10 TV Shows Where the Heroes Just Can't Outshine the Villains

Article Overview

Great TV villains like Gus Fring and Homelander bring a captivating presence to the screen, stealing scenes and revolutionizing villain roles.

Delving into the morally intricate personalities of characters like Jaime, Tywin, and Cersei in Game of Thrones elevates the show, infusing it with depth and captivating intrigue.

The portrayal of antagonists such as Lorne Malvo in Fargo and Villanelle in Killing Eve highlights the exceptional acting abilities of their respective performers, delivering bone-chilling and indelible performances.

Nothing enhances television entertainment quite like a captivating villain, and in certain cases, these villains even manage to overshadow the hero. A formidable villain not only poses obstacles for the protagonist, but also offers audience an escape from everyday norms and values. They allow viewers to contemplate morality through the realm of fiction or simply provide a character to despise. Iconic fictional villains such as Darth Vader and the Joker possess a commanding presence on screen, surpassing the mere role of thwarting their heroic counterparts.

The exploration of villainous characters on television gained significant prominence in the 21st century after the success of The Sopranos, leading to more shows delving into morally complex figures. It is important to note that while Tony Soprano may be considered a villain, he serves as the protagonist of his series and, thus, does not fall under this category. Villains play a crucial role in a show, propelling the narrative in a manner that consistently captivates the audience. Even villains who outshine their heroes contribute to their growth and transformation.

10. Breaking Bad

The Albuquerque crime lords.

Breaking Bad is a gripping crime drama with elements of thriller, released on January 20, 2008. The show stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk, RJ Mitte, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt, and Jonathan Banks. With five seasons, it explores the dark and dangerous world of crime in a captivating manner.

9. The Boys

Gus Fring is undeniably one of the greatest TV villains of the 21st century in Breaking Bad. From the moment he enters the scene in season 2 until his demise, Gus captivates audiences with his stoic and mysterious portrayal of a drug kingpin. Giancarlo Esposito's exceptional performance has revolutionized the portrayal of villains in the past decade, leading him to be cast in similar roles on The Boys and The Mandalorian. While Walter White is technically the protagonist of the show, he can also be seen as the central antagonist in season 5, and the series truly shines when he embraces his darker side.

Evil versions of our favorite superheroes.

The Boys

Release Date: July 26, 2019

Cast: Elisabeth Shue, Jensen Ackles, Goran Visnjic, Jessie T. Usher, Chace Crawford, Dominique McElligott, Laz Alonso, Nathan Mitchell, Aya Cash, Colby Minifie, Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Claudia Doumit, Tomer Capon

Genres: Action, Drama, Crime

Seasons: 3

The intriguing aspect of The Boys lies in its portrayal of villain characters, who serve as twisted versions of DC's Justice League. Homelander, specifically, has emerged as a captivating and widely acclaimed television villain in recent years, providing a nuanced and exhilarating portrayal of an evil Superman. While protagonists like Starlight and Butcher are enjoyable, Homelander consistently steals the spotlight each season, with his image becoming a prominent part of meme culture. In season 3, Jensen Ackles' Soldier Boy adds a refreshing new dynamic as an antagonist, injecting excitement into the show and gaining a devoted fan following.

8. Game Of Thrones

Power-hungry fantasy villains.

Game of Thrones, a drama series filled with action and adventure, premiered on April 11, 2011. The star-studded cast includes Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Richard Madden, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Maisie Williams, Alfie Allen, and Peter Dinklage. The show has a total of 8 seasons.

7. The Wire

Game of Thrones excelled in its portrayal of morally complex villains, with a multitude of point-of-view characters blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist. However, it was during its fourth season that the dysfunctional and corrupt Lannister family drama took center stage, elevating the show to its pinnacle. Characters like Jaime, Tywin, and Cersei provided captivating and intricate drama, showcasing the best of what Game of Thrones had to offer. Additionally, the likes of Joffrey and Ramsay proved to be truly terrifying villains, earning them a place among the most despised TV characters of all time.

On both sides of the law.

The Wire

The Wire, released on June 2, 2002, features a talented cast including Lance Reddick, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, Dominic West, and Wood Harris. This drama series spans across 5 seasons and showcases an array of remarkable characters. In The Wire, the distinction between protagonist and antagonist becomes hazy, blurring the lines on both sides of the law. Characters like Omar Little, Stranger Bell, Avon Barksdale, and Marlo Stanfield captivate viewers as formidable criminal antagonists. On the other hand, figures such as Rawls, Burrell, and Clay Davis add depth and intrigue as fascinating antagonists within the police force and legal system. The Wire goes beyond traditional hero or villain categorizations, delving into morally ambiguous characters that strikingly resemble real-life individuals. For those seeking a compelling exploration of complex characters, The Wire is an unrivaled choice.

6. Hannibal

Mads Mikkelsen's captivating Hannibal Lecter.

Hannibal

Release Date: April 4, 2013

Cast: Hugh Dancy, Caroline Dhavernas, Aaron Abrams, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne, Scott Thompson

Main Genre: Horror

Genres: Horror, Drama, Crime, Thriller

Seasons: 3

The captivating nature of the Hannibal series lies in the relationship between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. However, it is Mads Mikkelsen's mesmerizing performance that steals the spotlight in every scene. From Brian Cox to Anthony Hopkins to Mikkelsen, the Hannibal character has always evoked a twisted fascination from viewers. Mikkelsen flawlessly portrays Hannibal's polished, intelligent, and confident demeanor, immersing audiences in a man who is truly evil.

5. Fargo

Lorne Malvo is one of TV's scariest killers.

Fargo

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Patrick Wilson, Jesse Plemons, Ewan McGregor, Carrie Coon, Chris Rock, Jessie Buckley, Jason Schwartzman, Juno Temple, Jon Hamm

Genres: Anthology, Crime, Drama, Comedy, Thriller

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 5

Fargo is an underrated crime comedy series that features astonishing villains. In the first season, Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of Lorne Malvo is captivating and steals the entire show. He is a chilling, dangerous, and unpredictable character who possesses an enigmatic charisma. Every scene with Thornton is a standout moment in the series. The second season is considered the pinnacle of Fargo, introducing Hanzee as another multi-dimensional and captivating antagonist. Season 3 showcases David Thewlis' V. M. Varga, a disturbing and creepy villain with a different twist.

4. Killing Eve

Jodie Comer shines as Villanelle.

Killing Eve

Release Date: April 8, 2018

Cast: Adrian Scarborough, Sandra Oh, Nina Sosanya, Edward Bluemel, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Danny Sapani, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia, Harriet Walter, Steve Pemberton, Sean Delaney, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, David Haig, Jodie Comer, Turlough Convery, Raj Bajaj, Gemma Whelan, Camille Cottin, Owen McDonnell

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Action

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 4

Jodie Comer's portrayal of Villanelle in Killing Eve is lauded as one of the finest female TV villains. This young actress captivates viewers with her standout performance in the gripping drama. Comer, an exciting talent in the film industry, showcases her versatility through the character of Villanelle, effortlessly transitioning between a ruthless, cruel killer and a source of light-hearted comic relief. While Sandra Oh delivers a terrific performance as Eve, Villanelle remains the most captivating figure in the show.

3. Loki

The future big bad of the MCU.

Loki

Release Date: June 11, 2021

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Richard E. Grant, Erika Coleman, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson, Wunmi Mosaku, Sasha Lane

Genres: Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Superhero

Seasons: 2

While Loki is known as one of the greatest villains in the MCU, the Disney+ series takes a different approach and makes him the protagonist. However, it is the exploration of He Who Remains that has captivated Marvel fans, who have been longing for more stories about the phase's main antagonist. With rumors surrounding the future of the MCU, all attention is now focused on Kang the Conqueror, who is set to be the next Avengers film's antagonist in Loki.

2. Gotham

Batman's greatest villains begin their descent.

Gotham, a drama series, was released on September 22, 2014. The cast includes Sean Pertwee, Erin Richards, Jada Pinkett Smith, Zabryna Guevara, Donal Logue, Robin Lord Taylor, Ben McKenzie, Morena Baccarin, and David Mazouz. The show has a total of 5 seasons.

Exploring the early years of Bruce Wayne's life following the death of his parents may seem intriguing; however, Gotham's standout feature was its ability to ingeniously delve into the origins of Batman's rogues gallery. While not every villain was handled flawlessly, the most impressive portrayals of Gotham's Batman villains included the Riddler, Penguin, and Joker. Each of these characters embarked on captivating journeys, ultimately transforming into the formidable adversaries that comic fans are well-acquainted with. Through ingenuity and finesse, Gotham deftly examined the origins of these villains, adding an unprecedented depth to their classic personas while remaining true to their comic book counterparts.

1. The Walking Dead

Humans are worse than the Walkers.

The Walking Dead is a television series that first premiered on October 31, 2010. The show features a talented cast including Steven Yeun, Andrew Lincoln, Chandler Riggs, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Sarah Wayne Callies, Melissa McBride, Norman Reedus, Jon Bernthal, and Iron E. Singleton. It falls under the genres of horror, thriller, and drama and has a total of 11 seasons.

The Walking Dead, with its 11-season run, recognized the crucial need for captivating antagonists. These characters convey a significant message within the series, highlighting the notion that humans pose the greatest threat in a post-apocalyptic world. Notable figures such as Negan, Shane, and The Governor emerge as brutal and sadistic adversaries for the survivors, ultimately enhancing the show's appeal through the complexity of their villainous roles.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have grown up watching some of the most iconic TV shows of all time, and I have seen my fair share of villains. From the twisted and ruthless Gus Fring in Breaking Bad to the charismatic and terrifying Homelander in The Boys, these villains have left a lasting impression on me.

One thing that I find particularly interesting about these villains is that they are often more complex and well-developed than the heroes. They have their own motivations and backstories, and they are often just as relatable as the heroes. This makes it difficult to root for the heroes sometimes, and I often find myself drawn to the villains instead.

I think that this is a testament to the skill of the writers and actors who bring these villains to life. They are able to create characters that are both fascinating and terrifying, and they make us question our own moral values. I am excited to see what future TV villains will bring, and I am sure that they will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.