In the world of television, some characters make such a powerful entrance that they become instantly iconic, even if they arrive well after the opening credits have started rolling. A recent discussion has highlighted fifteen such figures, whose late introductions didn't just add to their shows—they fundamentally elevated them.
The Scene-Stealers Who Joined the Party Late
These characters prove that timing isn't everything. Mike Hannigan, played by Paul Rudd, didn't appear in Friends until its ninth season, yet he seamlessly became the only character to feel like a seventh Friend. His genuine connection with Phoebe Buffay won over audiences not through star power, but through heartfelt storytelling.
Similarly, Ewan Roy (James Cromwell) entered the fray in episode five of Succession's first season. As the conscience-driven elder brother to the ruthless Logan Roy (Brian Cox), Ewan provided a vital moral counterpoint, giving left-leaning viewers a complex figure to root for amidst the family's cutthroat dynamics.
From Sci-Fi to Sitcoms: Unlikely Heroes
The impact of a perfectly pitched latecomer spans all genres. In Doctor Who, River Song (Alex Kingston) transformed the Doctor's entire narrative arc from her first enigmatic "Hello, sweetie." Her profound connection to the Time Lord added layers of mystery and romance that reshaped the series.
On the sitcom front, New Girl found a perfect match for Winston in Aly (Nasim Pedrad), introduced in season four. Her smart, funny presence gelled so perfectly with the ensemble that it felt as if she'd been there from the start. In How I Met Your Mother, Cristin Milioti's portrayal of The Mother in the final season was so charming and well-executed that she managed to uplift the series despite its controversial ending.
Other notable mentions include the hilarious and heartless Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito), who joined It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia from season two, and the scene-stealing Lord Flashheart (Rik Mayall), whose single explosive appearance in Blackadder II remains legendary. The list also celebrates Kryten in Red Dwarf, Castiel in Supernatural, and the terrifyingly charismatic Lalo Salamanca (Tony Dalton) who reinvigorated Better Call Saul.
Why Late Arrivals Can Be So Memorable
The success of these characters often lies in their ability to disrupt established dynamics. They bring fresh conflict, new chemistry, and unexplored storylines. Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos and Lane Pryce in Mad Men are prime examples—complex figures who rattled their respective worlds and left lasting legacies.
These fifteen characters demonstrate that in television, a grand entrance isn't reserved for the pilot episode. With impeccable writing and performance, a late arrival can become the most unforgettable part of the journey, proving that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait.
