Although additional heroes existed before the modern sixth-Ranger formula became standardized, later seasons increasingly introduced a special Ranger after the core team was established.

These characters frequently received a unique color, weapon, transformation device, and giant robot.

Sometimes they were initially rivals.

Sometimes they were mysterious heroes.

Sometimes they were connected to the villains before becoming allies.

By the time of the 2000s and 2010s, audiences often expected an additional Ranger to appear somewhere during a season.