Actors with the most iconic performances in TV dramas

Odenkirk's portrayal of Jimmy McGill's descent into Saul Goodman is a masterclass in character development, blending humor, pathos, and moral ambiguity. Following 'Breaking Bad', Odenkirk anchored a prequel series that achieved similar critical acclaim, with his performance being central to its success.

Moss-Bachrach's portrayal of Richie is raw, intense, and deeply human, showcasing a character struggling with change and loyalty in a high-pressure environment. 'The Bear' has been a breakout hit, and his performance is a key component of its critical success.

Mescal delivered a career-making performance as Connell, showcasing significant range in portraying a character who hides his true passions and conveys unimaginable grief. His performance was widely acclaimed upon release and continues to be recognized as a standout of the early 2020s.

Scott's portrayal of the iconic character Tom Ripley in the 2024 series was highly anticipated and critically well-received. This fresh, acclaimed performance demonstrates Scott's ability to bring new dimensions to a complex role in a recent drama.

Smart's portrayal of aging stand-up comedian Deborah Vance is a career-defining role, navigating the character's darkest depths while remaining funny and empathetic. Her performance is consistently praised for its brilliance, timing, and ability to make audiences empathize with a complex character.

Anderson grounds the series with his portrayal of Louis, navigating rough immortality, family estrangement, and unimaginable grief. His performance has been lauded for its ability to ground a fantastical narrative with specific, nuanced emotion, making it a standout in recent drama.

D'Arcy's subtle yet powerful portrayal of the older Rhaenyra Targaryen solidified the character as a TV icon, particularly in conveying vengeful rage. This performance is highlighted as one of the top TV performances of the 2020s so far, demonstrating a strong impact in a major fantasy drama.

Tillman stands out in an ensemble cast, delivering a chillingly cold and calculated portrayal of Seth Milchick, while also injecting moments of hilarity. Recognized as one of the best TV performances of the 2020s, Tillman's work is crucial to the unique and unsettling atmosphere of 'Severance'.

Coolidge's portrayal of Tanya McQuoid redefined her career, bringing depth to a character who is unhinged, volatile, and scatterbrained, yet deeply sympathetic. Her performance earned widespread critical acclaim and awards, making Tanya an instantly recognizable and beloved character.

Sawai's performance as Lady Mariko is a master class in restraint, communicating complex emotions and schemes without explicit dialogue. Her work in 'Shōgun' earned her an Emmy and was broadly acclaimed in 2024, making it a highly current and impactful performance.

Reis, a former boxer, delivered a powerful performance as Evangeline Navarro, earning a historic Emmy nomination in only her third professional acting job. Her impactful work in a major drama series in 2024 makes her a significant figure in recent TV acting.

Garner's performance as Ruth Langmore transformed her into a household name, bringing morality, hope, and passion to a character who could have been a stereotype. Her work is frequently cited as one of the greatest TV performances of the 21st century.

Cranston's transformation from a meek high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord is one of television's most iconic character arcs. His methodical, controlled, and deeply unsettling performance remains a benchmark for complex antihero portrayals.

Strong's intense and immersive portrayal of Kendall Roy, a man constantly striving for his father's approval and the CEO position, was a cornerstone of the critically acclaimed series. His performance is frequently highlighted for its depth, vulnerability, and raw emotional power.

Starr delivers a terrifying and captivating performance as the psychopathic superhero Homelander, embodying extreme power and chilling vulnerability. His performance is consistently lauded for its intensity and complexity, making Homelander one of the most iconic and disturbing villains in contemporary television.

Bartlett's performance as the hotel manager Armond was a standout, portraying a character unraveling under pressure with a mix of charm, desperation, and dark humor. His Emmy-winning performance was widely praised, making Armond an iconic character and a highlight of recent television drama.

Ramsey's performance as Ellie was praised for its strength and emotional depth, anchoring the character in a post-apocalyptic world. Their role in 'The Last of Us' was a major critical and popular success in 2023, establishing Ellie as an iconic character in a highly acclaimed new drama series.

Gatwa's portrayal of Eric Effiong brought joy, humor, and depth to a character exploring his identity and sexuality, making him a fan favorite. His performance is widely celebrated for its iconic status and positive representation, leaving a lasting impact.

Colón-Zayas's portrayal of Tina is grounded and authentic, showing her evolution from a skeptical cook to a loyal and skilled member of the kitchen team. Her performance in 'The Bear' has been consistently praised for its realism and emotional resonance, making Tina a beloved and iconic character.