Who doesn’t love a good villain?
But sometimes, a villain is so compelling that they step out of the shadows and get the spotlight all to themselves.
Whether it’s their morally gray charm, their tragic backstories, or their larger-than-life personalities, these characters prove that being bad can be oh-so-entertaining.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into the 12 times the villain got their own show exploring the TV series that gave the baddies their time to shine.
Oz Cobb (The Penguin)
Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobb in 2022’s The Batman was so captivating that it’s no surprise he waddled his way into his own show.
The Penguin dives deep into Gotham’s underworld, following Oz as he rises from a mid-level crime boss to one of the city’s most feared kingpins.
With his signature blend of ruthless ambition, cunning strategy, and a touch of dark humor, this series gives the iconic DC villain the spotlight he’s always deserved.
It’s gritty, atmospheric, and promises to deliver the kind of Gotham drama that keeps you coming back for more.
Move over, Batman—the Penguin’s taking center stage, and it’s going to be a wild ride.
Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)
Saul Goodman, aka Jimmy McGill, was the scheming, fast-talking lawyer who stole the show in Breaking Bad.
But in Better Call Saul, we see the man behind the colorful suits and shady deals.
This prequel masterfully traces Jimmy’s transformation from an earnest underdog to the morally bankrupt legal fixer we know and love.
Packed with complex relationships, razor-sharp wit, and heartbreaking moments, the show isn’t just a spin-off—it’s a masterpiece in its own right.
With its impeccable storytelling, Better Call Saul proves that sometimes the villain—or at least the morally grey antihero—can lead a show just as well as the hero.
Loki (Loki)
The God of Mischief was never content playing second fiddle to Thor, and in Loki, he finally gets to take center stage.
This time-traveling, multiverse-hopping adventure follows the trickster after his escape in Avengers: Endgame.
Stripped of his usual power plays, Loki is thrust into the mysterious Time Variance Authority, where he reluctantly works to fix the chaos he’s caused.
With Tom Hiddleston’s charisma leading the way, Loki is a clever mix of humor, heart, and, of course, mischief.
The show dives into his psyche, peeling back layers of villainy to reveal a complex, surprisingly relatable character.
It’s Loki unleashed, and we’re here for every glorious moment.
Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal)
Before Hannibal Lecter became the infamous cannibalistic killer we know from The Silence of the Lambs, he was a refined, disturbingly charming forensic psychiatrist—and Hannibal gives us an intimate look at his sinister beginnings.
Mads Mikkelsen brings a bone-chilling elegance to the role, making Hannibal a villain you can’t take your eyes off of (even when you want to).
The show delves into his twisted relationship with FBI profiler Will Graham, blurring the lines between friendship, manipulation, and psychological warfare.
Dark, stylish, and downright haunting, Hannibal redefines what a villain-led series can be—equal parts terrifying and beautiful.
Norman Bates (Bates Motel)
Bates Motel pulls back the curtain on one of cinema’s most infamous villains: Norman Bates.
Set years before the events of Psycho, the show explores Norman’s teenage years and his disturbing relationship with his overbearing mother, Norma.
As we watch Norman’s descent into madness, Bates Motel creates a chilling portrait of how a seemingly normal boy becomes a killer.
Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga deliver knockout performances that make you feel sympathy, fear, and everything in between.
This prequel spins a darkly addictive tale of family, obsession, and the making of a monster.
It’s a slow-burn thriller that grabs you and never lets go.
Hank Voight (Chicago P.D.)
You know Hank Voight—the morally ambiguous cop who doesn’t mind bending (or breaking) the rules to get justice.
Spun off from Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. put Voight in the spotlight as he leads the Intelligence Unit, tackling the city’s toughest cases.
While Voight’s methods are often controversial, his commitment to his team and relentless pursuit of justice make him a fascinating, layered character.
The show combines gritty police drama with intense personal storylines, making it a hit with fans.
Whether you love him or hate him, Voight’s complicated morality makes Chicago P.D. the ultimate character-driven crime drama.
Boba Fett (The Book of Boba Fett)
After years in the shadows, the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter finally got his moment in The Book of Boba Fett.
Picking up after his return in The Mandalorian, the series explores Boba’s journey from surviving the Sarlacc pit to becoming Tatooine’s new crime lord.
With his loyal right-hand, Fennec Shand, by his side, Boba trades bounty hunting for ruling, albeit in his own unique, brutal style.
Packed with Star Wars lore, action, and a surprising amount of heart, this spin-off gives fans a closer look at the man behind the helmet.
It’s a gritty yet satisfying expansion of the Star Wars universe.
Frank Castle (The Punisher)
After making a bloody debut in Daredevil, Frank Castle—aka The Punisher—proved he could carry a show of his own.
The Punisher follows Frank as he seeks vengeance for his family’s murder, taking on criminals with his relentless, no-holds-barred approach to justice.
Jon Bernthal brings depth to the role, portraying Frank as both a ruthless vigilante and a broken man haunted by his past.
The series doesn’t shy away from its brutal nature, delivering intense action and morally complex storytelling.
It’s a gripping, unapologetic exploration of revenge and redemption, and it solidified The Punisher as one of Marvel’s most captivating antiheroes.
Klaus Mikaelson (The Originals)
If you thought Klaus Mikaelson was a compelling villain on The Vampire Diaries, just wait until you see him in The Originals.
This spin-off follows the Original vampire family as they return to New Orleans, a city Klaus helped build centuries ago.
With power struggles, supernatural politics, and plenty of family drama, the show puts the complex, ruthless Klaus at the forefront.
His journey from menacing villain to protective father is filled with twists, heartbreak, and a whole lot of bloodshed.
The Originals proves that even the most brutal characters can have a softer, more human side—and it’s absolutely enthralling.
Negan (The Walking Dead: Dead City)
Negan, the bat-wielding, wisecracking villain who once terrorized Rick and the gang, takes center stage in Dead City.
Set in post-apocalyptic Manhattan, the show teams him up with Maggie—yes, the woman whose husband he brutally killed.
This unlikely duo navigates a zombie-infested city and a web of danger, all while grappling with their complicated past.
Dead City dives into Negan’s morally grey character, showing flashes of redemption without ever letting us forget his dark history.
It’s a bold spin-off that keeps The Walking Dead universe alive and as chaotic as ever.
Agatha Harkness (Agatha All Along)
Agatha Harkness charmed WandaVision fans with her wicked humor, catchy theme song, and chaotic magic, so it’s only fitting she gets her own show.
Agatha All Along delves deeper into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most mischievous witch, exploring her backstory, powers, and post-WandaVision escapades.
With Kathryn Hahn leading the charge, the show is equal parts hilarious, dark, and magical.
Whether she’s causing trouble or reluctantly saving the day, Agatha is bound to keep us spellbound.
It’s her world now, and we’re just living in it.
Johnny Lawrence (Cobra Kai)
Johnny Lawrence was the quintessential 1980s bully, but Cobra Kai flips the script, making him the underdog antihero.
Set decades after The Karate Kid, the series follows Johnny as he revives the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting old rivalries with Daniel LaRusso.
But this time, Johnny’s flaws and humanity are front and center, giving viewers a fresh perspective on the once-villainous character.
With humor, heart, and epic karate showdowns, Cobra Kai proves that even the baddest of bad boys deserve a shot at redemption—and maybe even a roundhouse kick to the feels.