Top 10 Best Main Characters on TV Shows
Ойын-сауық
Who says that main characters have to be bores? Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at awesome television protagonists who deserve every ounce of hype they receive from fans. Our countdown includes "House," "30 Rock," "The Office," and more! Who’s YOUR favorite TV icon? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great TV videos here:
Top 20 Worst Main Characters on TV Shows - • Top 20 Worst Main Char...
Top 10 TV Show Characters With Main Character Syndrome - • Top 10 TV Show Charact...
Top 10 TV Characters That We Love to Hate - • Top 10 TV Characters T...
Don't forget to play our Live Trivia games at 3pm and 8pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!: www.watchmojo.com/play
Have Your Idea Become A Video!
wmojo.com/msmojo-suggest
Subscribe for more great content!
wmojo.com/msmojo-subscribe
MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#TV #MainCharacters #Protagonists #Drama #Sitcom
Пікірлер: 157
Who’s YOUR favorite TV icon? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 TV Show Characters With Main Character Syndrome - kzread.info/dash/bejne/aXeJlLuEdaW8pJc.html
@mauricesmithjr4050
3 ай бұрын
Next: top 10 best main characters in cartoons
Even though "Buffy" featured an ensemble cast, Buffy was still as layered and well written as the supporting players, thanks to a fantastic performance from Sarah Michelle Gellar.
I always thought Veronica Mars was a great main character. Super underrated!!
This list was like a slap in the face to most main characters. And that’s only a little bit of a jab at Will smith being on it.
@theseinstrumentals
3 ай бұрын
At first I was disagreeing with you as I love the character and the rest of this list seemed innocuous and popular. Then I saw the honorable mentions and #1 lol
@charity2419
2 ай бұрын
There is something wrong with this list…
Buffy Summers will stay 1 in my heart, rent free FOR ETERNITY! Her tenacity to protect her loved ones and humanity from evil ever since she was 15, while never sacrificing her femininity for a rather traditional masculine hero role, makes her a hero in my eyes. She's been resurrected twice for christ sakes, how much more badass can you get?! HUH? HUH? HUH? CAN YA? CAN YA? CAN YA?
@divinelangene6813
3 ай бұрын
True, she's such a girly girl, i love it
@tristenmoore1275
3 ай бұрын
@@divinelangene6813 not to mention a complete badass.
@divinelangene6813
3 ай бұрын
@@tristenmoore1275 one of the few main characters that can do no wrong in my eyes
Zachary Levi on Chuck was one of the best leads of all time. Was very believable when he started out as a nerd and eventually turned into a charming spy. Also the chemistry between Chuck and Sarah was the best.
Buffy is the best no questions about it.
While all the main characters on Buffy the Vampire Slayer are good, Sarah Michelle Gellar had a very difficult balancing act. She had to portray an unbelievably strong person who could actually fight supernatural monsters hand to hand, but she also had to show her vulnerability and humanity. And she wore amazing outfits and had a terrific smile.
Characters that deserved to be on here- Don Draper Bojack Horseman Lorelai Gilmore Fleabag Omar Little Ted Lasso Saul Goodman And the biggest miss of them all Walter White (no honorable mentions don't count)
@JMTE27
3 ай бұрын
Saul good one!!!!! I also picked Don Draper great choice
@mayraflores9269
3 ай бұрын
Yes on Don Draper. From the beginning we all knew he was flawed AF but that’s what I liked about. Jon Hamm did an absolutely amazing job
@marcborkowski6474
3 ай бұрын
Dexter Morgan.
Saw Dean winchester was on the list and was up high too. List approved
WHERE IS OLIVIA BENSON?!
@almaespinal3531
3 ай бұрын
Yeahhh 😭
@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571
3 ай бұрын
you're gd right!!!
It's ironic that Will Smith only joined "Fresh Prince" after the IRS repossessed his possessions, and it became his starring role.
Viola Davis on How to get away with murder will always be my no.1 main character.
You should've included Elliot Alderson from Mr. Robot...despite all the shit he went through and his dark personality, he never loses his moral compass and still stays kind and loyal to the people around him.
We need another list. I miss the Nanny Fran Fine and Don Draper Form Mad Men.
@user-vu1hh2yq7p
3 ай бұрын
I like The Nanny, but Fran is a terrible person! She is stupid, superficial, annoying, vulgar, and vain. As a tv character I enjoyed her, but in real life I'm never letting her near my [nonexistent] kids.
This will probably be an unpopular opinion, but David Tennant and Michael Sheen for their roles as Crowley and Aziraphale in Good Omens. Incredible acting that made us laugh and cry and equal measures. ❤️
I never though that Tyrion was the main character of GOT. Actually, I don't think that GOT had a "main character" in The Sopranos way. That being said I believe that Frank Underwood, Don Draper, Thomas Shelby and Logan Roy all deserved to be mentioned here.
@tonibanov6604
3 ай бұрын
The writer of GOT confirmed he had Tyrion in mind as the main character. And since Tyrion crossed paths with two main opposed families and heavily influenced the last act, it makes perfect sense. However, each one of us has it's own impressions.
@alucard00774
3 ай бұрын
@@tonibanov6604 That can be said about Petyr though. He indirectly started the War of the 5 Kings by having Jon Arryn killed and was key character behind the war between the Starks and the Lannisters. But yes, as you said it's up to the viewer's perspective.
Buffy is a great main character and a definite icon. She is a good leader, the show obviously is about her but it’s character development amongst pretty much every character is fascinating to watch. I was a little surprised to see she made #1 but considering the show is named after her and she’s also a solid portrayal, I get it. Love Buffy
I agree with Jake Peralta.
This is a very interesting video that covers alot of info... I like the fact that you asked us what our opinions were... good going, you guys are going on my every video list ❤❤❤❤
Sorry but Tyrion was the worst in the last 2 seasons of GOT & he strongly contributed to making Bran king & to Dyenarys downfall. Not crazy about this list except for a few, not bad though. #1 is sublimely perfect ❤ for me it’s : 1. Annalise Keating HTGAWM 2. Walter White BB 3. Don Draper Mad Men 4. Lucy (that is not an honorable mention character. That is top three.)
@Joragon
3 ай бұрын
Where is Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal? Really?
Buffy Summer is a true heroine, fighting for what's right and the ones she loves
Come to think of it…who actually was the main character in game of thrones?
@agibro
3 ай бұрын
Mother of dragons, the series doesn't make sense without her
@number1fool
3 ай бұрын
@@agibro really? It’s not “dragons are coming.” though. The whole show is leading up to how winter is coming. She’s kind of a b plot at most.
@TheGoldenAlchemist86
3 ай бұрын
I feel like Daenerys or Jon had more screen time but I never rewatched the series after it ended so I may be wrong
@billadams9986
3 ай бұрын
Probably no one, but if forced to choose, I'd say Jon Snow.
@Anony-mous961
3 ай бұрын
Arya is the main character all along! She gets to kill Walder Frey, his army, Littlefinger & the MAIN villain of all NIGHT KING!!!
Where is Annalise Keaton from How to get away with murder?!
I feel like Rick Grimes should be here. Without him, walking dead didn't feel the same.
Loved the list! I'd have definitely added Karen Walker from Will & Grace to that list. And my millennial heart is dancing at Buffy being number 1. That whole show is still so underrated.
The fact that Shaun from Psych is not on this list is Criminal
Was Tyrion actually the main character though?
Soooo glad Olivia Pope was on this list!! Well deserved for sure❤️
Main event for main characters
I find it odd none of these were before the 80s and denting Lucy or Archie who both walked so all these could run were barely an honorable mention
Where is Blair Waldorf?
It's definitely the fresh prince of Bel-Air. Happy thursday afternoon, Saraah (and BTW, nice to have you back) Take care and God bless you, greetings from Colombia to you as well.
Will Smith Dean Winchester Tony Sopranos Gregory House Cookie Lyon Sherlock Holmes Walter White Lucy Ricardo Buffy Summers Those are main reasons why the shows are just so good and worth watching
This has to be the hardest top ten ever, they are all so good
Good list
So glad you put Dean on there!
Rick Grimes
@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571
3 ай бұрын
Also Daryl Dixon too. This list is shite!
@TheMarine316
3 ай бұрын
@@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571 while I agree on his importance to the series, Daryl wasn’t the main character of the show & that’s this lists criteria
@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571
3 ай бұрын
True until rick left the series in season 9 in a crm helicopter@@TheMarine316
@TheMarine316
3 ай бұрын
@@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571 he was still the main character
@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571
3 ай бұрын
True! You got me there.@@TheMarine316
I'm not sure why but Peter Dinklage looks like a mini Dave Grohl.
Solid list, a couple of charcters I would add would be Homer Simpson, Hawkeye Pierce, and Archie Bunker for the ways in which they redefined television. My personal favorite, would be Chuck Bartowski (Chuck) as I enjoy his character arc of going from underachieving nerd, to a selfless hero in the spy world. Furthermore, Chuck is a dual character playing the role of the straight man in the Buy More (workplace comedy setting), while transitioning into the romantic comedian of the spy world. Although, I will admit that the character of Chuck Bartowski is helped by playing off the quirks and peronalities of Sarah Walker and John Casey. If you ever make a list of top tv trios, or casts in general I'd say Chuck the show deserves a place.
Solid list! While Dean Winchester would be number 1 for me, no question, I can respect your ranking. I would personally add Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen from Arrow, Grant Gustin as Barry Allen from The Flash and Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates from Bates Motel. Phenomenal acting from all three.
Like how they used the pilot song of Fresh Prince
The honorable mentions deserve to be at top 10 of this video, actually, this video should be a top 20
Y'all really straight up ignored Barney Stinson, Sheldon Cooper, Harvey Specter, Phoebe Buffay, Janet (The Good Place), and Spock
How do you leave out: Hawkeye from MASH, Gibbs or Tony from NCIS, or Olivia Benson from SVU??????
@michellemoses8836
3 ай бұрын
I would more go with Ziva from NCIS. She was a well layered character.
@5:29 he's actually very good at his job. It's what made the show great. You had Amy, who was super type A but a great cop. And Jake was her perfect counterpoint as a goofball but he was ALSO a great cop. It was believable and enjoyable and despite his antics, he wasn't just dumb and so the show wasn't dumb.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Great at his job and cares about his underlings.
Best Main characters on Tv Shows ( in order of my favorites) Reba Hart- Reba the Sitcom Piper Halliwell- Charmed Olivia Benson- SVU DJ- Full House Eleven- Stranger Things Betty- Riverdale Callie- The Fosters Spencer Hastings- Pretty little liars Rory & Lorelai Gilmore Emma Gilbert & Cleo- H20 Just add water Tia Landry- Sister, Sister Angela- Boy Meets World Alex Dunphy- Mondern Family
@joeb.evrythngEclectic5571
3 ай бұрын
Jack Bauer and Chloe?
George Lopez George Lopez (2002-2007) a Fictionalized Version of the Latino Comedian featured In great stories during early 2000's sitcom great character regardless of mild Flanderization
Micheal was always so funny and was always sweet to his co workers when he needed to be and he made show spectacular ❤️. after he left the show it wasn’t the same feeling it became dull. Also I am fan of Lesley Knope and Buffy 😁😊
would never be able to get this right too many opinions and taste for so many people
If Angela from “my so-called life”is not on here, this list will have zero merit.
I'm surely not the first person to comment this, but Dean and Sam are both equally main characters! Even though Dean is my favorite, nobody can convince me that Sam isn't as important!
😍Dean Winchester😍
How about Sheldon Cooper? Both versions. Or Niles Crane ( since we're dividing brothers), or Gil Grissom ( CSI), Cristina Yang ( GA), and um.... Mr. Feeney (BMW), the show wasn't technically about him, but darn it if he didn't steal the show, every single episode. Also, Andy McNally in Rookie Blue, Jeff Bingham in Rules of Engagement, Charlie Harper in Two and a half men, Dr. Cox in Scrubs, Anastasia Beaverhausen from Will and Grace, and so many others.
Hey when isn’t Clark Kent from Smallville on here #justicefor SmallvilleClarkkent
Buffy being first is correct but the whole list is a bit dodgy, what with all the sitcom characters and soapy shows. It's missing some icons like Don Draper, James Flint of Black Sails, Mulder and Scully, etc. Also, please don't take this as shade but as constructive criticism, the narrator keeps using falling intonation every two words which sounds like they are ending the sentence but they aren't... perhaps something to keep in mind.
Mike Mclusky from Mayor of Kingstown should've been added on the list, bc this man is the damn goat of recent TV Shows 📺
11:52 Courage, Comedy, and Cunningness are not adjectives, Miss Mojo. 😊 Otherwise, great list!
I think this particular list would work better if it were done by decade because this list lacks many great MCs from earlier TV shows
Eeik Northam of True Blood needs to be here.
Tony Soprano was fucking amazing
JFC, it's amazing how no substantial lead characters existed prior to the mid-90's. What about Archie Bunker Jessica Fletcher Lt Columbo Mary Richards Julia Sugarbaker John Steed and Emma Peel Ralph Kramden Marshal Dillon Fred Sanford Joe Friday Any one of The Golden Girls And what the chicken-fried hell is this nonsense about relegating Lucy Ricardo to an honorable mention???
Walter white…honorable mention?
Dean Winchester is my favorite brother ❤️
apart from Lucy Ricardo, all pretty recent? Richard Kimball? James T Kirk and/or Spock? Jean-Luc Picard and/or Data? The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes? Doctor Who? Jim Rockford? Lt. whatever Colombo? Ernie Bilko? Frasier Crane? Phil Dunphy? I imagine your US-centric channel may be unaware of Captain Mainwairing/Sergeant Wilson, Norman Stanley Fletcher, Anthony Hancock?
Here are my lists: 1. Queen Elizabeth II (The Crown) 2. Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris) 3. Beth Harmon (The Queen's Gambit) 4. Cassie Blake (The Secret Circle) 5. Maddy Perez (Euphoria) 6. Berlin (Money Heist: Berlin) 7. Simon Bassett (Bridgerton) 8. Seong Gi-Hun (Squid Game) 9. Celia Machado (Dynasty 2017) 10. Prince Daemon (House of the Dragon)
This list needs to be redone. There are shows that needed their characters on this list. Living single, the Wayan’s bros, Malcolm in the middle, Married with children. I could go on and on. This list was rushed and needs to be redone ASAP!!! And how could you not mention Nanny Fine?! Or Rerun?! 🙄
My favorite character of all time is Homer Simpson. My favorite after that is Mindy Lahiri (The Mindy Project.) Some of my other favorite main characters: Liz Lemon (30 Rock), Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld but my fave is George tho) and more. You guys just want us to talk about this huh? Lol Buffy is on the list let alone number one? And Walter White and Lucy are honorable mentions lol. I will say I’ve never seen those shows (well I saw the BB finale) but I know how people feel about them, and even Buffy fans would be surprised by this. Definitely keep the genres separated I would say.
John Reese from Person of Interest.
The fact that Tom Welling as Clark Kent in Smallville is not on this list, invalidates it for me. Because of Tom Welling, I can see no one else as Clark Kent.
I haven't watched this yet but im hoping to see Anneliese Keating
No Xena? She one of the best done redemption stories, feminist characters and a bisexual icon!
Olivia Pope was brilliant, but I'll never understand her ending up with Fitz. She deserved better. Should have been Jake.
Ted Lasso not being on this listing is a shame.
This list should have a part 2 and Lorelai Gilmore should have been on this list, and Marinette Dupan Cheng from miraculous ladybug, I’m glad Leslie Knope is on this list. Sabrina from the teenage witch should be on this list, Miguel from cobra Kai , Devi from Never have I ever
Color me surprised. I thought Walter would be #1 and Buffy would get the honorable mention.
Buffy Anne Summers... Allways.
Seriously no Friends character?? No Chandler or Joey??
i would have put piper from charmed on here.
Honorable mention: Xena
Wait what??? I mean I love Buffy but how is she no. 1 on this list?? 😮
4?? 1 Wrong Winchester 2.needs to be higher
YES BUFFY YEY YUPPIE YUPPIE BUFFY YEY
I thought Fraiser Crane
No Rick from the Walking Dead? 😮
Rick Grimes Andrew Lincoln is the greatest main character of all time easily
David Rose!!!!! Come on!
Didn't watch the video, can someone tell me a reason why goddamn Walter White, one of the greatest characters in fiction is only an honorable mention?....
Walter shut be No. 1
And Walter white only gets an honorable mention????????
Someone forget here about Dexter Morgan 😉
yes, Dean Winchester!!!
Buffy is the best ❤❤❤❤
No!!! That's TV characters from 2000 and up, y'all miss a lot. Speaking of you left out Karen from Will & Grace...OMG! Captain Kirk, Mork, Fonzie, Lynda Carter, John Ritter a lot.
No, no,no,no,,no, you got it all wrong. Michael Scott is number one! Lucy should have been in the top 3. Most of these main characters don't belong on this list. It should have included Jack Tripper, Hank Hill, Fred Sanford, Robert Petrie, Ricky Riccardo, Rhoda Morgenstern, etc.
Tony Soprano at #3? That's......a choice.
@rwwilson21
3 ай бұрын
That and Walter White being in the honorable mentions. Yes, BTVS is my favorite TV show but when it comes to main characters, I'll admit, those two are better.
Deans the best
reddington?
Where's Annalise Keating on this list? HTGAWM