Underrated TV Character: Dustin Milligan’s Ted Mullens on Schitt’s Creek

When you think of Schitt’s Creek, the first names that come to mind are probably David, Moira, or Johnny. These characters dominate the conversation, and for good reason—they’re hilarious, eccentric, and full of charm.

But there’s one character who often gets overshadowed in the Schitt’s Creek universe. A character who may not always steal the spotlight but quietly delivers some of the best moments in the series: Ted Mullens.

Ted isn’t the loudest or the flashiest, and his character might not have the most dramatic storylines. In fact, many fans overlook him as just a “punny vet” with an awkward personality.

But Ted Mullens is way more than just a collection of dad jokes and goofy moments. He’s a grounded, kind-hearted soul with a surprising amount of depth and emotional maturity, and it’s time we show him the love he truly deserves.

Sure, Ted’s got the awkwardness and cheesy humor, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll realize Ted brings something truly special to the table. From his hilarious puns to his genuine acts of kindness, Ted is one of the most underrated characters on the show. 

And despite what some might say, his subtle charm, unshakeable support, and quiet strength make him one of the most lovable characters in Schitt’s Creek. So let’s dive into why Ted Mullens is much more than a one-note joke machine—he’s a character we should all appreciate more.

Ted Mullens Makes Puns Hilarious, Even If They’re Not

Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Dustin Milligan’s Ted Mullens’ puns are legendary. And we mean legendary in the sense that they’ll make you groan, chuckle, and then maybe even sigh in disbelief—but you can’t help but love them.

You know those dad jokes that are so bad, they somehow end up being good? That’s Ted’s entire vibe. His puns aren’t just jokes—they’re a core part of his character, and they somehow manage to be funny even when they shouldn’t be.

Take the “I sink so” line about fixing a sink, for example. It’s absurdly simple, but you can’t help but laugh. Or when he says, “I was just giving them a little pup-talk” about his dogs. Lines like “Definitely one of my pet peeves” about dog gifts were also memorable. It’s cheesy, yes, but in Ted’s hands, it’s endearing. 

What makes Ted’s puns stand out is that they reflect who he is as a person. Ted isn’t trying to be the life of the party or the funniest guy in the room. He’s just being himself—awkward, funny, and totally unbothered by how ridiculous his jokes are.

And in a show full of dramatic moments and over-the-top personalities, Ted’s quiet, goofy sense of humor provides the perfect balance. His puns aren’t just filler—they’re a reminder that life doesn’t always need to be taken too seriously.

Heartfelt Support is Ted Mullens’ Quiet Strength

While Ted’s puns are one of his defining traits, there’s so much more to him than his jokes. At the core of Ted’s character is his kindness, loyalty, and emotional intelligence. And if you need proof of that, just look at the way he handles his relationship with Alexis Rose (Annie Murphy).

After their breakup, most exes would’ve kept their distance or, at the very least, made things awkward. But not Ted. He shows up at Alexis’ high school graduation, completely out of the blue, to offer his silent support.

It’s a quiet, understated gesture, but it says everything about who Ted is as a person. This kind of emotional maturity is rare, and it makes Ted stand out from the rest of the characters. 

While Alexis has her moments of self-centeredness and drama, Ted’s always there to support her, even when she doesn’t necessarily deserve it. One of the most touching moments is when Ted encourages Alexis to follow her dreams, even though it means she’s quitting the job at his clinic.

He could’ve easily been hurt or resentful, but instead, he gives her the space to grow. Ted understands that sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to let them go.

Ted isn’t perfect—far from it. But his heart is big, and he’s consistently there for the people he loves, no matter what. It’s easy to overlook this in a show filled with dramatic highs and lows, but Ted’s unwavering support and quiet strength are what make him such a standout character.

Ted Mullens is a Gentle Soul Who Can Be Anything

Ted Mullens might be a vet, but he’s also one of the most dependable characters in Schitt’s Creek. His job might be to care for animals, but his true talent lies in taking care of people. Ted’s gentle soul and calm demeanor make him the perfect person to lean on in times of need. And let’s be real—David (Dan Levy) needed him during that panic attack scene.

When David thinks he’s having a heart attack, it’s Ted, not a doctor, who steps in and calmly diagnoses him with a panic attack. Ted’s quick thinking, combined with his natural ability to stay calm under pressure, makes him a quiet hero in the background of the show.

What’s also interesting about Ted is his ability to adapt to any situation. Whether it’s baking Christmas cookies for the group, helping David with his health issues, or just lending a kind word to Alexis, Ted is there. He’s the guy who can quietly handle everything, no matter how small or large the task is.

Ted may be a vet by profession, but he’s also the emotional backbone of Schitt’s Creek. His quiet strength, reliability, and gentle nature make him an essential part of the show. While the Roses are busy navigating their chaotic lives, Ted is the calm presence they can turn to—and that makes him one of the most underrated characters in the series.

Schitt’s Creek is available to stream on Hulu and Apple TV!