Over 12 seasons, Two and a Half Men served up the giggles, putting numerous madcap characters in the most ridiculous of situations. Jon Cryer (who portrayed Alan Harper) was the only cast member to appear in every single episode of the series, but he was supported by a host of equally adept and talented co-stars, such as Charlie Sheen, Angus T. Jones and Ashton Kutcher.
Now that there's been a bit of breathing room since the series ended in February 2015, it's as good a time as any to look back at it with a critical eye. Once and for all, let's identify and rank who were the funniest characters on Two and a Half Men.
Walden
When Sheen left Two and a Half Men after his explosive rant, nobody expected the series to move forward with Kutcher beyond a single season. Still, it survived for a few more years, as Kutcher's Walden Schmidt brought a different type of comedy to the show.
While he never captured the hearts of fans like Sheen's Charlie Harper did, he proved to have excellent chemistry with his co-star Cryer. However, towards the end of his run on the series, it was evident that the writers ran out of ideas for his character, which is the main reason he isn't higher up on this list.
Judith
For the first few seasons, Marin Hinkle's Judith portrayed the stereotypical bitter ex-wife who wanted nothing more than the downfall of Alan. Yet, as the series progressed, she received a more nuanced personality, as well as depth and color to her character.
Judith was never a laugh-out-loud character who cracked quality one-liners, but the situations she found herself in made the audience chuckle themselves silly. Whether she was somehow finding herself back in Alan's arms for a brief period of time or trying to prevent her sister from hooking up with Charlie, she was always central to the best episodes of the series.
Jake
If this list only covered the first five seasons of the show, Jones' Jake Harper would've easily been in the top three. Unfortunately, as the series went on, Jones' interest in his part waned, with him even criticizing the morality of the program and urging viewers to stop watching it.
Even so, there's no denying that Jones was one of the most talented and funniest children on television when Two and a Half Men aired. He was able to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Cryer and Sheen, establishing himself as a sharp, comedic prodigy with the world at his feet.
Kandi
When she was introduced, April Bowlby's Kandi seemed like another airhead to tick over the clock until the next one strolled in. Even so, viewers couldn't get enough of her hilarious ways, as she innocently navigated her way through the Harpers' mad world. Every episode with Kandi was better than one without her.
Unfortunately, almost as soon as she became Alan's second wife, she departed the show, only to return seasons later. Looking at Bowlby's current performance as Rita Farr in Doom Patrol, you'll appreciate how she pulled off the role of Kandi when she's the furthest thing from the ditzy bimbo she portrayed.
Rose
Oh, Rose! Charlie's eternal stalker was a fundamental part of Two and a Half Men. Plus, as everyone discovered in the series finale, she was as dangerous as Charlie made her out to be since she was the main reason for his initial disappearance.
Nevertheless, the audience loved every second of Melanie Lynskey's Rose. Whether she was hopping off the deck at arbitrary times or teaching magic tricks to Jake, she lit up the set with her wild and wacky ways. There's something about laughing in the face of danger, and Rose was arguably the most threatening character in the series.
Herb
Ryan Stiles' Herb Melnick was never meant to become a major character. Sure, he married Judith and became Jake's stepfather, but he only popped up once in a while. This changed in later seasons, as he became best friends with Walden and Alan.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who's familiar with Stiles' brand of comedy that he'd shine on a massive stage like Two and a Half Men. He didn't need to be over the top or outrageous, choosing to adapt and find fluid chemistry with those around him. Plus, it didn't hurt that his improvisational background came in handy on the show too.
Evelyn
From the first time Charlie and Alan Harper mentioned their mother, Evelyn, everyone expected a monster of a lady to appear. To be fair, she wasn't as bad as they made her out to be. Pushy and self-absorbed, yes, but Holland Taylor's Evelyn was there when her boys needed her the most, albeit with a sarcastic remark and an I told you so demeanor.
Despite many characters coming and going, Evelyn was ever-present on Two and a Half Men. It's a good thing as well, since she knew how to get a comical reaction out of everybody around her and always spiced things up.
Berta
Introduced as a minor character, Conchata Ferrell's Berta became a long-standing member of Two and a Half Men. Her wisecracking and no-nonsense personality wasa favorite of viewers as she kept the Harper-Schmidt residence in check. She might've been the hired help, but she refused to be treated as anything less than a part of the family.
At times, it felt as if Berta was representative of the audience at home, as she'd say exactly what we'd all be thinking. She was unafraid of airing her views and left everyone in stitches when she put Alan and Charlie in their place.
Charlie
Now, Two and a Half Men didn't fall apart when Sheen left, but you could tell that something important was lacking on the show. The fact that Charlie Harper kept being referenced and the writers tried to get Sheen back for the finale only proves he was sorely missed.
For many, Charlie was the only reason to tune in. His unapologetic womanizing and hedonistic lifestyle resulted in envy and rip-roaring laughter, as he inevitably got caught up in unwanted scenarios. It isn't wrong to say that Charlie's time on the show was the best era of the series.
Alan
When Two and a Half Men began, Cryer played second fiddle to Sheen and it was clear who was the star and who was the supporting actor. But by the end of the show, Cryer established himself as the real MVP, outlasting everyone and becoming pivotal to its 12-year run.
In fact, it's difficult to imagine the series without Alan Harper. All of the best gags and laughs came from him, thanks to Cryer's wicked delivery and unparalleled comedic timing. While fans bemoaned Sheen's departure from the show, it's unfathomable to think of what would've happened to this sitcom without Cryer.