Top 10 TV Feuds
Life's too short for petty squabbles, but they sure do make for entertaining television. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 TV feuds. For this list, we're taking a look at states of conflict between two small screen characters that can't stand each other or flat-out hate each other. Whether these feuds are played for laughs or drama, it's a mess when these people are in the same room together. We've excluded animated feuds because they've already been represented on our list of the top 10 cartoon rivalries.
Special thanks to our users JBD23 and Jess Isabel Hardie for submitting this idea at on our Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: Phil Dunphy vs. Gil Thorpe “Modern Family” (2009-)
Top 10 Times Phil Dunphy was the Best Character on Modern Family
This feud follows a classic sitcom trope with Phil Dunphy being the bumbling nice guy and Gil Thorpe being his slick, conceited nemesis. As opposing real estate agents, Phil and Gil have been business rivals for years. Their competition gets personal, however, whenever Gil crosses paths with a member of Phil’s family. Their opposition might sound familiar, but you can always count on “Modern Family” to put a fresh spin on an old concept with inspired twists, witty dialogue, and great chemistry between some perfectly cast comedic actors.
#9: Francis J. ‘Frank’ Underwood vs. Raymond Tusk “House of Cards” (2013-)
While Frank Underwood is one of the craftiest anti-heroes ever to grace the small screen, “House of Cards” would get really boring if he were the only snake in the White House’s garden. Frank finds a worthy adversary in Raymond Tusk, a billionaire with a strong grip on President Garrett Walker. If Frank is going to move up the ladder, he’ll have to knock Tusk down a peg. Frank and Raymond’s tug of war over the president is practically Shakespearean, both men being equally cunning in their pursuits of power.
#8: Dexter Morgan vs. James Doakes “Dexter” (2006-13)
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Surrounded by mostly oblivious co-workers, the only person who sees there’s something darker behind Dexter Morgan’s mild-mannered exterior is Sgt. James Doakes. Although we should root for the cop to catch the serial killer, the audience oddly sympathizes with both men. One’s trying to live with his dark passenger and the other’s just upholding the law. As Doakes gets closer to the truth, though, it becomes clear one of them will have to go down. Given a difficult choice, we can’t help but hope Dexter is the last man standing.
#7: Alicia Florrick vs. Will Gardner “The Good Wife” (2009-)
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The relationship between these lawyers goes through a number of status updates over the years. One season they’re co-workers, the next they’re lovers, and then they’re rivals. Having helped the unemployable Alicia get back on her feet, Will is infuriated when she steals his clients to start her own firm. Feelings are tested, sides are picked, and practically everything is fair game now. However, buried under all their bitterness, Will and Alicia still care for one another. Any hope for Willicia is gunned down, however, one tragic day in court.
#6: Sheldon Cooper vs. Barry Kripke “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-)
The Big Bang Theory VS Young Sheldon
You’d expect somebody as nerdy as Sheldon Cooper to get regularly picked on. You wouldn’t expect a fellow nerd with a speech impediment to be the source of that criticism, however. Barry Kripke doesn’t let his disability stand in the way of him being consistently cocky, especially when around Sheldon. Although both are highly intelligent, Kripke is definitely more quick-witted than Sheldon when it comes to putdowns and pranks. Whether they’re in competition or forced to work together, the two are bound to make a big bang.
#5: Rick Grimes vs. The Governor “The Walking Dead” (2010-)
Top 10 Times Rick From The Walking Dead Went Beast Mode
If “The Walking Dead” has taught us anything, it’s that you should never trust anybody during a walker apocalypse. Rick’s group should have run for the hills upon meeting the Governor, who oversees a prison disguised as a human civilization camp. Although he looks like a charmer at first, this sadistic tyrant has skeletons and zombies in his closet – literally. As he sinks deeper into insanity, Rick needs to rise up and lead his people to safety. With the Governor on his trail, the undead become the least of Rick’s worries.
#4: Walter White vs. Gustavo ‘Gus’ Fring “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
The Real Life Walter White
Walt and Gus could’ve shared a prosperous partnership and friendship. After a *cough* disagreement, though, the two become mortal enemies. As both are incredibly sneaky, you’re never sure what either of these men is going to do next. Every time it seems that Walt has the upper hand, it turns out Gus is a step ahead. All we know is that one will eventually be king of the castle and the other will be exposed as a two-faced monster – see what we did there? Their rivalry made season four of “Breaking Bad” nothing short of exhilarating.
#3: Drew Allison Carey vs. Mimi Bobeck “The Drew Carey Show” (1995-2004)
Although Mimi wasn’t originally intended to be a major part of “The Drew Carey Show,” she quickly became the title character’s main antagonist. Mimi is constantly poking her nose into Drew’s business, playing pranks on him, and taking shots at his weight, despite the fact that she’s no model herself. Loud, obnoxious, and wearing way too much makeup, Mimi is that last person you’d want to be office rivals with. She is a hilarious comedic foil for Drew, nevertheless, showing little restraint in her venture to make him miserable.
#2: Jerry Seinfeld vs. Newman “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
Top 10 Times Jerry Seinfeld Said What We Were All Thinking
The way Jerry greets Newman every time he walks into his apartment sums up all the animosity these neighbors share for one another. It’s never been revealed how the two grew to despise each other so much. All we need to know is that nothing brings the slimy Newman more joy than causing trouble for Jerry. Whether Jerry’s cheating on his barber or making out during “Schindler’s List,” you can bet Newman will be there to squeal on him. Never has a feud been so trivial and yet so heated. Before go head to head with our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - Jack Donaghy vs. Devon Banks “30 Rock” (2006-13) - Perry Cox vs. Bob Kelso “Scrubs” (2001-10) - Dr. Gregory House vs. Detective Michael Tritter “House” (2004-12) - Will Schuester vs. Sue Sylvester “Glee” (2009-15) - Jack Shepard vs. John Locke “Lost” (2004-10)
#1: Dwight Schrute vs. Jim Halpert “The Office” (2005-13)
Top 10 Worst Things Dwight Has Ever Done on The Office
Although Jim and Dwight are full grown men in a professional workplace, their ongoing feud is more like something from a playground. Too cool for school, the laidback Jim has played numerous inventive pranks on Dwight, some simple and others extravagant. Unable to take a joke, Dwight never misses an opportunity to tattle on Jim to Michael. As much as these co-workers drive each other crazy, though, they do share some degree of respect and fondness for one another. At least that’s more than can be said about Michael and Toby. Do you agree with our list? What TV characters do you enjoy watching argue? For more Top 10s that are sure to start feuds in the comments section every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
