25 of best TV characters from the last 25 years

The world of television is full of memorable characters, but what sets certain ones apart and makes them truly compelling? A great TV character can leave a lasting impact, influencing the way future characters are written and even becoming a part of popular culture. In this article, we will explore the elements that make a TV character stand out and examine some of the best TV characters from the last 25 years.

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The Impact of TV Shows on Character Development

A compelling TV character is often a product of the show’s overall quality. While mediocre TV shows can have good characters, they are less likely to be remembered once the series concludes. The best TV characters have the power to influence not only future TV characters but also the way television is made. As we look back on the past 25 years of television, we can witness the so-called “golden era” when prestige shows attracted top talent from Hollywood and received critical acclaim.

1. Walter White (Breaking Bad)

One of the most pronounced character arcs in TV history is that of Walter White from “Breaking Bad.” Starting as a downtrodden and terminally ill chemistry teacher, he transforms into an infamous drug kingpin feared by the criminal underworld. Bryan Cranston’s performance skillfully takes the character through moments of slapstick farce and Shakespearean tragedy without compromising its credibility.

2. Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)

Tyrion Lannister from “Game of Thrones” is a fascinating and sympathetic character from George R. R. Martin’s epic fantasy novels. Peter Dinklage brilliantly embodies this tricky character, conveying his concealed pain, ribald wit, and tactical astuteness with impeccable poise and craft.

3. Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)

“The Sopranos,” one of TV’s most acclaimed and influential shows, centered on Tony Soprano, a troubled patriarch and ruthless New Jersey crime boss portrayed by James Gandolfini. Tony Soprano is a fully rounded human being, with both monstrous and vulnerable traits, making him a character viewers can’t help but root for.

4. Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)

Saul Goodman, the tacky New Mexico lawyer from “Breaking Bad,” provides considerable comic relief. Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal in the spin-off show “Better Call Saul” reveals fascinating layers in the character, making him more than just a source of humor.

5. Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

Larry David, the grouchy New York comedian, created a unique character of himself in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” offering hilariously skewed takes on everyday situations in an unfiltered manner.

6. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)

Homer Simpson, the enduring creation of Matt Groening, satirizes complacent boomer consumerist culture. Despite his flaws, he has a warm heart and a soft center, making viewers relate to him in various ways.

7. Ted Lasso (Ted Lasso)

Ted Lasso, an American football coach who manages a football team in London, radiates boundless positivity. Beneath his polished exterior, he faces his own problems, making him one of the most human characters on TV.

8. Rust Cohle (True Detective)

Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of Rust Cohle, a nihilistic Louisiana State Police detective in “True Detective,” showcases a level of brooding intensity that elevated him to A-tier Hollywood status.

9. Stringer Bell (The Wire)

Stringer Bell from “The Wire,” played by Idris Elba, is a quietly charismatic drug kingpin who approaches his deadly trade with caution and calculation. He is an example of a character with unusual complexity in a police procedural show.

10. Dr. Gregory House (House)

Hugh Laurie’s Dr. Gregory House in “House” combines brilliant medical breakthroughs with shocking misanthropy, making him a unique and witty character in medical TV entertainment.

11. Al Swearengen (Deadwood)

Ian McShane’s portrayal of Al Swearengen in “Deadwood” is an irresistible rogue, spouting colorful language and acting as an unscrupulous pimp. Despite his flaws, he remains a captivating character without descending into an archetypal villain.

12. Tom Wambsgans (Succession)

Matthew Macfadyen’s Tom Wambsgans in “Succession” vacillates believably between domineering and simpering, providing both laughs and heart-breaking moments.

13. Selina Meyer (Veep)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s portrayal of Selina Meyer in “Veep” turns a nakedly ambitious, unapologetically amoral career politician into a character viewers love, despite her flaws.

14. Frasier Crane (Cheers/Frasier)

Kelsey Grammar’s Frasier Crane, originally a supporting character in “Cheers,” transitioned into his own successful show. His pompous manner as a radio psychiatrist is brilliantly cast against the rough-and-ready aspects of his life.

15. Lucille Bluth (Arrested Development)

Lucille Bluth, portrayed by Jessica Walter, is the matriarch of the chaotic Bluth family in “Arrested Development,” offering a well-dressed bundle of withering put-downs and outrageous decisions that make her incredibly entertaining.

16. Fleabag (Fleabag)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is a riot of sarcastic quipping and cringe-inducing chaos, breaking the fourth wall to engage with viewers, making them unwitting accomplices to her transgressions.

17. Alan Partridge (Various)

Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge is a cult comic character in the US, but a beloved and influential figure in the UK, pioneering a type of cringey professional blowhard that later characters riffed off.

18. David Brent (The Office)

Ricky Gervais’s David Brent in “The Office” exhibits a particular brand of brittle hubris and a daring lack of likability, making him a hilarious, pitiful, and achingly true-to-life jerk.

19. Buffy Anne Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Anne Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is an iconic TV character, balancing vulnerability and strength as a teenage girl with superpowers fighting vampires.

20. Peggy Olson (Mad Men)

Elizabeth Moss’s portrayal of Peggy Olson in “Mad Men” grew to overshadow the series lead, Don Draper, for her lasting impact. She evolves from an awkward and belittled secretary to a star advertising executive throughout the show’s run.

21. Ellie Williams (The Last of Us)

Bella Ramsey’s Ellie Williams in “The Last of Us” is a brilliantly realized character, characterized by abrasively headstrong yet believably vulnerable traits as she survives a zombie apocalypse.

22. June/Offred (The Handmaid’s Tale)

Elizabeth Moss’s portrayal of June/Offred in “The Handmaid’s Tale” brings a character from Margaret Atwood’s novel to life, making her impactful and emotionally resonant for the prestige TV show era.

23. Eric Effiong (Sex Education)

Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal of Eric in “Sex Education” breaks away from stereotypical tropes, creating a fully-formed character that goes through personal growth and stands up for himself and his beliefs.

24. Chandler Bing (Friends)

Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing in “Friends” had a profound influence on the culture of the ’90s, with his quick wit, self-loathing, and relatable flaws resonating with a whole generation.

25. Samantha Jones (Sex and the City)

Kim Cattrall’s portrayal of Samantha Jones in “Sex and the City” broke taboos by depicting a middle-aged woman comfortable with her body and unabashedly embracing her sexuality.

Conclusion

Compelling TV characters captivate audiences through their depth, growth, flaws, and unique qualities. They leave a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing future character development and the way television is made. The 25 characters mentioned in this list have contributed significantly to the art of storytelling on the small screen and have become iconic in their own right. As television continues to evolve, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new characters that will enthrall and inspire viewers worldwide.

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Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com