens on black-ish tend to garner much of the chatter, the kids, especially Diane, are actually worth our fervent praise.

Diane takes charge, whether in a game of Monopoly or in maintaining a privileged rank as cutest twins at school.

Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson absolutely nails every episode on black-ish Season 4. It is actually hard to fathom how someone so young can have such excellent craftsmanship. She’s exceptional.

On Black-ish Season 4 Episode 6 “First and Last,”  Diane navigates the experience of getting her period for the first time. Diane shows glimpses of vulnerability, a rarity, but also showcases how a preteen can be at the helm of her story — asking for help and insight doesn’t mean someone else needs to take the wheel.

Diane is the type of character that bends norms but with such skilled acting and writing that you don’t even realize how revolutionary it is.

She will not be controlled, and she will not be ignored. As if we ever could give Diane anything but our utmost attention and respect for her 2017 contributions.

2. Jessica Davis (13 Reasons Why)

When Jessica Davis faced brutality and abuse, her friend Hannah Baker turned away. We would be absolutely remiss to do the same and not give this incredible character her fair due.

Jessica steals the show on 13 Reasons Why.

We see Jessica try to hide from her trauma by drinking. We also see Jessica try to fill the void in her self-esteem with a romantic relationship. Her reactions ring true as many survivors similarly cope with what has happened to them.

Alisha Boe gives Jessica just the right amount of ambivalence and ambiguity. She is never a clear-cut character with clear-cut morality, just like life and real friendships are never clear-cut.

Even though Hannah Baker is the voice and the driver of the story of 13 Reasons Why, Jessica is also worth attention. Her voice and story deserve a bright spotlight. If we see her we all will be better prepared to help our friends and students recover from terrible life events.

3. Joelle Brooks (Dear White People)

Joelle is the friend we all wish we had (or thank our lucky stars we’ve been blessed to have). She is a mirror when Samantha needs to see herself, a companion and champion for Samantha’s radio host gig, and she waits patiently for her crush to get over Samantha.

But, Joelle is so much more than a side-kick or second fiddle to Samantha. Joelle is the most underrated character on Dear White People.

Her tirades spill truth all over the table, and we all needed to hear it. She delivers compassion but never at the expense of here standards and desires in life.

When she counsels Gabe on his relationship with her best friend Sam, she stands strong in her decision to only date dark complected Black men. She says it simply and with a touch of humor, but it reveals a sturdy ethic.

Ashley Blaine Featherson is an absolute gem. She gives Joelle a luscious realism and soft wit that shines throughout Dear White People.

If Dear White People doesn’t dedicate a chapter to Joelle on its second season, it is as foolish as Samantha for not recognizing the magnitude of Joelle’s greatness.

4. Sansa Stark (Game of Thrones)

Sansa’s sisters Arya and nemesis Cersei often get the labels of warrior, cunning, and powerful. Audiences and Game of Thrones characters alike overlook Sansa.

This is a mistake.

Sansa has perfected survival. True, she was more vapid than Arya when they were young, but winter is here, and Sansa has used the harsh events of her past to weave a shield against the storm.

She is shrewd, ambitious, and smart. She rarely gets credit for being a leader, even though it is her sacrifices that have arguably saved the entire kingdom.

Sansa’s take down of Littlefinger was deeply satisfying, but we long for her to get more justice. Her fellow Starks should trust and credit Sansa for the moves she has taken to protect and honor her family. She should be given room to grieve the loss of her bodily autonomy, the loss of her ability to trust men.

We want to see Sansa on top and free from the derision that we are too quick to place on her powerful shoulders. Sansa Stark can handle anything and would do well seated on the Iron Throne.

5. Abby Griffin (The 100)

We are so glad there are so many amazing women on The 100, including the often highly underrated Abby Griffin.

Abby is many things, from Chancellor to Clarke’s mom to the best doctor anyone has seen this side of the apocalypse. Her humanity and her continual determination to save every human life is incredibly admirable, especially on a show like The 100.

Never one to bend to the rules if she finds that they don’t fit what she believes is right, Abby would be a welcome addition to the resistance that would make any Space Princess proud. Her love for Clarke and her protective nature have been unwavering since day one.

This year her strength was tested and her morals were pushed nearly to her breaking point, but her hope and her compassion even in the face of darkness make her one of the best characters on The 100. 

We can’t wait to see how she’s evolved over the 6 year time jump, and we especially can’t wait to see her reunited with Clarke!

6. Cheryl Blossom (Riverdale)

Riverdale‘s Cheryl Blossom is more than meets the eye.

She has all the makings of the cliché high school mean girl — wealthy, popular, and beautiful. But she’s also deeply damaged, and one of the most layered characters on the show.

Being unloved and abused by her parents, and losing her brother, the one person she ever felt close to, Cheryl walks around with a lot of pain, masking it with ice-cold zingers and pretending to not want to be a part of the friend group she is regularly cruel towards.

In simple terms, Cheryl just wants to be loved and understood. How can we not rally behind this underdog?

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