14 TV Characters From The 70s Who Could Try A Viewers Patience

Television in the 1970s gave us unforgettable shows that shaped comedy and drama for generations.

However, not every character was easy to love. Some personalities were deliberately crafted to irritate, challenge, or test viewers with their quirks, attitudes, and antics, making them memorably frustrating parts of TV history.

1. Archie Bunker From All In The Family

Archie’s loud opinions and stubbornness made him one of TV’s most controversial figures. His closed-minded views often clashed with his family, creating tension that was both funny and uncomfortable.

Though groundbreaking for addressing social issues, his character could wear on viewers who found his attitudes exhausting. Norman Lear created him to spark conversation, but sometimes that conversation came with a headache.

2. Major Frank Burns From MASH

Frank Burns was the definition of a pompous know-it-all who constantly butted heads with Hawkeye and Trapper. His incompetence as a surgeon was matched only by his arrogance.

Viewers loved to hate him because he represented everything wrong with military bureaucracy. His whiny voice and constant complaining made him a character you couldn’t wait to see get his comeuppance each episode.

3. Ted Baxter From The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Ted was the vain, dimwitted news anchorman whose ego far exceeded his talent. His constant self-promotion and obliviousness to his own incompetence drove his coworkers crazy.

While Ted Knight played him brilliantly, the character’s narcissism could be grating. Every episode reminded us of that one coworker who thinks they’re God’s gift to the office but really just makes more work for everyone else.

4. Phyllis Lindstrom From The Mary Tyler Moore Show And Phyllis

Phyllis was Mary’s nosy, self-absorbed landlady who never missed a chance to brag or meddle. Her passive-aggressive comments and superiority complex made simple conversations exhausting.

Cloris Leachman brought comic genius to the role, but Phyllis’s constant need for attention wore thin quickly. She was that neighbor who shows up uninvited and overstays her welcome every single time, testing everyone’s patience.

5. Michael Meathead Stivic From All In The Family

Michael was Archie’s son-in-law and polar opposite, constantly lecturing everyone with his liberal college-student views. His know-it-all attitude rivaled Archie’s stubbornness.

While he often had valid points, his preachy delivery made viewers roll their eyes. Rob Reiner captured the character perfectly, but sometimes you just wanted both him and Archie to take a break from arguing about politics at the dinner table.

6. Louie De Palma From Taxi

Louie was the mean-spirited, selfish dispatcher who treated his drivers like dirt. Danny DeVito made him hilariously cruel, but his constant insults and schemes got old fast.

His short stature matched his short temper, and he never missed an opportunity to exploit or mock someone. Though funny in small doses, Louie’s relentless negativity could drain the joy from any scene he dominated.

7. Latka Gravas From Taxi

Latka’s heavy accent and bizarre behavior made him Taxi’s resident oddball. Andy Kaufman brought his unique comedy style to the role, but it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

His gibberish language and strange mannerisms were either hilarious or incredibly annoying depending on your mood. When Latka developed multiple personalities later in the series, things got even weirder and more patience-testing for viewers.

8. JJ Evans From Good Times

JJ’s catchphrase Dyn-o-mite and exaggerated antics made him the breakout star of Good Times. However, his clownish behavior often overshadowed the show’s serious themes about poverty and struggle.

Jimmie Walker’s performance was energetic, but JJ’s constant mugging for laughs frustrated viewers who wanted more depth. His character became so cartoonish that even the cast reportedly had concerns about the stereotypical portrayal.

9. Fred Sanford From Sanford And Son

Fred’s fake heart attacks and constant scheming to avoid work became his trademark moves. Redd Foxx made him a comedy legend, but his manipulation of his son Lamont wore thin.

Every episode featured Fred clutching his chest and calling out to his deceased wife Elizabeth. While hilarious initially, the repetitive gag and his stubborn refusal to change his ways could test even loyal fans’ patience over time.

10. Maude Findlay From Maude

Maude was loud, opinionated, and never afraid to share her liberal views with anyone within earshot. Bea Arthur played her with commanding presence, but Maude’s self-righteousness could be exhausting.

She steamrolled over everyone in her life, including her husband Walter. While the show tackled important issues like abortion and divorce, Maude’s abrasive personality and constant lecturing made her difficult to watch for extended periods.

11. Mork From Ork On Mork And Mindy

Mork’s alien antics and backwards logic launched Robin Williams to superstardom. His manic energy and constant misunderstanding of Earth customs were charming but could become overwhelming.

Nanu nanu was cute at first, but Mork’s childlike behavior and nonsensical observations sometimes crossed from funny to irritating. Williams’ improvisation was brilliant, yet the character’s hyperactive nature demanded patience from viewers seeking a calmer viewing experience.

12. Vinnie Barbarino From Welcome Back Kotter

Vinnie was the cool, dimwitted leader of the Sweathogs who relied more on his looks than his brains. John Travolta made him a teen idol, but his stupidity was played up for laughs.

His famous line Up your nose with a rubber hose and constant preening got repetitive quickly. While Vinnie had heart, watching him struggle with basic concepts episode after episode made you wonder how he’d survive in the real world.

13. Arnold Horshack From Welcome Back Kotter

Arnold’s signature laugh and hand-waving Ooh ooh ooh became instantly recognizable. Ron Palillo played him as the eager-to-please nerd, but that enthusiasm quickly became grating.

His desperate need for approval and constant interruptions made him the most annoying Sweathog. While his character had sweet moments, Horshack’s over-the-top behavior and that distinctive laugh could drive viewers crazy after just a few minutes of screen time.

14. Major Charles Emerson Winchester III From MASH

Charles replaced Frank Burns as the pompous foil to Hawkeye, but he brought Boston Brahmin snobbery to new heights. David Ogden Stiers played him as cultured yet insufferable.

His constant name-dropping and superiority complex made him exhausting to watch. Unlike Frank, Charles was actually competent, which somehow made his arrogance even more irritating. Every conversation became an opportunity for him to remind everyone of his privileged background and expensive education.