Best of the Best
From heinous acts to redeemable moments, TV characters hold a special place in the heart of their viewers. Some may inspire us, while others cause us to turn away in horror. Either way, here are 20 of the most influential characters around.
1. Walter White
Walter White is the main character of Breaking Bad and is played by the talented Bryan Cranston. He appears a mild-mannered high school teacher but quickly shifts into a criminal kingpin after a cancer diagnosis. His portrayal has captivated viewers as they struggle to decide whether they sympathize or shun the pride-driven character.
2. Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister is played by Peter Dinklage in Game of Thrones. While not the most handsome or powerful character, he is renowned for his sharp wit and intelligence. His political savviness has allowed him to survive many events, and his blend of humor and vulnerability make him quite lovable.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
3. Tony Soprano
Tony Soprano was played by James Gandolfini in the similarly named show The Sopranos. This TV show follows a New Jersey mob boss as he balances his criminal life with his family life. Considered one of the defining antiheroes of the TV genre, it’s no wonder people love this morally ambiguous character.
4. Michael Scott
Michael Scott is played by Steve Carell in the U.S. portrayal of The Office. He comes across as a bit idiotic and desperate, but his oblivious nature makes him quite lovable. Additionally, his heart of gold and awkward comedy add new levels of depth.
5. Saul Goodman
Derived from the success of Breaking Bad, Bob Odenkirk continued to play Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul. This show follows a fast-talking lawyer as he bends the law to benefit himself and his clients. His sheer charisma and showmanship make him a complex and lovable character that quickly hooked audiences.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
6. Chandler Bing
Chandler Bing is played by the late Matthew Perry in the hit-show Friends. His sarcastic aptitude and fear of commitment make him quite relatable and awkward. He was immediately the fan favorite, known for his one-liners and masked deep feelings.
7. Barney Stinson
Barney Stinson is a womanizer played ironically by Neil Patrick Harris in How I Met Your Mother. He wears suits, has a mysterious past, and his over-the-top charm make him quite the fan favorite. With all his energy and catchphrases, it's no surprise that he stole the show.
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8. Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes has been a legendary character for ages, but his portrayal by Benedict Cumberbatch in BBC’s Sherlock was quite defining. Both brilliant and aloof, this detective not only solves crimes, but adds a fresh and enigmatic edge to the titular source material.
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9. Dr. Gregory House
Dr. Gregory House is played by Hugh Laurie in House M.D., and like other characters on this list, isn’t afraid to walk the line between hero and villain. Either way, House is certainly a genius, one that is battling his own demons as he uses sarcasm and abrasiveness to help others.
Jeroen Komen from Utrecht, Netherlands on Wikimedia
10. Daryl Dixon
Daryl Dixon is played by Norman Reedus in The Walking Dead and quickly became the fan-favorite in that show. He’s gruff, a bit of a loner, but a beloved leader through and through. Despite his rugged appeal, Daryl’s emotional depth has kept fans glued to the screen.
Now that we have talked about some of the most popular TV characters, here are 10 that get all the hate.
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1. Joffrey Baratheon
After playing Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones, Jack Gleeson reportedly received hate mail from all the fans that despised his character. He played a rather sadistic boy-king who wielded his power for cruelty and caused lots of pain to the fans' favorite characters.
2. Skyler White
Skyler White was played by Anna Gunn in Breaking Bad, and the hate she received is quite surprising. After all, Skyler’s biggest crime was having issues with her husband's criminal undertaking. She tries to hold her family together when Walter becomes a kingpin, and is unable to mentally withstand the ramifications of her actions. With that being said, many consider the hate Skyler receives to be quite unfair and possibly gender-motivated.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
3. Janice Soprano
Janice Soprano is played by Aida Turturro in The Sopranos, and she portrays Tony’s self-righteous sister. Known to cause drama, her character is more so morally gray but undoubtedly frustrating as she exploits others.
4. Cersei Lannister
Lena Headey brought Cersei Lannister to life in Game of Thrones and eventually became queen of the seven kingdoms. Motivated by preserving her children's legacy, she grew into a cunning and manipulative woman who wasn’t afraid to off beloved characters.
5. The Governor
Played by David Morrissey, The Governor is a charming but psychotic character in The Walking Dead. He puts on a façade of calm but isn’t afraid to go to extreme lengths to hurt others and retain control.
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6. Shou Tucker
Turning to the world of Anime, Shou Tucker is one of the most hated villains ever. His depravity and pursuit of science cause him to do unimaginable harm to his own children, leaving viewers shocked and emotionally disturbed.
7. Rachel Berry
Rachel Berry is portrayed by Lea Michele in Glee, and comes across as an insufferable and self-absorbed high schooler. She isn’t afraid to undermine characters to garner attention, and while her ambition is admirable, her ego isn’t.
8. Ezra Fitz
Ezra Fitz is played by Ian Harding in Pretty Little Liars, and is a teacher dating a student, which is already troublesome as it is. Not only does he romanticize such relationships, but he’s also a known stalker and has left viewers very uncomfortable.
9. John Gilbert
John Gilbert is played by David Anders in The Vampire Diaries and is Elena’s biological father, and also unfortunately a ruthless vampire hunter. He’s cold and controlling, and claims to protect people in order to interject into their lives.
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10. Emily Waltham
Emily Waltham was played by Helen Baxendale in Friends, and she had a brief stint as Ross’ British girlfriend and wife. However, her insecurities led to her becoming quite controlling, and many fans saw her as a barrier to the quintessential Ross and Rachel ship.
