Top 100 Best TV Performances of All Time

#100: Jaleel White

“Family Matters” (1989-98)

So many of our favorite TV shows throughout history have standout characters. A lot of them are featured on this list, but it only feels right to kick off the countdown with one of the most memorable TV personalities to date. Jaleel White rose to prominence playing Steve Urkel, the boy enamored with Laura Winslow. He’s a quintessential nerd, right down to the nasal voice, oversized glasses, and suspenders. We get in touch with our inner nerd whenever he says, “Did I do that?” White’s performance is memorable for being endlessly quotable and possibly the best part of the entire series. Can you believe he was only supposed to have one appearance on the show?

#99: Henry Winkler

“Happy Days” (1974-84)

Speaking of stand-out characters and performances, enter the Fonz. While this show has more of an ensemble cast that focuses on the main friend group and Richie Cunningham’s family, the character we all still talk about today is Arthur Fonzarelli. The “ay,” the ability to start the jukebox just by hitting it, the leather jacket, and even “jumping the shark” have all made him iconic. Winkler’s performance made “Happy Days” even more memorable. Henry Winkler may have reached new audiences in this century with roles like Gene Cousineau in “Barry,” but to classic television fans, he’ll always be Fonzie.

#98: Ayo Edebiri

“The Bear” (2022-)

An eclectic group of characters keeps the kitchen running on “The Bear.” While it’s hard to compete with Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri can hold her own. As Sydney, she brings heart and emotion to the group on the show. We enjoy watching her improve her cooking skills and her relationship with the fellow characters. Even in the few short years that this show has been on the air, Edebiri has won a ton of awards for her performance. She even won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series in 2024. All we have to say is “yes, chef.”

#97: Amanda Seyfried

“The Dropout” (2022)

It’s not always easy to leave a lasting impression in a mini-series performance, but Amanda Seyfried definitely left her mark in “The Dropout.” Elizabeth Holmes’ story was worldwide news. So, when it was to be portrayed on the small screen, we all knew the casting had to be perfect. Amanda Seyfried brought the fraudster story to life through her sharp, cunning, and hilarious acting chops. Sometimes we felt like we were watching a documentary rather than an interpretation of the events. We felt Holmes’ emotions right alongside her as we watched the show. That’s a testament to the masterclass that Seyfried put on with her performance. We’re not surprised that she won several accolades for this.

#96: Peter Falk

“Columbo” (1968-78; 1989-2003)

Falk played Lieutenant Frank Columbo off and on for over 30 years. That’s iconic in and of itself. The fact that his acting skills never waver is impressive. Peter Falk and Columbo are synonymous with each other. On the show, he manages to make us laugh, leave us on the edge of our seats, and make us blush with his wit and charm. He’s a layered character that requires a dynamic, talented actor to portray him, and Falk really delivers. Our favorite TV crime stoppers have taken Columbo’s best qualities and made them their own. We have this OG TV detective to thank for the incredible characters who have followed in his footsteps.

#95: Regina King

“Watchmen” (2019)

Who doesn’t love Regina King? We adored watching her in “American Crime” and “Seven Seconds,” but “Watchmen” is her greatest achievement in acting on television so far. She played Angela Abar, whose superhero alter ego is Sister Night. This character is proof that superhero characters can have depth. King’s thoughtful performance shows the reality of dealing with prejudice, racism, and strife while coexisting with resilience and strength. Needless to say, we were sad that this series was mini. We would have loved to see more of Abar’s story and King’s acting.

#94: Joan Collins

“Dynasty” (1981-89)

Centered around Blake Carrington, this series is full of memorable characters. But, when we think of our favourite characters on it, we think of his first wife, Alexis Colby. Her schemes, her charm, and her beauty are all archetypical of soap opera protagonists - or maybe antagonists - that we see today. The casting directors really knew what they were doing when they cast Joan Collins, as she embodied Alexis and made waves in this role. She’s a scene stealer, and we don’t think the show would’ve reached the heights it did without her.

#93: Tatiana Maslany

“Orphan Black” (2013-17)

Most people on this list only play one character on their respective show – that’s not quite the case for Tatiana Maslany. She originally played Sarah Manning, but she soon ended up playing several clones of her character. Each one she somehow plays better than the last. Whether she’s genius Cosima, soccer mom Alison, or the crazed Helena, she nails it every time. All of her characters are essential since she’s the backbone of the show. It can’t be easy acting alongside yourself in a scene, but she makes it look effortless. For that alone, she deserves a spot on our list.

#92: Tony Shalhoub

“Monk” (2002-09)

When you’re the titular character, you need to bring it, which is exactly what Tony Shalhoub did when he played Adrian Monk. He’s a character with a lot of layers, as his comedy shines through just as much as his anguish, torment, and grief. Because of this, Monk’s performance is utterly relatable, painful, and fun to watch. We’re not surprised that he won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series three times. We’re even less surprised that he was nominated for that award every year the show was on the air. Clearly Shalhoub’s acting ability is a gift, and it’s most definitely not a curse.

#91: Michael C. Hall

“Six Feet Under” (2001-05)

Michael C. Hall is a small-screen icon. We all know and love him from playing the ruthless killer and justice seeker, Dexter Morgan, but we can’t get his performance in “Six Feet Under” out of our heads. He plays David Fisher, the middle child in the family of funeral home operators. He battles with his sexuality, he’s tortured by his traumatic experiences, and he’s endearing because of his relationship with Keith and his family members. This character goes through considerable growth throughout his five seasons, becoming a confident, happy, and healed person by the end. Frances Conroy’s portrayal of David’s mother Ruth is also memorable, but it’s Hall’s performance that we remember as a standout.

#90: Katey Sagal

“Married… with Children” (1987-97)

Katey Sagal is nothing if not a versatile actress. In recent years, she’s well known for playing Gemma on “Sons of Anarchy,” whose tough exterior is a stark contrast from the character that made her famous. Peg Bundy is the heart and the humour of “Married… with Children.” She partakes in her husband’s dark humour and flips the script on family sitcoms that portray stereotypical housewives. Instead of being the caring nurturer, she essentially does nothing for her family but gives them tough love. She truly does whatever she wants unapologetically. Sagal nailed her performance in this one, and we totally believe she really could be the laziest bitch in Chicago.

#89: Gary Coleman

“Diff’rent Strokes” (1978-86)

#88: Michael J. Fox

“Family Ties” (1982-89)

#87: Matt Berry

“What We Do In the Shadows” (2019-24)

#86: Walton Goggins

“Justified” (2010-15)

#85: Rhea Seehorn

“Better Call Saul” (2015-22)

Bob Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman, aka Jimmy McGill, will forever be remembered as iconic. After all, he was a scene stealer in both “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” This makes the fact that Rhea Seehorn stood out in the latter that much more impressive. Kim Wexler was so much more than a lawyer and a love interest – she was a badass, and we’re obsessed with her character arc. She’s everything we want in a female lead. Her journey from straight-shooting lawyer to blurring the lines of the law is so fun to watch, thanks to Seehorn’s performance. We think we need another spin-off – Vince Gilligan, where you at?

#84: Elizabeth Montgomery

“Bewitched” (1964-72)

#83: Danny Pudi

“Community” (2009-15)

#82: Jennifer Garner

“Alias” (2001-06)

#81: Matthew McConaughey

“True Detective” (2014-)

#80: Sandra Oh

“Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)

Countless amazing actors have passed through the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Yet, no one can compete with the one and only Cristina Yang. She’s funny, relatable, brilliant, and compassionate as a friend and as a doctor. We adore everything that she brings to the table – operating or otherwise. Sandra Oh portrayed Yang with passion and purpose, giving every driven female viewer something to strive for and someone to look up to. Even though she was fictional, she felt very real to her fan base. We know she thinks Meredith is the sun, but we think that no one shines as bright as her.

#79: Alec Baldwin

“30 Rock” (2006-13)

#78: Ty Burrell

“Modern Family” (2009-20)

#77: Terry O’Quinn

“Lost” (2004-10)

#76: Hugh Laurie

“House” (2004-12)

#75: Gillian Anderson & David Duchovny

“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)

This duo is so good that we had to give them a joint entry. You can’t have one without the other. Both the characters and the actors who played them are so beloved by their fans for good reason. Gillian Anderson is amazing at playing the realist scientist. David Duchovny is great as the head-in-the-clouds believer. Together, they create the perfect yin and yang. Scully and Mulder’s chemistry is palpable. That’s due to the actors’ ability to sell the ‘will they or won’t they’ trope that kept viewers on the edge of their seats for years. Their dynamic is the driving force behind the show, and they are to thank for “The X-Files’” incredible success.

#74: Ted Danson

“Cheers” (1982-93)

#73: Ilana Glazer & Abbi Jacobson

“Broad City” (2014-19)

#72: Cameron Britton

“Mindhunter” (2017-19)

#71: The Whole Gang

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

#70: Brian Cox

“Succession” (2018-23)

Just like it’s no easy feat for Logan Roy to choose his successor, it was no easy task to pick just one amazing performance from this series. All of the Roy children play their roles perfectly, but we have to admit, the terrifying and turbulent patriarch is our favourite. Brian Cox is in one moment a caring yet stern father and a tactless businessman the next. Because of Cox, we could feel the tension in the family living room and in the company’s boardroom as he spearheaded so many of the show’s unpredictable plot points. We can’t imagine anyone more perfect to play this role. We’re not surprised that his portrayal garnered him a Golden Globe win.

#69: Jennifer Coolidge

“The White Lotus” (2021-)

#68: Kerry Washington

“Scandal” (2012-18)

#67: John C. McGinley

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

#66: Zendaya

“Euphoria” (2019-)

#65: David Hyde Pierce

“Frasier” (1993-2004)

This is a sitcom that always makes us laugh out loud, and David Hyde Pierce as Niles Crane is a huge reason for that. He has a sharp, dry humour that is either too intelligent for his peers or so self-deprecating that it’s borderline tragic. Whether he’s having it out with Frasier or trying, but not trying too hard, to hide his feelings for Daphne, he never fails to turn a phrase or come up with a comedic line that sticks with us even after the credits roll. This will forever be the role that is synonymous with David Hyde Pierce, and we truly love every second of his performance.

#64: Brett Goldstein

“Ted Lasso” (2020-)

#63: Fran Drescher

“The Nanny” (1993-99)

#62: William Jackson Harper

“The Good Place” (2016-20)

#61: Maggie Smith

“Downton Abbey” (2011-15)

#60: All the Ladies

“Sex and the City” (1998-2004)

Since Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte feel like one main character on this iconic series, we can’t pick between them for this entry. In this tight-knit group, Carrie is the style, Samantha is the sass, Miranda is the smarts, and Charlotte is the selfless. Together, they make the female protagonist of our dreams. Each actress was perfectly cast in their role. They all bring the right amount of humour, love, and, of course, sex, to “Sex and the City.” Considering most of these actors are reprising their roles decades after the show first aired, we think they all deserve icon status. Cheers, with a Cosmo in hand, of course, to the four of them.

#59: John Noble

“Fringe” (2008-13)

#58: Michaela Jae Rodriguez

“Pose” (2018-21)

#57: Ian McShane

“Deadwood” (2004-06)

#56: Rachel Bloom

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2015-19)

#55: John Lithgow

“Dexter” (2006-13)

When we think of this show, we tend to think of Dexter Morgan, but that’s only because if we think of Arthur Mitchell for too long, we won’t be able to sleep. John Lithgow was much more well known for his loveable and goofy characters prior to “Dexter,” like when he played Dick Solomon on “3rd Rock From the Sun,” brilliantly, we might add. That didn’t stop him from nailing his performance. He’s truly terrifying. Mitchell seems like a normal man on the outside, but he’s actually a stone-cold killer with horrifying methods who ends up being one of Dexter’s biggest adversaries. Dexter encountered many villains, but Lithgow as the Trinity Killer is one we won’t soon forget.

#54: Lauren Graham

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

#53: Taraji P. Henson

“Empire” (2015-20)

#52: Kaitlyn Dever

“Unbelievable” (2019)

#51: Uzo Aduba

“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)

#50: Elizabeth Olsen

“WandaVision” (2021)

While we’ve loved watching Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in several MCU films, she was essentially a one-dimensional character until “WandaVision” came along. This show is as mysterious as the characters within it. Slowly unpacking Wanda’s psyche week after week is thrilling for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Olsen as Wanda took us on a journey through her childhood, her romantic relationship with Vision, and her dealing with love and loss as a mother and a wife. She’s believable and relatable through every stage. Who could forget her transformation into the Scarlet Witch? We’re hoping that this is just the beginning for Elizabeth Olsen.

#49: Rachel Brosnahan

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2017-23)

#48: Millie Bobby Brown

“Stranger Things” (2016-)

#47: Phoebe Waller-Bridge

“Fleabag” (2016-19)

#46: Andre Braugher

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

#45: Jharrel Jerome

“When They See Us” (2019)

Some of the most difficult roles to play are those that portray real people, especially when the actors are tasked with playing them at their most vulnerable. Jharrel Jerome played Korey Wise, who was falsely accused and convicted of assaulting a woman in Central Park in the 1980s. “When They See Us” tells the story of his arrest and conviction along with four other boys. Jerome stood out for his truly heartbreaking performance. He’s quiet and surprisingly poised for a boy put in his situation, and the true magic of Jerome’s acting is in his body language. Audience members felt as though they could feel his pain, and that’s the mark of a truly amazing actor.

#44: Rowan Atkinson

“Mr. Bean” (1990-95)

#43: Antony Starr

“The Boys” (2019-)

#42: Jessica Walter

“Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)

#41: Megan Mullally

“Will & Grace” (1998-2006;2017-20)

#40: Elisabeth Moss

“Mad Men” (2007-15)

Elisabeth Moss has been dazzling audiences and critics alike on the small screen for years. Her performance on “The Handmaid’s Tale” had us shedding a tear or two, but the role that launched her to stardom was Peggy Olson on “Mad Men.” Her performance was truly exceptional, as she showed us that women did not have to take a backseat in a male dominated industry. Peggy starts as a scared, green secretary, becoming a strong, confident copywriter and confidante to Don Draper by the end of the show. Speaking of him, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Jon Hamm’s portrayal was incredible. There would’ve been no Peggy Olson without Don Draper, and vice versa.

#39: James Avery

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

#38: Kyle MacLachlan

“Twin Peaks” (1990-91; 2017)

#37: Angela Lansbury

“Murder, She Wrote” (1984-96)

#36: Jean Smart

“Hacks” (2021-)

#35: Donald Glover

“Atlanta” (2016-22)

Glover is the heartbeat of the series, as he’s not only the star. He’s also a creator, writer, and director. Evidently, “Atlanta” is a passion project for him, and that certainly shines through in his performance. Not only did he play the role of Earn with subtlety, heart, and humor. He even played the role of Teddy Perkins. We’re still in disbelief that it’s actually Donald Glover underneath that terrifying mask and creepy demeanor. Give him all of the Emmys, please. We also have to acknowledge Brian Tyree Henry as Paper Boi, who also puts on a great show, but when we’re talking about Atlanta, we have to give our pick to Donald Glover.

#34: Bill Hader

“Barry” (2018-23)

#33: Keri Russell

“The Americans” (2013-18)

#32: Jodie Comer

“Killing Eve” (2018-22)

#31: Benedict Cumberbatch

“Sherlock” (2010-17)

#30: Mariska Hargitay

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1999-)

Name a more iconic female crime solver, we dare you. Olivia Benson has been gracing our screens, bringing perps to justice, and helping people since the late 90s. We hope she’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Hargitay as Benson handles difficult and emotional cases with grace and compassion, but she’s also a total badass. Not only does Benson spend the series dealing with her own trauma. She makes the audience feel her pain while she heals and helps others to do the same. Her performance is consistent and noteworthy. With over 500 episodes under her belt, she’s completely embodied the role of Olivia. It’s safe to say this is her role of a lifetime.

#29: Max Greenfield

“New Girl” (2011-18)

#28: Steven Yeun & Ali Wong

“Beef” (2023)

#27: Jessica Lange

“American Horror Story” (2011-)

#26: Emmy Rossum

“Shameless” (2011-21)

#25: Leonard Nimoy

“Star Trek” (1966-69)

When you think of “Star Trek,” you might think of Patrick Stewart’s great performance as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. (xref) But, for our money, most people will think of Spock, and for that, we have Leonard Nimoy to thank. He’s the original half-human, half-Vulcan first officer of the Enterprise, and he left his mark in the world of science fiction. Although he may be different from those around him, that’s what makes him especially memorable. It’s been nearly half a century since Nimoy as Spock first appeared on television, but audiences today still know those ears and that hand gesture. Also, everyone knows what’s being referenced when someone says “live long and prosper.” That’s quite a legacy.

#24: Sarah Michelle Gellar

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

#23: Jim Parsons

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

#22: Carrie Coon

“The Leftovers” (2014-17)

#21: Jason Alexander

“Seinfeld” (1989-98)

#20: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

“Veep” (2012-19)

She’s perhaps best known for her role as Elaine Benes on “Seinfeld,” but it’s her role as Selina Meyer that cemented her as a television icon. On “Veep,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus starts as the powerless and often disregarded Vice President of the United States. By the end, she’s the formidable and confident President of the U.S. Louis-Dreyfus’s performance is mesmerizing, as she’s able to portray comedy, drama, power, and authenticity throughout Selina’s political journey. She won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy series for six years in a row. Just like Meyer, she deserves every accolade that is sent her way.

#19: Amy Poehler

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Who doesn’t love a sitcom superstar? Some that come to mind include Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues in “Abbott Elementary” and who could forget Steve Carell as Michael Scott on “The Office?” While these performances are all noteworthy, our hearts belong to the one and only Leslie Knope. Her character is perfect for Amy Poehler’s brand of comedy, as she’s always cheery and witty while also being relatable and driven. She’s a badass politician, a dedicated friend, and she’s unwavering in her dedication to her town and the people who live there. Poehler is the sunshine of this show, and we can’t imagine anyone else in this role. Did Leslie Knope walk so Selina Meyer could run?

#18: Mads Mikkelsen

“Hannibal” (2013-15)

It’s not an easy feat to take on a character as renowned as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, especially after Anthony Hopkins nailed his performance in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Mads Mikkelsen was up to the task. In this villain origin story, Hannibal is as poised and cunning as we see in later iterations of him, but he hasn’t taken a full turn to the dark side yet. Mikkelsen completely makes the role his own without diminishing Hopkins’ portrayal. He’s got charm and charisma that completely consumes his audience. The best part of his performance is his dynamic with Hugh Dancy’s Will Graham. It’s unsettling, brilliant, and an ode to the duo's acting ability.

#17: Catherine O’Hara

“Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

This series is chock-full of amazing characters. From the townspeople like Stevie and Roland, all the way to the uppity Rose family members like ditzy Alexis, overly self aware David, and stoic Johnny. Without their matriarch, “Schitt’s Creek” wouldn’t have been the comedic juggernaut that it is. She’s hilarious, but is seldom joking, and her indistinguishable accent and outlandish fashion is the cherry on top of the legendary sundae that is Moira Rose. Catherine O’Hara took a step out of her normal roles for this one, but now she’s synonymous with Moira. We’re not surprised that her favorite season is awards, because let’s be real, she deserves all of them.

#16: Edie Falco

“Nurse Jackie” (2009-15)

We loved her in “The Sopranos,” but she put on a masterclass in acting as the titular character in “Nurse Jackie.” The show itself is a perfect mixture of comedy and medical drama, balanced with a very realistic depiction of substance use. Through her portrayal, Falco as Jackie shows that those who struggle with drugs and alcohol aren’t always stereotypical, as she’s a much more multifaceted character. She is an excellent nurse who treats her patients and her family with compassion and kindness while she struggles to give that to herself. While Jackie’s story isn’t exactly a fairytale, we’ve loved every minute of this show, in large part, because of Edie Falco’s performance.

#15: Peter Dinklage

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey were unforgettable in their roles, but when it comes to “Game of Thrones,” we have no choice but to give one of our top spots to Tyrion Lannister. Peter Dinklage commands the screen in this role, and though he isn’t always at the forefront of the stories, he’s at the heart of them. Dinklage plays Tyrion with emotional volatility masked by humour as he copes with the cruel world that he’s in. Because of his performance, we deeply understand what Tyrion means when he says that he drinks and he knows things. Also, Dinklage won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for this role. We think that says it all.

#14: Viola Davis

“How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-20)

Haunting, poignant, and mesmerizing. These are some words that come to mind when we think of Viola Davis as Annalise Keating. She’s a brilliant lawyer and professor who’s fatally flawed. We unpack the various layers of her character throughout the show’s six-season run. Despite her struggles, she’s an inspiration to women who strive to excel in their professional lives, find love, and overcome their personal obstacles. She’s an icon, and she’s groundbreaking as a black woman on TV and as an LGBTQIA+ character. She showed us how to get away with murder, and we think it might be time for a rewatch.

#13: Every Golden Girl

“The Golden Girls” (1985-92)

To them we say, thank you for being our friend, and since they’re such good friends to one another, they’re all together in this entry. We’ve loved seeing Dorothy, Rose, Sophia, and Blanche go through life’s ups and downs together. Their on-screen dynamic can be attributed to the show’s exquisite casting. Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Estelle Getty perfectly balance each other out, as they are all just the right amount of emotional, funny, and relatable. When they’re all on screen together, we feel like we’re hanging out right alongside them. That’s because their performances are so authentic and their chemistry is apparent.

#12: Claire Foy

“The Crown” (2016-23)

Throughout this series, we saw three talented actresses play Queen Elizabeth II. Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton were fantastic as the older versions of the monarch, but it’s Claire Foy’s performance as the young Queen that really sticks with us. During the first two seasons of “The Crown,” Foy is at the forefront as Elizabeth, who is navigating familial dynamics and politics while she becomes an adult woman and eventually the Queen. Foy is exquisite as the composed, conflicted, and brilliant Elizabeth. She embodied this woman in a way that paid homage to her while also unpacking her most vulnerable moments. .

#11: Alan Alda

“M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

This show not only had a loyal following for its impressive eleven-year run. It also had a record-smashing turnout for its series finale. The co-writer, director, and star of that episode is the one and only Alan Alda. The heart, the brilliance, and the endurance of this show are owed in great part to Hawkeye Pierce. He’s a surgeon, he’s hilarious, and he’s tortured. All of these qualities make him a deeply relatable character, and he’s certainly a scene-stealer throughout “M*A*S*H.” His contributions cemented him as the backbone of the series.

#10: The Six Friends

“Friends” (1994-2004)

Everyone has a favorite in this friend group. Although we all identify with one of these six, when they’re all together, they make the ultimate character. Each character is driven by the actors’ amazing performances, and we truly can’t imagine anyone else in these roles. Lisa Kudrow is the sunshine, Matt LeBlanc is the goof, Courteney Cox is the mom of the group, David Schwimmer is hilariously unhinged, Jennifer Aniston is the soul, and the late great Matthew Perry brought us all of the laughs. They formed a friend group that we can all envy in a sitcom that had a true ensemble cast. We’re so happy they were here for us.

#9: Robin Williams

“Mork & Mindy” (1978-82)

Before he was winning Oscars for “Good Will Hunting,” granting our wishes in “Aladdin,” or dressing up as our favorite housekeeper in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” he was otherworldly. Starting as a character on “Happy Days,” Robin Williams launched his career as Mork, an alien who hilariously tries to navigate life on Earth. In the spin-off, Williams took center stage as the Orkan who lives with Mindy and learns how to live on our planet. While this show was a bit out there for its time, Robin Williams brought humor and light to this extraterrestrial character. He was certainly able to show off his comedic chops while keeping things wholesome and fun.

#8: Michaela Coel

“I May Destroy You” (2020)

As difficult as this show may be to watch at times, it’s important and real, and that’s because it’s grounded in Michaela Coel’s truth. She plays Arabella, and the show documents her story of survival after assault. We see her thrive, crumble, and rebuild as she navigates her trauma. Her character is so relatable, as she genuinely shows how much of a roller coaster life can be sometimes, as she can be having fun with her friends one minute and breaking down the next. Every moment is painfully believable thanks to Coel’s sensational acting abilities. Coel also created, produced, wrote, and co-directed “I May Destroy You,” solidifying herself as the heart and soul of this emotion-filled series.

#7: Carroll O’Connor

“All in the Family” (1971-79)

Guys like him, they had it made. Those were the days when Archie and Edith graced our screens along with their daughter Gloria and son-in-law Meathead, uh, we mean Michael, we knew we were in for a barrel of laughs. The center of this hilarious show is undoubtedly Carroll O’Connor as the Bunker patriarch. Watching his loving-yet-gruff relationship with his wife in juxtaposition with his and Gloria and Michael’s opposing political beliefs is hilarious even decades after the show originally aired. Archie Bunker is unashamed of his controversial views of the world and speaks proudly of them. Yet, he has a surprisingly caring and soft side too, which is all played to perfection by the late great Carroll O’Connor.

#6: Martin Sheen

“The West Wing” (1999-2006)

It’s always fascinating diving deep into the psyche of those in roles that most of us don’t understand. One such example is Jed Bartlet in “The West Wing,” carried by Martin Sheen’s picture-perfect portrayal. Jed is the president of the United States, but he’s also a very complex, layered character. He’s approachable and empathetic, yet determined and poised. He’s a blueprint for what a great leader looks like. When we think of this character, the scene in which he’s in the Cathedral, grappling with his previously unwavering faith, comes to mind. We think it’s one of the most noteworthy scenes in television history, thanks to Martin Sheen.

#5: Michael Kenneth Williams

“The Wire” (2002-08)

“The Wire” is a groundbreaking series, as it unraveled the underbelly of Baltimore with countless captivating storylines and standout characters. We have to single out the unforgettable performance by Michael K. Williams. In his role as Omar Little, he takes us to the darkest places of the streets and back again. He’s both incredibly haunting and brutally genuine. On top of being an intimidating stick-up man, he’s also a gay man who simply exists as such without struggle or opposition. This aspect of him was groundbreaking for television at this time. He could set fear, hope, or sadness into us with just a look, and it was a no-brainer to feature him on our list.

#4: Mary Tyler Moore

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)

We love seeing strong women playing strong women. We saw it with Candice Bergen in her role as Murphy Brown on the show of the same name, but we first saw it with Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards. On “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” the titular character is the antithesis of the typical female sitcom protagonist in the 1970s. She’s a single, mid-30s career woman whose story is not defined by being a mother or a wife, but by being a person. For this reason, she’s a disruptor. Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards is independent, charismatic, hardworking, and fiery, and we think she made it after all. Can we be her when we grow up?

#3: Bryan Cranston

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

This show was driven by amazing writing and creative storylines, but without Bryan Cranston at the center, “Breaking Bad” would have fallen flat. Cranston as Walter White grows from a khaki-wearing, straight-laced high school teacher to a cruel anti-hero in the form of Heisenberg. It’s arguably one of the greatest character transformations we’ve seen on the small screen. Cranston is believable as both the terrifying and the mundane versions of White. Whether his character is cooking in his underwear, throwing pizzas on the roof, or saving Jesse’s life while also saving his own legacy, we think he deserves every bit of recognition that could possibly come his way.

#2: James Gandolfini

“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)

When we think of complicated, layered, and entertaining performances, James Gandolfini as the one and only Tony Soprano comes to our mind. In one scene, he’s a merciless mob leader who terrifies us to our core. In the next, he’s pouring his heart and insecurities out. Every dimension of this character is captivating, showing the dark side of the mafia and suburbia while balancing struggles with mental health and inner conflict. James Gandolfini helped transform television from the 1990s to the 2000s. Without him, we don’t think we’d have a lot of the characters and performances we’ve mentioned so far on this list.

#1: Lucille Ball

“I Love Lucy” (1951-57)

Without Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo, television would look very different today. Everything she did on TV, she was basically the first one to do it. That alone makes her worthy of the top spot on our list. Not only was she novel, she was also hilarious, with comedic timing and physical comedy that actors have been trying to emulate for decades. Her funny moments mask her vulnerabilities. We discover who she is as a wife, mom, and person through her humorous antics. Lucille Ball paved the way for sitcoms that followed while showing us how funny women on television can be. For that, she’s got no ‘splainin to do.

Which TV legend is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!