Top 10 Moments That a TV Character Became Our Favorite

Raymond Holt is introduced as the Nine-Nine’s no-nonsense new captain. As such, you wouldn’t expect him to be the funniest character. Yet, the late Andre Braugher could spin the most basic lines into comedic gold - a talent many didn’t realize until the final decade of his career. Braugher’s gift for deadpan is on full display in this cold open where the department guesses why Amy Santiago is behind schedule. As everyone else gives outlandish explanations, Holt has the most sensible theory, which turns out to be right. Although the punchline might seem straightforward at first, the true comedy stems from how invested Holt gets in something so mundane. It’s not as if Holt won anything, but he acts as if he nailed the million-dollar question.

Catherine O’Hara was a comedy legend well before “Schitt’s Creek,” but Moira Rose became her career-defining role with this scene. The former soap star stages a comeback as a wine spokesperson, although she struggles to get several lines out… including her own name. With an accent that’s hard to pin down, Moira already had an odd way of pronouncing certain words. This commercial takes her unnatural delivery into overdrive, and the wine doesn’t help. Moria eventually powers through one take. Even then, Moria flubs multiple words, doing her best to tiptop around these slip-ups to the next line. She almost makes it to the end until the name of the winery trips her up. Still, Moria keeps going without saying, “cut!”

It didn’t take long for Samantha to establish herself as our favorite “Sex and the City” character. In the first episode, the ladies sit around the table, discussing the seemingly fruitless pursuit of Mr. Right. Samantha booms onto the scene with confidence, discussing her key to a happy sex life. Viewing Mr. Right as an illusion, Samantha focuses on treating herself as she goes from man to man - no strings attached. In the past, this mindset might’ve been treated as shallow. Samantha spoke to a new generation, though, encouraging others to unapologetically embrace their sexuality and not wait around for someone else to come along. Samantha immediately knows who she is and what she wants, making us wish she was part of our inner circle.

From the get-go, Richard Jerimovich was in the running for our favorite “The Bear” character. He officially claimed this title following his stint at a fancy restaurant. The foul-mouthed Richie has talent, although his stubbornness, temper, and insecurities constantly get in the way. While he’s quick to judge this upscale work environment, Richie not only walks away with a newfound respect for the restaurant business, but himself as well. Finding that he’s been holding himself back, Richie begins to see his true potential. This is reflected through his new wardrobe, proudly announcing in the following episode that he’s a suit guy now. Changing attire is one thing, but this shift in attitude is what elevates Richie to the top of the food chain.

With most shows, selecting a favorite character isn’t much of a contest. Watching “Arrested Development,” a case can be made for every member of the Bluth family. Reflecting on the series as a whole, there’s one moment that we keep coming back to: Tobias discovers the Blue Man Group. Everything about this subplot finds Tobias at his most hilariously inept, from initially assuming that the music act is a support group for depressed men to his attempt to get into character. You know, Tobias, you only needed to paint your head and hands blue. This leads to a line that continues to crack us up even years later. Whenever we’re feeling blue, we can always count on this character to turn us red with laughter.

Silent but deadly (but also kind of adorable), Eleven had the makings of a fan favorite from episode one. Mysterious powers, a cool haircut, and an obsession with Egos will only take you so far, however. Eleven solidified herself as one of the great modern TV characters with a rescue that was equally badass and uplifting (literally with the latter). Following a falling out with her friends, Eleven returns to find Mike and Dustin in peril. Saving Mike from a nasty fall, she guarantees that those boys won’t be messing with her friends ever again. It’s hard for anyone else to top Eleven after this display. Listening to Dustin tell off his tormenters, though, he’s got to be at least second.

Jennifer Coolidge has been giving scene-stealing supporting performances for years. She went a step further in “The White Lotus,” stealing the whole show. As the wealthy Tanya McQuoid, Coolidge found the perfect middle ground between tone-deaf and empathic. No scene better demonstrates this than when Tanya spreads her mother’s ashes. Tanya isn’t alone, although she isn’t surrounded by friends, family, or even casual acquaintances. She’s accompanied by other White Lotus guests, whom Tanya believes to be a support group. They can’t exactly tell her the truth, which adds to the cringiness of Tanya’s bitter eulogy. Tanya manages to be the show’s funniest and most tragic character simultaneously, a balancing act that she’d continue until… well, let’s just say this moment is one example of foreshadowing.

Ron Swanson isn’t easily broken. When you rip a delicious meal away from him, though, Ron isn’t just left with an empty stomach. After his favorite restaurant is closed down, Ron’s night is riddled with one disappointment after another. Going through the stages of grief, Ron accepts that his night won’t end with a mouthwatering steak. The only thing that can start the healing process is breakfast for dinner. A plate won’t do, however. Ron makes it clear to the server that he’s not leaving without eating every last ounce of eggs and bacon. If Ron were this serious and thorough at work, the government may actually accomplish something. His intense passion for food has made him the most quotable character in the parks department.

Watching “The Sopranos” for the first time, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, “Yeah, it’s good, but why does everyone say this is one of the great mob stories?” That is until episode five when you’ll think, “Oh, now I see what this show is all about.” More specifically, you’ll see what Tony Sopranos is all about. Tony is a family man, but he’s also married to the mob. Taking his daughter on a college road trip, Tony runs into a familiar rat. Killing two birds with one stone, Tony drops Meadow off at an interview while teaching Febby a lesson about speaking to the Feds. It’s a brutal scene to watch, yet one that epitomizes what makes Tony such a fascinating antihero.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Cam Becomes Fizbo, “Modern Family” (2009-20)
This Episode Won Eric Stonestreet an Emmy for a Reason

You Owe Ruth a Job, “Ozark” (2017-22)
Miss Langmore & Her One-Liners Thankfully Won’t Be Going Anywhere

Liz Lemon Can Have it All, “30 Rock” (2006-13)
Whenever We Down a Sandwich at Airport Security, We Think of This

Yasper’s Two Shots, “The Afterparty” (2022-23)
An Earworm That’ll Leave You Hoping He’s Not the Killer

George Costanza on Society, “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
The Ultimate Supervillain Origin Story

Joffrey Baratheon has got to be the most hated character in “Game of Thrones.” We’d go as far as to say that he’s the most hated character in television. It only makes sense that our favorite “Thrones” character would be the one who isn’t afraid to slap Joffrey around. Tyrion quickly won us over with his witticisms, although actions speak louder than words. As Joffrey acts like his usual obnoxious self, Tyrion motivates his nephew to show the Starks sympathy… by slapping him silly. Joffrey talks big and will only accumulate more power with time, but Tyrion shows just how pathetic the future king is with the simplest gesture. While Tyrion would have plenty of other memorable moments, our love for the character started here.

Which moment left you with newfound appreciation for a character? Let us know in the comments.