[COUNTDOWN] 25 Best TV Characters in the Past 25 Years

article by: Maddie Boardman

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY magazine
"We take a look back at some of televisions funniest, captivating, entertaining, watchable, and not to mention lovable characters both male and female as well as live-action and animated of the past 25-years from the '90s to now. Is your favorite television character on the list? Here they are:

1) Jack Bauer, Keifer Sutherland | 24 (2001-2010)

If this list handed out faux superlatives, Bauer played by Keifer Sutherland, would be the unanimous pick for 'Worst Person to Mess With'. The unhinged off-and-on federal agent sought justice as well as righteousness. Sure, sometimes his methods were, best-case scenario, unethical, but he fought and investigated for his family trusting his gut. The role earned Sutherland a Golden Globe in 2002 for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a Primetime Emmy award in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and two Screen Actors Guild awards one in 2004 and the second in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. In 2008 he was honored with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to television.

2) Homer Simpson, voiced by Dan Castellaneta | The Simpsons (1989-present)

Homer is launching himself headfirst into every single impulsive thought that occurs to him. People can relate to him because we're all secretly propelled by desires we can't admit to. That's the disguising factor that takes Homer Simpson voiced by actor/comedian Dan Castellaneta, taking him from a great character - funny engaging, complex - to an iconic one. The role earned Castellaneta four Primetime Emmy awards for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance (1992, 1993, 2004 and 2009).

3) Buffy Summers, Sarah Michelle Gellar | Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

She died twice managing to save the world (a lot!), but aside from Buffy Summer's superhuman strength and responsibility as a vampire slayer, it was her humanity that made her such an amazing character. For 7-seasons, fans watched Buff played by actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, face an increasingly complex string of villains while also battling the trials and tribulations of everyday life as a teenage girl. The role earned Gellar a Golden Globe award nomination in 2001 for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

4) Tony Soprano, James Gandolfini | The Sopranos (1999-2007)

The shrink-visiting mobster Tony Soprano played by the late actor James Gandolfini, was the founding antihero of modern television. By any objective moral standard used to assess Tony's quality as a human being. He fares worse than Anthony Jr., in school. He's a lovable, sickening contradiction; a narcissistic indulgent family man who loves his kids and wife, as long as it doesn't interfere with his wants. Tony's not admirable - and should be detested - but he constantly demanded our attentions. The role earned Gandolfini a Golden Globe award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2000, three Primetime Emmy awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in (2000, 2001, and 2003), and five Screen Actors Guild awards: two for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series in (2000 and 2008, and: three for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in (2000, 2003, and 2008)

5) Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker | Sex and the City (1998-2004)

Carrie Bradshaw, played by actress Sarah Jessica Parker personified a new era for women in the late '90s early 2000s. The single career woman with no shame in her sexual exploits had more interest in spending money on overpriced designer shoes than on baby booties. Carrie's legacy is so lasing that the actress who played her has still not separated herself from the role more than a decade after the series wrap. Currently residing in New York just as her character did, Parker recently went a step further in her evolution to becoming Carrie, when she started her own line of expensive footwear SJP Collection. The role earned Parker four Golden Globe awards for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in (2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004), a Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2004, and three Screen Actors Guild awards: two for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and: one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

6) Mulder Scully, David Duchovy | The X-Files (1993-2002)

The enduring appeal of Mudler Scully played by actor David Duchovy, is in the way he complicates his own dichotomy, searching for the truth but finding instead an unexpected common ground with his partner Dana. The conspiracy theorist wants to believe but needs proof; the scientist is looking to take a leap. In the end, neither he or his partner can trust anyone else - but in the end, we don't need him to. The role earned Duchovy two Golden Globe awards for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series in (1997 and 2008).

7) Liz Lemon, Tina Fey | 30 Rock (2006-2013)

Whether she's working on her night cheese or attempting to wrangle the biggest egos in Rockefeller Center, self-deprecating workhorse Liz Lemon played by comedienne/actress Tina Fey was a problem-solving genius as well as creative comedic force whose logic helped her outwit an industry that thrives on idiocy. Written as being a non-vain character, skipping indulgence and giving viewers a flawed woman of failure as well as persistence. The role earned Fey two Golden Globe awards for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in (2008 and 2009), a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2008, and five Screen Actors Guild awards: four for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013), and: one for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2009.

8) Cosmo Kramer, Michael Richards | Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Any of Seinfeld's supporting characters could have made the cut, but Cosmo played by actor/comedian Michael Richards, is Entertainment Weekly's man. The wild-haired neighbor of Jerry always moved as well as spoke like he continually battled insomnia with 13-cups of coffee. His inherent off state was good for at leas one standout moment, phrase, look, or stolen food item per episode. It' hard to find one signature act becasue there are so many. Giddy-up in deed, Kramer. The role earned Richards three Primetime Emmy awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in (1993, 1994, and 1997), and three Screen Actors Guild awards for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series in (1995, 1997, and 1998).

9) Ally McBeal, Calista Flockhart | Ally McBeal (1997-2002)

Ally played by Colista Flockhart, in a breakout role charmed the viewers who joined her on her ongoing hunt for her soul mate, offering regular glimpses into her overactive, dancing baby-filled imagination along the way. Hey, forget professionalism - there's nothing more feminist than a woman being allowed to wear whatever she dame well pleases! The role earned Flockhart a Golden Globe award in 1998 for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and a Screen Actors Guild award in 1999 for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

10) Stephen Colbert, Stephen Colbert | The Colbert Report (2005-2014)

Part of the fun of watching this television host/comedian - the real one - not is conservative alter ego - take over the Late Show has been learning which aspects of his Comedy Central persona were ginned up purely for his 9-year long gag. While Colbert has proven himself to still be quick-witted, nerd-savvy ball of enthusiasm viewers have long known and loved, the comedian who has also illuminated just how thorough and multi-faceted 'Stephen Colbert' is. He created a separate lexicon, routinely breaking the fourth wall, and, when in doubt, improvising like no other. The series earned Colbert multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.

11) Roseanne Conner, Roseanne Barr | Roseanne (1988-1997)

The characters and worlds we've seen on television are so often crafted and stylized to a point where it feels so fake. One of the first shows that dared to be dirty was Roseanne, and at the helm of the filth was the unapologetic comedienne herself Roseanne Barr. As her character Roseanne Conner, the middle-American mother of three trouble-making children didn't sugarcoat any of the hard truths of life, and it made for hilarious, poignant, and sometimes painful television that you couldn't look away from. The role earned Barr her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992 for her contribution to television, a Golden Globe award in 1993 for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and a Primetime Emmy award in 1993 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

12) Felicity Porter, Keri Russell | Felicity (1998-2002)

The college years are filled with discovery. For 4-years college students discover their career goals, the loves of their lives, and who they truly are. It's a lot to condense into one universal character, but that's exactly what Felicity played by actress Keri Russell, did with its eponymous protagonist. She is realistically portrayed as the character faces the touch decisions, earnestness, and melodrama that everyone trying to find themselves in their early 20s experiences. She left a mark on the pop culture landscape that is timeless. The role earned Russell a Golden Globe award in 1999 for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

13) GOB Bluth, Will Arnett | Arrested Development (2003-2006)
The master of illusion was the master of delusion. GOB's inability to handle a simple task or even complete a act of defiance (see: his attempt to throw a letter into the sea) was delightful; witnessing his shoddily constructed facade cracking open at odd times was crazy joy (you really should, should, should, should remember this.) Cruising selfishly through life on a Segway, GOB played by actor/comedian Will Arnett, teetered on the edge of insanity and inanity while remaining grounded in pathos. Even in defeat, he would prove the punchline victor. The role earned Arnett a Primetime Emmy award nomination in 2006 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and three Screen Actors Guild award nominations in 2005, 2006, and 2014 for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

14) Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington | Scandal (2012-present)

There is only one Olivia Pope played by actress Kerry Washington, (Just as Fitz.) She's the gladiator of all gladiators. She doesn't run from crisis, but rather towards it. Olivia does what it takes to get things done, and you better believe she's got things handled. The role has earned Washington a Golden Globe award nomination in 2014 for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, two Primetime Emmy award nominations in 2013 and 2014 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and a Screen Actors Guild award nomination in 2014 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

15) Stewie Griffin, voiced by Seth MacFarlane | Family Guy (1999-present)

He's a giant-headed animated baby who curses in a British accent as well as schemes to rid himself of his mother Lois. ("Damn you, Lois!") is there anything about Stewie that isn't hilarious? Babies who plot world domination are much more interesting than babies who just lounge around looking cute...no offense Rugrats. The role has earned MacFarlane a Primetime Emmy award in 2000 for Outstanding Voice-Performance in a Comedy Series.

16) Omar Little , Michael K. Williams | The Wire (2002-2008)

In a sea of vibrant characters, Omar Little played by actor Michael K. Williams, remains the series most unique: a gay, scarred, shotgun-slinging modern day Robin Hood who steals money from drug dealers while whistling the tune "the Farmer and the Dell". The sight of him alone of swaggering down the street while little kids scamper screaming, "Omar comin'!" is unforgettable all on its own. He was an honorable man in a dishonorable world; and keeping his code while protecting his friends. The role earned Williams praise from viewers and critics alike, but during award season his performance went unnoticed.

17) Barney Stintson, Neil Patrick Harris | How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

The man himself once sang it: "Barney Stinston: that guy's awesome. The suit-wearing best friend played by actor Neil Patrick Harris, of Ted, Marshall, Lily, and Robin was prepared to prompt for a high-five or drop the perfect pick-up line. The one-liners Barney quipped were not only creative as well as hilarious: The infiltrated everyday dialogue. Find someone who says the word 'legendary' like Webster's suggests, and they probably lived under a rock for the last decade. Barney also inspired us to want to quote - "Suit up," when frequenting our own MacLaren's. The role earned Harris two Golden Globe award nominations in 2009 and 2010 for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series as well as four Primetime Emmy award nominations in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and in 2011 he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to television.

18) Rory Gilmore, Lauren Graham | Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Simply put, there has never been a mother-daughter duo on television like Rory and Lorelai played by actress Lauren Graham and actress Alexis Bledel. As the series director put it, "They are best friends first and mother-daughter second." That's what makes them different. Their quick wit and never-ending knowledge of pop culture? Well that's what makes them great. The role earned Graham a Golden Globe award nomination in 2002 for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and two Screen Actors Guild award nominations in 2001 and 2002 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

19) Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler | Parks and Recreations (2009-2015)

If optimism were her only revolution, it would have been enough, but Leslie Knope played by actress/comedienne Amy Poehler, made everyone around her optimistic, too, and so she did more - revitalizing her town, inventing a holiday to champion her fellow women as well as becoming a White House dream we could all believe in. As an advocate for the virtues of civil service, Leslie earned the praise of he non-fictional politicians she admired, all of whom number among Parks and Recreation's guest stars - and made it easier for us all to look into the future and say, "I'm ready." The role earned Poehler a Golden Globe award in 2014 for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

20) Don Draper, Jon Hamm | Mad Men (2007-2015)

Don Draper, played by actor Jon Hamm should've been the most boring character ever compared to television's other characters in a landscape packed with dragon-rearing teenage queens and meth-coking teachers-turned-kingpins - but he's a typical middle aged average all-American gentlemen in the '60s wearing a suit who works in middletown Manhattan, New York. Oh, he's also an alcoholic (every character has their flaws). And he cheats on his wife. There's noting fantastical of particularly glitzy to Don Draper on paper, but Jon brought the advertising executive to life with a defining performance that, tangentially, makes the case for eliminating special effects and sci-fi programming. Forsaking cheap gimmicks, Mad Men was as good as character studies come, and Mr. Draper was its greatest achievement. The role earned Hamm a Golden Globe award in 208 for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a Primetime Emmy award in 2015 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and two Screen Actors Guild awards in 2009 and 2010 for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series.

21) Coach Taylor, Kyle Chandler | Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

Eric Taylor played by actor Kyle Chandler, is a husband, a father, and a molder of men. he's a rarity in the world of television: The genuine good guy. Add on a Texas drawl and an unlimited supply of motivation speeches, and you've got television's greatest football coach. The role earned Chandler a Primetime Emmy award in 2011 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

22) Walter White, Bryan Cranston | Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Walter White played by actor Bryan Cranston, began as a seemingly lovable father, teaching high school chemistry and suffering from a recent cancer diagnosis, and ended as a murderous monster obsessed with power. There are hints throughout the series that this was who Walt always was, but the devastating process of his inner villain finally coming to the surface is one of the most fascinating transformations on television, and proved that an evil protagonist can be just as captivating, if not more, than a sympathetic one. The role earned Cranston a Golden Globe award in 2014 for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, six Primetime Emmy awards: four for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and: two for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series, three Screen Actors Guild awards: two for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and: one for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series, and in 2013 he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to television.

23) Cookie Lyon, Taraji P. Henson | Empire (2015-present)

It speaks to her fire that Cookie has made such an impact in only nine months of existence. The matriarch of the Lyon family earned actress Taraji P. Henson's character release from prison and shot herself into her family's (and our) lives. Cookie never hold her tongue. She's racked up a list of repeatable one-liners in fewer than 20-episodes that starring characters don't have in 100. "The name's Cookie: ask about me," she seethes early in season 1. No one ever has to again." The role has earned Henson a Primetime Emmy award nomination in 2015 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

24) Michael Scott, Steve Carell | The Office (2005-2013)

Most people, at some point, encounter a wacky boss in their careers - but likely none quite as wacky as Michael Scott played by actor/comedian Steve Carell, who's character was a misguided and misunderstood manager that has a penchant for saying inappropriate things ("That's what she said!") in the workplace. The brilliance of the character, though, is that Michael is both ridiculously annoying as well as a sympathetic guy who just wants to be loved. In the span of just one scene, he can go from cringe-worthy to heartwarming, a delightfully realistic individual, complex contradiction that contributes to why Michael Scott's season 7 departure stings even years after the fact. The role earned Carell a Golden Globe award in 2006 for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and two Screen Actors Guild awards in 2007 and 2008 for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

25) Rachel Green, Jennifer Aniston | Friends (1994-2004)

Rachel Green was spoiled, flighty, shallow-at-times, and completely lovable. Famously played by actress Jennifer Aniston for 10-years, the character who inspired her own haircut was relatable in her early ignorance and missteps. We watched Rachel get her first job, navigate her various tumultuous relationships, and learn to stand up for herself. She grew-up with Friends' viewers, evolving from a dependent, uninspired, directionless 20-something on her way down the aisle toward a man she didn't love, to a confident self-sufficient working mother who went after what she wanted and almost always got it. The role gained Aniston world-wide recognition earning her a Screen Actors Guild award in 1996 for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series, a Primetime Emmy award in 2002 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and a Golden Globe award in 2003 for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.