The bad boys are the characters we can’t help but love, even when we know they’re trouble.
There’s something irresistible about them—maybe it’s their rebellious nature, their mysterious past, or the thrill of watching them break the rules. But what really hooks us is when they start to change for the better.
When a bad boy begins to show a softer side, we root for them even harder, drawn in by their vulnerability and the promise of redemption. It’s that journey from darkness to light that keeps us glued to the screen, falling for these once-dangerous charmers all over again.
Which is why this list will introduce TV’s most charming reformed bad boys, and a little of what led to their change of heart.
Damon Salvatore (The Vampire Diaries)
Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries is the ultimate bad boy with a twist.
Because of his devil-may-care attitude, sharp wit, and tendency to solve problems with violence, Damon’s reputation as a bad boy is well-earned, with a history of manipulation and impulsive decisions that often lead to trouble.
However, as the series progresses, Damon’s softer side starts to emerge, largely due to his love for Elena and the complicated bond with his brother, Stefan.
His journey from a reckless vampire to a protective, loyal friend and lover shows that beneath his tough exterior lies a heart capable of great love and sacrifice.
Killian Jones (Once Upon a Time)
You may know Killian Jones from Once Upon a Time better as Captain Hook! With his leather-clad look, charming smirk, and a pirate’s thirst for adventure, Killian is the epitome of a villain with a penchant for bending the rules.
His bad boy reputation is rooted in his ruthless pursuit of vengeance against Rumplestiltskin, as well as his morally questionable choices as a pirate.
However, his character takes a turn when he falls in love with Emma Swan. And through his relationship with Emma, Killian begins to seek redemption, proving he’s more than just a rogue pirate.
Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the quintessential bad boy vampire.
He earned his reputation through his brutal and relentless pursuit of the Slayer, driven by a desire to prove himself as the baddest of the bad.
However, Spike’s journey to the good side begins when he unexpectedly falls in love with Buffy. This love becomes the catalyst for his transformation, pushing him to seek a soul so he can become worthy of her.
Spike’s evolution from a heartless killer to a tortured, self-sacrificing hero showcases his struggle for redemption and his ultimate desire to do the right thing, even when it means going against his darker instincts.
Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)
Stranger Things’ Steve Harrington is the popular, arrogant high school heartthrob with a tendency to play the field, which makes him a bit of a jerk at first. But as the series progresses, Steve undergoes a major transformation.
After a rough breakup and some hard lessons, he starts showing a more caring and heroic side, especially when he teams up with Dustin and the others to fight off the supernatural threats in Hawkins.
His unexpected role as a protective older brother figure and his willingness to put himself on the line for his friends turn him into one of the show’s most beloved characters!
Logan Echolls (Veronica Mars)
As the son of a famous actor, Logan Echolls from Veronica Mars lives a life of privilege but is known for his reckless behavior, sarcastic attitude, and volatile temper – all of which are seen in his initial antagonism towards Veronica.
However, beneath the tough exterior, Logan is deeply wounded by his troubled family life and the loss of his best friend.
As the series progresses, Logan’s layers are peeled back, and his relationship with Veronica plays a huge role in his transformation as he gradually shifts from a self-destructive teen to someone who genuinely wants to do the right thing.
Lucifer Morningstar (Lucifer)
One might argue that Lucifer’s eponymous protagonist, Lucifer Morningstar, isn’t really a bad boy – that’s just the reputation that preceded him, being, well, Lucifer.
Sure, he likes to indulge in all the earthly pleasures and has a habit of using his powers to tempt others, but deep down, he has always battled between his evil nature and his desire to be good.
Lucifer’s journey toward redemption begins when he starts working with LAPD detective Chloe Decker, where he eventually evolves from a self-centered troublemaker to a character who genuinely wants to do good and find redemption.
Ryan Atwood (The OC)
Coming from a broken home in Chino, Ryan’s rough upbringing lands him in trouble more often than not. However, Ryan’s life takes a turn for the better when he’s taken in by the wealthy Cohen family in Orange County.
Under their care, he gradually sheds his tough exterior, revealing a kind and loyal person who’s just trying to protect those he cares about.
His friendship with the Cohens’ son Seth helps him navigate the challenges of his new life, leading him to make better choices.
Nathan Scott (One Tree Hill)
Nathan starts out as the classic high school bad boy.
He’s the star basketball player with a cocky attitude and a chip on his shoulder fueled by his arrogance, entitlement, and the pressure from his overbearing father, Dan Scott, who pushes him to be the best at all costs.
However, Nathan’s character begins to change when he falls in love with Haley James, the smart and kind-hearted girl who helps him see the world differently.
Through this relationship and his growing realization of the negative influence his father has on him, Nathan matures into a responsible and caring person.
Pacey Witter (Dawson’s Creek)
Pacey Witter from Dawson’s Creek is often seen as the black sheep compared to his more successful peers.
His bad boy image is rooted in his struggles with authority, his lack of direction, and his complicated relationship with his family, who often undermine his confidence.
However, Pacey’s journey to becoming a better person begins as he matures through his friendships and romantic relationships, particularly with Joey Potter. Joey sees the good in him, helping Pacey realize his potential.
Jess Mariano (Gilmore Girls)
When Jess Mariano from Gilmore Girls first arrives in Stars Hollow, he quickly earns his reputation as a troublemaker with a rebellious attitude, strained relationship with his family, and a “too cool for school” demeanor.
However, Jess’s character starts to evolve as his feelings for Rory Gilmore deepen.
Through his relationship with her, Jess begins to show a more thoughtful, intellectual side. After leaving Stars Hollow and hitting rock bottom, Jess eventually turns his life around, becoming a published author and proving he can channel his intelligence and passion into something meaningful.
Dylan McKay (Beverly Hills, 90210)
Dylan McKay from Beverly Hills, 90210 is the ultimate bad boy with a brooding attitude, leather jacket, and love for fast cars.
His bad boy reputation stems from his struggles with family issues, a battle with addiction, and a tendency to keep people at arm’s length. However, as the series progresses, Dylan begins to change, thanks to his relationships with Brenda and, later, Kelly, who help him see the importance of love and stability.
His journey toward redemption is filled with ups and downs, but Dylan’s desire to overcome his demons and build meaningful connections shows his growth.
Cole Turner (Charmed)
Cole Turner from Charmed is the ultimate bad boy with a dark side—literally.
As half-demon and the powerful villain Belthazor, Cole initially enters the Halliwell sisters’ lives as an enemy, sent to destroy the witches. However, things change when Cole falls in love with Phoebe Halliwell.
Despite his efforts to be good, Cole’s past and inner demons constantly haunt him, leading to complicated and heartbreaking twists.
While Cole ultimately walks a fine line between good and evil, his journey is defined by his struggle to overcome his nature for love, making him one of the most tragic and complex characters in the series.
Lucas Hood (Banshee)
A master thief fresh out of prison, Lucas Hood from Banshee, assumes the identity of the sheriff of the titular Banshee, a small town with big secrets.
His bad boy reputation comes from his criminal past, violent tendencies, and a knack for breaking the law to get what he wants. Lucas is a deeply flawed character, haunted by his past mistakes and his love for Ana, a former accomplice.
Despite his outlaw ways, Lucas gradually shows a sense of justice and loyalty to the people he cares about, often putting himself on the line to protect Banshee’s residents.
Blackbeard (Our Flag Means Death)
Blackbeard from Our Flag Means Death is feared across the seas for his ruthless tactics, menacing presence, and a long history of violence and pillaging.
His reputation as the ultimate bad boy pirate makes him an icon of terror, but beneath the tough exterior he longs for something more.
His transformation begins when he meets Stede Bonnet, a much softer and inexperienced pirate who introduces him to a different way of life. Through their growing bond, he proves that even the fiercest of bad boys can evolve into someone capable of growth and goodness.
Sawyer Ford (Lost)
Lost has a vast ensemble of complex characters, including bad boy Sawyer Ford.
A con artist by trade, Sawyer starts out as a selfish, cynical character who’s more interested in looking out for himself than helping the other survivors. As the series progresses, however, Sawyer’s tough persona begins to crack, revealing a more complex and vulnerable side.
His relationships with people like Kate and Juliet, as well as his growing sense of responsibility toward the group, help him evolve into a more selfless and protective leader.
Klaus Mikaelson (The Originals)
Klaus Mikaelson, who originally appeared in The Vampire Diaries, certainly gave Damon Salvatore a run for his money with the bad boy reputation.
His origin storry is told in The Originals, where we discover that Klaus has centuries of bloodshed, betrayal, and manipulation that leads him to lash out at anyone who challenges him.
However, Klaus’s softer side begins to emerge when his daughter, Hope, is born. Becoming a father forces him to attempt to be a better person; she becomes his driving force for redemption, and over time, Klaus shows he’s capable of sacrifice, loyalty, and even love.
Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)
Daryl Dixon is fiercely independent, mistrustful of others, and quick to resort to violence with his infamous crossbow, making him a bit of a lone wolf at first.
His bad boy image is tied to his troubled upbringing and the influence of his abusive brother, Merle. However, as Daryl becomes a key member of Rick’s group, his character undergoes a major transformation.
He slowly opens up, forming deep bonds with the group, especially with Carol, Rick, and young Beth, revealing a loyal and compassionate side hidden beneath his tough exterior.
Sean Cameron (Degrassi)
Sean Cameron arrives at Degrassi as the new kid who quickly earns a bad boy image.
His rough upbringing and struggles with anger management make him a bit of an outsider, and his rebellious streak often leads him down the wrong path. However, as he forms relationships with key characters, his desire to be better and find stability helps him work through his issues, and he starts making more responsible choices.
While he still wrestles with his demons, Sean’s growth into a more caring and protective person.
Eric Northman (True Blood)
Vampires seem to naturally have that bad boy reputation, but Eric Northman takes the cake.
As the sheriff of Area 5, Eric is powerful, manipulative, and unapologetically self-serving, often using his good looks and deadly skills to get what he wants. However, Eric’s character begins to shift as his feelings for Sookie Stackhouse grow.
Through his complex relationship with her, he starts showing more vulnerability, loyalty, and even compassion. His bond with his progeny, Pam, also highlights his capacity for deep connections and Eric becomes less driven by self-interest and more motivated by love and loyalty.
Alec McDowell (Dark Angel)
As a genetically-engineered super-soldier, Alec from Dark Angel starts off as a self-serving and morally ambiguous character, often using his charm and combat skills to get ahead and prioritize himself over others.
However, his friendship with Max, the show’s protagonist, allows his layers to unfold and plays a big role in his transformation.
She helps him see the value of loyalty and doing the right thing. While he never fully loses his swagger, Alec evolves into a more dependable and selfless character.
Tim Riggins (Friday Night Lights)
Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights, the fullback for the Dillon Panthers, is known for his hard-partying lifestyle, his tendency to skip school, and his struggle with responsibility.
However, beneath his rebellious exterior, Tim is deeply loyal and caring, especially towards his friends and family.
He begins to show real growth, becoming a mentor to his younger brother and a protector of his friends. His love for those close to him eventually pushes him to strive for a better future.
Crosby Braverman (Parenthood)
Known for his carefree lifestyle, reluctance to settle down, and tendency to avoid responsibility, Crosby’s world changes when he finds out he has a son, Jabbar, from a past relationship with Jasmine. This forces him to step up and become a father, which is the turning point in his character.
Over time, his love for Jabbar and his deepening relationship with Jasmine help him mature.
While he still maintains his fun-loving personality, Crosby learns to prioritize his family, evolving into a dedicated dad and partner.
Daniel Desario (Freaks & Geeks)
With his devil-may-care attitude and penchant for skipping school, Daniel Desario is part of the “freaks” group, known for rebelling against authority and hanging out in the school’s back parking lot.
However, beneath the tough-guy exterior, Daniel is revealed to just be hiding his insecurities behind a cool façade and is really more sensitive and vulnerable than he lets on.
While Daniel doesn’t fully reform, his desire to connect with others and his gradual self-awareness show the potential for growth beyond his bad boy image.
Wade Kinsella (Hart of Dixie)
Wade Kinsella from Hart of Dixie is the quintessential small-town bad boy with a laid-back charm.
Known for his roguish behavior, frequent partying, and reluctance to take life too seriously, Wade earns his bad boy reputation through his casual attitude and occasional troublemaking. He’s often seen as a lovable but unreliable character in the town of Bluebell.
However, Wade’s journey toward becoming a better person starts when he begins to develop deeper feelings for Zoe Hart, the town’s new doctor. His growing affection for Zoe and his desire to be a more dependable friend push him to confront his shortcomings and start taking responsibility.
Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)
Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl is the charming but selfish womanizing bad boy of Manhattan’s elite — everyone hates him, but everyone also either wants to be him or to be with him.
However, as the series progresses, Chuck’s love for Blair Waldorf begins to push him to confront his darker tendencies, especially his complex relationship with his father, and strive to be a better person.
Although he is never quite able to completely smoothen his rough edges, it’s certainly not for lack of trying.
Loki (Loki)
Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe know Loki as the mischievous god of chaos, known for his trickery and thirst for power.
Loki has been the ultimate anti-hero, constantly scheming and causing trouble but you just can’t help but love him and in Loki, we see a new side of him.
After being captured by the Time Variance Authority, Loki is forced to confront the consequences of his actions across timelines.
His journey of self-discovery helps him realize the value of trust, love, and selflessness — which we’d started to see across the films already!