10 Best TV Redemption Arcs Of All Time

One of the best things about TV is that it can take the time to explore and develop characters fully. Thanks to this, there have been some great characters who seemingly become different people on screen.

The process of self-improvement is an integral part of life, and sometimes it can be awesome to see it occur on the small screen.

Viewers have seen youngsters become adults, cowards becoming heroes, and enemies aligning as friends, but little is better than seeing a good character redemption.

It can be hard not to fall for the villainous parts of a show. Everyone likes a character with a bit of edge, which makes antagonistic forces quite enthralling. However, there have been many occasions where fans have fallen for darker characters and desperately wanted them to see the error of their ways.

Thankfully, creators have obliged this by changing the narrative and allowing these roles to redeem their transgressions. This can often be one of the most satisfying things on television, and it's safe to say that the following ten entries did it best.

This list will contain substantial spoilers for all shows discussed.

Calling any character from Shameless a "good person" may not be the most accurate thing to say, as the show is inherently built around people who don't conform to what a regular law-abiding citizen would call decent.

However, there is a clear morality to the Gallagher family that sets them apart from the rest of the cast.

A life of crime can be tough to escape, but being born into it is even worse. This is evident in Mickey Milkovich, the violent and dirty street thug who antagonises Ian and has an evident penchant for violence. He comes across like a disgusting young man who revels in all things crime and seems to be a chip off the old block from his horrifying father, Terry.

However, part of what makes Mickey's redemption arc so moving is its connection to LGBTQ roots. You learn early on that he's hiding his sexuality, and all of his rampant homophobic behaviour is a front. But, he eventually comes out, and through a relationship with Ian Gallagher, and a long road to change, becomes a far better person.

It's a beautiful evolution that shows how being true to yourself can help you escape a toxic past, if you are brave enough to fight for it.