Top 10 Perfectly Cast TV Characters

#10: Phil Dunphy

“Modern Family” (2009-20)

The lovable idiot is a tried and tested sitcom character type that’s been done well by many actors. And it usually results in that character being a fan favorite. In the age of modern television, nowhere is that more true than Ty Burrell’s Phil Dunphy. As Phil, Burrell shows an infectious gleefulness in nearly every scene. And though his stupidity could have grown tiresome in the hands of another actor, he makes the character soar. It also helps that he’s completely kindhearted, a loving father and husband, and has some of the best comedic timing of anyone on the show. No wonder Burrell won two Emmys for his work.

#9: Violet Crawley

“Downton Abbey” (2010-15)

Considering Maggie Smith was already ingrained in the minds of most viewers as the strong-willed Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series, it says a lot that she was able to so perfectly embody another character so soon. As Violet Crawley, Smith added some much appreciated comedic relief. And she delivered every line with feisty ferociousness that stole every moment she was a part of. The Dowager Countess of Grantham never let her family forget who was in charge, even if her decisions could sometimes lead to her family’s unhappiness. She believed she always knew best and Smith wore that confidence phenomenally.

#8: Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli

“Happy Days” (1974-84)

Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli is the epitome of a classic sitcom character. Undeniably cool and carefree, the rest of the characters on “Happy Days” usually look to him for answers. That’s just how the character was written. But in the hands of Henry Winkler, the character has become a pop culture icon. With a naturally winning smile and more charm than anyone should ever have, Winkler took the character from a supporting role to the very reason to watch the show. His catchphrases and mannerisms are still referenced to this day. And there’s no denying that “Happy Days” would never have been as big as it was without Henry Winkler.

#7: Captain Raymond Holt

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

Andre Braugher’s dry and deadpan Raymond Holt was always the fantastic straight man to Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta, a true example of Chaotic Good. Braugher’s delivery as the strict captain often brought some of the most surprising laughs. But it was when he shed this aspect that his performance was the most successful. Throughout the show, he’d grow closer to his detectives, showing sympathy towards their respective struggles. But the shenanigans of his subordinates would also rub off. And the character’s trademark stoicism would clash hilariously with each ridiculous situation. Braugher was incredible in the role and deserves more recognition.

#6: Ron Swanson

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Speaking of perfect stoic and deadpan delivery, Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson may just be the king. A government worker who doesn’t believe in the government and hates being around people are certainly clashing character values. But on the show, it had us in stitches. Ron was the stern father of the office who had unbendable beliefs on how people should act. Always the outdoorsman, he was also undeniably the most conventionally “manly” character. And while this still would’ve made Ron a great sitcom character, it was Offerman’s warmth that frequently shined through, earning him a spot on this list. Honestly, it’s hard to tell where the character ends and the actor begins.

#5: Dana Scully

“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)

“The X-Files” is one of the most iconic shows to debut in the 1990s. And Gillian Anderson’s Dana Scully is one of the reasons so many fans love it. At first glance, a skeptic of anything supernatural on a sci-fi show seems like a hard sell. But it’s Anderson’s surefootedness in the role that made Scully such a strong character. For a majority of the show, Scully was a staunch believer in only what she witnessed, despite her Catholic upbringing. And playing against David Duchovny’s Fox Mulder, anything but a skeptic, made the show soar to incredible heights. The show’s writing is undoubtedly wonderful, but it’s Anderson that made Scully one of the deepest characters on TV.

#4: Michael Scott

“The Office” (2005-13)

It could have been very easy for Michael Scott to be the ‘villain’ of the show. An overbearing boss amusing himself while making others uncomfortable is pretty hate-worthy, after all. While the character definitely started out this way, Steve Carell’s charm and love shined through. And let’s face it, his comedic timing is so good there’s no way we could’ve actually hated him. Michael’s obsession with being liked went from annoying character quality to something that drew empathy from the viewers. In Carell’s hands, Michael surprisingly warmed our hearts. And when he left in the show’s seventh season, his absence was definitely felt.

#3: Tony Soprano

“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)

Movies have been giving violent gangsters the limelight for decades now. But the first TV gangster to truly show there was something more underneath the brutality was Tony Soprano. Don’t get us wrong: he still did some pretty vile things; enough even to make up a Top 10 list. But his struggles as the leader of the DiMeo Crime Family were expertly navigated by the late, great James Gandolfini. Tony was such a fundamentally flawed character and Gandolfini sank into the role with such gusto that it earned him three Emmys in a row. The actor excelled at the ferociousness asked of him, but he was just at home in scenes that called for a softer touch.

#2: Walter White

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

From one TV anti-hero to another. Anyone who saw Bryan Cranston play the goofy Hal on “Malcolm in the Middle” was surely surprised to find him in this intense crime drama. But that just goes to show how much talent Cranston actually has. Walter White’s descent from mild-mannered chemistry teacher to power-hungry drug lord is one of television’s most fascinating arcs. The show is overflowing with deceptive backstabs and intimidating speeches, all of which Cranston nails. There is a definite darkness in this character and Cranston brought it to life, giving every line 110%. White is an easy character to hate, but Cranston made it so we couldn’t wait to see him again.

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

Dr. Frasier Crane, “Cheers” (1982-93) & “Frasier” (1993-2004)

From “Cheers” Supporter to Star of His Own Show, Kelsey Grammer Is a TV Legend

Moira Rose, “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

Catherine O’Hara’s Hilarious Performance Lit Up Every Scene

Buffy Summers, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

A Badass Hunter Captured Wonderfully by Sarah Michelle Gellar

Peggy Olson, “Mad Men” (2007-15)

A Big Thank You to Whoever Cast Elisabeth Moss

Chandler Bing, “Friends” (1994-2004)

There’s a Reason He Was Everyone’s Favorite & That Reason Was Matthew Perry

#1: Tyrion Lannister

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Regardless of how the show wrapped up, there’s no denying that “Game of Thrones” had a ton of great actors. And Peter Dinklage as the downtrodden yet brilliant Tyrion Lannister was always one of the show’s highlights. Though he’s much more handsome than the source material, Dinklage brought George R.R. Martin’s character to life beautifully, taking him from drunken ne'er-do-well to conflicted politician and impressive strategical mind. And in a show that was packed with chilling monologues, Dinklage delivered some of its best. Seriously, his speech while on trial for Joffrey’s murder still gives us goosebumps no matter how many times we’ve seen it. There’s simply no one who could have captured Tyrion so well.