Ranking of the 5 Worst Characters from Gossip Girl

This article discusses sensitive themes, including sexual assault.

Gossip Girl is a wildly extravagant, sharp-tongued drama about New Yorks elite teens and young adults dominating the Upper East Side. Adapted loosely from Cecily von Ziegesars novels by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the show thrives on scheming, betrayal, and over-the-top personalities. The original series succeeded because its characters were unapologetically ruthless, unlike the 20212023 reboot, which faltered by trying to make them sympathetic.

From Blair Waldorfs cutting wit to Serena van der Woodsens charm, Nate Archibalds golden-boy persona, and Chuck Basss bad-boy antics, the Upper East Side in this universe is full of morally questionable characters. Yet the worst Gossip Girl offenders arent necessarily the ones who cheat, manipulate, or spread gossip the real crime is being tedious, grating, or both. Heres a ranking of the five most aggravating characters on the show. Spoilers ahead.

Vanessa Abrams

Despite claiming to disdain the Upper East Side elite, Vanessa Abrams spends an inordinate amount of time entangled with them. Introduced as a supposed rival to Serena in Season 1, Vanessa quickly proves to be dull and self-righteous. While Jessica Szohr does her best with the material, her character consistently disrupts plotlines, whether its a bizarre fling with Chuck Bass in Season 2 or meddling in Blairs and Dans romantic storylines. Vanessas storylines mostly fall flat, and she stops appearing as a series regular after Season 4, with only a brief cameo in the finale.

Juliet Sharp

Juliet Sharp, introduced in Season 4, appears mysterious and intriguing but quickly becomes a vindictive antagonist. Driven by a personal vendetta against Serena for her brother Ben Donovans wrongful imprisonment, Juliet spreads false rumors, impersonates Serena, and manipulates events to send Serena to rehab. While she provides one of the shows most memorable campy moments being confronted and run out of town in style her actions are cruel and extreme.

William van der Woodsen

Serenas estranged father, William van der Woodsen, played by William Baldwin, is a bland and mean-spirited character. Returning in Season 3, he attempts to disrupt Lilys life and manipulates her health with Munchausens by proxy. His interference with his familys lives, combined with his unpleasant demeanor, makes him a deeply frustrating character, even if some storylines hint at humor.

Ivy Dickens

Ivy Dickens, masquerading as Charlotte Charlie Rhodes, is a confusing and irritating addition. Brought in as part of a scheme to access a trust fund, she repeatedly complicates plots across multiple seasons. Ivys romantic entanglements and constant presence in convoluted storylines make her an aggravating figure, with almost every appearance provoking groans from even the most devoted fans.

Dan Humphrey

Ultimately, the worst character on Gossip Girl is Dan Humphrey because he is Gossip Girl. In the series finale, its revealed that Dan has been anonymously spreading secrets and gossip about everyone, including his family and romantic partners. This revelation retroactively makes earlier scenes awkward and highlights the disturbing nature of his actions, especially toward Serena. Dans smugness and constant self-righteousness only compound his role as the shows most irritating and morally compromised character.

Gossip Girl is currently available on HBO Max and Netflix.

Author: Chloe Ramirez