If you've ever Googled Widow's Bay, you've probably seen the autocomplete: "Did you mean: the next Martha's Vineyard and definitely not cursed." It's an inside joke that perfectly captures the show's blend of horror and comedy. Created by Katie Dippold, this Apple TV+ series is set on a cursed New England island where an ambitious mayor tries to turn it into a tourist hotspot while battling supernatural evils. The show's success hinges on its brilliantly eccentric cast, and we're ranking the best characters that make it a binge-worthy gem.
From deadpan humor to genuine jump scares, Widow's Bay is a perfect storm of insiders, outsiders, and the supernatural. Our ranking criteria focus on standout plot moments and iconic performances that leave us wanting more. Let's dive into the top 10 characters, starting with number 10.
10. Bechir Clemmons (Kevin Carroll)
The town sheriff starts low on our list after shooting Ruth Livingston (K Callan) in the season finale. But Bechir Clemmons is a deeply devoted man—to his duty and his pregnant wife, Chelle (Sipiwe Moyo). He's tasked with maintaining order on the cursed island, and his approach to the supernatural evolves from skepticism to weary desperation. He's terrified that his unborn child will be trapped by the curse, and he often tries to contain situations rather than resolve them. Played by Kevin Carroll, the sheriff grounds the show's chaotic cosmic horror and dark comedy. He's a relatable audience surrogate, a protective family man, and a driving force in the thrilling finale. His future is now juicy: will he learn that Evan Loftis (Kingston Rumi Southwick) is the real threat, and will he seek revenge?
9. Gerrie Doyle (Nancy Lenehan)
The town hall's keeper of history and folklore, Gerrie delivers long, unsolicited, and spooky stories about the island's curse. Played by Nancy Lenehan, she's a breakout character because she avoids being a stuffy historian. Instead, she's a hilarious foil to the absurd macabre folklore. Nothing spooks her, and she's succumbed to fate with a beautifully offbeat perspective. Her unresolved romantic tension with Wyck Crawford (Stephen Root) adds depth, and her comeback "Except for the teeth" is one of the season's best lines.
8. Dale (Jeff Hiller)
Jeff Hiller, an Emmy winner, plays Dale, the hilariously sunny, pop-culture-savvy town hall employee who stumbles upon horrifying discoveries. He forms an odd-couple bond with his crass cohort Rosemary (Dale Dickey), and together they're scene stealers. Dale is the face of sheer panic, especially when he screams back at Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) during a shroom-induced freak-out. Hiller conveys more with a dropped jaw than most actors do with words, making every moment memorable.
7. ...
Stay tuned for the full ranking, which includes more fan favorites and surprising twists. For now, check out our list of The Most Universally Beloved Anime Series of All Time, Ranked for more binge-worthy recommendations.
As the show continues to blend horror and comedy, these characters prove why Widow's Bay is one of the best new shows of the year. Whether you're a fan of jump scares or deadpan humor, there's a character for everyone.
For more on the show's creators and cast, don't miss our Exclusive: Alexander Skarsgård's 'Murderbot' Gets Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peek at Apple TV+ Sci-Fi Score.
