Not so long removed fromthe Golden Age of Anti-Heroes, comedies anddramaslikeThe Sopranos, Sex and the City, andThe Wireoffered audiences compelling cases of flawed individuals behaving badly, while still managing to value a universal concern for loved ones. Their warped sense of justice spoke to an audience of people who may have had a general sense of right and wrong but also felt disillusioned by societal and familial expectations that were proliferated as seemingly universal and innate beliefs.
These characters and their stories come from a variety of genres, eras, and locations. However, what unites them all is their shared symbolism of the malleability of human morality. These characters could fully descend into villainy, as seen in the cases of Franklin Saint ofSnowfalland Walter White fromBreaking Bad. Moreover, their decisions to also carry out admirable acts prove that humans not only have the capacity for change, but can change for the better.
These are the best and most compelling TV antiheroes of the last 25 years.
16Jackie Peyton
‘Nurse Jackie’ (2009 - 2015)
Nurse Jackie
Combining a harsh yet necessary look at the complex life of those dealing with addiction with a sentimental touch,Nurse Jackiestands as one of the most celebrated medical dramedies. Following the titular emergency-department nurse (Edie Falco) through harrowing ordeals in her personal and professional life, audiences get an intimate look at Jackie from all vantage points, refusing to shroud the seemingly irredeemable parts of Jackie.
A Holistic Look at Addiction
By highlighting Jackie at her worst, documenting the lengths at which she hurts her loved ones as a result of her addiction, the series offers a sympathetic yet cruelly realistic look at addiction. Throughout the series, Jackie’s morality becomes distorted and while the series never alleviates Jackie of her responsibilities to her loved ones and patients, there is also an understanding that Jackie is in fact sick, and the road to recovery is a continuous process rather than a final stage to be achieved.
Edie Falco’s Nurse Jackie Revival Gets Hugely Exciting Update
Edie Falco will return as the titular character in a Nurse Jackie sequel series.
15Don Draper
Mad Medis frequently compared to the likes ofThe Sopranosdue to their proximity in airing, as well as the focus on an endearing anti-hero. Don Draper, portrayed by Jon Hamm, is introduced as the head of an advertising firm based in Manhattan of the 1960s. Despite projecting an outwardly charismatic persona, Don proves to be quite the chameleon, deceiving everyone around him. Not only does the show highlight the societal gain he earns from his deception, butMad Menalso implores audiences to question the individual and collective incentivizing of said betrayal, in spite of the consequences.
A Man of Many Faces
Draper, in the context of the professional environment, stands as one of the most revered anti-heroes on television. Despite his infidelity, questionable decisions as a father, and his cutthroat approach to his job inthe advertising world, Don also operates with a sense of loyalty, a trait probably stemming from his heartbreaking childhood. Despite recognizing the depravity within Don, there is a lingering investment from peers and audiences alike to see the good in Draper due to the sympathy one feels for Don’s inner child, as well as the recognition of his more honorable moments.
14Dr. Gregory House
‘House’ (2004 - 2012)
Househas been cherished for its captivating storytelling. However, most will surely mention the talented performance of one Hugh Laurie. Dr. Gregory House is introduced as a talented diagnostician whose unique insights lead to necessary breakthroughs in puzzling cases. Despite his medical prowess, House frequently antagonizes his co-workers, only finding a friend in Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard).
A Misanthropic Mastermind
Despite House’s misanthropic demeanor, he also recognizes how crucial collaboration is to his success. As the series progresses, audiences learn of House’s abusive upbringing as well as his dependency on pain medication. Often perceived as a modern character created in the vein of Sherlock Holmes, House is recognized as an iconic character in the world of medical dramas, disrupting traditions and laws in hopes of solving medical mysteries, attitude and all.
13Frank Castle
‘The Punisher’ (2017 - 2019)
The Punisher
The Punishercurrently stands as one of the more positively received Marvel projects. Following Frank Castle (John Bernthal), the series largely focuses on his vigilantism following the murder of his family, while also inviting audiences into Castle’s state of mind. Despite its cancelation,The Punishercontinues to be fondly remembered for dynamic action scenes and the potential for further development of the titular character.
A Trauma-Informed Vigilante Rises to the Mantle
An alter ego born out of grief and pain, The Punisher’s fluency in violence is understandably a defining characteristic of his journey to justice. Nevertheless, Frank’s penchant for violence is evidently a source of pleasure, diluting the honorable motives behind his vigilantism. By way of his collusion with NSA agent Micro (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) or his more authentic partnership with close friend Billy Russo (Ben Barnes), Frank’s web of connections enables him to take on more morally grey crusades, to his benefit and detriment. With news of Castle appearing inDaredevil: Born Again, there is a better chance of in-depth characterization that fans and critics felt was missing from the series.
12Ray Shoesmith
‘Mr. Inbetween’ (2018 - 2021)
Mr Inbetween
With a fervid fanbase and quality storytelling,Mr. Inbetweencontinues to be celebrated as an exceptionally fruitful collaboration between FX and Hulu. Following Ray Shoesmith (Scott Ryan), a father, friend, and hitman, the series takes a close look at the heavy pressure one must carry when maintaining a facade, especially when said facade masks a world of danger that threatens to leak into his wholesome family life.
A Humorous Hitman With a Heart of Gold
Inspired by Ryan’s 2005 filmThe Magician, the series revises the original story and expands beyond its original horizons, especially through its characterization of Ray. Between his relationship with his daughter (Chika Yasumura) and ex-wife (Natalie Tran), a budding romantic relationship with his girlfriend (Brooke Satchwell), tending to his ill brother (Nicholas Cassim), as well as his responsibilities as a hitman, Ray serves as a foundation for those in his life, willingly and otherwise. As the series persists, Ray proves to be a captivating character, impressing audiences with his humor and heart.
11Annalise Keating
‘How To Get Away With Murder’ (2014 - 2020)
How to Get Away With Murder
Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), years beyond the conclusion ofHow To Get Away With Murder, continues to maintain a tight grip on the internet, and for many great reasons. Since her first appearance in the series, Annalise is nothing short of confident and calculated. Through her education of a specific set of cunning students, coupled with a peak inside her past and present phantoms, Annalise emerges as a particularly enamoring protagonist, even when she dances with the devil.
An Exceptionally Crafted, Calculated Conspirator
Since the characters' introduction, Annalise has proven to be a refreshing addition to the world of fictional lawyers. Balancing a remarkably adroit understanding of the legal world and its mechanisms with a morally dubious approach to preserving a sense of security and serenity, Annalise carries herself with a chilling imperiousness. Nevertheless, underneath her seemingly steel exterior, there is a caring and protective professor that influences major and minor decisions as a sequence of startling events begin to unfold.
10Dexter Morgan
‘Dexter’ (2006 - 2013)
Baptized in blood, in the worst possible way, Dexter Morgan grows up in a world largely informed by his own trauma. The premiere alone sees Dexter attending to his Miami-based forensics job, regularly trading smiles with co-workers like Angel Batista (David Zayas) and his adoptive sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter). However, by nighttime, Dexter’s life as a vigilante comes to life. Partly fostered by his adoptive father Harry (James Remar), Dexter’s conflicting ideals of morality fuel his various takedowns of serial killers and abusers in the area.
The Perfect Vigilante Uncovered
As stated earlier, Dexter’s motivations behind his killings stem from the gruesome murder of his mother, an event he witnessed at a very young age. Through Harry’s tutelage, Dexter matures with a warped sense of justice referred in the show as “The Code (of Harry).” While his targets are usually abusive criminals who are able to evade the law, his plans tend to put his loved ones in danger. Despite that, what makes Dexter one of the more honorable anti-heroes is his understanding that he is not the sole arbiter of justice. Nevertheless, he continues to use his talents for the greater good.
9Elliot Alderson
‘Mr. Robot’ (2015 - 2019)
Remaining as the most iconic drama on the USA network,Mr. Robotfollows Elliot Alderson, portrayed by Rami Malek. A computer programmer living in isolation with various mental illnesses, Elliot finds solace in substance abuse and online communities, the latter piquing his interest due to his reputation as a skilled hacker. When approached by the titular leader of an anti-corporatist hacker organization, Elliot finds himself falling into a wormhole that he, or no one around him, could have predicted.
A Flawed Champion In Action
Elliot stands out as a uniquely gratifying anti-hero because he serves as an avatar constructed by a mid-2010szeitgeistfocusing on various, contemporary, liberation-focused movements. Elliot also pushes back against ableist notions that typically infantilize and dehumanize folks living with mental health issues, substance addiction, or living as neurodivergent. However, as the series progresses, Elliot’s traumas rush to the surface and his processing of said pain, in relation to his vested interest in taking down corporations, transforms him into a riveting anti-hero for audiences and critics alike.
‘Fleabag’ (2016 - 2019)
WhenFleabagdebuted, it joined the likes of Issa Rae’sInsecure,Michaela Coel’sChewing Gum,and Lena Dunham’sGirlsas a series that focuses on a flawed young woman attempting to make sense of a life that seemingly leaves little to be desired. Opening with a tragic, fatal accident that takes the life of her best friend Boo (Jenny Rainsford), Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridges) feels forced to contend with her role in their friendship, as well as her less-than-lucky love life, and familial relationships. Over the course of the series, audiences follow a complex tale of a woman’s journey towards self-appreciation.
A Study of Self-Loathing
Unlike most series revolving around an anti-hero,Fleabaguses the audience, by way of breaking the fourth wall, in hopes of illustrating the makings of an unreliable narrator as well as the consequences of warping one’s self-perception and subsequent projection of said perception to the greater world. Despite her funny quips and knowledge of the source of her misery, Fleabag frequently speaks to the audiences to divert attention away from her faults, and more importantly, the self-loathing that enables her to evade accountability.
In two seasons,Fleabagis a captivating, contemporary bildungsroman of sorts, sharing a multi-faceted character’s process of mourning and moving on while also illustrating barriers formed by self-hate, obstacles that prevent people from taking that necessary step forward.
7Patty Hewes
‘Damages’ (2007 - 2012)
Widely beloved for its non-linear narratives, season-long cases, and the juxtaposition between its two leads,Damagesis a legal drama starring Glenn Close as the ruthless lawyer Patty Hewes. The series follows her time spent at Hewes & Associates, as well as her relationship with her protégé Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne). Delving into cases that hit close to home,Damagesis a masterclass in highlighting the egos and rivalries that permeate throughout the legal world.
A Ruthless, Legal Marauder
From the first moment of the series, audiences are warned of Patty’s deviousness. As the series progresses, evidence of Patty’s manipulation and callousness comes to light. Motivated by her desire to emerge victorious, Patty has no qualms about who she hurts on her path to getting her desired outcome. Frequently overlooked in conversations about anti-heroes, witnessing Patty’s demeanor and drive will surely inspire comparisons between her and the likes of Don Draper and Tony Soprano.
