The CW's adaptation of Nancy Drew uses its main cast to put a unique spin on Carolyn Keene's classic characters. While the show has several aspects that differ from the books, such as its inclusion of the supernatural, the characters and relationships are the most significant alteration.
Each member of the Drew Crew has a personality that's unparalleled, and their independent story arcs enjoy equal opportunities to shine. The characters are modified to better reflect the current time period, which allows for plot lines that are up to date. Whether they're part of the inner circle or friends with the Drew Crew, almost everyone in the series is easy to like. However, some characters stand out among the rest.
Lisbeth
Lisbeth has been missing since the second season of the show, but Bess is partially to blame for her absence. Bess and Lisbeth are one of the best couples in Nancy Drew, and their breakup is brought on by unforeseeable supernatural circumstances.
Although the split is heartbreaking for several reasons, it's especially disappointing that viewers lose Lisbeth as a result. She offers a sturdy presence and manages to keep those around her calm. Additionally, she uses her connections to aid the Drew Crew in whatever way she can.
Carson Drew
Nancy's attitude towards her father makes his intentions questionable at the beginning of the series. She doesn't hold the highest opinion of Carson after her mom's death, but it doesn't take long for viewers to realize that much of her anger is misdirected.
Carson loves Nancy more than anyone and will do anything to prove it. Their relationship is a noteworthy aspect, but Carson is an entertaining character outside of it. He often acts like the parent of the entire Drew Crew, and his scenes with Ryan Hudson add to the show's humor.
Thom
Although he doesn't appear in the series often, Ace's father is one of the best parents in Nancy Drew. Thom's heartbreaking backstory allows viewers to sympathize with him on a deeper level, as an accident causes the police captain to lose his hearing.
He leaves his career in law enforcement at Ace's request, but it's clear how much he misses his old life. However, Thom prioritizes his family over himself, and his love for Ace is prominent in every interaction they have. Out of all the secondary characters, Thom is the most deserving of more screen time.
Ned Nickerson
When Nick is first introduced to the series, he and Nancy have a complicated relationship in Nancy Drew. Most fans aren't fond of their brief romance, as it only exists at a surface level, and the decision to break them up positively impacts Nick's arc.
Nick is much more likable when he and Nancy aren't butting heads, and he becomes a fleshed-out character rather than just the protagonist's love interest. He cares deeply about his friends and uses the fortune that Tiffany Hudson left him to help others.
Bess Marvin
Bess's fun-loving personality makes her the easiest to like of the main characters. The show does an excellent job at delving into all aspects of her life, and while Bess has plenty more layers to unravel, no facet of her story feels neglected.
Even if viewers don't find themselves invested in Bess's plotline, it's difficult to dislike her. Bess always has good intentions and she stands by the Drew Crew through thick and thin. Her relationship with Ace is especially unique, as they refer to themselves as platonic anchors, or "platanchors."
Ryan Hudson
There's a decent period of time during Nancy Drew season 1 when Ryan Hudson seems irredeemable. Even if he has a redemption attempt, it's difficult to imagine taking it seriously. Yet, viewers are hit with a shocking plot twist that sets an incredible character arc into motion.
Discovering that Nancy is his biological daughter changes everything for Ryan. Rather than using his wealth to buy her affection, he genuinely wants to be a parent. Nancy is Ryan's number one priority, and he cares about her happiness more than himself. Ironically enough, surrendering his rights as Nancy's father exemplifies how much he loves her.
Odette Lamar
The Aglaeca possessing George's body and falling in love with Bess are plot twists that no one saw coming in Nancy Drew season 2. As the antagonist of one of the show's most intense storylines, Odette isn't a character that viewers take kindly to.
After being freed from her curse and getting a second chance at life through George, Odette shows her true colors. She's comedic in an unexpected way and provides a constant source of entertainment. The biggest surprise is the bond she forms with the Drew Crew, as she and George have some of the best relationship development in the series.
George Fan
George is the type of character that fans immediately flock to. She appears cold and unfeeling on the outside but eventually shows a new side of herself. While George works with Nancy and Ace prior to the pilot, they're all nothing but begrudging co-workers.
Once she gets sucked into Nancy's world and has no choice but to trust the Drew Crew, George's walls start coming down. Her romance with Nick inspires her to open up exponentially, and as much as she still hates to admit it, George develops a deep love for each of her friends.
Ace
Many fans are quick to dismiss Ace as the comic relief, which is easy to understand after only a handful of episodes. However, he ends up being more intricate than originally portrayed and proves how much he has to offer.
There are still parts of his character that are underdeveloped, as it's consistently difficult to decipher his feelings. But Ace's slow-burn romance with Nancy puts him at the center of a fan-favorite storyline and helps chip away at his exterior.
Nancy Drew
Protagonists are a hit or a miss in almost every series. Everyone in the main cast offers something vital, but the protagonist can singlehandedly cause a show to succeed or fail. Thankfully, Nancy Drew more than earns her role as the titular character.
Nancy is loveable all-around, but even from a narrative standpoint, she's the most well written. Kennedy McMann's portrayal of the detective is impressive, as the actress manages to capture every complex emotion that Nancy experiences. It takes a decent amount of episodes to get to know her, but Nancy is the easiest character to connect to in the series.