12 Male Characters From TV Shows That Feel Written By A Woman
1.Ted Lasso — Ted Lasso
With every episode of Ted Lasso, I felt more and more certain that even though he's a fictional character, the world would be a decidedly better place if everyone acted a little more like Ted. His wholesome words of wisdom?! His unrelenting optimism?! Personally baking and packaging biscuits to bring to work to connect with his boss??? I've never encountered such a sentimental person with such pure intentions out in the wild. If I ever do, I'd give them a lil'’ kiss on the forehead, thank them for existing, and tell them, "Never change, king."
2.Dave Rygalski — Gilmore Girls
Whenever I'm trying to peacefully enjoy my annual autumnal rewatch of Gilmore Girls, a dormant rage within my soul suddenly reignites the moment I remember that Dave only graces my screen for less than ten episodes. I know that the actor who played him (Adam Brody) landed a leading role on another show (The O.C.) and had to be written out of Gilmore Girls to pursue it — but LORD he sure made an impact in the short time he was there. This is a man whose every action screams “written by a woman.” This dude READ the ENTIRE BIBLE in ONE NIGHT to try and gain the approval of his love interest’s strict, religious mother — and if that's not the true embodiment of, "If he wanted to, he would,” then I don't know what is.
3.Sam Evans — Glee
Sam is (hear me out) the most wholesome character on Glee…by far. He’s one of the only people who recognize that Brittany is actually smart, doesn't make Blaine feel awkward for having a crush on him, and loooooves Mercedes with every fiber of his being. He's a loveable himbo who makes up for a lack of brain cells with an endless supply of tenderness.
4.Joel Hammond — Santa Clarita Diet
If I ever turned into a zombie, Joel is the partner I would want by my side. He loves his wife so much that he's willing to help facilitate her, uh, appetite even though it (understandably) grosses him out. The man literally serves her human remains on a platter like it’s Mother's Day breakfast. That right there? That's real romance. Somehow, his sweetness makes this gore-filled show feel like a rom-com.
5.Klaus Hargreeves — Umbrella Academy
Klaus just wants to chill in his crop tops and flowing, silky cardigans — and he's not wrong for that. My main thought while I’m watching Umbrella Academy is that he must be protected at all costs. He’s easily the most sensitive and vulnerable of all the Hargreeves siblings, genuinely wants to connect with them, and keeps the vibe refreshingly (chaotically) positive even when the world is literally ending.
6.Drew Gardner — Search Party
Drew is an adorably awkward little people-pleaser who you can't help but root for in this criminally underrated show. He gets roped into so many sticky situations while trying to do the right thing and apologizes profusely when he makes a mistake. This fever dream of a show is brimming with chaos 100% of the time, but I'm too busy kicking my feet and giggling when he's on screen to notice all the horrors. He can do no wrong in my eyes. He's just a soft boy trying his best.
7.Kenneth Parcell — 30 Rock
This is a man I trust wholeheartedly without thinking twice. I wouldn't feel the need to walk faster if I saw Kenneth behind me in a dark alley. He never fails to see the best in everyone and joyfully put their needs before his own. His picture should be posted in the dictionary next to the definition of "golden retriever energy."
8.Marshall Eriksen — How I Met Your Mother
Marshall Erickson, the man that you are. Although some scenes from How I Met Your Mother didn't age well, Marshall's sweetness makes up for a lot of the show's cringeworthy moments. His friends are always unfairly criticizing him for ignoring gender norms by proudly dancing, ordering fruity drinks, and going to brunch with his male friends even when he's told "brunch is girly." Now, this is a man I would trust to watch my drink at a bar.
9.Winston Bishop — New Girl
Winston is and forever will be one of the girls. I can point out how in touch he is with his emotions and how much he cares about his friends’ feelings, but he cemented himself on this list when he sang a little song about staying home to share pasta with his cat (🎶Winston and Ferguson about to split some pastaaaa🎶)
10.Morgan Tookers — The Mindy Project
Morgan might be a fake male character from a TV show but he has the vibe of a girl I'd meet in a bar bathroom who'd genuinely become a lifelong friend. He's a nurse who loves love and isn't afraid to shower everyone around him with adoration and affection. Actually, he has so much love to give that he's admitted to donating a kidney to a first date…more than once.
11.George O'Malley — Grey's Anatomy
George: a short king with a heart of gold and a fictional death that affected me so severely that I had to call in sick for work. My boy!!! Look how they massacred my boy!!! He always hung with the girlies, wore his emotions on his sleeve, and even used his voice as a doctor to advocate for the nurses' union while they fought for better working conditions. Not crossing the picket lines is optimal boyfriend behavior. That's my man. RIP.
12.Phil Dunphy — Modern Family
Phil is a sentimental girl dad, cheerleader, and Dirty Dancing fanatic who isn’t afraid of being married to a strong, independent woman like Claire. Daddy Dunphy’s heart of gold and sense of whimsy is something I will forever cherish. This man is essentially a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign that came to life.
