Tuca & Bertie: The 10 Best Characters

Saved from cancellation by Adult Swim, Tuca & Bertie has quickly become a modern cult classic sitcom about the best friends of the title and their lives together. Created by the art director of BoJack Horseman, it’s no surprise that Tuca & Bertie echoes BoJack‘s celebrated character arcs with its blend of comedy and emotional connection.

While it only centers around three main characters (Tuca, Bertie, and Bertie’s boyfriend Speckle), the show has gathered quite a memorable supporting cast over its two seasons on the air. From enigmatic plants to energetic birds, this show’s cast is eccentric, comedic, and emotionally resonant in a way that fans love.

10 Tallulah

Tuca’s eccentric and wealthy aunt Tallulah is part of a long tradition of poor TV role models for both audiences and Tuca, who tries to give up drinking and take more personal responsibility for her life. A gruff older woman, Tallulah’s presence on the show is usually a mix of humor and emotional turmoil for Tuca.

Although fans may not like Tallulah as a person, Tuca’s own complicated relationship with Tallulah makes her character more intriguing. Ultimately, what makes Tallulah memorable is how her character helps Tuca develop and reckon with her family’s role in her life.

9 Dapper Dog

Tuca, Bertie, and Speckle all live in the same apartment building and occasionally have run-ins with their eccentric neighbors, like the lovable Dapper Dog. Dressed in ostentatious vintage clothing, Dapper Dog is known for his melodramatic reactions and pretentious diatribes.

Although he has not been the subject of any major narratives in the show so far, this fancy canine is a consistently entertaining supporting character in Tuca & Bertie. Fans are always appreciative of a Dapper Dog appearance, even if it’s just for a humorously timed howl in reaction to an inconvenience.

8 Joanne

Debuting in the show’s second season, Bertie’s therapist Joanne is notable for her helpful advice and developing relationship with the anxious Bertie. Although her screen time is minimal in comparison to other characters, Joanne’s presence has greatly impacted Tuca & Bertie‘s dynamics.

The series’ emphasis on exploring the mental health of its characters is well-represented in Joanne’s level-headedness and approach to Bertie as a patient. Joanne gets to be in on the comedic side of the show as well, since she has a dry sense of humor that contrasts with Bertie’s hyper energy.

7 Holland

Bertie’s boss Holland is a blue jay with a melodious voice that brings a sense of import to his frequently out-of-place way of speaking. His role in Bertie’s work life is not always constructive, as he has good intentions but is often oblivious to the realities of his employees’ lives.

In contrast with Pastry Pete, Holland is a much more likable boss for Bertie, despite (or perhaps because of) his head-in-the-clouds personality. Holland’s absurd reactions to Bertie and the other workers at Conde Nest also make him a hilarious character, although he isn’t as fleshed-out as others on the show.

6 Dirk

Starting out as Bertie’s unlikeable coworker, Dirk is a rooster working at Conde Nest whose misogyny is grating for both his coworkers and the show’s audience. In just a few short appearances, though, Dirk has started to reform into a less offensive, more tolerant character.

Dirk’s importance starts out as a way for the show to tackle issues of sexism in the workplace, but as his character grows, he becomes a comedic gold mine. Even though he becomes less prejudiced, Dirk is still arrogant and lacking intelligence, making him a hilarious part of the Conde Nest staff.

5 Joel

Also known by his screen name, “Big_Hairy_Stallion69,” Joel is introduced to the series through his online interactions with Tuca in the first season. His brief time in the show’s second season, however, position him as Speckle’s friend and online gaming companion, keeping his presence on the show primarily digital.

Initially, the contrast between his mature, narcissistic screen name and his humble, kindly real-life persona is the primary humor behind Joel’s characterization. His character’s appearance in the second season suggests that he might become a more important recurring player, expanding on the kindly young horse.

4 Draca

Tuca, Bertie, and Speckle’s neighbor Draca is a houseplant that epitomizes coolness, especially for Tuca and Bertie who are starstruck by her in season one. Her quiet and kind nature is palpable throughout her brief appearances on the show thus far, making her a lovable addition to the show’s cast.

Despite her calm, cool, and collected attitude, Draca is also still a source for comedy, as her collection of tortoises that move her belongings around are an eccentric touch. Although there are plenty of potential exemplars in Tuca & Bertie, Draca’s kindness marks her as being among TV’s best female role models.

3 Speckle

The third lead of the show is Bertie’s supportive and enthusiastic boyfriend Speckle, probably the person she’s closest to besides her best friend Tuca. Speckle is a robin and architect whose excitement about his profession is both adorable and hilarious, making him a clear fan favorite.

As both Bertie’s boyfriend and Tuca’s close friend, Speckle is incredibly loyal, providing emotional support and space when needed to both of them. He understands the importance of Tuca in Bertie’s life without feeling threatened by it, and while he is relatively straitlaced, Speckle is not totally averse to danger.

2 Bertie

As one of the two title characters, Bertie’s emotional journeys are well-documented by Tuca & Bertie, with her past struggles with abuse and her current support system being major parts of her life. Bertie’s friendship with Tuca forms the show’s emotional core as both characters navigate their lives.

Living with anxiety, Bertie’s situation is relatable to many fans. Bertie’s growing relationships with characters like Speckle, Joanne, and Holland reveal her capacity as both a comedic character and emotionally complex figure.

1 Tuca

The party-loving best friend of Bertie, Tuca’s presence on the show is always bombastic, as she gets herself into and out of bizarre scenarios with confidence. Being more self-assured and assertive than Bertie, Tuca often speaks up for her friend when necessary, whereas Bertie curbs Tuca’s rash and irresponsible behavior.

Tuca struggles with her family’s perception of her, as well as with her decision to quit drinking in the second season, making her a relatable and complex character. Although her brazenness makes her seem like the comedic side of the central duo, her emotional arc makes her just as serious a character as Bertie.

About The Author

Jason Mecchi
(96 Articles Published)

Jason Mecchi is a list writer at Screen Rant. His passions in writing are film and popular culture. He has also written for Midstory. He loves animals, watching movies, reading, and playing video games.

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