The 10 Coolest Characters in Sitcom History | ScreenRant
Sitcoms are typically known for the comedy that results from placing exaggerated or broad characters in ridiculous situations. Because of this, the characters in sitcoms are often either over the top like Phoebe in Friends or put upon relatable everymen such as Jim from The Office.
However, throughout the years, there have been some characters who believe themselves to be far cooler than those around them. Some of these characters are used to show how ridiculous or lame the other characters are and some of them are the butt of the joke as they pursue coolness in over-the-top ways.
10 Uncle Jesse (Full House)
As Full House revolves around three men trying to raise three young girls in a crowded house, the characters of Danny, Joey, and Uncle Jesse each bring something different to the table. Unquestionably, Uncle Jesse is the cool one of the group, thanks in part to actor John Stamos' natural coolness.
With his long flowing hair and Elvis-inspired swagger, he is fun and free-spirited. He rides a motorcycle and plays in a band, classic hallmarks of coolness. He is the cool uncle that lets the girls get away with stuff and pushes them to enjoy life.
9 Alexis Rose (Schitt's Creek)
When the Rose family moves to the titular small town in Schitt's Creek, their fancy, luxurious lifestyle immediately clashes with the simpler way of life they are suddenly forced to live. This is especially hard on Alexis as she is used to jet-setting from one adventure to another.
Alexis is constantly dropping hints about her previous lifestyle, naming famous celebrities she has had relationships with and the unbelievable situations she has found herself in. Beyond Alexis' constant pop culture references, she also boasts a glamorous wardrobe and cool attitude.
8 Bart Simpson (The Simpsons)
As the longest-running sitcom in television history, fans have become familiar with the ongoing antics of Bart Simpson in The Simpsons. The rebellious 10-year-old is a constant thorn in Principal Skinner's side, always searching for new pranks to pull and ways to goof off.
While Lisa tries hard to succeed, Bart is laid back and content to be an underachiever. Bart's carefree attitude, frequent scheming, and memorable catchphrases give the character a coolness that has helped make him a stand out on the show.
7 Khadijah James (Living Single)
Following a group of young people living in Brooklyn, Living Single features a roster of characters with diverse personalities, but Khadijah James, played to perfection by Queen Latifah, is unquestionably the coolest and most confident member of the group.
Khadijah is the editor and publisher of Flavor magazine. She is an ambitious, headstrong character who is not afraid to chase her dream or speak her mind. Bold and self-assured, Khadijah is a cool character who is always able to take charge.
6 Jake Peralta (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
While many of the officers in Brooklyn Nine-Nine are talented detectives, Jake Peralta is easily the best, and cockiest, police officer in the entire precinct. Despite the fact that he is immature and rambunctious, he ultimately has the talent and track record to back up his big talk.
Jake is the funniest character in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, constantly throwing out one-liners and movies references. He models himself and his police work after Die Hard's John McClane, always seeking to be as cool as possible.
5 Sam Malone (Cheers)
Despite no longer drinking, Sam Malone serves as the main bartender and owner of the titular bar in Cheers. Prior to buying Cheers, he was a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Throughout the show, Sam also proves to be a lady's man, frequently flirting with women at the bar.
Sam clearly thinks highly of himself and carries himself with a great deal of confidence. Popular, athletic, and charming, Sam Malone is a cool and suave character who demonstrates wit and humor.
4 Tahani Al-Jamil (The Good Place)
In The Good Place, architect Michael uses the incredibly impressive Tahani Al-Jamil to make Eleanor feel inferior and increase her awareness of the fact that she does not belong in the Good Place. Tahani is a perfect choice for this purpose given her well-manicured reputation.
Tahani has an amazing talent for throwing elegant, high-class parties. She also has a habit of frequently name-dropping all of the A-list celebrities that she associates with. Fashionable and refined, Tahani is classy and cool, often receiving lavish and inappropriate compliments from Eleanor.
3 Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)
While How I Met Your Mother is the story of Ted Mosby's search for love, Barney Stinson is the break-out character from the show, stealing every scene he is in with his larger-than-life personality, frequent use of catchphrases, and constant attention-seeking behavior.
Nobody thinks Barney is as cool as Barney thinks he is, frequently embellishing stories to make himself the hero. He is always impeccably dressed and has a catchy rule for every situation. He prides himself on the elaborate schemes he comes up with to trick women into going out with him. Barney views himself as the coolest person in the world, literally writing a song called "Barney Stinson, That Guy's Awesome."
2 Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli (Happy Days)
As the show Happy Days captures the wholesome, all-American nostalgia of the 1950s, Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli represents the greaser movement of the time. The leather-clad dropout perfectly contrasts the clean-cut Richie Cunningham.
Popular with the ladies and able to fix a jukebox just by hitting it, Fonzie is the epitome of cool. Additionally, he is quick to dispense one of his signature catchphrases such as "sit on it." Confident, aloof, and rebellious, Fonzie is easily one of the coolest television characters of all time.
1 Will Smith (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)
In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the primary source of comedy comes from the culture clash between Will Smith's East Coast street smarts and the refined sensibilities of his relatives in California.
Unlike the dorky Carlton, Will is a smooth-talking, funny, charming character who gets by on his wit and coolness. He is fashionable, athletic, and just a little mischievous. Despite being a fish out of water, Will's confidence and likability make him cool in every setting from West Philadelphia all the way to Bel-Air.