Popular might not get as much attention as other teen dramas such as Dawson’s Creek, but the series, which ran from 1999 until 2001 on The WB, is incredibly well done. Leslie Bibb and Carly Pope played the main characters Brooke McQueen and Sam McPherson who are from the popular and the nerdy groups, respectively. When their parents date and fall for one another, it’s time for them to blend families… and the teens aren’t big on that idea.
Created by Ryan Murphy, this show aired for only two seasons. Each character is more developed than many other TV series and the show is definitely a hidden gem that more people should be aware of. Let’s take a look at the MBTI of the Popular characters.
Bobbi Glass: ISTJ
Diane Delano’s Popular character teaches the high school students science and to say that she’s difficult and unfair is an understatement. She doesn’t think that any of the teens are smart enough to even pass the class.
As a science teacher, Bobbi’s MBTI is ISTJ or “Responsible Realist.” It’s hard to get more realistic than science since you can’t really argue with the facts. These personality types “enjoy working within clearly defined systems and processes in a traditional, task-oriented, decisive way.” She is someone who will “respect facts” and she’s “analytical.”
Nicole Julian: ENFJ
Nicole Julian (Tammy Lynn Michaels) is a cruel, popular girl who really doesn’t like being nice to others. One of her best (and meanest) lines of dialogue: “Sure, I’ll put Carmen on the squad. When hell freezes over and/or Melissa Joan Hart gets nominated for an Oscar.”
Nicole’s MBTI is ENTJ or “Decisive Strategist.” She’s “tough” and “assertive” and treats the cheerleading squad like the most important thing in the world. While Nicole seems like a typical cheerleader, she’s aware of how her parents could care less about her life and how she’s doing, which adds a layer to her and makes viewers understand why she treats people this way. As she tells her close friend Brooke about her mom, “Do you think she cares? She doesn’t. In fact, the only time I ever get any attention around her is when I’ve done something particularily horrible.”
Harrison John: INTJ
Christopher Gorham’s character, Harrison John, is kind and often seems way too senstive for the horrors of high school. Both Sam and Brooke have big crushes on him which results in the three of them circling around each other and causes a ton of tension.
Harrison has leukemia, and the scenes of him in the hospital are moving but beautiful to watch, especially as he befriends a fellow cancer patient who is a bit quirky. Harrison’s MTBI would be INTJ or “Conceptual Planner.” These types are “private” which describes Harrison who is definitely the strong, silent type. He’s “reserved” except around his good friends like Brooke, and he’s also “firm” and “rational.”
Michael “Sugar Daddy” Bernardino: ISFJ
Ron Lester’s Popular character has many personal struggles, including about his weight. He’s very insecure and while he’s part of the popular section of the high school, he doesn’t think that he belongs there.
This character would be an ISFJ or “Practical Helper.” He’s more comfortable being around others and cracking jokes and being seen as popular than thinking too much about what’s going on in his life. He and Brooke both end up at a treatment center for eating disorders and he realizes that they can relate to each other on that level. He’s “loyal” and “thoughtful of others” and also a truly nice guy.
Mary Cherry: ENTP
Leslie Grossman’s character on Popular, Mary Cherry, is as hilarious and vibrant as her name. She and Nicole are the best of friends although they don’t share a deep, true, real friendship since Nicole is so mean.
Her MBTI is ENTP or “Enterprising Explorer.” She is “curious” and acts in a pretty wild way, like when she forces Sam to stay in a bathroom stall and write her memoir for her. She’s “creative” and often has a lot of crazy schemes up her sleeve.
Lily Esposito: ESTJ
Tamara Mello’s Popular character is an ESTJ or “Efficient Organizer.” She’s very active when it comes to the causes that she believes in. She’s a nice girl who ends up dating Josh, a popular athlete, which is not what anyone would have expected.
Lily is “direct” and “outspoken” and can put together a protest or make something happen at a moment’s notice. She’s intelligent, determined, and ambitious.
Josh Ford: ISFP
Josh Ford (Bryce Johnson) is nicer than his athlete status would suggest. He falls for Lily and they even become husband and wife, which doesn’t work out super well.
Josh is both great at sports and interested in being in the school plays, so he’s often concerned about what everyone is going to say. His MBTI would be ISFP or “Versatile Supporter.” He likes being part of a group or team, and seems more comfortable in social situations than sitting with his own thoughts. He’s “caring” and “sensitive.”
Carmen Ferrara: ESFP
Carmen (Sara Rue) is the kind of teenage girl that many can relate to. She wants to be popular (or make that a popular cheerleader). She struggles with her status at the high school, her looks, and her life in general. The truth is that Carmen is strong, intelligent, and amazing, and anyone watching the show will hope that she will see that for herself. Maybe that will only happen once she’s graduated from high school.
Carmen’s MBTI would be ESFP or “Enthuiastic Improviser.” Even though she doesn’t think super highly of herself, she’s a bit “outgoing” and “friendly” once she works up the courage. She’s not really as shy as she seems. She has an ESFP’s traits such as being “talkative” and “cooperative.”
Sam McPherson: INTP
Sam’s MBTI is INTP or “Objective Analyst.” INTPs ” typically adopt a detached and concise way of analyzing the world” which feels like how this character looks at the high schoolers around her. She definitely feels that she’s smarter than them (which she most likely is).
Sam is “skeptical” of everyone around her, especially the popular kids. She’s also “intensely curious.” It’s clear that she’ll probably grow up to be a reporter or another job that allows her to observe other people.
Brooke McQueen: INFJ
Brooke often seems really sad on the series since she suffers from an eating disorder and the desire to be liked by anyone and everyone. She wants to be in charge all the time, she has low self-esteem, and she struggles with being popular and actually being a good, moral person.
Brooke is an INFJ or “Insightful Visionary.” These types are “quietly inspiring” which is Brooke. She helps other people, especially Sugar Daddy, love themselves even though it’s tough for her to do that. She’s “insightful” and “deep” but she’s also “reserved” and it’s hard for her to let people get too close.
