The 20 Best TV Characters Of All-Time, Ranked
- Joao Nsita
- 3 hours ago
- 27 min read
It’s a Monday evening in late September, and a new, more contemplative mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier each day, and the crisp, cool air is a definitive signal that the cozy season is upon us. It is a time for turning inward, for seeking out stories that are as complex, as rich, and as masterfully crafted as the city itself. In the vast, golden age of television, we have been gifted with a pantheon of unforgettable characters—figures so brilliantly written and so powerfully performed that they have transcended the screen to become a part of our cultural DNA.
The modern television character is a work of literary art. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the fascination with these figures is a vibrant and ongoing conversation. We see "character aesthetic" mood boards that capture the essence of a character's style and soul, fan edits that celebrate their most iconic moments, and deep-dive analyses that treat their psychological complexities with the seriousness of a university thesis. The trend is clear: we are not just passive viewers; we are active participants in the lives of these fictional people, and we are hungry for characters who are flawed, who are complex, and who feel deeply, profoundly real.
To rank the twenty “best” TV characters of all time is a monumental and wonderfully contentious task. It is to navigate a landscape populated by heroes, by villains, by tragic figures, and by the brilliant, morally grey anti-heroes who have come to define modern television. This is not just a list of the most "likeable" characters; it is a celebration of the characters who are the most compelling, the most influential, and the most masterfully crafted.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the titans of the small screen. We will take a deep dive into each of these twenty legendary characters, presented in descending order, exploring the genius of their creation, the power of their performances, and the enduring legacy that has made them immortal.
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20. Jack McFarland - Will & Grace (1998-2020)
The Vibe: The flamboyant, scene-stealing, and unapologetically fabulous best friend who redefined the role of the gay character in the mainstream sitcom.
The Character's Essence: Jack McFarland is a force of nature. An aspiring (and perpetually struggling) actor, singer, and dancer, he is a character of boundless, chaotic energy and unshakable self-confidence. He is the hilarious and wild sidekick to the show's more grounded central duo, a man who is always ready with a dramatic entrance, a perfectly timed "Just Jack!" flourish, and a completely unsolicited, and often terrible, piece of advice.
Why He Is Iconic: In an era when LGBTQ+ representation on television was still scarce and often fraught with stereotypes, Jack McFarland was a groundbreaking character. The show, and Sean Hayes's brilliant, Emmy-winning performance, presented a gay man who was not a punchline, but a proud, celebrated, and central part of the story. Hayes was fearless in the role, embracing Jack's campiness and his flamboyance, but always grounding it in a real, human character. He was a hilarious, selfish, and often ridiculous character, but he was also a fiercely loyal and loving friend.
Defining Moment: Any of his "Just Jack" cabaret performances are a perfect encapsulation of his character—a glorious, deluded, and utterly entertaining display of pure, unadulterated self-belief. For more on the show's groundbreaking legacy, The Paley Center for Media has some fantastic articles.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Will & Grace on platforms like All 4 in the UK and Hulu in the US. You can also purchase the complete series on DVD from retailers like Amazon.
19. Lorelai Gilmore - Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
The Vibe: The fast-talking, coffee-guzzling, and fiercely independent single mother who became a role model for a generation.
The Character's Essence: Lorelai Gilmore is the quirky, pop-culture-obsessed, and deeply loving single mother at the heart of Gilmore Girls. Having run away from her wealthy, high-society parents as a pregnant teenager, she has built a life for herself and her daughter, Rory, in the charming, eccentric, and idyllic small town of Stars Hollow. She is a witty, sarcastic, and often deeply childish character, but she is also a brilliant businesswoman and an incredibly dedicated and supportive mother.
Why She Is Iconic: The character of Lorelai Gilmore was a complete and total breath of fresh air. She broke every single convention of the television mother. She was not a matronly, all-knowing sage; she was a flawed, funny, and deeply relatable woman who was, in many ways, growing up alongside her own daughter. The relationship between Lorelai and Rory is the beautiful, beating heart of the series, one of the most realistic and beloved mother-daughter dynamics in television history. Lauren Graham's performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and emotional depth, a performance that is so natural and so charming that it feels like you are watching a real person.
Defining Moment: Any of her rapid-fire, pop-culture-reference-filled monologues is a perfect example of her unique voice. But the quiet, emotional moments, like her graduation from business school, are a powerful testament to her incredible journey. For a deep dive into the show's iconic dialogue, the Gilmore Girls Wiki has transcripts of every episode. The show's soundtrack, a perfect blend of indie rock and classic pop, is also iconic, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Gilmore Girls and its revival, A Year in the Life, on Netflix.
18. Spock - Star Trek (1966-1969)
The Vibe: The logical, brilliant, and deeply loyal Vulcan science officer who became the intellectual and moral heart of one of the most influential television shows of all time.
The Character's Essence: Mr. Spock is the half-human, half-Vulcan second-in-command of the Starship Enterprise. He is a character defined by his unwavering commitment to logic and his suppression of all emotion. He serves as the perfect, cool-headed, and rational counterpoint to the passionate and often impulsive Captain Kirk. But beneath his logical exterior lies a deep, and often very human, well of compassion and loyalty.
Why He Is Iconic: Spock is more than just a TV character; he is a cultural icon. Leonard Nimoy's brilliant, nuanced, and deeply thoughtful performance created one of the most unique and beloved characters in the history of science fiction. He was a true original, a character who was not just a collection of alien quirks, but a profound and complex exploration of what it means to be human, as seen through the eyes of an outsider. His internal struggle between his human and Vulcan halves is the fascinating, emotional core of his character. For a deep dive into the history of this groundbreaking show, the official StarTrek.com website is the ultimate resource.
Defining Moment: The heartbreaking final scene of the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, where a dying Spock tells Kirk, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." It is a perfect, and devastating, encapsulation of his logical and deeply selfless philosophy. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Sci-Fi Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the original Star Trek series on Netflix and Paramount+.
17. Don Draper - Mad Men (2007-2015)
The Vibe: The handsome, brilliant, and deeply enigmatic advertising executive who is the ultimate, stylish, and self-destructive anti-hero.
The Character's Essence: Don Draper is a man who is a ghost in his own life. He is a brilliant creative director at a 1960s Madison Avenue advertising agency, a man who has a genius for selling the American Dream. But his entire life is a carefully constructed lie. He is a womanizer, an alcoholic, and a man who is haunted by the secrets of his traumatic past and his stolen identity. He is a man who is constantly searching for something he can never quite name, a phantom of happiness that is always just out of reach.
Why He Is Iconic: Don Draper is one of the most complex, fascinating, and brilliantly written characters in modern television. Jon Hamm's career-defining performance is a masterpiece of subtlety and charisma, a perfect portrayal of a man who is both a magnetic, aspirational figure and a deeply broken, empty shell. The show is a slow-burn, character-driven masterpiece, and Don is its mysterious, beating, and often broken, heart.
Defining Moment: The iconic "Carousel" pitch from the Season 1 finale. In this scene, Don uses his own, real family photos to pitch an ad campaign for a slide projector, and in doing so, he sells a beautiful, nostalgic, and completely fictional version of his own life. It is a moment that is both a work of advertising genius and a heartbreaking confession. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Mad Men on AMC+ or purchase the complete series on major platforms.
16. Jessica Fletcher - Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
The Vibe: The ultimate, charming, and deceptively brilliant "cozy mystery" detective. She is the kind, intelligent, and tweed-wearing aunt who also happens to be a world-class homicide investigator.
The Character's Essence: Jessica Fletcher is a widowed, retired English teacher who, after her nephew secretly submits one of her manuscripts, becomes a hugely successful mystery novelist. Her new life of literary fame takes her all over the world, but wherever she goes, a dead body is sure to follow. Using her sharp mind, her keen powers of observation, and her deep understanding of human nature (gleaned from her quiet life in the small town of Cabot Cove, Maine), she invariably solves the crime, much to the chagrin of the often-bumbling local law enforcement.
Why She Is Iconic: Angela Lansbury's portrayal of Jessica Fletcher is a television institution. She created a character who was a true trailblazer, a strong, independent, intelligent, and successful older woman who was the undisputed hero of her own story. In a world of gritty, hardboiled detectives, Jessica Fletcher was a breath of fresh, sea-salted air. She is a reminder that wisdom and intelligence come in many forms and that you should never, ever underestimate a nice old lady on a bicycle. For a deep dive into the life of the legendary Angela Lansbury, The New York Times' obituary is a wonderful tribute.
Defining Moment: Any moment where she politely but firmly dismantles a suspect's alibi with a series of seemingly innocuous questions, all with a gentle, knowing smile. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 10 Greatest TV Female Detectives of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Murder, She Wrote on platforms like Peacock in the US, with rentals available on Amazon Prime Video.
15. George Costanza - Seinfeld (1989-1998)
The Vibe: The ultimate, pathetic, and hilariously self-sabotaging sitcom character. He is a man of boundless insecurity, laziness, and cheapness, and one of the funniest creations in television history.
The Character's Essence: George Costanza is Jerry Seinfeld's best friend and a character who is famously based on the show's co-creator, Larry David. George is a man who is at war with the world and with himself. Every single social situation is a minefield of potential humiliation, and he is a master of turning a small, awkward moment into a full-blown, life-ruining catastrophe. He is a character with absolutely no shame and even less integrity, a man who will lie, cheat, and literally push women and children out of the way to save himself from a fire.
Why He Is Iconic: George Costanza is a revolutionary character. In an era of sitcoms that were often about learning and hugging, he was a character who learned absolutely nothing and was completely un-huggable. Jason Alexander's performance is a comedic tour de force, a perfect embodiment of neurotic, sweaty desperation. He is a deeply, profoundly pathetic man, and it is in that patheticness that the show finds a universe of comedic gold.
Defining Moment: The "marine biologist" monologue from the episode "The Marine Biologist." George, who has been lying about being a marine biologist to impress a woman, is forced to save a beached whale. His dramatic, and completely fabricated, retelling of the event is one of the greatest and funniest monologues in sitcom history. The show’s take on dark comedy is brilliant, a genre you can explore further in our list of 6 Must-See Dark Comedy Movies.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Seinfeld on Netflix.
14. Lucy Ricardo - I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
The Vibe: The original, groundbreaking, and timelessly hilarious queen of the television sitcom. She is a force of nature, a brilliant comedic creation whose influence is still felt today.
The Character's Essence: Lucy Ricardo is a well-meaning but bored and accident-prone housewife living in New York City in the 1950s. Her one great ambition in life is to break into show business, despite having absolutely no discernible talent. Her husband, the Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo, is constantly trying to keep her out of trouble. Each episode sees Lucy, along with her best friend and partner-in-crime, Ethel Mertz, hatching a new, harebrained scheme to get into the spotlight, a scheme that invariably and spectacularly backfires in a moment of brilliant, chaotic, physical comedy.
Why She Is Iconic: Lucille Ball was not just the star of I Love Lucy; she was a comedic genius and a true television pioneer. The character of Lucy Ricardo was a complete and total game-changer. She was one of the first female characters to be the undisputed, funny, and chaotic lead of a television show. Lucille Ball's gift for physical comedy is legendary, and the classic scenes, from the chocolate factory to the grape-stomping vat, are masterpieces of comedic timing.
Defining Moment: The "Vitameatavegamin" scene. Lucy gets a job in a TV commercial, and after multiple takes of tasting the high-alcohol-content health tonic, she becomes hilariously and spectacularly drunk. It is a work of pure, unadulterated, comedic genius and is widely regarded as one of the funniest moments in television history. For more on the history of this groundbreaking show, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is a fantastic resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream I Love Lucy on Paramount+, or purchase the complete series on DVD.
13. Fleabag - Fleabag (2016-2019)
The Vibe: The witty, grief-stricken, and deeply relatable anti-heroine who redefined the modern comedy-drama and broke the fourth wall, and our hearts, in the process.
The Character's Essence: The series follows the unnamed protagonist, known to us only as "Fleabag," a sharp, funny, and sexually liberated woman who is navigating the chaos of her life in London while also grappling with a profound, all-consuming grief. The show's signature device is Fleabag's direct address to the camera, a constant, conspiratorial breaking of the fourth wall where she shares her witty asides, her secret anxieties, and her deepest pains with the audience.
Why She Is Iconic: Phoebe Waller-Bridge's creation is a true masterpiece of modern television. The character of Fleabag is a brilliant and unflinching portrait of a woman on the edge. She is a character who is both hilarious and heartbreaking, often in the same breath. The show's exploration of grief, of family dysfunction, and of the desperate, human search for connection is handled with a raw honesty and a literary intelligence that is simply breathtaking. The second season, which introduces Andrew Scott's "Hot Priest," is widely regarded as one of the most perfect seasons of television ever made.
Defining Moment: The moment in Season 2 when the Hot Priest, in the middle of a conversation, looks directly at the camera and asks, "Where did you just go?" It is a jaw-dropping, game-changing moment where another character finally sees her, and us, breaking the sacred, private bond she has with the audience. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Watch: Stream Fleabag on Amazon Prime Video.
12. Bugs Bunny - Looney Tunes
The Vibe: The ultimate, wise-cracking, and effortlessly cool cartoon icon. He is the original, rebellious trickster who is always the smartest one in the room.
The Character's Essence: Bugs Bunny is the undisputed king of the Looney Tunes. He is a calm, confident, and incredibly clever rabbit who is constantly being hunted by a cast of hapless foes, from the sputtering Elmer Fudd to the egotistical Daffy Duck. While other cartoon characters of his era were often sweet and wholesome, Bugs was a rebel. He was a sarcastic, fourth-wall-breaking, and often cross-dressing troublemaker who was always, always in control.
Why He Is Iconic: Bugs Bunny is more than just a cartoon character; he is a global cultural icon, a character who is as recognizable as Mickey Mouse. He is one of the greatest and most influential comedic characters of all time. His famous catchphrase, "What's up, doc?", is a part of our cultural lexicon. He is a character who taught a generation of kids that it was cool to be smart, to be witty, and to not be afraid to challenge authority. For more on the history of this legendary character, the official Looney Tunes website is a great resource.
Defining Moment: The 1957 short, "What's Opera, Doc?", a brilliant and hilarious parody of Wagner's operas, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of animation and a perfect showcase for Bugs's comedic genius. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Animated Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream a huge collection of classic Looney Tunes shorts on HBO Max (via Sky/NOW in the UK).
11. Buffy Summers - Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
The Vibe: The chosen one. A fierce, funny, and deeply human hero who redefined the action genre and became a powerful feminist icon.
The Character's Essence: The series follows Buffy Summers, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl who discovers that she is the "Slayer," the one girl in all the world with the strength and skill to fight vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness. The show brilliantly uses the supernatural monsters as a metaphor for the real-life horrors of adolescence. Buffy is a character who must balance the epic, world-saving stakes of her destiny with the everyday, and often more difficult, challenges of high school, homework, and heartbreak.
Why She Is Iconic: Buffy Summers is one of the most important and influential characters in modern television. Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance is a tour de force, a perfect blend of a powerful, kick-ass action hero and a vulnerable, witty, and deeply relatable young woman. The show, created by Joss Whedon, is famous for its brilliant, pop-culture-savvy dialogue and its deep, complex, and season-long character arcs. Buffy is a character who is not just strong, but is also allowed to be sad, to be scared, and to make mistakes. She is a powerful, nuanced, and enduring feminist icon.
Defining Moment: The end of the Season 2 finale, "Becoming, Part Two." After a brutal battle, Buffy is forced to kill her true love, Angel, to save the world, just moments after his soul has been restored. Her quiet, devastated expression as she sends him to a hell dimension is a heartbreaking and powerful moment that cemented the show's status as a true, tragic masterpiece. The show's powerful female lead is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Female-Led Action Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Disney+.
10. Michael Scott - The Office (U.S.) (2005-2013)
The Vibe: The world's best, and absolute worst, boss. A deeply insecure, cringe-inducing, and surprisingly lovable man-child who is one of the greatest comedic creations of all time.
The Character's Essence: Michael Scott is the Regional Manager of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is a man who is desperately, and pathologically, in need of being loved. His desire to be both a great boss and a best friend to his employees leads him to a series of hilarious, inappropriate, and deeply awkward social and professional blunders. He is a man who always knows the wrong thing to say at the absolute worst possible time.
Why He Is Iconic: Steve Carell's performance as Michael Scott is a masterpiece of comedic acting. He created a character who is both a monster of cringe and a deeply sympathetic and tragic figure. For all of his offensive jokes and his clueless behaviour, Michael's heart is, for the most part, in the right place. His deep-seated loneliness and his genuine love for his "work family" make him a surprisingly moving character. The show's ability to make you laugh at him and feel for him in the same scene is a work of genius.
Defining Moment: His departure from the show in the Season 7 episode, "Goodbye, Michael." His quiet, individual goodbyes to each of his employees are a perfect, understated, and incredibly moving conclusion to his character arc, a moment that is full of both humour and a huge amount of genuine heart. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Comedies With a Flawed But Lovable Protagonist.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Office (U.S.) on Netflix in the UK.
9. Selina Meyer - Veep (2012-2019)
The Vibe: A gloriously profane, deeply cynical, and hilariously incompetent politician whose entire existence is a desperate, relentless, and pathetic scramble for power.
The Character's Essence: The series follows Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States, a woman who discovers that her new position is both utterly powerless and completely meaningless. The show chronicles her and her dysfunctional but brilliant team of sycophantic staff as they navigate the absurd, back-stabbing, and deeply cynical world of American politics. Selina is a masterpiece of comedic villainy—a manipulative, narcissistic, and deeply insecure woman who will say or do absolutely anything to get what she wants.
Why She Is Iconic: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, already a television legend from Seinfeld, delivered one of the greatest and most award-winning comedic performances of all time as Selina Meyer. The show is a brilliant and savage political satire, famous for its incredibly dense, creative, and often breathtakingly vulgar insults. But it is Selina's journey, her relentless and ultimately empty quest for power, that gives the show its dark, comedic heart.
Defining Moment: The final, devastating scene of the series finale. After finally achieving her lifelong dream of becoming President, by betraying the one person who has always been loyal to her, we see Selina in the Oval Office, completely and utterly alone, the camera slowly zooming in on her face as she realizes the true, empty cost of her victory. It is a moment of pure, tragic, and comedic genius. For more on the show's brilliant writing, the IMDb page is a great resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Veep on HBO Max (via Sky/NOW in the UK).
8. Homer Simpson - The Simpsons (1989-present)
The Vibe: The ultimate, iconic, and deeply flawed animated family man. He is a lazy, dim-witted, and gluttonous force of nature, and one of the most famous and beloved characters in the history of television.
The Character's Essence: Homer Simpson is the patriarch of the Simpson family. He is a safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, a job he is spectacularly unqualified for. He is a man who is driven by his most basic impulses: his love for beer, for donuts, and for television. He is a terrible employee, a neglectful father, and a deeply frustrating husband, but beneath all of his many, many flaws is a genuine, if often very well-hidden, love for his family.
Why He Is Iconic: Homer Simpson is more than a character; he is a global cultural institution. He is a brilliant and hilarious satire of the classic, working-class sitcom father. During the show's golden age in the 1990s, he was at the centre of some of the most brilliantly written and cleverly plotted comedy of all time. He is a character who can be thrown into any situation, from becoming an astronaut to a bootlegger, and the results are always hilarious.
Defining Moment: The Season 8 episode, "Homer's Enemy," is a perfect deconstruction of his character. In it, a new, hard-working employee named Frank Grimes is driven insane by the fact that Homer, despite his incredible stupidity and laziness, has a beautiful family and a happy life. It’s a brilliant, dark, and hilarious exploration of the character's strange, cartoon logic. The show's complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Marriages.
Where to Watch: Stream The Simpsons on Disney+.
7. Tyrion Lannister - Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
The Vibe: The brilliant, witty, and deeply underestimated "imp" of House Lannister. He is an outcast who uses his intelligence and his sharp tongue to survive in a brutal and unforgiving world.
The Character's Essence: Tyrion Lannister is the youngest son of the powerful and ruthless Tywin Lannister. He is a dwarf, a fact that has made him an object of scorn and ridicule his entire life, particularly from his own father and his cruel sister, Cersei. He is a man who has learned to use his mind as a weapon, and his wit as a shield. He is a cynical, hedonistic, and deeply intelligent character who, despite his family's villainy, possesses a surprising and powerful sense of empathy and justice.
Why He Is Iconic: In a show filled with a massive cast of memorable characters, Tyrion Lannister quickly emerged as the undisputed fan-favourite. Peter Dinklage's brilliant, multi-award-winning performance is a masterclass, a perfect blend of witty, comedic timing and deep, tragic pathos. He is the ultimate underdog, a character who is constantly outthinking and outmaneuvering his more powerful enemies. He has some of the best and most quotable lines in the entire series.
Defining Moment: His explosive, and brilliant, trial speech in Season 4. After being falsely accused of murdering his nephew, King Joffrey, Tyrion finally unleashes a lifetime of rage and resentment at the court, and at the world, that has always despised him. It is a powerful, cathartic, and absolutely electrifying piece of acting. The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships. For an exhaustive guide to the world of Westeros, the A Wiki of Ice and Fire is the ultimate resource.
Where to Watch: Stream Game of Thrones on HBO Max (via Sky/NOW in the UK).
6. Mary Richards - The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)
The Vibe: A groundbreaking, revolutionary, and utterly charming character who changed the face of television and became a powerful feminist icon.
The Character's Essence: The series begins with Mary Richards, a single woman in her thirties, moving to Minneapolis after a bad breakup to start a new life. She gets a job as an associate producer at a local television news station and finds a new, "found family" with her grumpy but lovable boss, Lou Grant, her best friend, Rhoda, and her quirky neighbours. The show follows her as she navigates her career, her friendships, and her active dating life.
Why She Is Iconic: The character of Mary Richards was a complete and total game-changer. In an era when female characters on television were almost exclusively wives and mothers, Mary was a single, independent, career-focused woman who was not actively searching for a husband. She was a character who was happy, fulfilled, and the centre of her own story. The show was a brilliant, funny, and progressive workplace comedy, and Mary Tyler Moore's performance was a perfect blend of charm, vulnerability, and comedic genius.
Defining Moment: The show's iconic opening credit sequence, which culminates in Mary joyfully throwing her hat in the air in the middle of a Minneapolis street, is a perfect, powerful, and enduring symbol of female joy and independence. The show's powerful female lead is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Female-Led Action Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Mary Tyler Moore Show on platforms like Hulu in the US, or purchase the complete series on DVD.
5. The Doctor - Doctor Who (1963-present)
The Vibe: The ultimate, timeless, and endlessly inventive sci-fi hero. A madman (or woman) in a box who is a symbol of hope, of curiosity, and of the enduring magic of a great adventure.
The Character's Essence: The Doctor is a mysterious, time-traveling alien from the planet Gallifrey, a being who can regenerate into a new body when near death, a brilliant device that has allowed the show to be continually reinvented for over sixty years. The character is a brilliant, eccentric, and deeply compassionate adventurer who travels through all of time and space in their sentient time machine, the TARDIS, which is disguised as a British police box.
Why They Are Iconic: The character of the Doctor is one of the most unique and beloved in the history of fiction. The show’s ability to constantly recast its lead has allowed the character to be a fascinating and ever-evolving tapestry of different personalities, from the grumpy and avuncular to the quirky and manic. But at their core, every incarnation of the Doctor shares the same, essential qualities: a brilliant mind, a huge heart, and a powerful, unwavering belief in the best of humanity.
Defining Moment: Every Doctor has their own, defining "I am the Doctor" speech, a moment where they declare their identity and their purpose to their enemies. These speeches are a beloved and iconic tradition of the show. The show’s focus on a powerful origin story is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story. For all the latest news, classic episodes, and behind-the-scenes content, the official Doctor Who website is the place to be.
Where to Watch: Stream the new era of Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ internationally.
4. Sherlock Holmes - Sherlock (2010-2017)
The Vibe: The ultimate, high-functioning sociopath. A brilliant, modern reinvention of the world's most famous detective, a man whose mind is a supercharged, 21st-century engine of deduction.
The Character's Essence: Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes dragged the Victorian detective kicking and screaming into the age of smartphones and the internet, and in doing so, created a new and definitive version for a new generation. This Sherlock is not just a detective; he is a force of nature, a man battling not only the criminal underworld but also his own profound, debilitating boredom. Set in a stylish, fast-paced modern London, the series follows Holmes and his loyal but long-suffering friend, Dr. John Watson, as they tackle a series of bizarre and ingenious crimes.
Why He Is Iconic: This character, and the show he inhabits, was a global cultural phenomenon. Cumberbatch's performance is a tour de force, a perfect blend of arrogant genius, childish petulance, and moments of surprising, hidden vulnerability. The show's revolutionary visual style, with its on-screen text messages and its brilliant "mind palace" sequences, created a new and exciting language for televised detective work. This was not just a loving homage to a classic character; it was a complete and total reinvention that made a 130-year-old detective feel like the most modern and most exciting character on television.
Defining Moment: The final, devastating confrontation with Moriarty on the rooftop of St. Bartholomew's Hospital in "The Reichenbach Fall." It is a moment that is not just a battle of wits, but a heartbreakingly emotional climax that forces Sherlock to make the ultimate sacrifice. It is a perfect, iconic, and unforgettable piece of television that cemented this version of the character in the pantheon of all-time greats.
3. Omar Little - The Wire (2002-2008)
The Vibe: A true television original. A gay, shotgun-wielding, stick-up artist who robs drug dealers and operates by his own, strict, and deeply moral code. He is the ultimate, mythological figure of the Baltimore streets.
The Character's Essence: In the gritty, hyper-realistic world of The Wire, Omar Little is a character of almost mythic status. He is a lone wolf, a man who is feared and respected by both the police and the most powerful drug dealers in the city. He is a man of profound contradictions: a brutal and efficient killer who is also deeply gentle and caring with his partners; a man who is openly gay in the hyper-masculine and homophobic world of the streets; a man with a strict, almost chivalric, code of honour who refuses to harm innocent people who are "not in the game."
Why He Is Iconic: Omar is one of the most unique, complex, and beloved characters in the history of television. The late, great Michael Kenneth Williams delivered a performance of incredible power, charisma, and vulnerability. He created a character who was both a larger-than-life, almost superhero-like figure and a deeply human, and often very lonely, man. He is a testament to the show's brilliant writing and its commitment to creating characters of unparalleled depth and complexity.
Defining Moment: His iconic stroll down the street in his silk pyjamas to buy a box of cereal, completely unfazed by the terrified drug dealers who scatter at his approach. It is a perfect, and hilarious, demonstration of the immense power and respect his character commands. For more on the groundbreaking series, the official HBO page for The Wire is a great resource.
Where to Watch: Stream The Wire on HBO Max (via Sky/NOW in the UK).
2. Tony Soprano - The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The Vibe: The man who changed television forever. A charismatic, brutal, and deeply insecure New Jersey mob boss who is a masterpiece of character creation.
The Character's Essence: The Sopranos follows the life of Tony Soprano, a loving family man, a ruthless mob boss, and a man who is secretly going to therapy to deal with his crippling panic attacks. The show is a brilliant and groundbreaking exploration of his two families: his actual family, with his complicated wife, Carmela, and his two children; and his crime family, with all its violence, betrayal, and archaic codes of honour. Tony is a man who is at war with himself, a modern man struggling with depression and anxiety in a world that demands a traditional, old-school masculinity.
Why He Is Iconic: Tony Soprano is the undisputed father of the modern television anti-hero. He was a protagonist who was unlike any that viewers had seen before, a character who was capable of both incredible love and monstrous, unspeakable violence. The late, legendary James Gandolfini’s performance is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of any medium. He created a character who was a perfect, terrifying, and deeply human blend of charisma, vulnerability, and pure, animalistic rage.
Defining Moment: The entire series is a collection of iconic moments, but the therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi are the true, revolutionary heart of the show. It is in these scenes that we see the true, vulnerable, and deeply conflicted man behind the monster. The show's complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.
Where to Watch: Stream The Sopranos on HBO Max (via Sky/NOW in the UK).
1. Walter White - Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Why He's at the Top: While Tony Soprano may have invented the modern anti-hero, Walter White perfected his journey. The character of Walter White, and his transformation into the monstrous drug kingpin "Heisenberg," is arguably the single greatest and most complete character arc in the history of television. It is a perfect, five-season, novelistic exploration of a good man's descent into evil. The show is a masterpiece of long-form, serialized storytelling, where every single action has a devastating and unavoidable consequence. Bryan Cranston’s legendary, multi-Emmy-winning performance is a tour de force, a perfect and terrifying transformation from a sympathetic, relatable man into a cold, calculating, and ruthless monster. For these reasons, he takes the top spot as the greatest television character of all time.
Defining Moment: The famous line from Season 5: "Say my name." It is the moment where the transformation is complete. He is no longer the meek Walter White; he is Heisenberg, a man who is not just a participant in the "empire business," but is the empire itself. It is a moment of pure, terrifying, and iconic power. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.
Where to Watch: Stream Breaking Bad on Netflix.
Conclusion
In the vast and ever-expanding universe of television, a great character is a rare and precious thing. The twenty figures on this list are more than just a collection of well-written roles; they are cultural icons, characters who have challenged our assumptions, sparked our imaginations, and become a permanent and indelible part of our shared cultural history. They are a testament to the power of television as a medium for deep, complex, and profoundly human storytelling.
From the quiet, intellectual charm of a Vulcan science officer to the chaotic, violent, and deeply insecure world of a New Jersey mob boss, these are the characters who have defined the art of the small screen. They are the heroes, the villains, and the glorious, messy, and unforgettable anti-heroes in between. They are the reason we keep coming back, week after week, season after season, to get lost in the magic of a great story.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an "anti-hero"? An anti-hero is a protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities. They may be cynical, morally ambiguous, or even criminal, but they are still the central character that the audience is meant to follow and, often, to root for. Tony Soprano and Walter White are the two most famous examples.
2. Why are so many of the top characters from HBO shows? HBO revolutionized television in the late 90s and 2000s by creating a subscription-based model that allowed for a new level of creative freedom. This led to a "golden age" of television, with shows like The Sopranos and The Wire that featured complex, novelistic storytelling and deep, character-driven drama.
3. Who is the oldest character on this list? Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy, which premiered in 1951, is the oldest character on this list.
4. Are there any animated characters on this list? Yes, Bugs Bunny and Homer Simpson are both included, representing the incredible and enduring power of animated characters.
5. How was this list ranked? This list was ranked based on a combination of factors, including the character's cultural impact, their influence on the television landscape, the critical acclaim of the performance, and their enduring popularity with audiences.
6. I'm new to classic TV. Which show on this list should I start with? For a classic sitcom, I Love Lucy is a fantastic and historically important starting point. For a classic drama, The Sopranos is essential viewing that redefined the entire genre.
7. What does "breaking the fourth wall" mean? "Breaking the fourth wall" is a narrative device where a character directly acknowledges that they are in a work of fiction and speaks directly to the audience. Fleabag is a famous modern example of this.
8. Where can I find more in-depth analysis of these shows? Websites like The A.V. Club and Vulture have extensive archives of episodic reviews and critical essays on almost all of the shows on this list. Fan-run "wiki" sites for each show are also a fantastic resource for detailed information.
9. Are all of these shows available to stream? Yes, all the shows on this list are available to stream on various platforms, such as Netflix, HBO Max (Sky/NOW in the UK), and Disney+. A service like JustWatch can help you find where a specific show is streaming in your region.
10. Why isn't [my favourite character] on this list? With decades of incredible television to choose from, any "best of" list is bound to be subjective and to leave out some beloved characters. This list is a curated selection of twenty of the most influential and iconic, but there are countless other brilliant characters who are equally deserving of celebration.
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