fan favorite
Audiences adore them
A fan favorite is someone or something that enjoys particular popularity among enthusiasts or followers—an athlete beloved by spectators, a character audiences adore, a menu item customers keep ordering.
The term implies grassroots affection rather than critical acclaim or official recognition: The backup quarterback became a fan favorite despite limited playing time.
Often hyphenated when used as an adjective: a fan-favorite episode.
- crowd pleaserBroadly appealing attraction
- belovedOne who is treasured
- popularWidely admired by many
- darlingBeloved person or pet
- breakoutSudden escape from restraint
rising star · cult classic · sweetheart · icon · star · scene stealer · champion · all-time great · adored · cheered · rooted for · standout · MVP · heartthrob · legend · sensation · phenomenon · viral
- competitorscompetitor, contestant, competitors, rivals, opponents
- people's choicepopular vote, audience award, audience choice
- pop culturememe, celebrities, memes, trending, fandoms
- Popularitypopular, fame, famous, trending, viral
- reality TVSurvivor, contestant, The Bachelor, elimination, The Bachelorette
- talent competitionstalent show, talent shows, auditions, judges panel, golden buzzer
fan favoriteheel
Foot's rear underside
villain · pariah · public enemy · persona non grata · booed
fan favoriteunderdog
Presumed loser beforehand
long shot · dark horse · unknown quantity · no-name · unlikely hero
favorite, fans, fanned, fanning, fanatic, fanatical, fanatically, fanaticism, favor