As Stranger Things returned to Netflix for its fourth season, fans were reminded of the growth that fan-favorite Steve Harrington has endured from his original appearance as a stereotypical high school bully. The beauty of long-form television is watching characters that audiences know and love develop and grow before their very eyes. Sometimes, characters grow to fit with the show's ongoing plot whilst others allow their personalities to actively affect the plot themselves.
Early seasons of television shows often show the growing pains of beloved characters adapting to their desired roles, often being drastically different from their later season depictions. While some arguably became parodies of themselves, others grew into much more memorable characters.
Parks and Recreation - Andy
Andy in Season 1 was a real piece of work. Having fallen into the pit when drunk and broken both of his legs, Andy was nothing more than a lazy slob that his girlfriend Ann would have to look after. Even after recovering from his injuries, Andy asked the doctor to keep his casts on so he could continue doing nothing.
After Ann broke up with him and kicked him out, Andy quickly grew up and became much more sympathetic and lovable, helped massively by the charm of actor Chris Pratt. Cleaning himself up, getting a job, and developing a relationship with his future wife April, Andy quickly became a fan favorite due to his natural charisma and comedic timing. In such a talented ensemble of quirky personalities, Andy stands out from the rest.
The Office - Michael
The first season of The Office began as a clear remake of the UK version with boss Michael Scott being an obvious replica of David Brent. Keeping a lot of the same personality traits as his British counterpart, Michael Scott was originally a bit of a nuisance to his employees.
Once the writers began to make the adaptation their own and not so much of a carbon copy of the original, Michael was able to shed his previous personality and develop into a stronger portrayal much more suitable for this new audience. Michael remained oblivious and slightly offensive but in a more authentic way. Audiences began to laugh with the Dunder Mifflin boss, not at him.
The Walking Dead - Carol
At first an abused housewife in Season 1 of The Walking Dead, Carol started as merely another mouth to feed for Rick's group. Constantly crying over her missing daughter, it was evident that Carol would not survive long in the apocalyptic landscape overrun by Walkers.
Surprisingly, Carol quickly changed from a meek lady into a capable survivor that would save the group from multiple threats. Now a clear leader of the remaining survivors, Carol continues to defy expectations originally tied to her character. She is a prime example of adapting to the new world effectively, evolving consistently over the show's run.
Game Of Thrones - Jaime
In the first episode of the show, Jaime Lannister sets an interesting first impression when he is caught being intimate with his twin sister before pushing a young child out of a window. Along with the Lannister's quick betrayal of Ned Stark, it at first seems that Jaime is being set up as a clear antagonist in the show.
As the show progresses, Jaime becomes much more humble, being removed from the toxic environment in Kings Landing. After developing a friendship with Brienne, Jaime becomes much more likable to audiences. A beautiful redemption arc ensues as Jaime turns from a sleazy antagonist to a flawed antihero. That is, until Season 8 backtracks on this character development.
Family Guy - Stewie
When viewing early episodes of Family Guy now, the characterization of Stewie Griffin is so drastically different from his modern rendition that it would be understandable if newer audiences barely recognize him. The once super-genius toddler hell-bent on world domination and murdering his mother has transformed into a tame, flamboyant shadow of his former self.
These personality changes are highlighted in Season 10, Episode 5 "Road to the Pilot” episode, where modern-day Stewie meets his Pilot-self. Moving on from his one-note portrayal in earlier seasons has allowed Stewie to form deeper relationships with the other characters on the show, most notably Brian. With the show lasting over 20 seasons, progressing past these early character traits was the correct decision in keeping Stewie interesting to watch.
Breaking Bad - Walter
It's fairly obvious that Walter White changes during Breaking Bad as his descent from harmless chemistry teacher to drug kingpin is the central point of the show. However, it still makes for a jarring comparison when viewing the differences in personality between Season 1 Walt and Season 5 Walt.
Throughout the show's run, audiences can watch this character "break bad" so effectively and dramatically evolve for the worse. Without such a perfect performance by Bryan Cranston and strong writing, the show's entire premise would fall flat. Instead, fans are shown a delightfully sickening contrast between family-man Walt and the intimidating Heisenberg within him all along that naturally progresses as each episode passes.
New Girl - Winston
In Season 1 of New Girl, Winston acted as the slightly odd roommate still adjusting to life back in America after living abroad for so long. Originally clashing with Jess, the pair eventually become loyal friends and Winston turns into a voice of reason for her.
However, as the show progresses, Winston gains a much more cartoonish personality akin to the other characters on the show. Horribly bad at pranks, still believing in Santa Claus, and always attached to his adopted cat Ferguson, Winston evolves from a fish-out-of-water into a full-blown goofball. Ever the hopeless romantic, many of Winston's later appearances depict his constant quirkiness when faced with a revolving door of equally weird romantic interests, often resulting in comedic results.
The Simpsons - Homer
With how long The Simpsons has been going on, it is expected that every character on the show is nothing like their first appearances. Homer's portrayal as a stern but loving father in Season 1 is a prime example of the dramatic change in direction the writers have taken him when comparing the different escapades and scenarios he has been placed in over the past 30 years.
It has been mentioned that at first, Bart was intended to be the show's main character before the decision was made to change that to Homer, allowing for crazier situations. This has allowed for several iconic television performances to be created so this was the correct choice. With a more mature Homer, there is no doubt that the show would not continue to be the success it is to this very day.
Friends - Ross
The original introduction of Ross saw him as a heartbroken geek that would struggle with his impending divorce and a new baby on the way. Seen as the most sympathetic one of the group, Ross was depicted as meek and tame compared to the more outlandish Joey and Chandler.
However, as David Schwimmer evolved the character into a more selfish and humorous character, Ross quickly was given crazier scenarios to work in. Developing over-the-top outbursts that would become the character's defining trait, Ross grew past his earlier portrayal. Despite being perhaps the most grown-up of the group, Ross still develops some big flaws that at some points make him extremely unlikable to the audience.
Community - Britta
At first the desired love interest for sleazy lawyer Jeff, the headstrong Britta quickly became one of the strongest personalities in the study group. Unfortunately, as the seasons progressed, Britta devolved into a caricature of her former self, often becoming the butt of the group's jokes.
Britta's change from a passionate and caring liberal to a goofy pothead contrarian is drastic and unfortunate, due to her somewhat falling from the role of "de facto mother" of the group. Her relationship with Jeff falters as their will-they-won't-they romance is replaced by one between him and Annie, resulting in her character stagnating a bit for multiple seasons.