Viewers of popular teen shows have their comfort characters. From Dawson's Creek to more modern teen shows like Sex Education, the male characters have a special place in fans' hearts. These male characters provide comic relief while also, portraying what it means to be a good friend or good person overall.
They sometimes are the quirky, sarcastic best friend. And other times, they can be the sympathetic main character. No matter the genre or show, these male characters have remained consistent, authentic, and of course, likable.
Fezco — Euphoria (2019-Present)
From season 1 of the hit HBO series, Fezco or Fez, had captured the hearts of fans. He was an unconventional fan favorite. His role in Euphoria revolves around the fact that he is Rue's drug dealer. As the series progresses, he seems more than meets the eye. He's more than just Rue's drug dealer but he considers her a younger sister.
Additionally, the second season revealed more about Fez and fans grew more sympathetic. He may get himself into trouble, but fans know his situation and still root for him. His friendship with Lexi helped with this. And the way he defends Rue and her friends makes him a hero.
Mike Chang — Glee (2009-2015)
Mike Chang is an underrated gem in the series. He isn't the main focus for the majority of the show, but he does have his struggles as fans learn throughout Glee. He is most remembered for being the dancer of New Direction and his romance with Tina. Throughout the series, he becomes more and more open. This is when his personality shines the most.
What fans do like about Mike is that he is a sweetheart. He is compassionate and outgoing. His most memorable storyline is his struggle to please his parents. Fans found that relatable and compelling.
Dave Rygalski — Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Fans of Gilmore Girls know Dave as the passionate and well-adjusted love interest of Lane. At first, he is open about allowing Lane to join his band and quickly welcomes her with open arms as a friend. He becomes determined to date Lane which means getting her mother to like him.
Dave is one of the best guys in the series although he was only a side character. Dave still managed to have main character energy. to and unfortunately his character is short-lived. However, viewers know just how unproblematic he was. He learns the bible cover to cover to impress Mrs. Kim and most of all "likes Lane back".
Scott McCall — Teen Wolf (2011-2017)
Scott McCall is the main lead in Teen Wolf. He is unassuming and lives a pretty average life before he becomes a werewolf. The next thing he knows he has a lot of responsibility and has to somehow survive the villains of the series.
However, when Scott isn't fighting off supernatural monsters, he spends his time being an amazing friend and the best boyfriend he can be. He's a momma's boy and still manages to have an innocence to him. Scott also made the best decisions for himself and his friends.
Pacey Witter — Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)
During the first season of Dawson's Creek, Pacey Witter is the sarcastic best friend to Dawson. He doesn't have a wholesome home life but remains confident in his decisions as the series goes on. He also butts heads with Joey but eventually falls completely in love with her.
He quickly becomes the best boyfriend to Joey and fans of the series can't help but admire the way he loves her. He is passionate and protective but also smart enough to know what's right and keeps Dawson accountable for the questionable things he does and says. He's the funniest character, which makes people interested in what he's up to.
Ryan Atwood — The O.C. (2003-2007)
Ryan is an unexpected treasure in this series. He is the main character and has every making of a typical brooding bad boy. He gets adopted by the Cohen family and his friendship with Seth is very wholesome and pure.
Ryan makes a life for himself in Newport Beach and matures for the better. He is very protective of the people he loves and makes level-headed decisions by the end of The O.C which makes him admirable. He doesn't say much but remains likable by his sarcasm and witty remarks. It's hard not to like him.
Adam Torres — Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-2015)
Although there is an abundance of male characters in Degrassi, Adam sticks out as the most likable. He is the first Trans character of the series and goes through so many hardships because of this. He is bullied, outed, and misgendered by many characters. However, his character becomes more confident as the series goes on.
He begins to fit in and becomes a supportive friend. He is wholesome and a romantic. He is also the words of wisdom when it comes to his brother Drew. He was witty, honest, and most of all relatable.
Nathan Scott — One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
Fans find Nathan the most likable male character in this series because he matures the most. He matures a lot from the beginning of the first season to the end of the first season. His intentions with Haley were questionable but they soon become the most iconic couple.
Nathan remains loyal to his friends and family and protective. He is a devoted father and husband. He is also confident and talented. He is one of the few male characters with the best romantic potential in OTH. Nathan is constantly supportive of Haley and has many moments in One Tree Hill that truly make him the best main character.
Eric Effiong — Sex Education (2019-Present)
Eric is one of the most adored characters on Sex Education. Eric is openly gay and comes from a religious family. He is the comic relief and best friend of Otis. He is confident and bold, which makes the other characters in the show judge him, but he remains positive.
In just 3 seasons, Eric goes through many highs and lows. He is still the funniest character and never afraid of being himself, which makes him engaging. Fans want to know more about him and what he will do next. There are many reasons why Eric is the best Sex Education character.
Stiles Stilinski — Teen Wolf (2011-2017)
In the first season of Teen Wolf, Stiles was just the clever and witty best friend of Scott. He was curious but also didn't mind getting into trouble. His character shifts and becomes a little bit more serious. He remains beloved and goes through a lot of emotional turmoil.
Stiles keeps a positive attitude and stays consistent in being supportive and loyal to Scott. He is a lot more intelligent than people give him credit for. And often struggles with the fact that he's only human and can't do more to help his friends. But he still sticks around for it all when it's important.