Why Rose Nylund is the best character in Golden Girls

Golden Girls is a classic. Whether you’re young or old, you can find one character to relate to but one stands above the rest and that’s Rose Nylund.

When looking at the Golden Girls as a whole, no one really seems to gravitate towards Rose when it comes to picking a favorite or as someone you relate to most. Some might pick Blanche due to her affinity for bedding men and being a Southern Belle. If you’re a little sassier and have no problems saying how you feel, then you’re all about Sophia.

If you’re a bit prickly and have no problem dealing with a challenge, you might be a Dorothy but then there’s Rose. No one ever seems to have a nice thing to say about Rose aside from her being played by Betty White. Of course, that’s nothing to bat your eyelashes at because Betty White was and still is an icon.

However, when it comes to Golden Girls as a whole, Rose Nylund is easily the best character on the show and there are plenty of reasons why you should be rooting for Rose.

Why Rose Nylund is the ultimate Golden Girl of the iconic series

When it comes to characters getting the short end of the stick, Rose Nylund is at the top. For most of the series, Rose’s entire personality was a punchline. When she began her St. Olaf stories, it was usually met by sarcasm from the other girls or Rose being ignored. It was frankly upsetting to see such a loving and sweet character be treated that way.

Even when Rose was ignored and sometimes beaten down, there was a reason for that and it’s because the show always gave Rose the toughest challenges. Yes, the other girls dealt with things but Rose’s storylines always seemed a step further. During the course of the series, Rose dealt with drug addiction, money problems, multiple health problems including possibly being infected with HIV, a taboo topic even now.

Despite all of the challenges Rose dealt with, she never seemed to lose her peppy attitude or her zest for life. No matter which episode you turn on, Rose always seems to have a smile on her face or a kind word to share. While she might be a bit innocent and dim-witted at times, it’s rare to see Rose being outwardly mean or causing someone else pain. She’s usually all sunshine and rainbows.

Throughout the show’s 7-season run, Rose truly blossomed before our eyes. She went from being slightly doe-eyed to a worldly woman. By the end of the series, Rose had found new love, lived in Miami, and taken jobs others could only dream of. While her St. Olaf stories could be a bit long and taxing, Rose never seemed to let anyone dull her sunshine and there’s something admirable about that.

Of course, I’d be remiss to not talk about Betty White who brought Rose to life. Betty White seemed to be born to play Rose Nylund. She played sweet Rose with the perfect amount of dimwittedness and comedic chops to make her lovable. Even now, Rose Nylund still remains one of Betty White’s most iconic roles despite the show ending almost 30 years ago.

While Rose might not be everyone’s favorite character, it’s safe to say you won’t forget her even after watching only one episode of Golden Girls. Bolstered by the talented Betty White, Rose Nylund is the best Golden Girl and it’s not even close. Even if you identify with anything, there is no denying Rose Nylund is still an icon.

Golden Girls is currently streaming on Hulu. 

Who do you think is the best character on Golden Girls? Be sure to let us know why you think it’s Rose in the comments.