Unveiling the Ultimate Roster: The Top TV Characters That Defined the Last Decade

Summary

Television has seen a surge of original and captivating characters in the past decade, challenging and subverting traditional expectations.

The writing in television has reached an unprecedented level of quality, enabling screenwriters to express themselves more effectively and develop deep, captivating characters that become iconic. From Kendall Roy in "Succession" to Kim Wexler in "Better Call Saul," television has given us complex and compelling characters that resonate profoundly with audiences.

Over the past decade, the small screen has introduced an abundance of fresh and unique TV characters, with a select few standing out as exceptional. While some may argue that the acclaimed "golden age" of television, which began with The Sopranos in the late 1990s, did not extend beyond the 2010s, there have been notable shows since 2020, although few have reached the revered status of Breaking Bad and The Wire. In a saturated medium, writers and directors have needed to defy expectations in order to keep their work captivating, often resulting in groundbreaking character portrayals.

The writing quality of television is currently at its peak, with screenwriters now having the freedom to create shows that may not necessarily become cultural phenomena like their predecessors. This means that writers no longer have to cater to a broad audience; they can fully express themselves as long as the quality is maintained. In this regard, television is more forgiving than film. Television writers have the freedom to shape their characters as they wish, leading to the creation of legendary characters.

Kendall Roy – Succession

Fleabag – Fleabag

: Kendall stands out among the members of the Roy family, earning his place on this list due to his Shakespearean downfall and Jeremy Strong's exceptional portrayal of the eldest son. Despite Kendall's manipulation, anger, and occasional malevolence, audiences found themselves cheering for him, especially when he faced off against his tyrannical father, Logan. This is a testament to the remarkable creativity of writer and creator Jesse Armstrong, as well as to Strong's ability to capture the tragic essence of the character like no other. Kendall's arduous journey to the top mirrors a biblical struggle, and the lasting image of his character in the final scene will be etched in our memories.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is currently everywhere, making her mark in Hollywood with her remarkable skills in screenwriting, producing, and acting. Her rise to fame began when she transformed her own solo stage production into the widely acclaimed series Fleabag in 2016. Initially airing on Channel 4 in the UK and later reaching a global audience via Amazon Prime Video, Fleabag introduced a nameless yet relatable protagonist who breaks the fourth wall. This character faces constant challenges while mourning the loss of her closest friend. With exceptional acting and a poignant narrative, Fleabag offers viewers a protagonist they can truly connect with. Regrettably, this captivating series concluded after just two seasons.

Lorne Malvo – Fargo

Raymond Holt – Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The first season of Noah Hawley's TV adaptation of the Coen brothers' 1996 crime thriller Fargo exceeded expectations and established itself as a standout series. Among its ensemble cast, Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of the psychotic killer Lorne Malvo stands out as truly unforgettable. With his unpredictable and sadistic nature, Malvo takes pleasure in toying with people and causing chaos throughout Minnesota. He faces off against the FBI and organized crime, driven by his malevolent and ambiguous goals. Thornton's performance is exceptional, making Malvo one of the most compelling villains in the series to date.

Surprising to many, Andre Braugher's prior experience as a dramatic actor belies his role as Captain Holt in the Fox/NBC comedy show Brooklyn Nine-Nine. With nuanced humanity, Braugher portrays the socially awkward yet kind-hearted police captain who elicits both laughter and admiration. The comedic clash between Holt's seriousness and Jake Peralta's silliness is timeless, but it is Holt's unwavering principles that truly define his character. Throughout the show, glimpses of Holt's compassion for diversity, equality, and camaraderie within the police force are interspersed with some of the wittiest one-liners ever seen on television.

Robert Ford – Westworld

Despite having a remarkably diverse career in cinema, Sir Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Dr. Ford in the initial two seasons of Westworld stands out as his most polished performance. With layers of nuance and subtlety, his portrayal is enhanced by a sprawling plotline that spans seventeen thought-provoking episodes filled with philosophy, speculation, and violence. Ford, as a character, remains enigmatic and captivating, devoid of any overt fright. Yet, his undeniable power stems from the belief that every unfolding event is intricately orchestrated by him, even when the reasons behind his actions are elusive.

Rustin Cohle - True Detective

The first season of the acclaimed anthology series True Detective is widely recognized as the finest, largely due to the exceptional performances of Woodie Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as the lead characters. McConaughey's portrayal of Rust, a deeply troubled and enigmatic character with overtly nihilistic tendencies, is remarkably intelligent and endearing. While his introspective monologues contribute to his appeal, Rust truly shines when he is in conflict with Harrelson's Marty, particularly when they are in the same room. McConaughey's depiction of Rust earned him numerous nominations and awards, riding on the success of his previous year's Academy Award win.

Diane Nguyen – Bojack Horseman

June / Offred – The Handmaid’s Tale

In a universe teeming with absurd combinations of humans and animals, alongside a barrage of misadventures, Diane Nguyen emerges as the stabilizing force for Bojack Horseman. While she remains firmly grounded, her character is far from uncomplicated. Intelligent, self-reliant, and deeply principled, Diane serves as the perfect counterbalance to the sometimes villainous Bojack Horseman, particularly in a show that prioritizes intricate and consistent character development. Within this fictionalized version of Hollywood, where self-interest reigns supreme, Diane's passion, maturity, and altruism offer a refreshing contrast. Her truthful approach to confronting her own struggles creates a captivating narrative arc that extends throughout the entire series. While Diane might not be the most memorable character in the Bojack Horseman lineup, she undoubtedly stands as the series' most remarkable figure.

In the Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale, viewers are introduced to Offred, portrayed by Elisabeth Moss, in the dystopian and theocratic regime of Gilead. Stripped of her identity and ripped away from her family, Offred becomes subjected to the authority of her commander, Fred, who forces her to bear his children in a society where infertility is prevalent. The premise seems utterly despairing, and much of the narrative reflects that, but Offred personifies the perseverance and strength of women living under oppressive regimes, resonating profoundly with audiences. Moss’s portrayal is as exceptional as ever, but Margaret Atwood’s character was truly remarkable as early as 1985.

Paper Boi – Atlanta

Kim Wexler – Better Call Saul

Atlanta, Donald Glover's FX series, delves into the lives of characters Earn, played by Donald Glover himself, Darius, played by Lakeith Stanfield, and the rising rapper Paper Boi, portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry. The character of Paper Boi, complex and multifaceted, confronts the challenges of fame while striving for success in the rap scene of Georgia. Enduring hardships and making sacrifices along the way, his journey resonates with audiences due to the humanity and realism that Henry brings to the role. What sets Atlanta apart is its commitment to authenticity, exemplified by the depiction of Paper Boi's struggles.

The issue that all prequels need to address is the difficulty of making the audience care about characters whose ultimate fate is already known. Overcoming this challenge is notoriously tricky, but Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould skillfully accomplished it in Better Call Saul, the Breaking Bad spinoff/prequel, by introducing new characters who are instantly likable. Among them, Kim Wexler shines the brightest and truly steals the spotlight from the eponymous lawyer in the final seasons. She initially embraces her inner 'Saul' before ultimately rejecting it. Describing the intricacies of her character arc would not do it justice, but it can be argued that Kim is the finest character in the entire Breaking Bad universe.