The Sheriff (Charles Napier, episodes 1-7 ; Bobby Ellerbee, episodes 8-current)

The Sheriff is the only regular human character and appears in virtually every episode. The Sheriff is a friendly, even sweet man. He has a close, amicable relationship with the Cuyler family due despite—or perhaps because of—having had to arrest Early repeatedly. Most of his role as Sheriff revolves around protecting the Cuyler family from their own destructive tendencies, as he has a sworn duty to preserve the last specimens of the "Appalachian mud Squid", so that further generations can appreciate "whatever it is they do". He is presented as a chain smoker and in real life, Ellerbee actually is too. Aside from his official duties, The Sheriff seems to really care about Early, going so far as to arrange couple's therapy for himself and his troubled squid friend. In the episode The Big Gay Throw Down, it was revealed that the Sheriff may be gay. From time to time, Sheriff has appeared naked, in a Speedo, in a ballerina dress and other effeminate attire which at least suggests that in Dougal county Georgia, he is at least 'a little different' and a breath of fresh air to decidedly super red neck culture.