8 Amazing TV Characters That Were Only Supposed To Appear In One Episode

3. Steve Urkel - Family Matters

Urkel is one of those characters that completely eclipsed the show that birthed them.

Winning the hearts of Americans with catchphrases, dances and an iconic wardrobe, the geeky kid easily dominated Family Matters' pop culture footprint, and even now decades after the show's cancellation persists as a reference point for people both young and old.

Hilariously though, this was entirely by accident, as Urkel was only written into one episode as an obnoxious joke character. In fact, it was this very reason that actor Jaleel White wanted the role, as he was intending to give this acting gimmick a final hurrah before pursuing an athletic career.

Of course, history had other plans, and after becoming completely smitten with the character, Urkel was written into more episodes, and White was signed up for a role that would make him a household name for years to come.