Without a doubt, the aughts (my favorite name for this past decade) have been the absolute best decade for television, ever. Shows such as LOST, The Wire, and The Sopranos made audiences think like never before. Of course, all these dense storylines were nothing without the characters who played them out. Memorable characters have come from television throughout the decade, from sitcoms to serial (killer) dramas.
I've selected my top ten favorite television characters from the past decade, and we'll take a look at them as we go through the list. Of course, it's all quite a matter of opinion, and you'll probably disagree with many selections on my list -- so argue with me in the comments section and tell me who you think should have made the list, and who shouldn't have.
For the record, my list comprises of all characters who were first introduced in the aughts, and did not exist before. That's why favorites such as Homer Simpson are not included on this list.
First off, we'll start with some honorable mentions of those who came so close to making the list but didn't quite make it.
- Adrian Monk, Monk
- Dwight Schrute, The Office
- Gob Bluth, Arrested Development
- Sylar, Heroes
- The Tenth Doctor, Doctor Who
- Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Lafeyette Reynolds, True Blood
- Charlie Kelly, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Don Draper, Mad Men
- John Dorian, Scrubs
- Carmela Soprano, The Sopranos
Now, let's get started with the real list.
Locke and Linus? Really?? Sorry, dude: in terms of unique, arresting, memorable characters, Adrian Monk beats the pants off those two, every time. We know you’re a Lost fanatic, but come on, now – your bias is showing. Badly.Worse, you seem to have forgotten about the first two-thirds of the decade entirely. This is a well-known phenomenon, aka Oscar nomination syndrome: people tend to remember best the programs/plays/music/art/whatever that was/were popular more recently than they do that which was current earlier in the year/decade, no matter how popular the works in question works were at the time. But really, one expects a critic to be well aware of this phenomenon and to compensate for or otherwise get around it. You have not, sadly – and it’s negatively affected your judgment.For example, per your top 10 list, you’d have us believe that there were absolutely no female characters during the entire decade that could qualify for that list. Even on your secondary list (spots 11-20), there’s only one female character, and that’s Carmela Soprano. You’re kidding, right? There were a lot of impressive female leads this decade, including some pretty kick-ass ones that could run circles around Carmela. Amazingly, you included no one from the marvelously reinvented Battlestar Galactica, which was chock full of great, strong female characters. Starbuck or Six (probably both) certainly would have made my top 10 list. And where are the indefatigable Brenda Lee Johnson (The Closer) and the irrepressible Grace Hanadarko (Saving Grace), both larger-than-life characters? Or Sydney Bristow (how surprising you overlooked her, considering how you adore J.J. Abrams)? For that matter, where the hell is Nikita?!? La Femme Nikita was the first real kick-ass TV heroine since Diana Rigg’s Emma Peel, and Nikita certainly made an indelible impression on TV at the start of this century. Yet remarkably, not even Nikita made your top 10 of the decade. Man, you are seriously Lost-compromised. Admit it and recuse yourself from further judgment on this deacde.And start paying more attention to female characters, for heaven’s sake, especially those outside the Buffyverse. Sheesh, your list is so guy-biased it’s not funny. Get over it, already.
That was one of the most pretentious, condescending posts I've seen in a while.Get over yourself webdiva.
Hey, I don't have to be pretentious to disagree with you or to think that TV exists to entertain more than just fanboys. Moreover, if I think a critic is biased in some way in a commentary, I have no problem saying so — nor should anyone else. Apparently, you're unaccustomed to women who are knowledgeable in their opinions and not hesitant to voice them. I didn't put mine out here to please you but rather to engage others in discussion, whether they agree with me or not. I neither seek or expect to be agreed with most of the time, but that doesn't stop me enjoying a lively, even heated discussion. And my job in life is not necessarily to make you happy, dude. So get some perspective.
No, you don't have to be pretentious Webdiva, but yet you are. Engage in discussion? Reads a bit more like you are taking someone to the woodshed. Especially the last sentence where you chastise the author for being "guy biased", and then you proceed to tell him to get over himself. Bitter much?———————————Personally, I was hoping to see Breaking Bad's Walter White make the cut, but I suppose it's only been on for three years. A good read though!
Nope, you don't have to be bitter to notice there's only one woman here, and she's not the best choice. Can you honestly tell me that doesn't bother you even a bit? Or in reading through the list the first time, with so many great female characters out there, did you really not notice?? Says far more about you than about me.
This article is an opinion piece, webdiva. If I left any characters out, female or otherwise, it's because it was my opinion that these characters were better. There's no need for a crusade against any bias you might have seen in this article. Of course it's biased; it's told from my point of view. Any perceived "sexism" is contrarily unintentional.
I'm syrpised and dissapointed that The Tenth Doctor was made only on the honorable mentions list. I personally think he's one of the top five, maybe the most interesting character in the last decade. It's just the way The Doctor was written and also how David Tennant portrayed him flawlessly which makes me think he's gotta be more than an honorable mention.I do agree with most of your decisions except for Locke, I'm not partial to Lost, I tried to watch it up to the third season when it became 'wtf'-like.I love that you put dexter in there, he is so interesting to watch and it's sad that I've only watched Dexter up until season two (his new 'friend' and their storylines together really annoyed the heck out of me).I love also that you picked Walter Bishop, he's done horrible things and and has such questionable morals sometimes that it makes you wonder about him, but you always come back liking him. No matter what, he's just likable.
three words: Buffy. Freaking. Summers.
[...] Crave picks The Top 10 TV Characters of the Decade. [...]
[...] Crave picks The Top 10 TV Characters of the Decade. [...]
Totally agree. House is a brilliant, iconic complicated character. Hugh Laurie is the actor of the decade.
I agree that he is the best character ever! I just don't agree that the whole series is not genius too!We LOVE Gregory House and season 6 ruled too!
tottally agree!!! fantastic!!!
I can't believe Buffy Summers didn't make this list. She's an icon! And one of the strongest, most witty characters to ever grace TV
I agree that Dr. house is the best character, but I agree with the comment below mine that the whole series is great. hey if the critic says that the excellent tv show House is bad, then try out the first season of Bones.
What's the problem with some american women????Everything is related to gender… hate cultures where gentlemen open the door of the car and offer a hand arguing that they are not disabled etc… What a pain in the ass women like webdiva. Get over your sexist brain and take an anger control course or something!!!!
yes i do agree and it really hits home 4 me because i live 10 minutes from prinston plainsboro
So, There are no Women Characters? What The……..
I agree! He is a very complex character that received a real good interpretation by Hught Laurie. I love see the clue of the connections between house and sherlock holmes. Have you observed that the name holmes seems with the word "home", and "house" is very often used as synonym of "home"?
You mention Carmela Soprano, but not Tony?! As much as I love House, and as much as 24 fell off the last couple seasons, how in the world can Jack Bauer not be anywhere on this list?! If I had to explain how the aughts were different than the '90s in one word, it would be terrorism. If only there were an Emmy-award-winning, highly successful television show that addressed that issue…
Totally agree. I love House
oh yeah!
No females on the list, that is so whack..hello..nurse jackie..or US of Tara or how about Nancy Botwin of Weeds? Famke Janssen played another great character from Nip/Tuck, as the seductive and manipulative transsexual life coach, Ava Moore.
Buffy started in 1997, she was not introduced in the 00's and therefore does not qualify
Buffy started in 1997, she was not introduced in the 00's and therefore does not qualify
How more than half of these people beat the Tenth Doctor and Adrian Monk is beyond me.
I Agree, Love The Show.
House is the best and I agree that the cyclical storytelling its very identical but House is still SO SO MUCH BETTER than all other shows! And what can I say about House.. A Fucking genius!!!!!!! :D
House, the show and the character, is definitely number 1 with me!
Carmella Soprano was on the omissions list, but Tony isnt on the omissions or didnt make the list. Something is wrong there. When Heroes began to focus on Hiro in season two, it fell off a cliff quickly. By far, the worst choice of the 10.
Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan
House is frickin awesome. But where is Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly? For shame
House is the best character everSeason 5 is the best oneHaving seen the 5th season finale, you dare to say House is not what it is used to be?You, moron.
I definitely think you could've kicked off one character on the top 10 list to make way for Monk. He's an amazing character. Personally, I don't find that many of Lost's characters stick out so much, but maybe that's just me.
I definately agree with Webdiva about how having Battlestar Galactica characters being absent. Is it because the sheer number of them that deserve to be on the list out-weigh the rest that are currently on here? Come on- Gaius Baltar? How was he not on here? He is one of the most well-rounded and compelling characters in television history; and that's saying something with the amount of shows I have watched. Other Galactica characters that deserve to be on this list are Caprica-Six, Laura Roslin, Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace, and Saul Tigh (even that list doesn't do justice). The other choices on here were nice too, (especially Dexter Morgan), but I definately would not choose Greggory House over Breaking Bad's Walter White. Other great additions would have been Deborah Morgan (Dexter), Grace Hanadarko (Saving Grace), Michael Scott (The Office), Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad), and so many more missed. This list should have been a top 20 or 30.
~HUGH IS FOR SURE THE BEST TO COME ALONG TO AMERICAN TV FOR A LONG TIME~I HOPE HE KNOWS HOW WELL HE IS LIKED HERE~AND ALSO THE POTENTIAL HE HAS TO DO SO MANY OTHR THINGS~
lost sucks my nuts
I agree that Dexter Morgan is an intriguing character, but the Trinity Killer was SEASON 4. Season 5 starts in September. There's a fact checker who's not doing his/her job……
Does anybody else find it ironic that this guy's last name is McPherson?Warehouse 13 anyone?Also, Davit Tennant and Tony Shaloub should have made the list.
Definitely agreed on. House is the most memorable and most well build character out their on television. I just love him
Kind of odd Jack Bauer didn't make the list.
It doesn't bother me a bit, and I am a woman. It doesn't say anything about anyone if they didn't notice: no women? So what? Quit making a big deal about it, you're setting feminism back every time you start whining and crying that women aren't represented in a random opinion article some guy wrote about TV characters. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, possibly something we like to call a 'coincidence'. There's no need to imply anything negative about his personality because he failed to include one. And this isn't a newspaper, it's an opinion article. I think Carm Soprano was an awesome character. The beautiful thing is that I can say that, and it's not wrong, because I started the sentence with "I think". Relax.
Love doctor house as #1Though boston legal is conspicuous by its absence. Its a brilliant show, having produced some brilliant characters over its five season course.alan shore, denny crane, jerry espenson.
Tobias, House, Ari and Colbert are all solid picks. Not really a fan of Hiro or Bishop. Thought some of the honorable mentions deserved to be in there over a few of the top ten (i.e. Charlie Kelly and Larry David) but…my main issue with this is not only do you not have either of them in the top ten but not even in the honorable mentions…Vic Mackey and Shane Vendrell from The Shield. If you've ever watched the show you know my issue with neither of them being mentioned.
THE ONLY ONE WOULD BE CUDDY………….THE OTHERS WERE VERY DISAPOINTING
Where is Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS?!!
I know, I would've put Walter above anybody from Lost or The Fringe, but that's just me. I think Breaking Bad is one of the best shows ever ever ever, not just this decade.
House definitely gets my vote for number 1. I think his character is enchanting and I love the episodes that include House displaying his musical talent. Can't wait for the new fall seanson premiere.
Just a few others that would have made my list too…David Brent and Tommy Gavin. Both phenomenal.
best since Frank Black in Millenium.
Pretty sad and telling that there isn't a single female character on this list.
As a rule, I don't watch TV because it's generally geared toward about a 7th grade mentality (no offense to anyone here). However, I'll drop whatever I'm doing if House comes on, even if it's an episode I've seen multiple times. The show is well written, holds my interest, and makes me think. I completely agree with the House character as character of the decade.
Adrian Monk and Don Draper should be on the list, and I don't even watch Monk. Also, you've ignored procedurals (Jack Bauer from 24, Grisham from CSI, Gibbs from NCIS) and canceled shows (Mal from Firefly, Rube from Dead Like Me).High quality female characters I can think of: Oliva Benson from SVU (started in late 1999), George from Dead Like Me, Chuck from Pushing Daises, Sue Sylvester from Glee (the only good part of that show), River from Firefly, Fred from Angel (started in late 1999, character introduced later), Ziva from NCIS, Starbuck from BSG, and Veronica Mars from Veronica Mars!
I think you forgot "Michael Scofield" from "Prison Break". He was something, something unique but he didn't even make the "Close To Make The List" list. So I really think that you made a mistake, other than that everyone is where they should be.
House is the deepest television character yet.The House / Holmes linkage is transparent. In many ways I wish Wilson were the main character in this drama. He's much more approachable, and as screwed up or more screwed up than House. As a survivor of the American Mental Health mess, I watched 'Broken' with my suspension of disbelief engaged to the max.
Larry David is the biggest hero ever, an absolute genius, good list other than that though.
I definitely agree, you missed a lot by missing season 6…. I'm looking forward to 7 which is in production now…
House is the best…..but what about The West Wing, now that had some of the best characters ever, not to mention, it was the best and most intelligently written show ever.
Great list, though Walter Bishop should be a couples of sites up on the list!…Fringe and House, the better tv series show ever!
I always thought this and all the House glory, I think, is due to Hugh's talent ! The actor and the man of the decade is obviously Sir HL !!Who doesn't like him ?
HOUSE IS SO THE GREATEST!!!
10th doctor should have made the list! also 6, from battlestar galactica – what a great character, and not even an honorable mention? liked seeing benjamin linus so high, though.
Gregory House is definitely number 1. Number 2 should be Dexter Morgan.
Gregory House is definitely the best TV character ever. Every season – I agree with the author about the material he has to work with BUT he makes it work so I am not going to lose interest and stop watching….also – next to my husband,(and maybe Rod Stewart) he is the sexiest man alive.
He is my favorite character on TV
You mean like "The Wire"? Oh, wait…
I love House but would have chosen Monk as #1.
Anna Paquin in "True Blood" deserves some recognition. Why aren't there any women on this list? Also, the black actor on "Criminal Minds" is hot and a great character – competent, great screen presence. Of course House and Walter on Fringe are the best!
Yes. House is witty, funny, ingenious, keeps you guessing. Awesome!
My days of taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle. You name your gun Vera, you are number one.
Bones? Nancy Botwin? 6? Liz Lemon? Not one woman on the entire list.And one woman once you expand the author's list to his top 20, Carmela Soprano.A whole decade of telly and you can only find one interesting female character out of twenty? Any one of those four women could've taken Hiro's place on the list.
yes I absolutly agree
Colbert's character is arguably the best…considering that he nearly made it up and writes it himself. House has the best character, but I'm going to jump out and say that his skill pales in comparison to Colbert's talent.
me encanta la serie
Also, Bryan Cranston owns that shit.
Weeds: Nancy Botwin24: Jack Bauer, Tony Almeida, Nina Meyers30 Rock: Liz LemonThe Wire: Jimmy McNulty, Stringer Bell, Marlo Stanfield, Di'Angelo BarksdaleDexter: Deborah MorganMad Men: Don DraperAdditionally, the West Wing started in 1999, but 6.5 of its 7 seasons occurred in this decade, so:CJ Craig, Leo McGarry, Jed Bartlett, Josh Lyman, Abby Bartlett
Better yet, if you don't like the "male-content" of someone's *personal* top ten character list, make your own; fill it with women. No one is going to give a damn and leave scathing comments because your personal list is filled with female characters who more easily identifiable to you because you're a female. Get over it.
three words: nineteen. ninety. seven.
Read webdiva's post, substituting female references for "UK actor/actress," and make appropriate changes so that examples are from suitable shows.
I do agree that he's the best character ever
That's who I think SHOULD be on the list. As for those who should not:I was a big fan of LOST (up until the last 15 minutes of the finale), but I don't think Locke deserves to be on the list. Ben Linus certainly does.Also a big fan of Arrested Development, but I don't think any of the show's characters belong–they are great vehicles for witty lines and hilarious situations, but each one is rather two dimensional and character types we've seen before. Gob and Tobias are both clowns, and they really have a few running gags (Gob is obsessed with magic but bad at it, and wants to be taken seriously… Tobias acts gay and has problems with his wife). They are hilarious, but not deep, characters.
House may be a brilliant character but Hugh Laurie makes him what he is.
Yeah, I agree that Brian Cranston's Walter White should be on here. But I also can't help but notice the lack of any women on the list. I would suggest Mariska Hargitay (SVU) or Catherine Willows (CSI).
Caps lock is disappointing.
About time. He is a complex and deep character and Hugh Laurie plays him like a piano or guitar. I disagree that the show became cyclical. This last seasone was highly inspired and who wants to see anyone suffer forever? Happiness is a choice and perhaps finally he will be happy….
Dr. House is the epitomy of what it means to be assured in yourself and disregard the cattle because they just make noises that meld into a 'baaaah' sound! I love the series all the way from inception to now and probably to its end because I just have to know HOW.. it will all end!!
The easiest answer is that the maker of the list was not a fan of Battlestar Galactica; otherwise at least one of the characters would have been on this list. Hell, you could make a top ten just from the cast (which could also be a reason to omit it).I agree with the Walter White comment, but it was probably not a show that the list maker watches.Also, Deb isn't that great of a character (she's basically a minor role; Rita had more camera time). I think that what you should really try to apply to your list is a question like "which actors of today will be remembered in 30 years?" Deb? no. Grace? Grace who? Michael Scott? nope. Jesse Pinkman? If people remember Breaking Bad.
I have finally found a television program worth watching. House is as good as they come…..
I don't think Liz Lemon is a character (I'd guess she's pretty much Tina Fey with a different name). Doesn't mean I don't enjoy the show, though.
Your examples = zzzzz
Um… Hugh Laurie is a UK actor. Did you mean British TV show character? Pretty sure this list is just meant to cover US television.
Spot on! He's human. He's as close to reality tv we get without it actually being reality tv and so–him being human and imperfect is so relatable. It's hard not to have a soft spot for House (once you get to know all the shit he's gone through in his life). And isn't that what everyone does to survive?
House md is one amazing series! and the character is ingeniuneous and brilliant!!and season 6 is a must watch for all house fans… so all the people who stopped watching after season 5, give it a chance and watch 203 episodes of season 6… ur sure to change ur mind! :)
totally a character unrivalled but vicky pollarrds on th horizon
I totally agree that House is the Character of the Decade! And the series as a whole is one of the best in this decade..!
and where the hell is spongebob in this list?!?
where's jack bauer?
and where's Vic Mckey of The Shield?
Very good list. For all those complaining about lack of women, it pains me but it's true, there are hardly any well rounded complex characters on tv today. I noticed this a while ago when I was doing a fb meme of tv characters I'd like to hang out with and no women made it to the top 5 (and the only ones that made it at all were from older shows). John Locke is a great character (arguably more as the man in black though) though since we already have Ben Linus (who I agree is much more interesting) i would've put Monk, or Don, or the Doctor in his place. Also I find sylar more interesting than Hiro. But House is just so dominant that every supporting actor or guest actor on that show pales in comparison. That's why they never get nominations (as opposed some of Dexter's baddies, for instance).
I agree with #8, #4 and #1. But where's Monk? The 10th Doctor? Cal Lightman from Lie to me? Or Eric Northman from TB? I would like to see these on the list and it would be perfect^^
what about the guys from Friends?…
Monk should have been on this list.
It should be:Gregory HouseBen LinusWalter BishopAll in number 1 position!
And I forgot Lynette Scavo from Desperate Housewives. She's one of the few female characters that I like.
Monk and Doctor Who didn't make the list but there's 2 characters from Lost? pffft this list is lame
And you are completely right. the whole series sucks XD Monk is about 9384394734 times cooler
I wish there were many doctors as intelligent as this character. House for President!
no Hank Moody from Californication…now that's just silly….
Definitely the best television character of all time, not just this decade. And S6 was great and had some superb writing – watch it and you will see.
i want JD and Monk to the list
Absolutely agree with you that Dr. House is an unforgettable character. There is no one else like him on television. He is the most complicated hero ever, with the rudest and most unlikeable dialog ever spoken by an actor, and yet somehow we see how vulnerable he is under the surface, and we love him for it. I disagree with you that the show is bad. The show is intelligently written and the plots are immaculately crafted. I can watch a previous season's show and see precursors to plot lines and character development in later shows, even from season to season. The characters are wicked smart, and are written that way, with subtle references to philosophy, religion, and culture from classic to pop, and demonstrate a genius level of social gamesmanship. Those who don't catch the references and the gameplay miss the most delightful part of this very witty and intelligent show.
I agree that House is the BEST character! But, where is Allen Shore? I think that Boston Legal's Allen Shore is also one of the most sophisticated, complicated characters ever seen on TV! The list is not complete without him!
Out of all these, not one woman? And only one in honorable mention? I'm not sure if that says something about you lot, our state of society/art, or both, but either way, it should be a pretty obvious sign that when people say sexism is "over," they're full of shit. River Tam might've made it on here.
Only one woman on either list??? This shows the state of roles for women better than anything else. What about Abbie from NCIS or Penelope from Criminal Minds? Mary from In Plain Sight? Don't get me wrong I love House and Fringe, but very surprised at the lack of iconic women characters.
Okay, I see I'm not the first to point out the lack of women, and that plenty of people are already rolling their eyes into the back of their head and being irritated that anyone's pointing out the obvious. Look, it's possible for this observation to be important WITHOUT it meaning that we're pointing fingers at Sam and crying, "MISOGYNIST PIG," or any of that shit. I'll tell you why there are no women on this list; it's because as a culture, we don't want to see women as fully realized, complex people the way we see men, and this is reflected nowhere more clearly than in how we tell stories. Women are foils by which we tell the story of the *real* interesting characters. Even when a TV show centers around a female character, she still can't be *too* complex or people wouldn't accept her on a popular enough basis to actually make the show marketable enough to fly. Sure, Sam, this is just your list of what you found compelling, but have you stopped to ask yourself why people who make up half the population don't even make up even 10% of your two lists? It makes no logical sense if the answer is just "that's how it is." If women made up a little less than half, or a third, it could just be luck of the draw, sure. But this? This is an obvious cultural aversion to female characters in general, or at least, of female characters who are complex and challenging in the way that you find most compelling to qualify for a list like this. Or you have a problem with female characters who do qualify. Or both.
I hate it when women say, "I'm not bothered by it, and I'm a woman," as if your apathy somehow *requires* all of the rest of us to give up our concern. Bullshit. There have always been people who don't have the sense to understand the reality of the situation they live in and how it oppresses them. In fact, the most effective means by which oppression can operate is when people internalize it.
"Intentional" vs. "unintentional" when it comes to sexism is really quite irrelevant. Notions like sexism, racism, xenophobia, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, whatever "ism" you want to talk about, do the most damage in our society because 90% of the ways they express themselves ARE unintentional, ingrained into our thinking, and operating on a subconscious level. Unfortunately, none of us are immune to our acculturation; we can all be capable of thinking outside it from time to time, but it's hard.Like I said above…either you're sexist, the culture is, or both. If you want to do some self-examining, here's an exercise for you; see if you can come up with a list of 10 female characters that you think are every bit as compelling and interesting as the 10 on this list. You can pull from ALL TV, cinema, books, whatever, of all time, but they can't just be "good for women," they have to be every bit as fascinating to you as these 10 men and inspire you to write the same kind of insightful analysis. If you can do it, and if you're *willing* to do it, I'll be very impressed. If not, well…if the shoe fits…
I absolutely agree about House, but I would like to see a few others on this list including Adrian Monk, Abbie from NCIS (or anybody from NCIS!) and Olivia Benson & Elliot Stabler from Law & Order SVU.
House is number one in my book. He is the way I wish I was allowed to be at work. I guess if i had a genius mind and was unable to replace I could behave that way as well. I my world, anyone can be replaced…
House is the best character, he is just great! And season 6 rules too, especially the end :)
Where the F*** are Hank Moody and Michael Scott?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?
I really agree witlh all you said and think House is the best series ever written till now.Sure, he is the BEST television character of the decade!!
Telling about what? The personal bias of the writer or that there are no good female actors, which I find a bit hard to swallow. or that women are just not given such meaty parts?? (I am undecided as to which it is, as I have not had the opportunity to watch shows like Damages, Saving Grace or The Closer – shows which are centred around woman – enough to make an assessment).
I like the show cause house is smart and a smart ass at the same time. And i can enjoy any smart ass at any time of the day.
Agree with your choice of House. A truly great series with excellent writing driven by superb acting.
House (the character, not the show, though I live the show anyway) is the reason I decided to go to medical school
You're a dope. Hiro?
Hugh Laurie makes it all believable.
The 10th doc really should have qualified!! He was amazing, but have to agree with House as #1 and if anything i think the series has improved… roll on series 7 :D
I'm a little surprised that no one from Firefly or Doctor Who or even just a female character made it to the list. What about Zoe from Firefly? She kicked ass!
Nobody cant do what hugh laurie achieved with this character.. Of course House is the best !
You do realize there isn't a single female character in this list, right? This is a joke, honestly.
They're my two numbers one :)Actually Dexter wins with House in my strongly subjective opinion ;]
Indudablemente es el personaje de la decada!!!
I definitely agree . . . however, I will watch until Hugh Laurie can no longer pick up a stethoscope! Or tell Foreman to do it!
It´s undoubtely the most controversial character on TV, he can make you fell unpleasant, sad, pityful, etc.The issues the series show make you think about the lack of boundaries when you manage such a power, for good or evil.
House is by far the best show and character that I can remember. None better, doubt there ever wil be!
"Can you honestly tell me that doesn't bother you even a bit?"Yes, i can. Men are people. Women are people. Why should there always be an equal number of men and women everywhere?
whata fu.. where the fu.. is al swearengen from deadwood, he is the most awesome character in TV history he should be on the list, he owns dr house's ass………….
I was fortunate enough to be #19 (aka The Beautiful Dr. "Holly") of the new Interns on this show and LOVED the entire cast and crew! Hugh is AMAZING (sang and danced me Happy Birthday) & has made me recognized INTERNATIONALLY for being on his show! This is WELL deserved – Dr. House is the "Best Character of the Decade" according to a recent poll!
Jack Bauer?
I've always admired House's blunt character. The way he mocks his colleagues/team, lack of respect to the hospital and superiors, endless sarcasm and most importantly his lack of affection (except when his ex wife was around) up until recently. I've never grown tired from watching House. It is the only series I'd watch multiple times.Every other TV show i have watched so far the lead character's traits seem to get on my nerves after a season or two, and makes their moments just bleh. (Horatio; anyone?)So yeah, I agree he's one of the best out there!
Okay, yes, House is number one, but come on. The Tenth Doctor is better than the majority of the people on this list.
What about Hank Moody???
It's strange that they missed the following:Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in "The Big Bang Theory"
Putting Spoilers in Dexter is the most douchebag thing I've ever fucking seen a website do.
I agree he is the best ever!!!!! n he will be the best forever
all the way, my favorite character, no doubt, and i had not said such a thing since i was six and had Murdock, from the A Team, as my favorite character. This series got me back from anime and into watching series again, i even remembered what day it was on, which had not done for ages …
In general, this list is fantastic. I do believe, however, that the Tenth Doctor deserves more than an Honourable Mention. Perhaps it's just that America doesn't have quite the fanbase for Doctor Who that the U.K. does, but despite the Doctor continuing on in another incarnation, no-one who has watched the show in the last five years will forget David Tennant. He snogged Louis V's mistress, watched the earth explode, traveled to the end of the universe and back, had a daughter(!), fell in love, got 'cloned', and watched Rose walk into the sunset with his half-human duplicate. He faced the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Master, as well as innumerable other alien and human forces, and didn't check out until he had faced his own people.You've made excellent choices, but I disagree with your choice to leave out such an iconic character.
1990's show.
How about michael western from "Burn Notice"? And doctor temperance brennan from "Bones"? I agree with house and dexter but i really don't like lost. And the sexy hot eliza dushku from "Tru Calling" and "Dollhouse"?You should remove the lost characters and add those three. Your list should have female chartacters
*Michael Westen
Nice of you to have such a balanced list there. 9 men and 1 woman (and she grudgingly at #10).Misogynist much, fellas?
I would love to have a Doctor like house "No bullshit" like most Doctors do. Tell me the F ing truth and get it over with. Doctors shouldn't be pussy's.
House is BY FAR the best on TV!!!! I also FIRMLY beleive that Season 4 Episode Two was the best one EVER!!!! How many people did he hire again? 40!!!! "Row D! You're Fired" Classic House!!!! It will take a lot of work from fox to beat that season!!!!
House is the 1st for me also.But in the list; i think scoffield must be too.
Your list does not include Tony Soprano, Tricia Helfer as #6, Jack Shepard or Jack Bauer. Bad list!
I completely agree with the House character as character of the decade.
Hugh Laurie is utterly amazing, there are no words to decribe his skills in the acting industry.
I agree with most of the info about Omar, but what I remember about the character is that he would only steal from people IN the drug trade, not outside the drug trade.Am I mistaken?
Well-written, well-research… House is the perfect show for the cynical intellectual; Moreover, his recent disclosure that the actor has battled depression for a good part of his life allows him to tap into that pain and display it by his character's behavior.
House is one of my favorite shows. I think the cast is perfect. I do agree that the plotting left alot to be desired, but Hugh Laurie should win an Emmy for this series!!
i think its funny there are no women on this list.. and House is in my eyes the obvious choice. i dont watch another single show they listed in the top ten. but im sure they are all interesting and addicting, but in what shows to they soully focus on a single character? i definently agree with most of you when they say the show has taken a major drop in recent seasons.. it loses its house humor and constant awesomeness and adopts a drama style which i absolutely hate.. but what i think is funny about it is that Dr Cameron is supposed to be the attractive actress the first 3 seasons and she is. then Dr 13 comes along and blows her away, she doesnt even appear attractive anymore.
1. Hugh Laurie and cast of Dr. House2. David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser3. Peter Falk4. Cast of Star Trek5. Cast of Hey Arnold6. Cast of Dallas7. Cast of Mash8. Cast of Threes’ Company9. Mel, Vera, Flo and Alice10. Cast of Happy Days
Where the fuck is Wentworth Miller ??????? … Michael Scofield The best !!!!
To have a top 10 TV characters of the decade and not include Jack Bauer? Please!
Agreed
Hugh Laurie is fantastic as House. Couldn't have picked a better person for the role. Just has something very special.
I agree, of course. Gregory House is the best character EVER! Hugh Laurie is irreplaceable. I love him and all seasons of House M.D. This is a dream. And nothing change that.
House is fantastic but i would agree that the first three serious are by far the best!
i agree that House should be #1 but where is Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory??? he would have been my #2.
Abby from NCIS, Brenda Lee Johnson-The Closer, Mary Shannon-In Plain Sight, Nancy Botwin- Weeds…a few examples of great characters of the last decade….or does having a vagina disqualify a character from your list????
Sam, Where are the women?
House is the most complex personality on televison of all times. I would love a doctor that would tell the truth about my illness than to sugar coat it."people do lie"
His whole story is the round about story of Sherlock Holmes he was a junkie to but he would solve the problems..And for your 7th grade mentality I am an RN and the medical terminology they use in this show is fabulous. I don't think a 7th grader would get it. Maybe it's it too complex for you that why you don't get it.
I agree with you, Hugh Laurie is brilliant! I do enjoy the series. " House" very much! I think it the best series on ! "" House "" you are the best !
I cant believe it. There is not Barney…!!!!!!
Absolutely no question about it. I agree totally. House is the most compelling character I've seen onTV in many years, maybe since Alan Alda's Hawkeye Pierce on Mash.
How is every character on this list a male? There have been no great female characters introduced this decade?
How come the great Jack O'Neill didn't make the list?
Definitely! 100%
But of course I agree that he is the best character of the decade!!! House is Great!
Woohoo, House!! Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory deserves a place in at least the top 20 though!!
This list is just for the past decade. 2000-2010
I think Don Draper should be in the top ten and totally agree that House [and Ari Gold] deserve top billing. I just can't "get" Bishop who lets his affectations commandeer his personal eccentricities and overshoots the mark too often. My spouse and I rarely agree, but we both love House & dislike Walter… Also, both Fringe and FlashForward have gaping holes in their backstories, or are too opaque to muddle through some of the inconsistencies. I think "Colbear" is number three or four after House, Gold, [Draper]. IMHO, after Hugh Laurie, Steve Colbert is the most talented dude on the tube. Kevin Bacon's wife on The Closer should be in the top dozen and Denis Leary[Gavin] should be in the top ten. Also Larry David…….in the top ten.
Where is Jack Bauer?
i think he is the best n i wont agree that the series is not good….its kool…plot is also good….
love your show u nead to get off the pills dam i dont tack that many
I find it disturbing how you didn't even include Michael Scott from The Office.
HOUSE is the best character ever. Great pick, however season 6 proves him to be a more intricate, interesting person, I recommend you catch up if on the show.
Exactly! I can't believe Mr.White is not on the list!!!
try reading the comment. she (i assume Enrica is a female name, forgive me if i am wrong) said how house is different from other tv shows which are geared towards 7th grade mentality.
House é o Cara
Where is Sheldon Cooper? I do agree that house is best tho
Where is Jack Bauer and Patty Hewes?
Hugh Laurie as house as house.. perfect.the series house fantastic. keep them coming.
Where is Heisenberg?
I definitely agree with House being #1, but Monk and Sheldon Cooper deserve a place amongst the first 10, too.
>:D House best damn character on t.v.Hugh best damn actor on t.v. >:D
agree! best character ever!!
i love house but i love lost more because there is more people involve in it not just one and sometimes i do not like to see so much cruelty
Maybe there could be a list for female characters, if there isn't one already…?I'm just super glad Walter and House are on the list, to be honest. :/
WHY CANT I SEE THIS LIST it's driving me insane
the ninth doctor!!Chris Eccleston I thought was more charismatic!!
TOTALLY agree with this.And I also think Hugh Laurie is the actor of the decade. He IS Gregory House. Period.
i knew from the start that house would take first place lol
Usually when you say something offensive, putting "no offense" doesn't really help.
I agree 1000%! I think the past two seasons have been the best ever. The whole story of House getting treatment for his addiction and his therapy sessions have been AMAZING!!!
Where am I in this list?
I'm bored with HOUSE as I am NCIS. However, they're both well written and offer great insights into human personality. My error was viewing both shows too often and ignoring my reading. Now I barely tolerate either one. I prefers books over television, yet televison is an addiction, like House's Vicodin addiction. As a former rep, I too sold medications physicians became addicted too. However, a cough syrup for influenza and bronchitis sufferers becoming an addicted substance? It did not seem possible. Carbs are my "addiction," pasta, breads, cookies, etc. I detest booze and drugs.
wtf kind of a list is this? where's Jack Bauer??? this is total disrespect to 24!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, there's so many great female characters and none of them made it on your "Top 10" list? And lol, I love how the only female in "Honorable Mentions" is listed last.
Your sexist bias against female characters is showing.
It's not sexism, it's his own personal opinion, so obviously it's going to be biased. If this was an official list with some sort of proper rating system, I'm sure several women would have made it. Plus, men are better actors anyways. JUST KIDDING, RELAX.
I really love your list I also love this list you might want to take a look: http://thepurpleworldblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/to…
What about Patrick Jane from the Mentalist?
Thanks and Good luck!
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Godammit, the 10th doctor needs to be on there. He is so frickin' epic!
Abed from Community? He manages to redefine both emotion and emotionless in the embodiment of one character. A task like that is worth taking over someone like Locke on this list, let alone making into the honorary mentions. This was, however, made quite some time ago and I literally just realized that right now. How about a new list? "Top Ten Characters on Television Today"
Michael Scofield!