Rate These Popular TV Characters And We'll Guess Your Favorite Show!
- by Mandy Anthony
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Television is an escape for millions the world over, making it possible to imagine another life, different time, or alternate universe. From Doctor Who to Breaking Bad, there are a variety of genres and eras to choose from. Television has been popular from inception and online streaming resources, like Netflix, Hulu and Prime have made it easier than ever before to enjoy your favorite drama, sitcom or thriller in huge gulp-sized portions.
Now that viewers can binge a series as much as we want, bonding with a favorite character is just second nature. Whether you fancy yourself a misunderstood nerd like Leonard Hofstadter of The Big Bang Theory, a woman’s libber like Donna Pinciotti of That '70s Show, or a big action hero like Tom Clancy’s titular protagonist Jack Ryan, there’s someone for everyone! That’s the beauty of television.
Dive into some of the most popular on-screen characters of this generation with this TV-land quiz! From Rachel Green of Friends to Norman Bates of Bates Motel, you’re sure to see fan favorites and maybe even meet a character or two you haven’t crossed paths with yet. Let’s see which show makes the cut!
Meredith Grey
Daughter of renowned surgeon, Ellis Grey, Meredith Grey starts her medical journey as an intern at Seattle Grace Hospital, eventually becoming a resident, attending, and finally Chief of General Surgery. Competitive, loyal, and good at what she does, Meredith is a role model for strong women and a fan favorite on Grey’s Anatomy.
Dean Winchester
Dean will literally go to hell and back for those he cares about. Passionate, rebellious, and loyal to a fault, he's the Winchester brother who puts the super in Supernatural. Dean loves his Impala, rocking out to classic rock, and almost any pie, but he hates Tuesdays…how do you feel about Dean?
Sherlock Holmes
With his faithful sidekick Dr. John Watson in tow, this modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic character has been a huge hit. Sherlock Holmes of the BBC series Sherlock is so beloved he’s inspired mobile apps, coloring books, and even escape room adventures in his name. In the case of “Who Loves Sherlock Holmes?”, where do you stand?
Jon Snow
Tall, dark and handsome, the lovable Jon Snow was cast aside by Catelyn Stark only to be discovered as a descendant of the royal Targaryen bloodline. A valiant member of the night’s watch turned follower of the Mother of Dragons, he’s loyal, noble, and stands up for what he believes in. What’s not to like?
Eleven
She’s breaking rules and taking names, so watch out for Eleven. A hugely popular member of the Stranger Things team, Eleven takes girl power to a whole new level with actual super powers. She loves walkie talkies, waffles, and long walks in the upside down…scratch that last. What’s your take on Eleven?
Jack Ryan
He looks like Jim Halpert, he sounds like Jim Halpert, but in this Tom Clancy inspired program, John Krasinski takes on the big screen hero of Jack Ryan. CIA analyst turned government agent, Jack follows hidden clues right into enemy territory and he’s not going down without a fight. We certainly wouldn’t want to be on his bad side, what do you think?
Piper Chapman
She may have had a rocky start, but Piper Chapman sure finds her footing in a women’s penitentiary quickly. Fingered for her wrongdoings in a smuggling job, Piper loses her job, fiancé, and life as she knows it when she’s locked up. It’s not so bad; at least she looks great in orange!
Michael Kelso
Oh, sweet simple Michael Kelso, how we miss you and the gang of That 70’s Show! Always getting himself into trouble with on and off again girlfriend Jackie Burkhart, Michael proves that you don’t need to be deep, or even have common sense, to get the girl. He sure is lovable though.
Rory Gilmore
There’s a little Rory Gilmore in every woman. She’s smart, ambitious, loyal, and loves her coffee. Small town Rory stole the hearts of America in a 7-season series which recently saw a rebirth with “A Year in the Life” on Netflix. Who else is on the edge of their seat waiting for a follow-up season to tie up those loose ends?
Jack Pearson
Speaking of Gilmore Girls, how much do we love Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson in This is Us. Poetic, heartbreaking, and the epitome of the 80’s dad and husband, he’s stealing hearts around the globe. One of the more popular roles he’s played, there’s not much bad to be said about Mr. Pearson. What do you think?
Tommy Shelby
Thought to be descended from Romani gypsies, Thomas “Tommy” Shelby of Peaky Blinders is an enigmatic character if ever there was one. Determined to make his way up in the world, no matter what it takes, he’s certainly no stranger to hard work or dark deeds. In early 1900 England, Tommy does what he must to keep his family afloat and we love him for it.
Mary Crawley
She’s prim and proper and likes to take tea in the parlor, she’s Lady Mary Crawley. Born into the world of high-class dining, ballgowns and aristocrats, she counts herself above most and isn’t afraid to show it. While she may come off as cold and callous, Lady Mary is known to show her softer side from time to time.
Diane Lockhart
Diane Lockhart is one vivacious accomplished woman, and she does it all in heels. Whether you loved her best on The Good Wife, or spin-off series The Good Fight, the important thing is that you love her. A lawyer who knows when to fight and when to settle, she’s an excellent female role model if ever there was one.
Dwight Schrute
Bears, Beets, and Battlestar Galactica drive this top paper salesman to do his best. Dwight Schrute may be an odd guy, but he’s loyal, honest, and hard working. A beet farmer, classic rock lover, volunteer Sheriff’s deputy and the prime target of co-worker Jim Halpert’s pranks, where would The Office be without Dwight?
Serena Van Der Woodsen
Hey Upper East Siders, remember Serena Van Der Woodsen? She was everyone’s favorite “It” girl from 2007 to 2012, and her legacy carries on. Starting with a mysterious reappearance in NYC, Serena developed into a diverse and interesting character. Let us know whether she’s still in your top 10, xoxo Gossip Girl!
Seth Cohen
Before there was The Big Bang Theory gang, there was Seth Cohen, a completely different kind of nerd. Born into a family of wealth and good social standing Seth bonded with a delinquent teen, skateboarded through life, and taught his friends to love punk, emo, and indie rock. Who doesn’t wish The O.C. was still a thing?
Norman Bates
When shy guy Norman Bates moves to White Pine Bay, Oregon with his mother, he struggles to fit in. Of course, it doesn’t help matters that he is a touch twisted. Based on the character in the 1960’s Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho, Norman might be deranged, but there’s something about him viewers just love. What do you think?
Joey Tribbiani
Actor and food lover Joey Tribbiani forms one of the 6 main characters in the cast of the long running series Friends. A man with more sisters than he can count, Joey is loyal to a fault, and always ready to take one for the team. Who doesn’t love Joey?
Elaine Benes
She’s smart, funny, and one of the guys. Elaine Benes is a perfect example of the 90’s working woman. She doesn’t let any man hold her back or tell her what to do, and she’s one heck of a dancer…okay, so she can’t dance. We still love her! What do you think of Elaine?
Jake Peralta
Jake Peralta might be a goofball, but he’s also one of the best detectives in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Known for taking risks, cracking jokes, and coming up with crazy undercover characters, Jake almost always gets his man. Jake also has a lovable side, as is witnessed in the romantic scenes with partner, Amy Santiago. How lovable do you think Jake is?
Oliver Queen
When billionaire Oliver Queen is shipwrecked and goes missing for 5 years, family and friends assume he's not coming back. With his return to Starling City, he discovers a passion for helping the less fortunate and bringing down criminal scum. Taking on the persona of Green Arrow in season 4, he finally embraces his superhero destiny as a member of the DC hero-verse.
Clay Jensen
Sweet, kind Clay Jensen is left heartbroken and confused in 13 Reasons Why. He won the hearts of viewers around the world as he worked to solve the hidden meaning in his friend Hannah’s cassette tape messages, going on to confront her attacker. Clay starts out a shy and timid young man, but finds his inner strength eventually.
Daryl Dixon
One of the few characters in AMC’s zombie-verse without a graphic novel counterpart, Daryl starts out as an antagonist with brother Merle, but eventually becomes a member of Rick’s team of heroes. A crack shot and one of the longest surviving roles in the series, Daryl is definitely a fan favorite, what do you think?
Leslie Knope
She’s outspoken, loyal, and loves breakfast food, she’s Leslie Knope. As the Deputy Director of Pawnee, Indiana Parks and Recreation department Leslie works tirelessly to help her town, much to their dismay. Extremely organized, a little bossy, and very talented at her job, Leslie eventually runs for city Council and later, Governor of Indiana. Vote Knope!
Ted Mosby
Ted Mosby is the main protagonist in the series, How I Met Your Mother. Although his character is voiced by Bob Saget during the narration with his children, it’s Josh Radnor you see as Ted as he acts out the story of his life up until he meets his future wife. Ted is funny, charming, and stands by his friends, but his stories are a little long winded. What do you think?
Don Draper
From a time when men were men and women did what their husband’s asked, Don Draper paints a cool confident silhouette. Creative Director of big time Manhattan ad firm Sterling-Cooper, Don is the man every guy wants to be, and every lady wishes she had, much to the dismay of his wife, Betty
Eleanor Shellstrop
Not the nicest human being in the world, Eleanor Shellstrop is surprised to find herself in “The Good Place” after her passing. While she’s figured out she shouldn’t be there, she’ll do whatever it takes not to be sent away. With good intentions and some comedic hijinks, Eleanor learns how to become a genuinely good person.
Jughead Jones
These aren’t your parent’s Archie comics! In Riverdale, Jughead Jones, played by Cole Sprouse, is dark, mysterious, and even a little dangerous. A member of the Southside Serpents, his father’s gang, this version of Jughead winds up dating the stunning Betty Cooper. What do you think of the CW’s take on a classic?
Aria Montgomery
Throughout 7 seasons of Pretty Little Liars, Aria Montgomery was favored highly among watchers. She commits some nefarious deeds, but is overall considered a kind, loyal member of the A-team. While the overall premise of the show is dark and twisty, Aria does eventually get her well deserved happily ever after.
Lucifer Morningstar
Just the name Lucifer Morningstar paints a picture of an anti-hero, and an epic one at that. On Fox and Netflix series, Lucifer, the titular character, feels listless with his life in the underworld. After choosing Los Angeles as his home away from home Lucifer falls for a female police detective named Chloe. We’re still waiting to see how this one works out.
Sookie Stackhouse
Born and raised in Bon Temps, Louisiana, Sookie Stackhouse is everything a fine young Southern woman should be. Except, of course, for that pesky fang obsession she has. A vampire for a boyfriend, a shape shifter for a boss, and a magical power all her own, Sookie always seems to find herself in some supernatural mess or another.
Jim Gordon
There have been many depictions of DC’s Jim Gordon, but in the Fox series Gotham, Ben McKenzie breathes new life into the role. Befriending Bruce Wayne from a young age, Jim protects Gotham from the likes of The Penguin, The Riddler, and various criminal masterminds in between. What do you think of this take on Gotham’s future chief of police?
Howard Wolowitz
He may have started out an annoying chauvinist, but Howard Wolowitz wormed his way into the hearts of millions on The Big Bang Theory. Evolving from a multi-lingual womanizer into a NASA astronaut, husband, and father, Wolowizard is an essential part of the Big Bang team and we love him for it.
Jeff Winger
The “diamond in the rough” of Greendale Community College, Jeff Winger starts the school year with a plot to date the lovely Britta Perry. When Britta calls him out on his chauvinistic slacker attitude, he forms a Spanish study group to win her over. To his surprise and dismay the group goes on to become best friends and the stars of NBC’s Community.
Dan Conner
He’s everyone’s favorite TV Dad, and he’s back with a new Roseanne spinoff, The Conners, soon to air. In the long running Sitcom, Roseanne, Dan showed the world what life could be like for a blue-collar husband and father of 4 in the small town of Langford, Illinois. Always one to inject humor into a situation, Dan won the hearts of fans with his witty banter and kind nature.
