16 TV Series With Protagonists Who Evolve the Most Over Time

Television is unique because it lets writers tell stories over a long period, allowing characters to grow and change dramatically over many years. We see these characters transform, with their personalities and reasons for doing things changing deeply. These changes often form the heart of the story and keep people watching season after season. The shows below are known for having some of the most impressive character developments in TV history.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

At the start of the series, Walter White is a quiet high school chemistry teacher who receives a devastating lung cancer diagnosis. He starts making methamphetamine hoping to leave his family financially secure after he’s gone. But the story follows his transformation into a dangerous drug lord, known as Heisenberg, and shows how he loses his moral compass along the way, ultimately becoming a completely different person.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Jimmy McGill begins as a well-meaning public defender, striving to earn the admiration of his accomplished brother. Throughout his career, he battles his tendency to take shortcuts as he works within the legal system. The show follows his gradual evolution into the cunning, yet ethically questionable, lawyer known as Saul Goodman. By exploring Jimmy’s past, the series reveals the human side of a character who ultimately becomes lost to his darker impulses.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

The Rose family starts out as very rich and disconnected from everyday life, but they suddenly lose all their money. This forces them to move to a small town they once purchased on a whim. Living in a motel brings them closer together as a family and helps them become part of the town’s unique community. Throughout the series, Alexis and David Rose, in particular, grow from being self-centered to thoughtful and dependable people.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Sansa Stark begins her story as an innocent young woman longing for a fairytale life and escape from the North. However, she endures terrible hardship and is controlled by enemies in King’s Landing. These difficult experiences ultimately teach her how to understand and use power, and she eventually returns home to find herself and become Queen of the North.

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Eleanor Shellstrop starts out as a self-centered person who only cares about herself, but finds herself in the afterlife – a paradise she doesn’t believe she deserves. Determined to earn her place, she begins studying ethics. Through her connections with other people and a demon named Michael, she discovers the importance of working together and helping others. Eventually, she transforms into a selfless leader who prioritizes the needs of others, even at her own expense.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

I’ve always been fascinated by Peggy Olson’s journey in Mad Men. She starts out as this incredibly timid secretary, just trying to fit in at an agency run by men. But you quickly see she has a real gift for writing copy. It’s amazing to watch her slowly gain confidence and climb the ranks, even though she constantly faces sexism. Over the seasons, her style evolves, she figures out who she is, and by the end, she’s become this total force to be reckoned with – a creative director everyone respects. It’s a really inspiring transformation.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

I’ve always been captivated by Zuko’s journey! At first, he seemed like a really angry guy, desperate to prove himself to his father by capturing the Avatar. But watching him struggle with what his father wanted versus what his Uncle Iroh taught him was so compelling. He really started to question everything he’d been told about the Fire Nation and its place in the world. Ultimately, he made the brave decision to join Team Avatar, help bring peace, and become a truly good leader – it’s an amazing transformation to witness!

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Initially, Steve Harrington appears as a typical high school jock, focused on popularity. However, when faced with strange and frightening events, and personal setbacks, he begins to change. He ultimately discovers a sense of purpose by protecting a group of younger friends, becoming a brave and dependable hero in Hawkins.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

I’ve always been amazed by Carol’s journey. She started out so vulnerable, really struggling with an awful marriage and being completely overwhelmed by everything happening. But losing her daughter changed her. It was heartbreaking, but it also sparked something incredible. She became so strong, learning to fight and do what needed to be done, even when it was incredibly tough. Honestly, she transformed into this unbelievably capable warrior, and she’s saved our group so many times – often when no one else could. It’s inspiring to see how far she’s come.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Willow Rosenberg starts out as a timid, insecure computer enthusiast who struggles with speaking in front of others. As she discovers a talent for magic, she grows into a strong and important witch. However, her increasing magical abilities lead to an addiction that puts both her and the world in danger. Ultimately, she overcomes this challenge, finds stability, and becomes a guiding leader for a new group of slayers.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

April Ludgate begins as an intern who doesn’t seem to care much about her job and even enjoys bothering people. Through her connection with Andy Dwyer and guidance from Leslie Knope, she starts to find her way. She unexpectedly develops a love for animal control and later works for a foundation. While she keeps her dry, sarcastic wit, she grows into a capable and motivated professional.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

Initially unhappy in her marriage and having an affair, Wendy Byrde finds herself caught up in her husband’s illegal money laundering operation. As the risks increase, she unexpectedly excels at navigating the political landscape and developing criminal plans. Soon, her drive for power exceeds her husband’s, leading her to make increasingly harsh choices. She transforms from someone forced into this world into a shrewd and ruthless operator within the cartel.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Octavia Blake grew up in secret, hidden away on a space station because her parents weren’t allowed to have a second child. She’s the first of her people to truly experience life on Earth and eventually joins and becomes part of the Grounder culture. Over time, she rises to become a powerful, but often brutal, leader called Blodreina. Faced with impossible choices, she makes the difficult decision to allow her people to resort to cannibalism to stay alive. Throughout her life, Octavia struggles with the consequences of trauma and constantly seeks a path towards peace, though violence often follows her.

‘Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)

Donna Clark began her career as an engineer at Texas Instruments, balancing work with family life. She bravely entered the exciting world of personal computers and realized she had a talent for leading businesses. Over the years, she successfully navigated the ever-changing fields of gaming and the internet, eventually becoming a respected venture capitalist dedicated to supporting women in technology.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Oswald Cobblepot started as a simple umbrella boy for a minor gangster. Clever and ruthless, he manipulated different criminal gangs to fight each other. He climbed the ranks through deceit and violence, removing anyone who stood in his way. Eventually, he fully became the Penguin and took control of Gotham City’s criminal underworld.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Kendall Roy begins the series wanting to impress his powerful and controlling father, determined to prove himself as the future leader of the family’s media company. Throughout the show, he struggles with addiction and acts out, all while trying to gain control. However, constant setbacks and instances of betrayal erode his sense of right and wrong, leaving him emotionally shattered. By the end, Kendall is a defeated and lost man, having sacrificed his integrity in his relentless chase for power.

Tell us which character transformation surprised you the most in the comments.

2025-11-28 23:46