The Top 9 Morally Challenging TV Casts

House of the Dragon

In a world where morally ambiguous characters reign supreme, House of the Dragon takes the lead. With a split Targaryen family, it's challenging to choose whom to root for. The series is packed with personalities who often pull no punches in committing terrible acts, making it difficult to side with any one character.

Matt Smith as Daemon placing a crown on Rhaenyra's head in House of the Dragon

The fierce power struggle and morally challenging decisions make House of the Dragon a captivating watch. Each faction of the Targaryen family presents characters who are equally fun to hate as they are to support, creating a thrilling viewing experience.

Collage of Rhaenyra, Alicent, and Aegon II in House of the Dragon season 1

Succession

HBO's Succession explores a cast of morally ambiguous characters with too much power. The patriarch, Logan Roy, reflects the terrifying reality of mainstream news conglomerates and the insane political control they possess. Each character proves to be selfish and careless while holding immense power and influence, making it a rollercoaster of moral complexity.

Shiv, Kendall, and Roman confronting Logan in Succession episode All The Bells Say

Starting with the patriarch, aside from being an abusive and manipulative father, Logan Roy reflects the terrifying reality of mainstream news conglomerates and the insane political control they possess. Each character proves to be selfish and careless while holding immense power and influence, making it a rollercoaster of moral complexity.

Tom and Shiv in Succession episode Tailgate Party

The Sopranos

The moral ambiguity of Tony Soprano and his mafia companions makes The Sopranos a captivating and unique series. In a world centered around crime, there are few morally good characters, yet their terrible deeds are often overshadowed by antagonists, making them easier to root for. This juxtaposition creates a compelling narrative of moral complexity and intrigue.

Tony Soprano and Valentina share a drink

Mad Men

Mad Men explores a culture of toxic masculinity, with characters like Don Draper and Roger Sterling being wildly charismatic despite their terrible behavior. The absence of actually likable characters makes the period character study captivating, drawing viewers into the morally challenging world of 1960s marketing.

Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men

The White Lotus

The White Lotus is a masterclass in creating distinctly despicable yet realistic characters. Each season presents a new cast of awful people for audiences to be disgusted with, highlighting subtle toxic behavior and creating a compelling narrative of moral repulsion.

The cast of The White Lotus season 1 on the left and season 2 on the right

The Fall Of The House Of Usher

A loose adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories, The Fall Of The House Of Usher presents an enormously powerful and terrifyingly realistic pharmaceutical empire. The brother and sister CEO duo are awful characters, and the premise of the Netflix miniseries sees them in a perilous situation, making it an exhilarating watch.

Bruce Greenwood looking shocked in The Fall of the House of Usher

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Each member of the gang is a terrible person in their own unique way, unintentionally ruining the lives of decent, upstanding individuals. It's Always Sunny is a hilarious yet morally vacant show, making it a refreshing departure from the typical sitcom.

Dennis, Charlie, Mac, Dee, and Frank in white robes in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm deconstructs the behavior of the entitled, out-of-touch, upper class in Los Angeles. The destructive behavior of its characters, led by Larry, makes for a comedic yet morally challenging viewing experience.

Larry and Jeff in the kitchen in Curb Your Enthusiasm

Yellowstone

Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone is about a family that has obtained too much power and will go to war to defend it. The morally ambiguous characters, including John, Beth, and Jamie Dutton, provide a thrilling narrative of power and influence, making it an intense exploration of moral complexity.

(Kevin-Costner-as-John-Dutton)-from-Yellowstone-