TV Sitcom Performances That Are Way Better Than They Have Any Right To Be

Paul Rudd may not look back on his time as a recurring guest actor in "Friends".FriendsPaul Rudd was a guest actor with much fondness.Paul Rudd found a hint of future stardom on one of television's most popular shows. His time on "Friends" offered that hint.His "Friends" stint happened years before he became a comedy icon and headlined his own MCU franchise.FriendsThat stint occurred years before Paul Rudd became a comedy icon and headlined his own MCU franchise.

Paul Rudd played Mike Hannigan, Phoebe's eventual third husband. This role showed his ability to play comedic characters with unexpected depth. Mike, a lovable doofus with a heart of gold, foreshadowed Rudd's future roles as Scott Lang and "I Love You, Man".I Love You, ManPeter Klaven.

The Big Bang TheoryThe Big Bang Theory is probably the biggest sitcom of the post-era of television.FriendsBob Newhart solidified the show's standing in television history. He was a legendary titan in comedy.The Bob Newhart ShowThe Bob Newhart Show was a beloved 1970s show. Newhart brought his sitcom mastery to "Big Bang".Big BangNewhart played Arthur Jeffries, AKA Professor Proton, in an Emmy Award-winning performance.

Jeffries was the former star of a "Mr. Wizard" educational program.Mr. WizardNewhart played his character in that program. Newhart's skill in playing a former children's television star past his prime is a highlight of the series. They brought Newhart back for "Young Sheldon".Young Sheldon, The Big Bang Theoryprequel.

Bruce Willis's short stint onFriendsAs Paul Stevens, Bruce Willis began acting. His character appears as a handsome jerk looking after his daughter's well-being as she starts a relationship with Ross, who is older. Things get more interesting when Paul enters his own relationship with a wide age gap (with Jennifer Aniston's Rachel).

Willis was a big-screen star when he appeared on "Friends".FriendsWillis got his first career break on the cult classic series "Moonlighting".MoonlightingWillis kept his small-screen instincts. Audiences might not have expected to see Bruce Willis cry and beg for a hug, but television provides things you never knew you needed.

Idris Elba was not the household name he is now when he guest-starred as Charles Miner in seven 2009 episodes of "The Office".The OfficeIdris Elba showed his world-renowned acting skills. He appeared in dramatic series like "The Wire" and "Luther".The WireLutherLutherElba showed his comedic talent as the no-nonsense Dunder Mifflin VP of Northeastern Sales.

The actually business-like Miner was rare for "The Office".The OfficeThe Scranton Branch: someone who took their job very seriously and expected others to do the same. The show got comedy from his fight with John Krasinski's Jim Halpert, whom Miner views as unrepentantly lazy, plus Elba's good looks. He is "aware of the effect [he has] on women.

Kathryn Hahn first appeared in Season 4 of "Parks and Recreation".Parks and RecreationPolitical strategist Jennifer Barkley. Viewers thought this character would only be a political enemy for Leslie Knope. However, Jennifer starts as an antagonist to the main character, but she becomes an ally to both Leslie and her partner, Ben Wyatt.

By the end of the show, Hahn's character convinces Ben to run for Congress. This is unexpected for someone hired to win an election against his wife years earlier. Barkley is a confident woman. Hahn shines in a role where she has a one-night stand with Rob Lowe's character.

On a series as wild and silly asArrested Development, people might assume Charlize Theron's recurring character Rita Leeds in Season 3 is just another ridiculous guest star like Ben Stiller's Tony Wonder or Judy Greer's Kitty Sanchez. But Rita Leeds became one of the most real characters across all five seasons.

Arrested DevelopmentThe show never takes Rita seriously. Theron's acting as a mentally challenged English woman could seem mean or wrong. Still, Rita's brief, growing romance becomes one of the show's tenderest relationships. An Academy Award winner pulls off an outrageous yet subtle turn in just five episodes.

John Cleese brings serious comedic talent to your sitcom. Cleese earned an Emmy nomination for four episodes as the alien-in-disguise Dr. Liam Neesam.3rd Rock from the Sun'speak in 1998.

John Cleese showed his comedic brilliance and timing, honed with Monty Python, during his limited time with the Solomon family. Cleese is a nemesis to John Lithgow's Dick Solomon, and Cleese gives endless laughs.

Like Greg Garcia's other successful single-camera sitcom,Raising Hope, My Name Is EarlThe show features many outrageous characters. This outrageousness includes guest stars like Alyssa Milano, Mike O'Malley, Craig T. Nelson, Giovanni Ribisi, and Burt Reynolds joining the fun.

Appearing in only three episodes, Reynolds plays the wealthy, wacky Richard Chubby. He dies after an accident involving vodka shots from a sidearm. Reynolds's short run on the series showed viewers the late star's magnetic screen presence and ability to make any role work.work.

Amy Adams's three episodes onThe Officecame before her 2007 breakout role.Amy Adams appeared in Enchanted.Amy Adams appeared in Enchanted, but much like her earlier roles in Smallville.Amy Adams appeared in Smallville.Amy Adams appeared in Enchanted.Amy Adams appeared in The West Wing.Amy Adams appeared in Enchanted, and in Catch Me If You Can.Amy Adams appeared in Catch Me If You Can.The Academy Award-nominated actor's talent shows. Her role as a purse-seller and Jim's love interest Katy offers little, yet she shines.

Watching Michael and Dwight try to court Katy shows some of the first season's most cringeworthy moments. Like Jim's love interest Karen, played by unknown Rashida Jones, we can imagine what happened to Adams's career if she joined.Amy Adams appeared in The Office.She had a long-term role.

Jonathan Banks plays Mike Ehrmantraut on Breaking Bad.Jonathan Banks plays Mike Ehrmantraut on Breaking Bad.Jonathan Banks plays Mike Ehrmantraut on Breaking Bad and its prequel, Better Call Saul.Jonathan Banks plays Mike Ehrmantraut on Better Call Saul.For one season between working on those two shows, Banks spent a year with the Greendale group on Community.Jonathan Banks worked with the Greendale group on Community.Banks's Buzz Hickey replaced Chevy Chase's Pierce Hawthorne after some messy behind-the-scenes drama.Banks's Buzz Hickey replaced Chevy Chase's Pierce Hawthorne after messy behind-the-scenes drama.Buzz Hickey was actually a likable character, unlike Chase's Hawthorne.

The criminology professor has a rough exterior but joins the group after everyone gets to know each other. If your friend group lacks a gruff older guy who likes drawing duck-based comic strips, you are not living your best life.The criminology professor finds himself falling in with the group. If your friend group lacks a gruff older guy who likes drawing duck-based comic strips, you are not living your best life.You are clearly not living your best life.

Film director Guillermo del Toro made a nonsensical guest appearance as Pappy McPoyle in two episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.Guillermo del Toro appeared as Pappy McPoyle in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.One cannot explain Pappy McPoyle. Words cannot capture the grandeur of a shooting star or the beauty of a hummingbird in flight.

Pappy McPoyle must be seen to be believed.Pappy McPoyle must be seen to be believed.You are watching an Academy Award winner for best director hamming it up on one of the zaniest shows in American television history.

John Carroll Lynch turned a single guest appearance into a 72-episode acting job. He booked the role of Drew Carey's brother on The Drew Carey Show in 1997.John Carroll Lynch booked Drew Carey's brother for The Drew Carey Show in 1997.John Carroll Lynch starred in 1997. His filmography shows why.John Carroll Lynch starred in Shutter Island and Zodiac.John Carroll Lynch starred in Shutter Island and Zodiac.John Carroll Lynch starred in Zodiac.John Carroll Lynch starred in Crazy, Stupid, Love.John Carroll Lynch starred in Crazy, Stupid, Love.John Carroll Lynch starred in The Trial of the Chicago 7.John Carroll Lynch starred in The Trial of the Chicago 7.John Carroll Lynch appeared on American Horror Story, among other roles.John Carroll Lynch appeared on American Horror Story.The guy is an acting heavyweight.

His understated performance as Steve Carey, Drew Carey's cross-dressing sibling, shows how sitcoms can surprise you with a genuine highlighting of a sensitive subject.

Megan Mullally had a three-episode run as Penny Hartz's mom, Dana, on Happy Endings.Megan Mullally played Dana as Penny Hartz's mom on Happy Endings.Megan Mullally provided the expected laughs from the Will & Grace star.Megan Mullally provided the expected laughs from the Will & Grace star.Megan Mullally's performance was more than just giggles. Unlike Mullally's recurring role as Ron Swanson's ex-wife Tammy on Parks & Recreation.Megan Mullally played Tammy on Parks & Recreation.Megan Mullally's role as a perpetually divorced lounge singer actually serves an emotional purpose on the show.

Dana's constant happiness despite disappointment shows fans more about Penny. Watching Dave become childish after his divorced dad dates her—after they meet at Dave's failed wedding—adds another layer to a character who gets limited screen time.

Megan Fox had big shoes to fill in Season 5 ofNew GirlFox replaced Zooey Deschanel, who took leave after giving birth to her first child. Deschanel's Jessica Day was the main character, so Fox's Reagan Lucas needed to replace Jess without looking too much like her.

Fox brought a different energy to the long-running sitcom. She reminded viewers why she became famous: she can act. Nick Miller would likely end up with Jess, but his relationship with Reagan offered laughs and character growth. Fox could headline her own show someday.