2011 had a lot of good television. One thing that makes the television good is the likable/badass/hilarious characters that we’ve come to love, hate, or even love to hate. Whether it be new or old, we had some of the most powerful performances this year and it’s quite difficult to rank them all. And with each show having at least 5 main characters, choosing 10 characters from the best shows on air was rather difficult. What made this even harder was that I had to balance the 2010-2011 midseason line ups with 2011 fall tv line ups, but ultimately everything eventually fell into place as I realized clearly who was better than the other. Hit the jump to view the rest.
10. Schmidt – New Girl
Everyone is probably slapping me on the hand for not putting the title character Jess on here. Truth be told, I’m losing interest in New Girl. Zooey Deschanel’s character is burdened with carrying the weight of the show mainly because her costars are just so…BORING. CeCe is just a pretty face, Nick is a whiny man child, and Winston might as well not be there. The only one worth redeeming is Schmidt, who’s douchey and metrosexual attitude is rather hilarious and the most delightful to contrast with Jess’s kind character. So why choose Schmidt over Jess? Because I’ve seen Jess a thousand other times in movies like Elf and 500 Days of Summer in form of Deshanel’s tired indie card. At least Schmidt’s character is slightly refreshing and new.
9. Penny Hartz – Happy Endings
There are 6 people to choose from the show Happy Endings, but deciding which one to choose wasn’t too difficult when I really thought about it. Alex, while extremely pretty and adorable, is the butt of a lot of jokes. Dave can be a little bit whiny. Brad and Jane are hard to isolate without one complimenting the other. Max can be a wee bit obnoxious every once in a while. So that leaves the hyperactive and colorful Penny Hartz. The ‘Phoebe’ of the group, she’s usually on her own/being paired up with the ‘Joey’ of the group, Max. Regardless, she brings her own modern flair reminiscent of the colorful Phoebe.
8. Brother Sam – Dexter
Dexter hasn’t had moral compasses stick around for a while, because most of them are either dead, they die, or they leave him. So this season’s rather lackluster drama did have one interesting new character. Mos Def’s Brother Sam, a reformed convict who’s turned to God, was an interesting foil to Dexter’s morbid outlook on life. He tried to convince Dexter that he had a light in him, which was important for Dexter to wrestle with considering him raising his son. But just as similar to all of Dexter’s guiding lights, they eventually leave him into the dark.
7. Tate Langdon – American Horror Story
There are a slew of ghosts, demons, humans, and deformed people on American Horror Story that I could’ve chosen from. But by far the most interesting is the demonic and evil Tate Langdon who haunts the house with a murderous thirst. I won’t give too much away, but those who watch AHS, you know what the man has done and is capable of doing.
6. Shane Walsh – The Walking Dead
For a rather lackluster first half of the 2nd season of The Walking Dead that spent most of its time arguing with an old man at a barn, there was one redeeming factor: the man that kept it all interesting. Clearly he’s a villain, but gosh darn it, he’s the only person on the show remotely interesting and he keeps the plots moving. He even spurred the best moment for the midseason finale at the barn. You might hate him, but gosh darn it if he isn’t the most interesting character on that show. In all seriousness, no one else on the show comes even close to being half as compelling as Shane.
Hit the Next Page for the Next 4
I can get behind most of your list, but how is Matt Smith’s Doctor not on your list at least somewhere?
I love both Schmidt and Tate! The character Tate does the most awful things and still somehow manages to break our hearts! Schmidt is the most lovable douche, and I’ll let him fill the jar with $20s just to hear his next moronic line, and love his OCD.
Tate is my personal favorite! Huge fan of AHS ^^.
Hope you guys are shutting down to make this statement as well! Down with SOPA!
I get where you’re coming from with your criticism of New Girl, though I myself really enjoy the show as a whole! I like the characters (though I can agree with your assessments). Schmidt, however, is DEFINITELY the funniest on that show.
Dexter’s most recent season was one worth watching (thankfully!) and Brother Sam was a fabulous character. I actually thought he might have more of an effect on Dexter himself.
Down the line, great assessments. Wish I watched more of these shows.
Tyrion Lannister and Tate definitely. Yeah!
Agree with you on the first two! This is a great blog post idea…tough though because there were great TV characters this year!
I love Tyrion is so awesome! I actually saw Peter Dinklage last year at Comic Con in San Diego. He was there for the Games of Thrones panel (which I didn’t get in despite standing in line for 3 and a half hours) and Knights of Badassdom panel (that one I did get into). Knights of Badassdom is this movie about these LARPs who accidentally summon a succubus from hell. So cool!
Peter Dinklage’s performance was damn fine but if you’ve read the source material (which he nailed) it was a stand out character to begin with. Have to say I have a soft spot for Marshal Raylan Givens & Boyd Crowder and either one would not have looked out of place at the tail end of the list!
Thanks for commenting slugline, I’m trying to get into Justified this year and I’m sure if I had watched it earlier those characters would’ve made the list.
Great list! It’d be really hard for me to narrow down my favorite TV characters from this past season, but Gus would definitely be up there for me too.
Nice post!
It just HAD to be Gus 😀 And good to know that I’m not the only one who loved Brother Sam’s presence on ‘Dexter.’
Completely agree about Tate from American Horror Story. Absolutely classic.
great list! spot on! good post!
Your “Community” pick is spot-on!
You are right, Shane is the one who kept it interesting in the first half on the second season. I thought it was great how it ended. I would’ve done the same thing.
I watched some of New Girl online because I don’t have cable. I don’t think it is really that great of a show. I do like Zooey Deschanel though.
Dexter! I can’t wait for this season to come out on Netflix! That is my favorite show!
tyrion lannister is a very hilarious and realistic character. i luv his act
Great post! I don’t watch TV and have limited patience for series. Will peruse this list to concentrate on the best. Life’s too short.
Tate and Constance both grabbed my attention. I enjoy both of the characters on AHS. I’ma big fan.
Schmidt, Tate and Brother Sam, you’re super spot on.
love love alex!! one of my favorite scenes was when her and max were dressed up for halloween as mom and baby in baby carrier
great list! i share your enthusiam over these characters! thanks for sharing.
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Wow! How much time do you spend watching TV? Just curious! I have heard of some of these shows, but I have not watched any of them. Mainly because I don’t own a TV. I dropped it during a move 4 years ago or so, and haven’t missed it. That is just me! Never was much into TV! I do like to read this kind of stuff from time time to see if there is anything interesting I am missing.
When I do think about getting a TV, the first thought that comes to my head is “NOISE” I guess I just like my peaceful existence in a TVless world!
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!!!!!!!!!
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Peace and Harmony,
Sallyjane Woods
i really love game of thrones it has inspired me to write my own novel
It really bothers me how many people are liking New Girl. Zooey tries waaaaay too hard, and her whole cutesy, quirky act is just so stale by now. She’s way better in films like 500 Days of Summer, Winter Passing, and a few others I can’t remember off the top of my head. Casey Wilson DESTROYS Zooey, hands down, every time.
Happy endings is one of my favs at the mo!
good and great
I haven’t seen a lot of Zoey Deschanel, only Yes Man and other tiny movies so New Girl’s actually quite fresh for me. I like the bond that they have at the start and how it develops. I quite like it but that’s just me.
Liked and followed, interesting analysis, worth coming back for more.
TheAmazingJoLuCo
http://inexplicablyinsane.com/insanity/
New girl seems awesome!
I don’t think you could be more right about New Girl, Zooey tries too hard most of the episodes and Schmidt is generally hilarious! great blog!
Though I don’t watch much t.v. and don’t know any of the characters you’ve listed (only heard of the show Dexter), I think you’ve come up with an interesting list.
I love Schmidt’s character too! 😀
well said. nice post, i enjoy it.
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Going through your list I realized I have ALOT of watching to do,
Tate is creepy, but I keep coming back for more. And I love Schmidt.
I’m really falling in love with Whitney. She’s funny.
I don’t watch very much TV, but the one show I became obsessed with last year was American Horror Story. And holy WHOA, Tate Langdon is such a fantastic character. Twisted as hell, but really awesome. You know when the entire show’s fanbase is divided over how they feel about someone, that character is a winner.
Excellent post! 🙂
I agree with the New Girl turning out as a bore.
I’d have to add Det. Duffy from NBC’s “Prime Suspect.” Too bad they yanked the chain on the show . . . I thought it was fantastic!
Fantastic choice with Gus. I agree it is a hard pick between him and Walt and Jesse, but since you said Best of 2011 – you really do have to pick Gus….amazing character and amazing acting. And I KNEW that was the image you didn’t put up! Knew it. 🙂
Gotta love Tyrion Lannister, his character was very funny in game of thrones.
I COMPLETELY agree with you on New Girl. I’m tired of Zooey and the rest of the boring cast. I tried to like it! I watched two episodes and just couldn’t come back for another one. BUT I did enjoy the Schmidt character. Congrats on Freshly Pressed!
New girl ❤
Of the shows I am familiar with I agree with your selections. Tate Langdon is a great ominous and dark character, Brother Sam was a great addition (especially for Dexter’s character) for his few episodes and Peter Dinklage is obviously great in Game of Thrones.
Great post!
And the development of Shane Walsh this season has been fantastic, I can’t wait for the end half of the season
YES!! Tate Langdon!! I can’t get enough of that show, the writing, the characters, best thing I’ve seen come along to TV in years! Very good choices!
Tate and the rest of the many American Horror characters are great — too bad the rumor is that everything (setting/characters) will change next season.
Absolutely excellent choice for no.1 – Gus was an astounding “villain” on Breaking Bad.
A great list you got there too, some of the same favourites as me – Tyrion Lannister, Abed Nadir and even Schmidt! I love Zooey on New Girl and her kookiness. Schmidt I found completely unnecessary and annoying but now? Now, I think he’s just that little bit adorable! Did you see his dating profile vid – http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Zkf5SSdfQYA
You stole my star: Brother Sam! He is amazing!
What about Gregory House M.D.? He’s by far one of the most interesting and complex characters in tvland…
No offense to Hugh Laurie’s brilliant performance after all these years, but after so many seasons, his character has become stale and no longer holds a flame to these fresh and more compelling faces. No disrespect.
I used to watch – The Walking Dead and I was a little bit disappointed when Channel 5 stopped airing it and it was transferred onto a sky channel.
Penny is definitely the best character in happy endings!
GR8 WORK
Tyrion Lannister – Game of Thrones FTW!
These shows are only hitting South Africa now, but I’m certainly going to be watching them.
Oh Ron Swanson with those adorable dimples and that moustache done right :)!!! Awesome list.
Tate and Shane are my favorite! I can’t wait to for next seasons! of AHS and The Walking Dead
Couldn’t agree with you more on Schmidt and Penny ❤ Great choices!!
Woo hoo for the walking dead!!
yay schmidt. go put a dollar in the jar schmidt. lol love this.
is it sad that i dont recognize any of them
I like reading banana feed !
Well-described characters, all. I am familiar only with Zooey Deschanel’s character and with Peter Dinklage from Game of Thrones. Then again, I’m not a huge TV person.
This is pretty spot on! Happy Endings is SO underrated – good choice! Abed is also crucial, as is Ron Swanson (see my Gravatar!) I tried to get into Breaking Bad and couldn’t make it past Season 2. Many have told me I’m crazy….And nice Dexter nod. The show is definitely past its prime, but Brother Sam was a nice addition.
Schmidt is awesome — love him….also, Ron Swanson is great but that clip you have of him dancing is my all-time favorite Ron Swanson moment.
Penny is freakin’ hilarious. Tate is sexy. I almost don’t care that he’s evil. Almost.
He makes evil look sexy!!!
Ah . . . Tate! He’s my age inappropriate TV crush. Sure he’s a monster, but I bet he smells like teen spirit. I heart Dexter too (an age appropriate crush for sure) and he’s also a monster. What does that say about me? What does that say about TV? I don’t know.
AH-MA-ZING!! I love Penny!
Oh my. I just love new girl! 🙂
nice post.
I was pleased to see Ron Swanson, Abed and Penny on your list — plus, I’ve always been a huge fan of Giancarlo Esposito (ever since School Daze), so I was especially jazzed to see his character as your number one. I’ve often wished, after hearing all the Breaking Bad buzz, that I watched the show — your list makes me even more interested in checking it out.
A friend came up on me watching a later episode of AHS and Tate was on.
“Wow, he’s really hot. She’s so stupid!”
“Well yeah, but he’s actually [insert spoiler here] who does [mysterious act] and then…”
“Oh. Yep.”
…
“I’d still hit that.”
Thanks for including him!
“Ernest Hemingway never died, he was simply reincarnated as Ron Swanson” – Brilliant
I love Tyrion Lannister! 🙂
Woohoo for Schmidt and Tyrion!
Congrats on being freshly pressed!
Nobody from “Always Sunny in PA?” No Sweet D? Hmmmm…
Number 5.
I love Abed – unlike any other TV character I’ve seen.
SHANE is such a jerk! But he is what drives the internal conflicts of The Walking Dead so, for that, I totally support his inclusion on this list. There was a quote from the actual show that told Shane “I think you belong in a world like this” or something. It’s true, he does what he needs to survive, but he doesn’t care who he has to lose to ensure the survival of himself… and maybe sometimes of the larger group. Anyway, ace post!
-III
http://www.CardinalPlaylists.com
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nice image
wow never heard of half of these obviously need to watch more telly… may start with some of these!
You truly won’t regret it.
nice….
I really only recognized Ron, not much for TV. But I was excited he was on it. When I’m not watching Parks, I actually miss him.
Too much information? I hope so.
Very good list! Quick question: You have to watch every single episode of every single one of these tv shows to produce this list, right?
To not would make me a charlatan and would ruin the entire integrity of this blog. To answer your question, yes. Ranging from Dexter’s 6+ seasons to the newbies in their first. I have seen EVERY episode from each of these TV shows.
Kinda surprised that I have never actually watched any of the shows you mentioned. Guess I don’t watch as much TV as I thought I did.
There are times I think of myself of a “Creation Master” in the writing and posting of my poetry work on my WordPress Blog, but then I am completely humbled when I see the effort given by others in “Freshly Pressed” WordPress blogs such as this. Great insight and points of view in reviewng these various shows. Lately it seems when I sit down before my TV, I am finding, it is truly my best “nap time.”
test test 1-2-1-2.
Ron Swanson rocks. He’s the man! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Man I know you guys get better TV than we do but when we only get 2 out of 10 shows on this board I know it’s even worse! Thanks for the post. You’ve opened up several cool new worlds!!
It’s people like you who give me a sense of purpose in the morning. Thank you for being inspired. 😀
I loved Abed Nadir! He is my favourite of the year.
I just said that about the show New Girl when I was watching it tonight. I was like, if Shmidt wasn’t on here, I would’ve stopped watching a long time ago. He is definitely a fresh character…and Zooey is not. I need something different from her! Cause she is kind of fabulous. Anyways, great post.
I’ve never watched Dexter, but I keep planning to check him out. I will for sure now. 🙂
Haha! I also like Schmidt! I actually find Zooey’s character boring and predictable. Schmidt has the best punchlines. 🙂
Agree with so many of these.
Tate is an obvious standout on AHS. His portrayal is nuanced in ways that gives a despicable character a sense of heart. It’s terrifying. Also, Jessica Lange is incredible on that show.
Ron Swanson = the man. Dead on.
Great post! My favorite character this past season – hands down – Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) from Showtime’s Homeland.
Least favorite: Amber on Parenthood. Actually, several least favorites appear weekly on Parenthood. Turning it off right now.
I’m embarrassed to say that I do not keep up with Homeland. I’ve heard nothing but exceptionally good things about the show, and hopefully will eventually come around to it.
Just watched all of The Walking Dead shows last week. Shane is the best. The only edgy, interesting one. I hope they introduce some more.
I particularly like your number 5 — RONALD MCDONALD!
Gus and Abed are my favorites!!! Awesome post!
Ron Swanson is the best!!! So glad it made it on your list!
im glad penny from happy endings made it on here…she reminds me of me! BUT OMG YOU FORGOT MR SHELDON COOPER FROM BIG BANG THEORY!!!!!!!!!
It’s nice to see someone who watches and enjoys everything that I do as well! Agree with how stagnant New Girl has become. Hopefully it will work out its freshman kinks and find a groove in the back nine (which is possible given how great both Happy Endings & Community are now). As for Dexter, that show is near irreparable.
The list is great, although I guess my notable exception would be to subtitute Mos Def and/or Schmidt from New Girl and include any of the stellarness that occurred on Bored To Death this season.
Can you believe there’s going to be another season of Breaking Bad? The end of this season felt so satisfyingly finished….
My favorite characters are Bill Cosby, Jessica Lange in American Horror Story and almost all the characters in Justified.
Is AHS an awesome new show or what? I really enjoyed your insights on the characters. Nice to see that you put some serious thought into your choices 🙂
I LOVE Schmitt in the New Girl. He is hilarious. At first I thought he was annoying but he won me over. He’s the best character on the show.
Penny Hartz 😀 i totally agree. she is the main reason i watch the show which is surprising considering elisha cuthbert is in there too!! and yea ur right abt the new girl episodes getting increasingly boring. i expect it to shut down soon.
Personally my favourite character on TV at present has to be Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) from Castle. she has a very well written role. badass cop but has a history and a weakness. Not that the role of Castle isnt great, but i think Kate steals the show.
I watch so many shows but none of these I’ve seen. I’ve heard of them, but I haven’t gotten around to viewing them. Have to say, they look more interesting on your blog than they do on TV
val
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
yes Dexter himself seems to have gone rather soft hasn’t he?
I kinda like Jess and her boyfriend in New Girl! I liked the episode where they were both doing voices–especially his Jimmy Stewart voice. The show grew on me. I agree Schmidt is a great character.
if i had that many favorites, i would feel like i was watching too much tv. but that’s just me.
And still yet, I feel as though I don’t watch enough. 😀
My fav tv show was macgyver
i hope they will make new episode of that show
I have to disagree with your choice for The Walking Dead. I think Daryl is the most interesting character – you hate him and love him at the same time, whereas I find myself disliking Shane more and more.
Daryl is a BEAST!!!!!!!
“I know what I saw”
hahahaa
Shane is such a jerk.
-III
http://www.CardinalPlaylists.com
I’ve been dying to see breaking bad! There are some good ones on this list, especially Tyrion from GOT and Ron from Sunny. Sarah up top made a good point though, which is Nucky Thompson deserves to be on this list! Boardwalk is an amazing show.
I don’t watch most of these shows – but in the few episodes’ worth of time I gave to Happy Endings, I’ll agree that Penny was my favorite character. Charlie Day is still one of my faves, but you’re right – Ronald McDonald really brought it this season. Think “rum ham.” I think some of my favorite characters on TV are still Chuck Bass, Horatio Caine, and newly Jane Timoni from Prime Suspect. I guess we just have different viewing tastes, but I might give some of these others a shot.
Awesome to see my fav show made the list ! (Dexter)
Breaking Bad sounds good! I have only seen seasons 1 and 2 of Dexter but the characters have always been great. Can’t wait for The Walking Dead 2 to arrive here to see how villainous Shane has become! Haven’t seen any of the others… yet!
Nice list but I am so not gonna go to the next page for the list. Seems like I am reading a online magazine which keeps asking you to flip pages..
nice site – we banana based blogs must stick together!
nice list!
Good chose of Tate from AHS. Thanks for sharing.
Dude, you’re missing some MAJOR players here: How about Lafayette from True Blood, or PAM from True Blood?! She’s is amazingly funny!! And hello Nucky Thompson from Boardwalk Empire!! You need to discover HBO ASAP! You’re missing out…
Boardwalk Empire is one of the shows I’m regretfully not currently following. As soon as I have more free time, I’ll jump into it and it would likely have shifted a number of people around, especially because I love Steve Bushemi.
I must not watch enough TV… I don’t know any of these characters. Guess I’m stuck in my ways with House, Fringe, and NCIS 😛 I saw ads for New Girl but I haven’t caught a single episode yet. That’s the closest I’ve come to your list. If you had to pick one of these shows that is a must-see to catch up on, which would it be?
Haven’t seen any of those shows, if you were to recommend one (since I don’t have too much time for TV these days) what would you recommend?
Cheers
-Ron
How To Be A DJ
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Breaking Bad might be one of the most compelling shows out there today. It’s about a genius high school chemistry teacher who has to turn to making crystal meth to pay off his cancer bills. Naturally, he gets tied up with the law, his family, and other drug king pins.
Wow, sounds pretty cool,
Will check it out
Thanks 😉
Great series -I’ve watched it in its entirety. Characters and situations are compelling and the drama is intense to say the least. However, I would just like to add that I felt the series protagonist had other options other than making meth to pay off his cancer bills. Early in the series he is given an alternative that his pride simply won’t allow him to take. This act along with several other arrogant and sometimes selfish acts only make the character of Walter White more authentic.
Great list! I haven’t seen all of these shows (the walking dead and American horror story I need to wait until the seasons come out) but from those I do watch, you are spot on!
Shane Walsh is a FANTASTIC character who has had a new lease on life in the television series. He died very early in the comic series. Great post!
“Schmidt happens” !! HAHAHAHA.. Love it.
Also love Abed and Ron Swanson (that clip you have is THE best moment. Laughed so hard.)
Great list 🙂
It has to be Gus! I cannot believe how good Breaking Bad has become and Gus was my fav character of the whole show!!!
I love PEter Dinklage. He’s awesome, a great actor, has the greatest voice and he’s hot.
Just FYI. I LOVE YOUR AVATAR!!
Thanks very much, hand drawn by me personally so it matters that much more that you say such kind words!
Hurray for Schmidt!
Second that. woo Schmidt!
Well, third that! I love him too!
you are right schmidt was the best
Yes, Ron Swanson! (one character I recognized) 🙂