4. Wes Mendell (Judd Hirsch in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip)
The best character in the pilot to Studio 60 only received a three minute monologue, but it’s possibly the best thing Aaron Sorkin has ever done. Still, I wonder how it feels to be Paddy Chayefsky’s bitch. The speech may have been a bit unrealistic, but Judd Hirsch is so good that it takes multiple screenings before the thought ever enters your head. 

Best scene: …we just went over this.

80. Jack Donaghy
Played by Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock (2006 - Present)

Alec Baldwin is a testament to how good television has become in the last decade. Despite being one of the biggest actors in the world he chose to do a small comedy show written by Tina Fey, and the results have been spectacular. Everyone on the show is great, but Baldwin's over-the-top NBC executive is incredible to watch. His character is able pull off some of the most ridiculous scenes (picking up Rachel Dratch on the street and spending a night on the town) with absolute sincerity. I heard that Baldwin wants off the show, but thankfully NBC thought ahead and signed him for multiple seasons. That means there's plenty more Lemon-Donaghy sexual tension for us to enjoy in the future!

Don't miss: Donaghy vs. Will Arnett's Devon Banks in their "talking like this contest".

Note: Baldwin really deserves a higher spot after his therapy session with Tracey Jordan in season two. If that doesn't win him an Emmy, I don't know what will.

79. Karen Walker
Played by Megan Mullally in Will & Grace (1998 - 2006)

I've only seen sporadic episodes of this show, but Mullally's character always stood out as the most original and entertaining aspect of the show. Karen Walker is the gold-digging, lazy, vain "assistant" to Grace, and best friend of "almost too gay to function" Jack McFarland. Her character begins and ends with her distinctive voice, which perfectly captures Karen's superior air. Like many other characters that will be on this list, I couldn't cite a specific scene (or even storyline) that I enjoyed Mullally in, but her character made a definite impact on me after watching the show.

78. Ruth Fisher
Played by Frances Conroy in Six Feet Under (2001 - 2005)

Six Feet Under is the second most rewarded show on this list, and it truly deserves that distinction. The entire cast should probably be in the top eighty, but I decided to include more variety for your sake, dear reader. Still, I couldn't help but include a majority of the principle cast, beginning with Ruth Fisher, the widowed mother of three. Ruth's journey throughout the series is surprisingly complex as she struggles to rebuild her family and love life after the death of her husband. Much like Grams in Dawson's Creek (yes, I just went there), she experiences a second-coming of youth that leads to a slew of unusual love interests. Frances Conroy adds a remarkable level of depth and realism to a character that could have easily grown more annoying with each passing season.

Don't miss: Ruth wearing the ridiculous pants that a stoned Claire sows for her.

77. Adrian Monk
Played by Tony Shalhoub in Monk (2002 - Present)

Monk is another character that I've grown to love from a limited exposure. I've seen less than five episodes of the show, but it's hard to deny the greatness of Tony Shalhoub. I don't think his character deserves three Emmys, but he at least deserved the first one. I can see myself growing tired of the character if I watched every season, but that's probably not something I'll ever have to worry about.

76. Dr. Frasier Crane
Played by Kelsey Grammer in Cheers (1982 - 1993) and Frasier (1993 - 2004)

This is another Emmy-obsessed character, but one that was more deserving in my opinion. I loved Frasier on Cheers, but he really hit his stride as the super-intellectual talk show psychologist in Frasier. Kelsey Grammer did a great job keeping the character fresh throughout his twenty-two year reign on primetime, and I doubt anyone will surpass his longevity for years to come.

75. Elliot Reid
Played by Sarah Chalke in Scrubs (2001 - 2008)

Who would have thought that Becky #2 was such a talented comedic actress? Like all great comedians, Sarah Chalke is not afraid of taking a fall, or looking ridiculous. Not that she ever really looks bad, but she's always willing to go there. She does an incredible job as the "on again, off again, never going to happen, okay maybe in season seven" romantic interest of J.D. It takes some real talent for an actress to stand toe-to-toe with the brilliant cast of Scrubs, but she is able to do so unlike any other female character on the show. Her character is like Woody Allen meets Cher from Clueless, on speed, with bangs, and I love every minute of it. She's also extremely good looking. Frick! Double Frick!

74. Dan Rydell
Played by Josh Charles in Sports Night (1998 - 2000)

I've really liked Josh Charles ever since I first saw Dead Poets Society, and was excited when I realized he was in Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night. Thankfully this excitement did not let down, and Charles shined as the neurotic, overlooked anchor of the titular sports show. He was able to make to Sorkin's often ridiculed writing style come to life like never before (and like it never would again) through the banter of Dan and Casey before each show. I thought about putting Casey on here too, but Peter Krause is already on the list as Nate Fisher, so he can be content with that. I always liked Dan better, anyway.

73. David Fisher
Played by Michael C. Hall in Six Feet Under (2001 - 2005)

Michael C. Hall sure knows how to pick juicy roles. He's great on Dexter, but I'm sure he'll be remembered for his incredible turn as the gay funeral home owner in Six Feet Under. His character may have become a bit whiny in season four, but didn't every character in the show? It certainly didn't do much to detract from an otherwise brilliantly complex and introverted character.

Don't miss: Anything. But if you want some specifics, I always loved the scenes where Hall came out to the other characters on the show.

72. Jimmy James
Played by Stephen Root in NewsRadio (1995 - 1999)

I must have a thing for idiot bosses, because this is the first of three such characters to make the list. NewsRadio was one of my favorite sitcoms of the '90s, and held a special place in the WB lineup that I watched every night. Stephen Root, best known for his portrayal of Milton the stapler guy in Office Space, is always entertaining as the aloof multimillionaire owner of WNYX who seems to spend all of his time hanging out in the bathroom. His character works so well because he's never in a scene for more than a minute. He always pops in, sets up a joke, and then leaves on the punchline.

71. Celia Hodes
Played by Elizabeth Perkins in Weeds (2005 - Present)

Celia Hodes is to Weeds as Julie Cooper is to The O.C. Think about it; she is constantly snooping, sleeping with other men, forgetting about one of her children (what happened to her other daughter?!), and trying to improve her position in society. Since Weeds is one of the most intelligent comedies on TV, I don't think it's unfair to call Celia Hodes the thinking man's Julie Cooper. But don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to take anything away from the glorious Julie Cooper (as you'll see). Celia's character should only get better in the third season, as she faces new pressures from Councilman Doug, her soon to be ex-husband, and Nancy.

70. Logan Echolls
Played by Jason Dohring in Veronica Mars (2004 - 2007)

Dohring is proof that my hatred for Tom Cruise does not stem entirely from Scientology. His "religious views" are unfortunate, but his turn as Veronica's boyfriend taught a new generation of CW kids how to brood. It didn't hurt that his only real competition was Duncan, i.e the most annoying love interest in all of Neptune. Still, no one sticks up for Veronica like Logan, even though his attempts are often misguided.

Don't miss: Logan getting arrested, just so he can go beat the crap out of someone who harmed Veronica.

69. Tommy Gavin
Played by Denis Leary in Rescue Me (2004 - Present)

Denis Leary decided the course of his career back in 1993 with the release of No Cure for Cancer. Ever since then, his characters (and he himself) have been known for being, to put it bluntly, huge pricks. Rescue Me's Tommy Gavin is the biggest asshole of the bunch, and possibly even the biggest asshole on television today. Whether he's forgetting his sex buddy's name, having sex with his best friend's widow, getting her pregnant, or essentially raping his wife, he has very few redeeming qualities. This doesn't stop him from being an intriguing character, and comfortably carrying the show. There's nothing interesting about normal people, anyway.

Don't miss: Season three, episode two. Tommy and his brother get into a little argument. I also love the first episode of season three, when he resuscitates a little girl who everyone else left for dead, lights up a cigarette, and then walks away like a badass.

68. Mr. Spock
Played by Leonard Nimoy in Star Trek (1966 - 1969)

So, in the interest of full disclosure, I have only seen two episodes of the original Star Trek series. Mr. Spock's (and Captain Kirk's) inclusion on this list is mainly from my exposure to the characters in the movies. Still, it's the same character, and I don't feel like it's out of line for me to include him on this list. Star Trek has always done a great job of creating interesting philosophical characters. Mr. Spock was the perfectly logical thinker, and Data was the android who brought up questions of what it meant to be human. I'm interested to go back and watch the old episodes of the series, after which this character might climb higher on the list.

67. James T. Kirk
Played by William Shatner in Star Trek (1966 - 1969)

Remember the first few sentences from the Spock entry? Ditto for this one. From what I've seen, however, William Shatner actually remembered how to act when he was on the series. He......didn't..............................take dramatic.............pauses.......nearlyasoften.

66. Kaylee Frye
Played by Jewel Staite in Firefly (2002)

Kaylee is the heart of Serenity; the upbeat and loveable character who is able to bring the various crew members together in difficult times. Her constant struggle to be seen as a woman (by both Mal and Simon) helps to remind the viewer that the crew of Serenity are regular people, with the same desires and feelings. Kaylee has to be the most likeable character on Serenity, and her friendship with the other women on the ship provides some of the most touching moments on the show.

Don't miss: Jane Espenson's episode, "Shindig". It contains my favorite Kaylee moments, such as when she attracts all the males at the ball by engaging in shop talk. I also love her in Out of Gas, but mainly because that's just a perfect episode.

65. Carrie Bradshaw
Played by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City (1998 - 2004)

The Prada wearing columnist who taught a new generation of middle aged women that it was okay to whore yourself out at forty. While I always hated her relationship with Big, the other boyfriends made the show worth watching. My favorites included Aiden, who was so perfect for Carrie that she had to cheat on him with Big, and Jack "post-it note" Berger. Her sixth season romance with "The Russian" was downright creepy, but the finale sorted things out.

64. Michael Scott
Played by Steve Carrell in The Office (2005 - Present)

Everyone's favorite (American) idiot boss (currently on TV). He's always entertaining, whether he's throwing useless parties, doing politically incorrect impersonations, or awkwardly ruining his relationships. Throw in his irrational hatred of Toby, and uncomfortable crush on Ryan for comedy gold.

"Phyllis, Stanley, I want you to switch desks, I am going to reorganize and restructure the physical layout of the office to maximize everything! I think we're getting a lot done, don't you? On paper, at least, and we are afterall a paper company, are we not? Are we not? Are we not? Are you with me? Are you with me? Thank you very much." - Initiation

63. Lucy Ricardo
Played by Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy (1951 - 1957)

Lucille Ball has to be the original First Lady of Television. Her turn as Lucy Ricardo was still innovating and hilarious when I became aquainted with the character, four decades after it premiered. It's so rare to have a female comedian that excels at physical comedy, but Lucille Ball set the standard on I Love Lucy. Plus, in one episode she meets Orson Welles, which automatically makes any television character noticably more memorable.

Don't miss: The chocolate factory scene; it doesn't get any better than that.

62. Julie Cooper
Played by Melinda Clarke in The O.C. (2003 - 2007)

Julie Cooper made the O.C. worth watching, long after the other characters grew tiresome. She was generally recognized as the best character on the show, even getting a shout out on an early episode of Entourage. She was linked to eight males in four seasons. Eight! Throughout the show's run she was married twice, engaged three times, and had more affairs than the Clinton White House. After living large for two seasons, season three brought her back to her trailerpark routes, and that storyline remains the highlight of an otherwise abismal season. Who could forget her friendship with her step daughter / best friend "Kiki" Cohen as they tried to launch Newport Living, or her disdain for her adoptive grandson and possible stepson Ryan Atwood. The drama is plentiful, and Melinda Clarke excels as the queen bitch of Newport.

61. The Cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis Reynolds (Glenn Howerton), Dee Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson) and Danny DeVito (Frank Reynolds) (2005 - Present)

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a glorious half hour of comedy without a heart. The characters are all self-involved morons, without a hint of remorse for their actions. Charlie Kelly is my favorite, as the group's energetic idiot. Dennis and Dee are the vain, spoiled rich kids who avoid all forms of work, and Mac is the tranny-loving alphamale of the group. Rob McElhenney is the genius behind this show, which was launched after the four principal leads filmed the pilot for less than $500. Danny DeVito was so impressed that he signed on to play Dennis and Dee's "father", a wealthy divorcee who can't go for more than one day without trying to exploit someone. This is one of the must-see shows on television right now, and I wish that more people would give it a chance. Its absurd plots, combined with completely unlikable characters makes for suprisingly captivating television.

It looks like the show is as sharp as ever in its third season, with "The Gang Solves the North Korea Situation" as my favorite episode thusfar.

60. Lindsay Bluth Funke
Played by Portia de Rossi in Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

Lindsay is the ultra-liberal, self-obsessed and often desperate "daughter" of George and Lucille Bluth. She supports a variety of trendy causes, from Hands Off Our Penises and TBA to simultaneously supporting and opposing the consumption of meat. She suffers from a terrible lack of self-esteem, most likely resulting from her mother's derision and her husband's sexual ambiguity. This leads her to a series of hilarious situations, whether it's dressing as a slut (literally), wearing a shemale shirt, getting rejected by numerous men ("No...I'm Tom Jane.") or trying to be filmed for Girls With Low Self-Esteem. Her attempt to have an affair, and her indefinitely delayed plans to sleep with Tobias are two highlights of the greatest comedy of all time.

Lindsay: I care deeply for nature.
Michael: You're wearing ostrich-skin boots.
Lindsay: Well, I don't care about ostriches.

59. Winnie Cooper
Played by Danica McKellar in The Wonder Years (1988 - 1993)

I remember writing in my journal at a young age (probably 10 or 11) about how all I needed in life was to find my Winnie Cooper. And you all thought I didn't become emo until high school. Winnie wasn't the most attractive teen actress, but her relationship with Kevin Arnold was something that I always wanted. She was the nerdy neighbor who suddenly blossomed in junior high and showed everyone that true love could be found in the glorified world of fake 1950s dramedy. Danica McKellar hasn't done much acting since the show ended, but she did get a math degree, and is writing a book that teaches young girls that nothing is sexier than intelligence, which pretty much makes her my favorite person.

58. Nate Fisher
Played by Peter Krause in Six Feet Under (2001 - 2005)

Nate Fisher was without doubt the main character of Six Feet Under for the first four seasons. I would make the argument that Claire ended up being the most important (and best) character on the show, but the whole story centered around the return of Nate after his father's death. I've always been a huge Peter Krause fan, and his work in this series is probably the best thing he will ever do. My love for Six Feet Under has only grown since I finished watching it, and a lot of that has to do with the character of Nate. In many ways he is more lost than any other character on the show, and he looks to Brenda, Lisa and his family to guide him throughout the series. I must admit that I like his character a lot more when he is searching for order in his life. The early seasons were the best, when he was having oral sex in the living room, crying over the death of Kurt Cobain (albeit in flashback), and hiding his ultimately fatal AVM from the world. His character lost a lot of its edge after the mindblowing change that was season four, but managed to regain some ground after the writers decided to write away Lisa in the most bizarre arc of the entire series.

"What would you rather have, some overly-educated gas bag like Trevor, or a semi-literate fuck-machine like me, come on."

57. David Brent
Played by Ricky Gervais in The Office (2001 - 2003)

Ricky Gervais IS the The Office. While the other cast members were all strong, he was the clear star of the show in a way that Steve Carrell is not. That's not to say that his character is better than Steve Carrell's (though I believe it is), it's just saing that the story is much more centered around him. Both bosses are undoubtedly naive in their world views, but David Brent somehow seems more serious in his ignorance. Carrell plays his character slightly over the top, while Gervais gives a brilliantly minimalistic (yet completely extroverted) performance. No one has ever been so self assured and so wrong at the same time, and it makes for some classic, cringeworthy television.

56. Johnny "Drama" Chase
Played by Kevin Dillon in Entourage (2004 - Present)

The role that Kevin Dillon was born to play. He spent the entire 1980s living the role of Drama as his brother Matt Dillon became one the biggest stars of the decade, and this allows him to tap into the psyche of Johnny Chase in an exciting way. These coincidental similarities are not enough to explain why Drama is such a memorable character, however. Dillon is not playing himself, he's playing the combination of countless real life siblings that he has encountered in his twenty years in Hollywood. He creates a character that is both broad and sweet, and I love watching him attempt to rebuild his crumbling career on the new foundation laid down by his brother Vince. Drama's endless stupidity and vanity (calf implants!?) are two of the best reasons to watch Entourage.

55. Larry Sanders
Played by Garry Shandling in The Larry Sanders Show (1992 - 1998)

Larry Sanders is the perfect combination of Johnny Carson and Garry Shandling.  He is a vain, self-interested comedian who is forced to somehow turn ridiculous guests and hit-of-the week musical acts into an entertaining show on a nightly basis.  Like all good comedians, he hates himself, and does little to improve the lives of those around him.  He is terrified of commitment, and seems to find a different female celebrity to date every episode.  It should be no surprise that Shandling, the Godfather of awkward humor, really shines when he is stuck in an awkward situation, whether its trying to ask out a co-worker as he fires her or trying to stop the advances of a famous male celebrity who is infatuated with him.

54. Janitor
Played by Neil Flynn in Scrubs (2001 - 2008)

Neil Flynn's unnamed janitor began as a side character, and did not interact with anyone other than J.D. in the first season. The plan was for him to be a figment of J.D.'s imagination, but Flynn just had to go and create such a memorable character that Bill Lawrence decided to expand his role. According to the Scrubs DVDs a majority of the Janitor's dialogue is completely improvised by Neil Flynn, which only adds to my love of the performance.

[over PA] "Dr. Dorian, Dr. Turk is free for his rectal exam. He said you'd know what that means."

53. Eric Taylor
Played by Kyle Chandler in Friday Night Lights (2006 - Present)

Kyle Chandler is outstanding as the reserved coach of the Dylan Panthers. He has a surprising amount of intensity for someone who seems like a nice family man on the outside. By allowing us to see him in his roles as both coach and father, we see how much his job influences every aspect of his life. I'm sure this will become increasingly important in the second season, with Taylor apparently choosing his career over his family's stability.

52. Lieutenant Columbo
Played by Peter Falk in a million different Columbo TV movies (1968 - 2003)

Peter Falk originally played this character on a TV show in the 1970s, but was so in love with it that he continued making "made for TV" movies approximately once a year for the next three decades. The character is a small, seemingly dimwitted investigator who goes around solving mysteries of the week. While this formula has been copied by countless shows since its inception, Columbo was the first and arguably the finest. Columbo would interview a miriade of suspects and make them all think he was on their side before hitting them with his verbal death sentence, "oh, there's just one other thing..."

51. Keith Mars
Played by Enrico Colantoni in Veronica Mars (2004 - 2007)

Rob Thomas could have been content with creating the greatest teenage detective in the history of television, but he had to one-up himself by creating an incredible father figure to go along with her. Keith Mars, the former/stand-in/future(?) sheriff of Neptune, is a sort of anti-Whedon character. In a world where Veronica's mother leaves the family, he steps in and becomes the gold standard of fatherhood. He treats his daughter like the intelligent adult that she is, yet knows how to connect with her on a personal level and when to back off and let her fall. Enrico Colantoni plays the character with the perfect balance of sillyness and authoritarianism, which makes him an easy character to fall in love with. If you don't believe me, just watch the finale to the second season.

"I nailed our bail jumper one hundred yards from Mexico... Twenty five hundred bucks. No sack dinners tonight. Tonight we eat, like the lower middle class to which we aspire. Fire up the 'bachie."

50. Lou Grant
Played by Ed Asner in Mary Tyler Moore (1970 - 1977) and Lou Grant (1977 - 1982)

I grew up watching Mary Tyler Moore on Nick at Nite, back when the network actually had standards. By the time I entered high school they had finished showing the true classics of television, and moved on to more modern material (Fresh Prince, really? A decent show, but it ended like two years ago!) But this paragraph is about Lou Grant, not my problems with television programming. Asner played the typical overbearing boss with a heart of gold. He was very similar to Louis DePalma in this respect (even sharing his Napoleon complex). I never got to see Lou Grant, but I have heard that it is a forgotten classic (Nick at Nite, anyone?!). See, I was able to tie it in afterall.

Note: I wrote this months ago, and Lou Grant has since become available on Hulu. I'll probably give it a shot in the next few weeks.

49. Homer Simpson
Played by Dan Castellaneta in The Simpsons (1989 - Present)

For my money (which is a weird expression, btw), Homer Simpson is probably the most memorable animated character on television. It seems like the most successful animated shows are always based on large, clumsy, dim-witted male figures.  It started with Fred Flintstone, and continues today with Peter Griffin. After nearly twenty years on the air, Homer's mannerisms and catch phrases have become known the world over. He is a perpetual screw-up who always forgets to think about those around him, but unlike Peter Griffin he actually has a heart. I really have nothing original to add to the discussion, so I'll leave it there.

48. Russell Tupper
Played by Oliver Platt in Huff (2004 - 2006)

Huff is a show that more people should watch. It's an engaging drama about a psychiatrist trying to reorder his life, full of incredible performances. Russell Tupper is easily my favorite as the drug addicted, womanizing best friend and lawyer of Huff. He doesn't have a conscience or the ability to stay in a relationship for more than one night, which is the perfect recipe for a memorable supporting character. Oliver Platt has never failed me, and his performance in Huff is the best of his career. He's the perfect combination of McNulty and Councilman Doug, with a dash of Ari Gold. Not convinced that you should give Huff a shot ? The sexual tension between Tupper and Blythe Danner's character has been known to cure cancer.

47. Michael Bluth
Played by Jason Bateman in Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

Jason Bateman is possibly the greatest straightman of our generation. He is such a natural comedic actor that it pains me to see his shows fail on such a regular basis. He readily admits that AD was the highlight of his career, and I hope that season three is not the last of the Bluth family. Michael Bluth is the character that recognizes the absurdity of everything on the show, yet can't avoid being apart of it. He tells his family to cut back on spending, then he buys a Corvette. He watches every relationship in his family crumble, yet he can only attract the blind or mentally retarded. It's making me sad for the show just thinking about it.

46. President Josiah Bartlett
Played by Martin Sheen in The West Wing (1999 - 2006)

President Bartlett makes me sad for America.  If only we could have such an intelligent, eloquent, and strong President in real life.  He's a Nobel Prize winning economist who doesn't shy away from the Religious Right. Could I ask for more?  He surrounds himself with brilliant people, and takes the time to have personal interaction with nearly everyone working in the White House.  He's completely unrealistic, and mystical, but I've always thought of the West Wing as a show about hope.  Aaron Sorkin was presenting his love affair with politics, and how great things could actually be if we got the system back on track.  Is it just me, or did Barack Obama base his entire political career on this character?  Is Aaron Sorkin writing his speeches?

44. River Tam
Played by Summer Glau in Firefly (2002)

The timid little girl in a box who ends up being the fiercest (hot mess!) killer in the 'verse.  River's character undergoes more change than any other throughout Firefly, and Summer Glau proves that she's much more than a ballet dancer in the process.  I've always been fascinated by the mystery surrounding River, and despite a feature length film about her past the audience is still largely unsure what her character is working towards.  Would she have single-handedly taken down the Alliance, or tragically died at the hands of Joss Whedon early in the third season?  I would give the majority of my minuscule net worth to know, which is a tremendous compliment to the character and everyone involved.

43. Tracy Jordan
Played by Tracy Morgan in 30 Rock (2006 - Present)

It may have taken Tracy Morgan three years to find his place at Saturday Night Live, but it only took one episode for him to hit his stride on 30 Rock. "I am a Jedi!"  His character, essentially a crazier, more famous version of himself, steals nearly every scene he's in.  Whether he's getting facial tattoos, being hunted by Bill Cosby and the Black Crusaders, or trying to fund his Thomas Jefferson movie, he is incredible.  He is the perfect compliment to Liz Lemmon, as she feverishly attempts to mend everything he tears down.

42. Angel
Played by David Boreanaz in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 - 2003) and Angel (1999 - 2004)

Angel is a vampire cursed with a soul who takes arms against his own kind.  After his three year run on Buffy, he heads to Los Angeles to start a private detective firm specializing in supernatural investigations.  He's ultra brooding, and occassionally gives off a slight gay vibe, but it works well for his character.  Joss Whedon does such a good job exploring what it is like to be an outcast among outcasts, and the mundane moments of Angel's life are often the best.

41. Christopher Moltisanti
Played by Michael Imperioli in The Sopranos (1999 - 2007)

Tony's second cousin, and closest confidant is a perfect bridge between the old and new mafia.  While Tony is obsessed with loyalty and the way things were, Christopher is more interested in drugs and entertainment.  He repeatedly pursues his Hollywood connections, and his drug buddies get him into an endless stream of trouble.  He also overestimates his worth, and ifhe wasn't related to Carmella he would surely be dead.  His struggles with other members of Tony's crew, particularly Paulie, are memorable character moments. 

40. Louie De Palma
Played by Danny DeVito in Taxi (1978 - 1983)

The tiny little man in charge of America's favorite New York taxi stand.  DePalma would often hilariously berate his employees over the loudspeaker within the comfort of his steel cage. This character was a staple of my childhood, and a high point in the career of Danny DeVito.

39. Samantha Jones
Played by Kim Cattrall in Sex and the City (1998 - 2004)

She was the character who did everything the other girls wouldn't, and the list of her sexual conquests is easily double the next sluttiest character's. Her relationship with Jerrod, and her battle with cancer in season six was a high point for her character.

38. President Laura Roslin
Played by Mary McDonnell in Battlestar Galactica (2003 - 2009)

Probably the best on screen President in television history.  Roslin is a born leader, although it took her a while to understand her calling.  Her relationship with Adama is wonderful, and I hope they flesh that out even more before the show's end.

37. Pam Beesly
Played by Jenna Fischer in The Office (2005 - Present)

Jenna Fischer has mastered dialogue-free acting, and her wordless reactions to Michael Scott's political incorrectness is truly incredible.  Her character is going in interesting new directions this season, but I'd love to see her continue her art work and possibly even begin looking for jobs in that field. 

36. Liz Lemon
Played by Tina Fey in 30 Rock (2006 - Present)

I was going to put Tina Fey's Weekend Update character on here, but Liz Lemon has taken everything that was great about that character and infused it with enough insecurity to make Elliot Reid jealous.  Like Michael Bluth, she's the rock that everyone in the show clings to, despite the fact that she's painfully ill-equipped for that roll.

35. Lt. Commander Data
Played by Brent Spiner in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994) and four films.

Data was a brilliant addition to Star Trek TNG, allowing the show to explore questions of humanity in new and exciting ways.  Whenever I see Brent Spiner in a non-Star Trek role, I realize how incredible his portrayal of Data really was.

34. Jim Halpert
Played by John Krasinski in The Office (2005 - Present)

John Krasinski is one of the most realistic actors on television, and his reaction shots are probably the best thing about The Office.  He really shines in the few scenes where he realizes that it's becoming harder and harder for him to escape Dunder Mifflin.

33. Bill McNeal
Played by Phil Hartman in NewsRadio (1995 - 1998)

I've said it before, but Phil Hartman's Bill McNeal is reason enough to watch the '90s sitcom NewsRadio. He's a cocky, selfish, womanizing radio personality who treats everyone in the office like his personal assistant. I mean, come on, it's Phil Hartman!  That should be enough...

32. Seth Cohen
Played by Adam Brody in The Office (2003 - 2007)

Nerds rejoice! Seth Cohen made it cool to love comics, listen to sappy indie rock, and sail. I pretty much worship him.  The character may have broken away from reality in later seasons, but the man invented Chrismukkah, and that's more than enough for me.

31. John (J.D.) Dorian
Played by Zach Braff in Scrubs (2001 - Present)

The heart and soul of Scrubs. Zach Braff remains strong in the seventh season of Scrubs, but his character was pretty much pitch perfect for the first four seasons.

30. Hank Kingsley
Played by Jeffrey Tambor in The Larry Sanders Show (1992 - 1998)

It's hard to explain how perfect Jeffrey Tambor is as the Ed McMahon-like sidekick on The Larry Sanders Show.  He's neurotic, foolish, and constantly fishing for Larry's approval, which he almost never receives. I wish more people would watch the show, because his character alone is worth the time invested.

29. Kevin Arnold
Played by Fred Savage in The Wonder Years (1988 - 1993)

This is a pretty personal choice, because of the character's effect on my adolescence.  As I've said before, Kevin Arnold was one of the first characters I idolized on television, and Fred Savage did a great job bringing him to the small screen.  He's the adolescent John Dorian, complete with an inner monologue, constant day-dreams, and an on-again-off-again love life.

28. Buffy Summers
Played by Sarah Michelle Gellar in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 - 2003)

Buffy was the first Joss Whedon character I came across, and it didn't take long to convince me of his genius.  The character itself is a brilliant creation, and Gellar is surprisingly great in the role.  Her transformation from high school cheerleader, to the savior of the world (a few times over) is incredibly rewarding.

27. Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
Played by Alan Alda in M*A*S*H* (1972 - 1983)

Hawkeye remains one of the smartest and wittiest characters on television twenty five years after the show's end.

26. George Bluth, Sr.
Played by Jeffrey Tamborin Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

Jeffrey Tambor's second appearance in the top 30, and deservedly so.  I don't think his character has a single moment in the three seasons of Arrested Development in which he isn't absolutely perfect.  Seriously. Perfect.

25. Josh Lyman
Played by Bradley Whitford in The West Wing (1999 - 2006)

When I think of The West Wing, I always think of Josh Lyman.  Watching his character, I am seduced into the world of politics.  More than anything, I want to be him.  I want to be as smart, and funny, and quick as he is.  I want to have Donna as my secretary.  I want everything I say to be written by Aaron Sorkin.  If life in The White House is anything like his on the show, then I should probably be rethinking my current career path.

24. Pacey Witter
Played by Joshua Jackson in Dawson's Creek (1998 - 2003)

Finally, The Creek makes an appearance on the list!  You can't be that surprised; it's my guilty pleasure, and Pacey is the only character who is actually good enough to warrant a spot.  Joshua Jackson's character changes more than any other throughout the six season run, but no matter what position he's in, he's always the most fun to watch.  I don't know how he went from seducing his teacher to being a chef, or working in a video store to investment banking, but he brings legitimacy to every endeavor.  He's also always rational, which is a breath of fresh air in a show boasting the most irrational lead character in prime time soap history.

23. Dr. Gaius Baltar
Played by James Callis in Battlestar Galactica (2003 - 2009)

Baltar has always been my favorite character on BSG, and he continues to grow more complex in the fourth and final season.  I loved him as the brilliant scientist who inadvertently helped the cylons, but he really broke through as the vice-President and then President of New Caprica.  Season four has him starting to believe his own hype as the new Messiah, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.

22. Special Agent Dale Cooper
Played by Kyle MacLachlan in Twin Peaks (1990 - 1991) and one film.

Watching Dale Cooper fit in so well with the residents of Twin Peaks, I wonder how bizarre he would seem to an average person in New York.  His peppy attitude and clean-cut appearance feels like something straight out of the 1940s, but it's perfect for the role.  He approaches every lead on the Laura Palmer case with the same sincerity, whether it's her family and friends, or the mysterious Log Lady.

21. Dwight Schrute
Played by Rainn Wilson in The Office (2005 - Present)

Da-white Schrute.  It's a pretty safe choice, but Dwight has always been my favorite character on The Office.  It's so easy for a character like Dwight to grow tiresome, but Rainn Wilson finds a way to constantly reinvent it.  The more we find out about Dwight's life outside of the office, the more I'm taken in.  The British version of The Office had his character take over for Michael Scott, and I wonder if that will ever happen in Scranton.  It might work, as long as the show still included Michael Scott in some way.

20. Ari Gold
Played by Jeremy Piven in Entourage (2004 - Present)

For the first two season of Entourage, Ari was one of the most exciting characters on HBO.  Jeremy Piven defined the show, and brought increased attention to its subsequent seasons.  His rapid-fire delivery is usually perfect, and I love seeing him face off with people beneath him. While I still think it's an amazing character, I've soured on the show through two mediocre seasons. 

"No, I'm just a lowly Harvard grad with a JD/MBA from Michigan."

19. Carmela Soprano
Played by Edie Falco in The Sopranos (1999 - 2007)

Simply put, her acting in Whitecaps might be the best acting I've ever seen. Ever. She's one of my favorite actresses, and I've pretty much only seen her in The Sopranos...that's how incredible her range is throughout the show.

18. Larry David
Played by Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 - Present)

Maybe I just wasn't expecting it, but Larry David is incredible in Curb Your Enthusiasm. His character proves that money just makes people more of what they already are.  Instead of getting into meaningless fights with random strangers in New York, Larry now gets into fights with superstar celebrities.  The fact that he improvises all of his dialogue just adds to the greatness.

17. Jack Bauer
Played by Kiefer Sutherland in 24 (2001 - Present)

This is another character that is immensely popular, but deservedly so.  Kiefer Sutherland reinvented the special agent/police character that had become so stagnant on television.  Like Bruce Willis's John McLane, I wonder how he keeps getting into these situations, but the show is so fast paced that I don't have time to care.

16. George Michael Bluth
Played by Michael Cera in Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

Michael Cera = God. Any questions?

15. Dr. Tobias Fünke
Played by David Cross in Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

Yes, More AD in the Top 30. Get used to it.  Thank Michael Cera (see above) that Tobias became a series regular on Arrested Development, because he is absolutely perfect.

14. Hoban "Wash" Washburne
Played by Alan Tudyk in Firefly (2002) and one film.

I keep telling myself he didn't actually die.  You can survive being impaled with a pole a foot in diameter, right?  They were just joshing us.  They wouldn't take away the dinosaur loving pilot and comic relief to one of the best shows in television history, would they?

13. Claire Fisher
Played by Lauren Ambrose in Six Feet Under (2001 - 2005)

The best character on Six Feet Under, and ultimately the character that takes us through it all.  She's especially great in the later seasons, once she gets into photography.

12. Elaine Benes
Played by Julia Louis-Dreyfuss in Seinfeld (1990 - 1998)

She's on Seinfeld, and her name isn't Jerry, so you knew she was gonna be high on the list.  As the only woman in the Seinfeld Boys Club, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss more than held her own. I would argue that her character did more to foster the independent New York woman than all four ladies on Sex and the City combined. 

11. Byron "Buster" Bluth
Played by Tony Hale in Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

I know people who find Buster annoying, just like some find Hank Kingsley annoying, but I've never come close to that.  I think his character only gets better with time...the hook hand in season two is absolute brilliance, and Buster screaming, "I'm a monster," is one of the highlights of the show. There's FAR too many moments of perfection, so I won't even try to list them.

10. Jean-Luc Picard
Played by Patrick Stewart in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994)

I'm only half-way through Star Trek TNG, but Patrick Stewart's captain is a magnificent creation.  He's brilliant and fair, though he tends to distance himself from the crew. He also has a passion for Shakespeare and film noir that should please any good nerd. Casting a trained Shakespearian actor in a science fiction role was inspired, and he is what makes TNG truly special.

9. Cast of Friends
Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Gellar (Courtney Cox Arquette), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Dr. Ross Gellar (David Schwimmer) (1994 - 2004)

I cheated here by lumping them all together.  However, they were always thought of as an ensemble, and during their hayday they were as good as any cast on television.  I naturally drifted towards Matthew Perry's sarcastic Chandler, but love every character (even Ross).  Phoebe is a close second.

8. George Costanza
Played by Jason Alexander in Seinfeld (1990 - 1998)

Once again, there's SO MUCH that I love about this character, and I won't even scratch the surface.  Here are a few favorite moments: everything in The Opposite, saving the whale in The Marine Biologist, shrinkage, real-life Frogger, driving around the Yankee parking lot with the World Series trophy. I could pick something from every episode, but I'll leave that to my Great Episodes section (in which pretty much every Seinfeld episode will appear at some point).

7. Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds
Played by Nathan Fillion in Firefly (2002) and one film.

Many will disagree, but I believe Captain Mal is the greatest space captain in television history.  Nathan Fillion is career-defining in his portrayal of the battered captain who cares for his crew above all else. His performance in Out of Gas deserved to win many, many awards, but Firefly remains tragically unseen by the masses.

6. George "Gob" Bluth II
Played by Will Arnett in Arrested Development (2003 - 2006)

Yup, he's my favorite character on Arrested Development.  How can you not love a guy whose primary mode of transportation is a Segway with his name written on the front?!  "Yeah, the guy in the $5000 suit is gonna hold the elevator for the guy who doesn't make that in a month. Come on!"

"I call it Fuck City."

5. Dr. Perry Cox
Played by John C. McGinley in Scrubs (2001 - Present)

Like J.D., the character of Dr. Cox was absolutely perfect for the first few seasons of Scrubs.  His placement this high on the list is a refection of that.  Go back and rewatch the first season; Johnny C is perfect.

4. Veronica Mars
Played by Kristen Bell in Veronica Mars (2004 - 2007)

Veronica Mars takes everything that was great about Buffy Summers, adds an even better female actress, and throws her into the wonderful detective noir genre. Yeah, it's fair to say that Veronica Mars is my favorite female character in the history of history. Happy, Katie?

3. Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, DFA
Played by Stephen Colbert in The Colbert Report (2005 - Present)

I was conflicted over whether to include Colbert, but I think I'm justified.  He IS playing a character, and he IS on television.  He's also incredible.  I have a feeling I'll be telling my kids about this little show that I watched during the last 2000s that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of my generation.  The Daily Show is great, but Colbert is doing something unique.  He has developed a fiercely loyal following, and I'm honored to count myself among them.

2. Cosmo Kramer
Played by Michael Richards in Seinfeld (1990 - 1998)

Yes, Michael Richards is a bit racist, but that doesn't change the fact that he produced nine seasons of brilliance during the 1990s.  Watching the extra features on the Seinfeld DVDs I realized how much work Michael Richards really put into this character.  He's nothing like him, and every single gesture is perfectly planned.  He's also one of those unique characters, like Homer Simpson, who manages to be bigger than the show that produced them.

1. Anthony Soprano
Played by James Gandolfini in The Sopranos (1999 - 2007)

I've probably mentioned this in conversation before, but I believe James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Sopranos is among the best five performances in history.  In my opinion there are moments in The Sopranos where he reaches Brando-like heights.  Whether he's dealing with his difficult mother, or coming to grips with the fact that his uncle has betrayed him, Gandolfini oozes realism.  His best scenes, however, are with Edie Falco, and together they are the best acting duo that I've ever seen.