The 50 most memorable TV characters of all time

Anyone who watched "Friends" knows that Phoebe Buffay is a unique character. She is quirky, sometimes superstitious, had an interesting life before she met her core group of besties, and is the genius behind the iconic "Smelly Cat" song.

Aside from penning "Smelly Cat," Phoebe is also the character who said the now-famous line (and theory) about Ross and Rachel and being each other's lobsters. She supports her friends, and was a surrogate for her brother and his wife — proving that she has a big heart. — Olivia Singh

On "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," Carlton often provoked his family members and was unlucky in love, but the best thing to come from the character is the "Carlton Dance." The dance, which goes along to Tom Jones's "It's Not Unusual," is what people have come to associate with the hit show — but Alfonso Ribeiro explained that he didn't expect the dance to become part of pop culture. And it was inspired by a few celebrities.

"It was never even intended to be funny," Ribeiro said during an interview. "It was just that he was dancing. The dance is ultimately Courteney Cox in the Bruce Springsteen video 'Dancing in the Dark,' that's the basis. Or in Eddie Murphy's 'Delirious' video, 'The White Man Dance' as he called it. And I said, 'That is the corniest dance on the planet that I know of, so why don't I do that?'" — Olivia Singh

Lucy's goofy demeanor and penchant for hilariously finding trouble made her an instant hit with audiences. The show was also historic as her marriage to Ricky Ricardo (played by her real-life husband at the time Desi Arnaz) was the first time an interracial couple were shown married on an American show. Years later, "I Love Lucy" is still one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, and it couldn't exist without Lucy. — Anjelica Oswald

Mary Richards was a groundbreaking character and feminist icon. She broke molds as a single, working, professional woman showing the world how gendered workplaces could be. Mary was real, smart, and funny and just someone you wanted to be and be friends with. — Anjelica Oswald

The award for cringiest, most awkward, most endearing, and yes, world's best boss goes to Michael Scott. The US version of "The Office" is stacked with creatively endearing characters, but Steve Carrell's Michael Scott was the lifeblood of the series (as its later Michael Scott-less seasons proved). Michael provided more second-hand embarrassment, giggles, and unexpectedly tear-jerking moments than any other character on "The Office," and for that we are grateful. — Kim Renfro

"Marcia. Marcia. Marcia."

There may have been six children in the Brady house, but all eyes were usually on the eldest daughter who was popular, pretty, smart, and appeared to have everything going for her.

No one could forget the moment when she was hit square in the face with a football by her brother Peter and was subsequently dumped by one of the most popular boys at school. — Kirsten Acuna

Don Draper isn't a hero. He cheated on multiple wives, was an alcoholic, was often patronizing, and said some sexist and homophobic comments over the course of the show's run. But he was also a smart advertising executive who defended his employees and kept a code of ethics in his work, at least most of the time. Jon Hamm managed to make Draper likable despite his flaws, and that was no easy feat. — Anjelica Oswald

It's rare for a debut season of a show to produce an instant new cultural phenomenon, but "Stranger Things" did just that with its heroine Eleven. The super-powered, shaved-head young girl spurred a spike in sales of blonde wigs, pink dresses, and boxes of Eggos — and she's just getting started. Only mouth-breathers wouldn't think to include Eleven on a ranking of the most iconically memorable TV characters of all time. — Kim Renfro

There was nobody with a better personality than Lafayette on "True Blood." The flamboyant short-order cook was sassy and unapologetically himself. But he was not one to underestimate, whether he was dealing with cruel humans or spirits as a medium. Lafayette's dark humor was necessary to get through dark moments and the show wouldn't be the same without him. — Anjelica Oswald

Jack's name may not be in the show's title, but Jack is the best character on the series. As Will's best friend, Jack is always around, inserting his jokes and hilarious reactions at just the right moment. His charismatic personality results in instant laughs. — Anjelica Oswald

Buffy is obviously the main character of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," but Willow had one of the best character arcs on the show. Some fans even consider her the best character on "BTVS." She met Buffy during her sophomore year of high school, and as a member of the "Scooby Gang," she used her smarts to help out the team. And who could forget her iconic sweater choices?

As the show progressed, Willow's role became more significant, as her witch powers became an asset to the team. She became arguably the most powerful witch, traveled to the dark side of magic and turned into "Dark Willow" at one point, and saved the day several times. — Olivia Singh

Of the four main characters on "The Golden Girls," Rose is arguably the standout. This is because Rose is played by American gem Betty White, but also because Rose has some of the show's best one-liners. She's a hilarious character, but also has a lot of heart, as seen through her volunteering and other good deeds. — Olivia Singh

Henry Winkler made wearing leather jackets cool, even when water skiing. He set a good example for others by treating those he dated and everyone around him with the utmost respect. The Fonz was the cool cat everyone looked up to and who everyone wanted to be like. We don’t even care that he literally jumped a shark. — Kirsten Acuna

"Gilmore Girls" is centered on Rory and Lorelai, but the standout star of the show is Paris Geller. She's considered Rory's frenemy, but Paris is a noteworthy character because of how driven she is. She is ambitious, highly motivated, calls things as she sees them, and sometimes guilty of overachieving. Paris might be impatient and rude at times, but at least she has goals and wants to make an impact in the world. — Olivia Singh

Written with novelistic richness by David Chase and portrayed with empathy and menace by James Gandolfini, the star of HBO's "The Sopranos" was the anchor in the drama that changed television. More than just a thug, Soprano is a serially adultering family man. He’s a gangster who’s murdered plenty of people and understands he needs to see a therapist about it, but can’t spill any secrets. His entire existence is a high-wire act, and it’s a thrill to watch Gandolfini inhabit him on screen. — Jacob Shamsian

Olivia Pope is indomitable. A force to be reckoned with, the former crisis manager and chief of staff, wants to dominate DC and comes extremely close to ruling it all. She's fearless and generally unshakable, but she is learning that she can lose the ones she cares about by taking things too far. But one thing is for certain, no one wants to be against her. — Anjelica Oswald

The probably-immortal and lovable weirdo Kenneth Parcell won't be forgotten any time soon in television history. From his eager demeanor to the punchy one-liners throughout the series' run, Kenneth is arguably one of the best characters Tina Fey has ever dreamt up. Plus, Jack McBrayer will forever feel typecast as a naive and sweet do-gooder after this role.  — Kim Renfro

The Conner's sassy middle child was always prepared with a sharp-witted response. She had to be when Roseanne was her mom. Darlene proved it was OK to be a strong and confident young woman who didn’t need to conform to gender norms. She juggled basketball, baseball, and sports watching with her father along with her penchant for creative writing.

She didn’t care what anybody thought of her and it made her one of the most progressive female characters on '90s television. Gilbert reprised her role as Darlene on ABC's revival of the show. — Kirsten Acuna

Mr. SquarePants is the world's most-recognizable cartoon sea creature, beloved by children and adults alike. If his lovable affect wasn't enough to solidify him on this list, the resurgence of SpongeBob SquarePants memes made this character a shoo-in. Long live Bikini Bottom's most popular resident!  — Kim Renfro

Bryan Cranston's descent into drug lord Heisenberg on "Breaking Bad" cements his place on this list.

Has there ever been a show which made viewers go from rooting for a character to hating him over the course of five seasons? That’s what Cranston did as he transformed from the show’s protagonist to its main antagonist after timid high school Walter White was diagnosed with terminal cancer and decided to start a meth empire with an old student.

Let’s not forget Cranston tossed a pizza atop the White household on one take. He's definitely the danger. — Kirsten Acuna

Yes, Elizabeth Montgomery as witch-passing-for-mortal on "Bewitched" set the standard for which comedic witches would be held up against forever, but it was her troublesome cousin, Serena, who stole the show. While Samantha tried to fit in to the mores of suburban life, Montgomery really got to express the counterculture, sexual freedom of the '60s through Serena. — Jethro Nededog

The genius of "Futurama" is that no single character in the show was the "straight man." They were all wacky. And it’s Philip J. Fry, voiced by Billy West, who was the heart and soul of the enterprise. Cryogenically frozen for a millennium, he emerged in a world where everyone he knew was dead. "Futurama" never forgets that deeply depressing fact as it careens across the universe and gets the Planet Express crew into different situations. — Jacob Shamsian

Sheldon’s roommates must drive him to work, alert him hours ahead of time before a guest comes over, and absolutely cannot sit on his couch cushion. Those are just some of Sheldon’s absurd rules for living together.

One of the quirkiest characters to ever appear on TV, Dr. Sheldon Cooper is a proud nerd who is insanely brilliant but lacks a normal understanding of sarcasm, humor, and other people’s emotions from time to time. With the help of his friends and eventual fiancé, his character’s personal growth over 10 seasons made audiences fall in love with him.

Jim Parsons won the Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his role on the show four times. Bazinga indeed. — Kirsten Acuna

Tatiana Maslany played every one of the five main clones (and all the extra clones) perfectly, but Helena was the standout. Taken away at birth and raised by oppressive nuns in a Ukrainian convent, Helena began the show as an assassin ready to murder at any moment. By the end of the series, she could still kill at any moment but was fiercely protective of her sestras and babies. Her ability to be dangerous and sweet at any given moment is not easily forgotten. — Anjelica Oswald

John Locke is one of the most compelling characters ever to grace a broadcast series. Anyone familiar with "Lost" will tell you that the show's many subplots and interweaving narratives always excelled when Locke was at the center of the drama. As "Lost" pushed ideas of faith and the cruel testing of beliefs, Locke was an integral force in the series. — Kim Renfro

Mother of Dragons. The Unburnt. Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea. Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon children are the first iconic symbols you think of when HBO's "Game of Thrones" comes to mind. Though HBO's hit series is laden with memorable characters, Daenerys stands out for her status as an imperfect heroine who is recognizable to practically everyone on the planet. — Kim Renfro

In Donald Glover’s magical realist vision of Atlanta, Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles, played by Brian Tyree Henry on the FX show, is Glover's character's cousin, an up-and-coming rapper with unsure footing in the music industry.

In his music, he projects a strong, aggressive, masculine image. But in his real life, he’s aimless and makes money by selling drugs. He knows he should be doing something to boost his rap career, but his scattershot approach doesn’t seem to help much. He’s filled with raw talent, unsure how to get it out there, and half-hearted about whether he even wants it to happen. — Jacob Shamsian

"Murder, She Wrote" aired on TV for more than 10 years, and is one of CBS's most successful shows. It lasted for 12 seasons and won two Golden Globes for best drama TV series. Angela Lansbury starred as Jessica Fletcher, a widow who spent her time writing mystery novels and solving crimes in Cabot Cove, Maine. Lansbury's four Golden Globe wins for best performance by an actress in a drama TV series in 1985, 1987, 1990, and 1992 speak to the impact of Lansbury's role. — Olivia Singh

On "Three's Company," Jack is the roommate of Janet and Chrissy. Over the course of eight seasons, Jack entertained viewers with his juggling mishaps, failed attempts at yoga, and embarrassing moments in front of women — among many other hilarious scenes. John Ritter's role on the show even earned him a Golden Globe in 1984 for best performance by an actor in a comedy or musical television series.

After "Three's Company" ended in 1984, Jack got his own spin-off titled "Three's A Crowd," which lasted for one season. — Olivia Singh

Sam may have been a womanizer, but the heart of the charming former Red Sox relief pitcher was usually in the right place. At the end of the day when he wasn’t sparring with Diane, he was the guy you wanted to grab a drink with at the bar where everybody knows your name.

Danson won two Emmys for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his role on the show. — Kirsten Acuna

Every character on NBC's "Seinfeld" has their moments, but the one that sticks with you longest is Elaine Benes. Along with Jerry, she feels like the straight one of the group while Kramer and George get into kooky situations.

But it’s that impression that gives Elaine’s jokes so much punch. She often ends up with the best lines of each episode, often regaling everyone with tales of her boyfriends or the Soup Nazi. It doesn’t hurt that Julia Louis-Dreyfus can act circles around the rest of the cast. — Jacob Shamsian

"If Daryl dies, we riot." That’s what fans have been saying for years if Norman Reedus's character is ever killed off the zombie apocalypse series.

Daryl Dixon isn’t even a character from the original graphic novels of the same name, but fans — and moms — fell hard for Reedus' crossbow-wielding, tough-as-nails hunter with a heart of gold. No one cries harder than Daryl when he loses a loved one and his tender moments with Carol and his brother-in-arms Rick send the fandom into fits of emotional heartache.

Who could be unmoved by Daryl’s cry face? — Kirsten Acuna

Whether she was sipping on martinis, giving her iconic wink, or freaking out over private investigator Gene Parmesan, the Bluth family matriarch was the true icon of "Arrested Development." She somehow managed to be endearing despite her critical and often cruel comments about her children. 

Her one-liners are still the best to this day: "I mean it's one banana, Michael. What could it cost? $10?" — Anjelica Oswald

In "Seinfeld," George Costanza — played by Jason Alexander — was a stand-in for Larry David, who produced and wrote the show with Jerry Seinfeld. With HBO’s "Curb Your Enthusiasm," David starred as himself.

Using the same technique that blurred real life and on-screen projections as "Seinfeld," David ratchets up his neuroses to the extreme. He’s constantly (and correctly) pointing out the flaws in everyone else, upending lives, and feeling victimized by the universe. Whether it’s tripping Shaquille O’Neal, reviving “The Producers,” or making a musical out of Salman Rushdie’s life, it makes for great comedy. — Jacob Shamsian

When Michael Kenneth Williams initially joined HBO's "The Wire," his character was only supposed to appear on approximately seven episodes — but he remained a focal point of the show for all five seasons. Omar is a complex character, as a man who robs drug dealers, but also has morals. He lives by a code and despite his life of crime, he cares deeply for the important people in his life, like his grandmother.   

"The Wire" was praised by fans and critics, and even Barack Obama admitted that he was a huge fan of Omar and the show. — Olivia Singh

CBS's "All in the Family" is one of the network's most popular, but also controversial sitcoms. On the show, Archie was a conservative, World War II veteran with little tolerance for people who were unlike him (like his son-in-law Mike, who was an outspoken liberal).  

Archie's comments in regards to other races and ethnic groups are now viewed as controversial, with some viewers perceiving some jokes as insulting and insensitive, Meanwhile others thought otherwise. Regardless, Archie was such a standout character that he got his own spin-off show shortly after "All in the Family" ended in 1979, titled "Archie Bunker's Place." His "All in the Family" chair also has a permanent home at the National Museum of American History. — Olivia Singh

Move aside Gilligan. Who didn’t want to be the sweet and naive Kansas native, Mary Ann? While Ginger and Mrs. Howell were more refined and uptight, Mary Ann cooked and cleaned all while keeping her hair in perfect pigtails. She looked like the perfect girl next door. Years later, actress Dawn Wells said she received a lot of fanmail from men who proposed to her. — Kirsten Acuna

Leslie Knope's optimism was infectious to everyone around her, including "Parks and Recreation" viewers. She taught everyone the importance of friendship and good food (waffles). And she was a feminist icon, empowering women to celebrate each other and stand up against mistreatment. Her belief in bettering the world and her hard-working attitude are lessons to take to heart. — Anjelica Oswald

With the rise of popular TV anti-heroes came the sociopath who only murdered murderers (and the like) — Dexter Morgan. The early seasons of "Dexter" cemented Michael C. Hall's character as an unforgettable morally grey character with equal appeal as a calculated serial killer and charming husband and father. — Kim Renfro

The reason Fox's "The Simpsons" has remained essential all these years is because of Homer. He’s an immortal Archie Bunker with a somewhat more sensitive soul and a severely lower IQ. As both an illustration (made with simple shapes and lines) and a character (who’s always bumbling into impossible situations yet fundamentally loyal to his family), there’s no one else in television history who comes close. — Jacob Shamsian

You'd be hard-pressed to forget any TV character nicknamed "The Nazi," let alone the fiercely talented and compassionate character of Miranda Bailey. While "Grey's Anatomy" title character Meredith shines in her own right, Bailey has upheld the show's blend of emotional and witty storytelling together for over a decade. — Kim Renfro

Sure, Raymond was the lead character of the show, but the NYPD officer played by Brad Garrett, who felt like he lived in his brother's shadow, was the heart of the show. He lived across the street from Raymond with their parents and the two were always getting into mini feuds in their ongoing sibling rivalry.

While the show focused on Raymond’s family, it took nine seasons for Robert to finally receive his happily ever after with Amy. And who could forget his dance moves? — Kirsten Acuna

Though every character on PBS's "Sesame Street" is memorable, Oscar the Grouch sticks in the mind the most. He is most shrouded in mystery. Does he eat garbage? Can he smell? Does he have legs?

And it’s his attitude that, years later, remains the most relatable. Elmo and Big Bird are happy-go-lucky with the world, but Oscar can’t be cheered up. He’s the foil to everyone else on the show that all else lives by, the darkness you know is within yourself. — Jacob Shamsian

While "Sex and the City" revolutionized the way certain groups of women were represented on television, Samantha was in a league of her own when it came to subversive aspects of the series. Though Kim Cattrall's recent public fallout with the rest of the "Sex and the City" stars might affect the way you look back on the series, there's no getting around the way sex-positive Samantha changed TV culture for women. — Kim Renfro

Of all the terrible fates handed down to the characters in NBC’s "The Good Place," you get the feeling that Chidi deserves his least. On Earth, he was a professor of moral ethics. He did his best to be a good person. The reason he ended up in dire straits, we learn, was apparently because he was too indecisive.

In the show, he’s the most selfless person around. He’s broken just like Elanore, Tahani, and Jianyu, but he tries to help everyone instead of pouting or raging at the people around him. For actor William Jackson to pull it off in his first major role is a seriously impressive feat. — Jacob Shamsian

Leonard Nimoy introduced the world to Spock on "Star Trek: The Original Series." Spock's troubled childhood as a mixed kid of Vulcan and human parents caused him to eventually focus on logic and control in his life. His loyalty and friendship would know no bounds. "Live long and prosper." — Anjelica Oswald

There weren't many teenage daughters on TV in the '90s who were more rebellious than Kelly Bundy. Christina Applegate played the dimwitted wild child who was more focused on men and a flair for fashion than getting good grades. She was her father’s princess and despite fitting a “dumb blonde” stereotype, nobody was messing with Kelly Bundy. — Kirsten Acuna

Never has a television show’s "straight man" had to deal with more trouble than Kermit the Frog on ABC's "The Muppet Show."

While in most sitcoms, the main character has to keep a family from fighting or make it to the end of the day at their workplace, Kermit — created, voiced, and puppeteered by Jim Henson for most of his existence — has to deal with a daredevil performance artist who may or may not be an alien, the drummer of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and his on-again-off-again high-maintenance sweetheart, Miss Piggy.

And somehow he has to make sure "The Muppet Show" — the meta show-within-a-show — is spectacular every single day while overcoming his innate sadness to be energetic about it and keep his guests happy all the time. It’s a tough gig, and Kermit has inspired great loyalty from his cast and crew with his commitment. — Jacob Shamsian

"The Leftovers" will likely go down in history as one of the best TV shows that not nearly enough people watched. Alongside with that legacy will be the character of Nora Durst, played by the captivating Carrie Coon. Nora's journey as a grieving parent and tuning fork for the people reeling around her remains one of the best performances on television I've ever seen. — Kim Renfro

When the wholesome, coffee-drinking, cherry pie-loving FBI agent entered the town of Twin Peaks, ABC's viewers saw him as just another of David Lynch’s eccentric creations. As the show went on and Cooper — played by Kyle MacLachlan — investigated the death of Laura Palmer, he turns out to be so much more. He was chosen to investigate this spirit-stricken town for a reason, and there’s no man better for the job.

On the show’s revival, "Twin Peaks: The Return," which aired on Showtime 25 years after the first two seasons, Cooper was replaced by a doppelganger. He wasn’t himself. The entire season is a journey for him to return to a world nervous and broken without him. When he arrives, his appearance is unmistakable. He is a strong hug at the end of a long day. He is the image of bureaucratic competence. He is a cup of damn good coffee. — Jacob Shamsian