As fun as all the superhero action and world-building is, the thing that makes the MCU so popular is its characters. From the very first movie in Phase 1, the MCU has known how to make these big heroes relatable and likable so audiences want to see them again and again.
This is the same technique used in crafting some of the most memorable sitcom characters. These people may have their faults, but they are funny and charming enough to return to each week. In fact, there are some interesting similarities between some of the most beloved sitcom characters and the MCU's biggest heroes.
Nick Fury - Captain Raymond Holt (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Nick Fury is one of the more underrated characters in the MCU, as he is largely responsible for assembling the Avengers in the first place. He is a natural leader, even when it comes to larger-than-life individuals. He is also completely focused on the business at hand with an intimidating seriousness to him.
Captain Raymond Holt from Brooklyn Nine-Nine seems like an obvious comparison to Fury. Holt is also someone who is responsible for managing a number of colorful characters and does so very effectively. He also has a very intense demeanor, rarely allowing himself to have any fun at all.
Wanda Maximoff - Samantha Stephens (Bewitched)
Given the fact that Wanda created a reality based on sitcoms in WandaVision, it's not too hard to see where she fits into that world. She envisioned herself in a number of classic sitcom settings, but it was hard to shake the feeling that she fit in Bewitched the most.
Aside from the fact that Wanda Maximoff and Samantha Stephens are both witches, they do share some clear similarities. Both these women feel the need to hide their powers from the world. This can also include keeping the truth from their husbands. It is all in order to achieve their dreams of having a happy and normal family life.
Baby Groot - Maggie Simpson (The Simpsons)
While the adult Groot who was introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy was a hit with audiences, that was nothing compared to all the memes Baby Groot would inspire. This adorable little baby might not say much, but he can get into plenty of trouble and even has moments of violence.
For decades, Maggie Simpson has remained the silent youngest member of the Simpsons family. Like Baby Groot, Maggie's actions often speak louder than words. She also has a darker side despite her cuteness like when she shot Mr. Burns.
Sam Wilson - Will Smith (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)
Sam Wilson has had a long and thrilling journey to being named the new Captain America. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed that, unlike some of his fellow heroes, he comes from a humble and grounded background. Yet, he was able to enter this big world of superheroes and prove his place.
Though Will Smith's journey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is played for more laughs, it does follow a similar path as Sam. Will is also someone of meager means yet he is brought into the posh world of Bel-Air. Though some think he doesn't belong, he finds a way to stand out in his own way.
Peter Parker - Malcolm Wilkerson (Malcolm In The Middle)
More than the other Spider-Man movies, the MCU take on the wall-crawling hero is focused more on his teen years. In fact, the MCU Spider-Man movies resemble high school comedies at times. Peter makes for a great teen hero as he is extremely intelligent and destined for great things, even while he struggles through typical teen issues.
Malcolm in Malcolm in the Middle is another standout teen protagonist. Like Peter, he is smarter than his peers and there is no doubt he'll have an impressive life. But that doesn't help him escape the awkwardness of being an outcast and trying to get a girlfriend.
Thor - AC Slater (Saved By The Bell)
Thor started out as a hotheaded and arrogant god who acted before he thought. As time went on, he was humbled yet still held a pretty big ego. He was also never seen as the smartest of the heroes even if his muscle-bound physique was impressive enough.
In the classic teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, the fitness-obsessed A.C. Slater shares Thor's empty head and big biceps. Slater likes to flex his muscles to everyone and can be a show-off at times even though he is also a good friend.
Carol Danvers - Leslie Knope (Parks And Recreation)
Carol Danvers is one of the more inspiring heroes in the MCU. She is a strong contender for the most powerful Avenger but it is her fighting spirit that makes her such a role model. While she has been told her whole life that she is not strong enough, Carol always picks herself up and proves those doubters wrong.
Another great female role model is Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She also has that never-quit attitude despite facing more than her share of setbacks and critics. She always managed to overcome them with her determination and eventually rose to extraordinary positions of power.
Tony Stark - Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place)
When Tony Stark was introduced in the MCU he was far from a hero. He was a self-centered and hard-drinking billionaire who was unconcerned with the consequences of what he did. When he was exposed to a more complex reality, Stark became the hero who was willing to sacrifice everything to save the day.
Eleanor Shellstrop from The Good Place is a similarly complicated protagonist. During her life, she only looked out for herself and only seemed interested in getting drunk. When introduced to "the Good Place", Eleanor begins her path to redemption, not only becoming a better person but helping others do the same.
Rocket - George Costanza (Seinfeld)
Rocket is one of the most complex heroes in the MCU. While his small size may be deceiving, Rocket carries a lot of anger in him and can lash out in hilarious rants without warning. His negative personality can make it hard to be friends with him and his wildly dangerous plans don't make it any easier.
George Constanza is also a chaotic individual who comes in a smaller package. He is responsible for some of the worst things done on Seinfeld which is saying quite a lot. He has a serious anger problem and has an off-putting personality. Yet there is something so interesting about him.
Steve Rogers - Ted Lasso (Ted Lasso)
When Steve Rogers wanted to join the army, everyone told him he didn't belong. And though his body was weak, it was his optimistic spirit and kind heart that allowed him to become Captain America. He maintained that spirit, always delivering rousing speeches to his team and proving that being a hero sometimes means just being a good person.
Ted Lasso has quickly become one of the most beloved heroes on television. When chosen as the coach of a premier soccer club, Ted was a laughingstock. But he showed everyone how some heart can be a big factor in making a team. He is kind, caring, and always ready with encouraging words.