30 Incredibly Underrated Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Characters

The world of Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV has so many wonderful characters that all capture our hearts. Unfortunately, some of these fantastic characters aren’t recognized for everything they have to offer.

Or, perhaps they deserved more from their respective worlds.

It’s always nice to give each of these under-appreciated characters their time in the spotlight. So, we compiled a list of the characters we feel deserve the most recognition and love. 

This list will contain a few spoilers, so tread carefully. 

Without further ado, we present 30 Incredibly Underrated Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Characters, given in no particular order.

1. Astrid Farnsworth (Fringe)

From the beginning, Astrid can easily hold her own against Walter’s eccentricities on Fringe. When everyone else seems to scoff at him and his incoherent babbling, Astrid is the one to step up and know exactly what the older man needs.

While Olivia and Peter have no issue with her they also don’t expect her to fully understand everything they are working with. Unfortunately, Astrid’s intelligence is continually underestimated.

Her character could easily be a wider respected individual of the Fringe team instead of constantly being relegated to the sidekick position. She’s just as capable — if not more — as Olivia and yet she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.

Even Walter Bishop — who respects her the most — has his moments of under-appreciation for her talents. While not remembering her name is a common thread for him throughout the series it points to the bigger issue, he doesn’t afford her enough respect to remember — an issue he doesn’t have with Peter or Olivia.

2. Eugene Root (Preacher)

On a show all about the sinful and the corrupt, you would think the most wholesome character would get more recognition. Eugene, or as everyone else calls him, Arseface, starts off the series being a physical manifestation of what happens when guilt takes over your life.

As the show progresses, we see him sent to hell where he meets the worst of the worst. Anyone else with his simple nature could’ve been easily corrupted by Hitler or Saint of Killers. Instead, he manages to have a small influence on them.

While these characters aren’t ever redeemed, Eugene’s influence does take away a small fraction of the evil within them. This should capture the heart and soul of everyone, but instead, Eugene continues to be underutilized in the greater story against God and under-appreciated by the fans.

He could easily be given a larger role to play in the downfall of God and Jesse, but instead, he’s diminished to a joke, an afterthought.

3. Deputy Jordan Parrish (Teen Wolf)

In Teen Wolf Season 3, the show added another Deputy to the mix at the Beacon County Sheriff Station. At first, we didn’t think much of him because new deputies are nothing new.

However, as the series moved into Seasons 4 and 5 it became apparent that this deputy would be sticking around. When the writers made the mystery around what type of creature Parrish is during Season 5, fans hoped this meant he would get more credibility and screen-time.

Unfortunately, time and time again, Parrish’s potential got wasted. The revelation that he is a hellhound could have opened the doors for so many interesting storylines that could’ve made the overall story that much more intriguing and further integrated him into the McCall pack. Even more, Parrish deserves a fleshed-out background and story — we deserve to know so much more about him.

4. Eileen Leahy (Supernatural)

There are many characters throughout the series run of Supernatural. The majority of these characters have a huge following from fans even though their runs were limited. Even the writers give each character their due — for the most part.

One character that should’ve had a bigger impact is Eileen. Sure the show has many different types of hunters that come and go, but Eileen is the first one who would give her all to the campaign headed by the Winchesters.

There have been other strong hunters on their side, but they’ve all had other areas of focus which pulls them away sometimes. However, since meeting the brothers during Season 11, Eileen has been a formidable friend and ally.

Not only is she a legacy member of the Men of Letters, but she’s been a hunter since childhood when her parents are killed and she is rendered deaf by a banshee. Eileen deserves all the recognition not just for her strength of will but because she proves once and for all being deaf isn’t a handicap.

5. Raphael Santiago (Shadowhunters)

While fans of Shadowhunters easily fell for Simon as a vampire they seem to forget his mentor completely. That is a huge disservice to the character of Raphael.

In a world where vampires are seen as soulless murderers, Raphael reminds us that not all are bad news. In fact, Simon is the good-natured vampire he is, partially on his own nature and partially because he learned from the best.

Raphael also got extremely short-changed with regards to character development from the writers. In the book series, the show is based on, Raphael is a major player in the fight against Valentine. Instead, onscreen he is diminished to a prop character at best.

His continuation of faith even though he goes directly against it as a vampire makes him worth our time, love, and admiration. Raphael by all accounts shouldn’t have a heart, but when you see how he loves his now elderly sister it shows that his soul didn’t die when his body did.

Also, his asexual identification makes him representation for a community that desperately needs a positive rep. Raphael is never shamed for his feelings and identity, instead, he is accepted and even respected for it. 

6. Don E. (iZombie)

When you are the gopher for a big baddie like Blaine it’s hard to stand out and make a name for yourself. The good thing about Don is he uses his ignorant, naive nature to his advantage.

Many people discredit him as being unintelligent because he purposely presents himself that way. However, he really just wants to make a name for himself and find love in a world surrounded by people who fail to see him.

Don E. is the creator and owner of the bar he runs with Blaine, which should show others he’s not someone who should be dismissed. However, even Blaine underestimates him to his own demise.

Overall, Don E. deserved a better designation than just the show’s comic relief. Imagine just how much havoc he and Blaine could’ve created if Blaine had respected and valued him more.

7. Abby Griffin (The 100)

Abby Griffin’s journey on The 100, among several others, is devastating and ultimately heartbreaking. Before her untimely demise, however, Abby was the character working behind the front lines making sure all of the other characters continued to survive.

She’s the one who made sure that the kids went to the ground instead of being executed, which then led to saving so many more people on the ark. She saved Raven after she was shot, brought Lincoln back from becoming a reaper, rescued Kane in TonDC, and eventually gave her life for Madi’s.

Abby was always willing to do whatever it took to save the people she loved, and she was rarely given the appreciation she deserved for doing so.

8. Nell Crain (The Haunting of Hill House)

Despite being billed as a “major” character on The Haunting of Hill House, Nell is a character that often gets pushed aside for the sake of her twin, Luke’s, story or the story of her older brother, Steven.

She is the quietest of all the characters, but that doesn’t mean she is weak — in fact, she is probably the strongest Crain.

Her whole life she’s been plagued by the ghost of the bent-neck lady only to discover in adulthood that she is the ghost being represented. Despite being fearful of their childhood home she tries to put all that aside and live a normal, productive life and look out for Luke.

Even her family often forgets about her because she’s not as vocal as the rest. She’s loyal and a true part of the clan, but that doesn’t mean her family manages to even respect her as someone of strength or purpose.

9. Glenn Rhee (The Walking Dead)

Glenn is the perfect example of a character who doesn’t get the love and respect he deserves until it is too late. Fans don’t really show him the affection he deserves until it is believed he is dead.

Then he temporarily comes back and instead of the team and writers giving him a bigger role he continues to be treated as an afterthought. His official death is what really spurned fans to cry in outrage at how he is treated.

It’s true, Glenn is a formidable survivor in the zombie apocalypse. Too bad he barely ever got his own storyline or any real character development.

Comic book Glenn had so much more. And it’s unfortunate that a show like The Walking Dead, with so many good qualities, would underutilize one of its greatest assets.

10. Norma Bates (Bates Motel)

While Bates Motel is about the slow descent into madness for one Norman Bates, it can’t be discredited that the most influential character of the series is his mother, Norma. She doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves — often being dismissed as an extremely overbearing parent, but it also can’t be denied that everyone Norman hurts comes back to her.

She isn’t the most mentally stable of characters, but she is the most loving and the most loyal. While you don’t want to ever be on Norma’s bad side, you do well when you are in her favor.

With a woman as strong as her it’s sad that she often gets pushed to the side or forgotten. Norma deserves so much more from her own life as well as from the fans of the show.

11. Chiyoh (Hannibal)

Despite only being a character on Hannibal Season 3, Chiyoh is one of the strongest, most intriguing characters in the whole series. Unfortunately, she rarely gets spoken of by fans in favor of the ever more popular characters Will, Hannibal, and Alana.

Sure, her role isn’t as big as theirs but she still deserves a stronger recognition. She can fight as well as the rest of them, maybe even more so.

Chiyoh proves time and time again that her skills at tracking and hunting would put even the great Hannibal Lector to shame. One of her most redeeming qualities is in fact her humanity.

There aren’t too many characters on the show who have a strong sense of humanity left by the end, but she represents that quality strongly. Much like many characters of Asian origin, she doesn’t get much of a backstory or a journey forward — which is a crying shame because she’s one of the most uniquely fascinating females.

12. Pete Ross (Smallville)

When your best friend is Clark Kent how can you ever measure up? Well, for Pete he is Clark’s voice of reason during the first few seasons.

Pete often gets forgotten in the grander scheme of Smallville as a whole because his role is shorter than most. However, he deserves recognition for all the help he gave Clark when he was first struggling to come to terms with his abilities.

Fans will always remember Lana and Chloe from Clark’s HS years because they hold a big role in his life overall. However, it’s always baffled me as to why Pete gets left in the dust.

Pete deserves to be recognized for his strength of friendship and that he never once tried to blackmail Clark with what he knows. Out of everyone, he was one of the most honest and true friends — who Clark deserves to have in his life much longer.

13. Bellamy Blake (The 100)

As the leading man for the first six seasons of the show, Bellamy Blake has endured plenty of circumstances that he didn’t deserve, ranging from his sister’s assault to his best friend’s abandonment. However, no season did the eldest Blake as wrong as the show’s final season.

While The 100 featured Bellamy Blake in a limited capacity during its final season, his time was squandered, and the character was brought into a belief ridiculed by his closest family — and he turned out to be right in the end. Bellamy, a character-driven by love for his family, ended up dying alone, killed by his best friend, and betrayed by everyone he loved.

To add insult to injury, after his death, The 100 attempted to villainize him and his beliefs further to keep the status quo between the characters and avoid painting Clarke as morally wrong. As the heart of the show, Bellamy deserved to at least have his memory preserved and to be in that final beach scene with his friends.

14. Bonnie Bennett (The Vampire Diaries)

Elena Gilbert may seem to run the show in Mystic Falls, but fans know it’s really Bonnie who’s the top dog. Bonnie is a formidable witch who never really gets her due because her talents are often overlooked in favor of a large number of vampires in town.

It’s always great to see Bonnie lose her chill about being discounted because that’s when she is her strongest. Don’t ever tell me this girl doesn’t mean business.

Bonnie has the strength of her whole coven of witch ancestors and yet even her best friend dismisses her as unimportant. Bonnie never got the recognition she deserved from the show, but fans know what’s up.

If only we could’ve seen a real alliance between Bonnie and the vampires — not just when they needed her to do their bidding. Imagine the level of strength that would pose, especially considering her and Damon already had an unshakeable — albeit unconventional — bond.

The whole trajectory of the show would have changed.

15. Randy Nedley (Wynonna Earp)

Oh, Randy Nedley. The loveable sheriff with a love for mugs and a deep understanding of how his town operates.

Prior to the series, he found Nicole hiding in a canoe after the cult of Bulshar massacre and concealed Michelle Gibson’s file so that Waverly didn’t have the stigma of her mother “thinking she was a demon” following her throughout her life.

Since Wynonna Earp Season 1, he has continued to provide strong support to Wynonna in her quest to end the Earp curse, whether it’s fending off townsfolk that have been poisoned with mind-altering drugs, guarding Bulshar’s ring while being tortured by a Widow, or providing the incantation that would allow Jeremy and Nicole to break a curse that caused her to barf frogs and keep trying to kill her friends.

Plus, let’s not forget, that although he announced his retirement in Season 3, he’s still sticking around and offering a helping hand to Team Earp as Wynonna attempted to get Waverly out of Eden, and he did so with the brilliantly delivered line, “Nobody fucks with our family.”

While it’s clear that Wynonna and the rest of Team Earp appreciate and trust this lovable supernatural relic hoarding man, it would be nice if the rest of the TV universe recognized the quiet and enduring heroism of Randy Nedly.

16. Gaius (Merlin)

On Merlin, it’s easy to say that the focus is not on the elderly court doctor. No, even though Merlin is actually Gaius’ star pupil on all things magic, the older gentleman is often forgotten.

Even Merlin underestimates his tutor from time to time when he selfishly thinks that he knows better. However, when Merlin ultimately screws up it is Gaius who is there to clean up the mess and prevent Merlin from revealing his secret.

They say you should respect your elders and Gaius is definitely one of those elders who should be looked upon with more kindness and reverence. It’s disappointing that the majority of his role on the show is to foil Merlin on his quest for greatness.

Gaius deserves to be respected for the level of intelligence he holds. No other person knows as much as he does about both magic and medicine.

17. Meera Reed (Game of Thrones)

Meera and her brother, Jojen, led Bran and Hodor from the outskirts of Winterfell all the way north beyond the wall to be trained by the three-eyed raven. During their journey, she tended to her brother during his seizures caused by his visions as a greenseer, and soon enough bodies started to drop as their journey grew more perilous.

First, Jojen, then the three-eyed raven, and Hodor shortly after that. Even Summer the direwolf didn’t make it out alive. When the dust settled, the only two left were Bran and Meera.

They set out on the journey back to Winterfell, with Meera single-handedly dragging Bran through miles of snow and ice, braving the ever-present danger of The Night King and his army who were making a beeline for Bran.

When she got him back home safely, all she got was a blunt “thank you” from Bran. She left with tears in her eyes, and no one so much as mentioned her name ever again despite the crucial role she played in saving the entirety of Westeros.

18. Jennifer Goines (12 Monkeys)

If you haven’t seen 12 Monkeys the TV series you are missing out on one of the greatest masterminds of our time, Jennifer Goines. Sure, her introduction as a mental patient doesn’t lend many people to trust, respect, or even care for her.

However, she knows more than anyone initially thought. In fact, the plague that wiped out the world has her fingerprints on it.

Her father is the one who created the virus which becomes the plague and Jennifer has intimate knowledge of how to stop it. Unfortunately, her ability to see future events makes the majority around her think she’s crazy/unhinged.

The best thing about her is that she’s a lesson in people being more than they appear. Jennifer is a genius, but hardly anyone recognizes it properly.

19. Daniel Faraday (Lost)

On a show like Lost, nothing is really ever as it seems. Daniel Faraday is a prime example of that.

Without his vast knowledge of the island and shifting through time, Daniel is a key element to the team making it back to the island. He tells them that no matter what Desmond is his constant— showing the two are always connected.

Despite knowing all that he knows, those on the island as well as fans often forget just how much he played a part in all that happens. Without Daniel Faraday, the show wouldn’t be the story that it is.

His journal proves helpful even after he is no longer living. It is the guide Eloise — his mother— and the group uses to create the device that sends them back. He deserves more credit than he ultimately gets.

20. Anastasia “Dee” Dualla (Battlestar Galactica)

Lieutenant Anastasia Dualla is from the Sagittaron colony which is well known for their pacifist natures. This makes her career choice a point of contention for some who know her.

Despite her upbringing, Anastasia is a vital part of Galactica’s communications team. As a communications officer, she helps run the show and is an important part of the team which organizes tactical measures.

Not being an active part of each battle, she can sometimes be overlooked. However, she is the mind behind all the movements which makes her a key player.

Dualla’s suicide is one of the times TV handled such a situation with the correct level of grace and understanding.

21. Toshiko “Tosh” Sato (Torchwood)

Unfortunately, characters of color tend to be stereotyped unnecessarily. Tosh is one such character — she is relegated to a silent, demur genius.

The sad thing about this is Tosh is worth being known as so much more than that. She is one of the strongest members of the Torchwood team and yet at times, she’s nothing more than a love-struck girl.

Many fans wish she could’ve been recognized more for her kickass technology skills. She really deserves to be the head of the team on some of their missions and yet she never once complains that she isn’t afforded that luxury.

Killing her off is another huge misstep. On Torchwood she is the only non-white main character and of course, she’s one of the first ones to die. She deserves to live to see the end of the series.

22. Maeve Millay (Westworld)

In a world filled with humans and machines — one particular host, or android, is the phenomenal Maeve. She is designed to serve the guests of Westworld and be non-confrontational, but when she learns better she refuses to stand down.

She is the first of the hosts to realize her reality isn’t all it seems. Through this realization, she learns that she can use her skills to manipulate both guests and staff members alike.

Maeve is the type of female character everyone should pay attention to because she never backs down and is always willing to make things better. What she doesn’t realize is that her independence is still being masterminded by Ford.

Despite all that, she shouldn’t be counted out. Maeve is a badass fighter who you’d always want fighting by your side.

23. Ben Hargreeves (The Umbrella Academy)

It’s really disappointing that one of the only characters of color on The Umbrella Academy is diminished to a role where he’s “unseen” and mostly silent. As a representative of Asian characters in a world where they are in the minority, Ben should have a bigger role.

He’s a sweet character that fans are required to use his body language as a way of knowing him. Meanwhile, his siblings all get fleshed out storylines.

Yes, it’s not lost on us that his character is dead and therefore helps demonstrate Klaus’ abilities. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve more.

Hopefully, The Umbrella Academy Season 3 with the timeline rewrite will give Ben the love and attention he deserves.

24. Martha Jones (Doctor Who)

Out of all the Doctor Who companions, Martha is the one least celebrated — which is a crying shame. She is a badass doctor for the NHS when she first comes in contact with the Doctor and she is the first one to accept her place as a companion without fear or complaint.

Martha fully embraces the world of space and time travel even finding it fun. She is always ready to explore new worlds while also hoping to save and protect her own.

It’s disappointing that she is just as creative and quick thinking as Donna and Rose but with far less notoriety. Why is it she is the least celebrated?

Not only did she do so much good during her time as a companion but she also walked away from it because she wanted to return to her one true love — being a doctor to her community and home. That is definitely worth celebrating.

25. Nomi Marks (Sense8)

Nomi from Sense8 is the trans representation this world deserves yet rarely appreciates. She is a strong member of the sensate community.

Her high level of intelligence is bar none and aids the group in hacking systems in order to gain answers. She has no fear and that consistently shows throughout the show as she helps save her cluster from the clutches of those wishing to harm them.

The best part about Nomi, that some don’t really give enough credence to, is that her identity isn’t her main trait. In fact, it’s secondary to her wonderful brain and her caring nature.

26. Saru (Star Trek Discovery)

For a character who went against his entire species nature in order to join Starfleet, you’d think more people would appreciate Saru. Unfortunately, he never gets his full due in favor of other characters.

He is the first of the Kelpien race we’ve ever seen on the show. This race is known for being non-confrontational so normally they’d never join an expedition group like Starfleet.

Considering how loyal and engaged he is with the purpose of Starfleet he deserves the whole world of respect from everyone. Since this show is still airing episodes let’s hope others soon wake up to how wonderful this character is to the dynamic of the whole team.

27. Sameen Shaw (Person of Interest)

When it comes down to female characters the go-to archetype is someone driven by their heart and emotions. That is what makes Shaw on Person of Interest so fascinating.

She is an assassin by trade and does a stellar job of it mostly because she doesn’t let emotions play into it. She is driven by duty and loyalty which is always worth celebrating.

Many fans brush her off because she doesn’t have an emotional connection to people and situations around her. However, that should be what makes her the coolest character — it’s universally unique and lends credence to people who are neuro-divergent in this world.

This natural setting for Shaw makes her growing attachment to Root that much more satisfying. Give this kickass killer some love.

28. Dr. Anna Volovodov (The Expanse)

Dr. Anna Volovodov lives on Earth and is only present in The Expanse Season 3. Like other smaller characters on this list, her lack of time on the show doesn’t mean she should be dismissed as unimportant or unworthy of our affection.

In fact, we could argue that she’s so fascinating that her character deserves more time and more development.

She is an old friend of the Secretary-General which devastates her when it is revealed that his actions aren’t for the betterment of Earth but rather for his own narcissistic gain.

Anna wants to only do work that serves to help those around her and for Earth — in order to keep her wife and daughter safe. Her positive nature is a nice foil to other characters alongside her, but unfortunately, her story suffers for the betterment of bigger characters.

29. Blink (The Gifted)

Blink is living proof that DNA is only a part of what makes you who you are. She is born into a family of mutant supervillains and becomes a superheroine instead.

It may have taken her a long time to come to the realization that she alone can determine her path in life, but now that she has she is a force for good that can’t be reckoned with. Her ability to create portals is what helps her get out of scrapes and save others.

Her journey toward greatness is one that can be admired and should be more widely acknowledged. She struggled with her goodness, but just because she’s made mistakes doesn’t mean she can’t rise above them.

And rise up she has.

30. Penny Robinson (Lost in Space)

One of the youngest characters on this list, Penny is often overlooked because of her more high-achieving siblings. In fact, Penny has her own self-esteem issues because of this.

If anyone overlooks Penny the most it is Penny herself. She has a difficult time believing she is great because everyone around her is always praising Will or Judy. However, Penny is strong-willed and highly capable in her own right.

She is scared of space, but she manages to cast that fear aside time and time again to help her family. After all, despite her sarcasm saying otherwise, Penny holds her family in the highest regard.

Everyone should appreciate her because she is quick on her feet and fearless in the face of danger — even if the unknown sometimes makes her uneasy. She may appear hard and tough but really she’s just a big softie.

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Which Sci-Fi/Fantasy characters do you think are under-appreciated? Let us know in the comment section. 

Additional contributions from Amanda Reimer, Lauren Busser, ND Mohammed, and Samantha Coley.

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