From Homer to Matlock: The 25 best characters on network TV right now

Rose McIver was excellent in her breakout role on iZombie last decade, but might be even better on Ghosts. Of course, she's playing somewhat of a similar character. This time, her Sam on the popular CBS sitcom, was actually dead for a few minutes, and now can communicate with ghosts. Now, that's the fun of it all. However, let's give credit to co-stars Utkarsh Ambudkar (as husband), Danielle Pinnock (as ghost Alberta) and Brandon Scott Jones (as ghost Captain Isaac Higgintoot).

Back in the day, Joshua Jackson found fame as slacker Pacey Witter from Dawson's Creek. Now, more than 20 years later, Jackson, with much more gray hair and a noticeable dramatic flare for entertaining, is back in primetime as Dr. Bankman, the doctor in a luxury cruise ship that sets this 2024 ABC drama (courtesy of Ryan Murphy). Dr. Bankman is good at his job, caring, and also is still easy on the eyes of passengers and even his own medical staff. 

Since 1999, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Mariska Hargitay has portrayed the venerable Olivia Benson on this long-running NBC favorite. Benson has risen through the ranks from detective all the way up to captain and commanding officer of Manhattan's demanding Special Victims Unit. For years, she partnered with Elliott Stabler, and has cheated death on more than one occasion. Benson tends to get emotionally invested in her cases, but her strong will and dedication to the job make her one of the most admired female characters in dramatic television history.

Ava (brilliantly played by Janelle James) is the incompetent principal at Abbott Elementary. Though her judgment is questionable at times and her educational beliefs might seem questionable, Janine is quite hilarious, perhaps mostly when it comes to her pseudo-rivalry with Janine (Quinta Brunson), the optimistic and determined young teacher at Abbott. Ava's busts on Janine at any chance, but she might also be aware that she is one of the school's best teachers. And, it's teachers like Janine who actually make Ava look good — and even keep her job.

Moving on from his Everybody Hates Chris days, Tyler James Williams has certainly found an adult acting home at Abbott Elementary. He's won a Golden Globe Award and earned Primetime Emmy nominations for his role as Gregory Eddie, a former substitute teacher who earned a regular job. Gregory thinks he's all put together but hates pizza and ribs. However, he enjoys board games, rooting for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, while also carrying a torch for Ms. Teagues. 

Another new character on this list. Kaitlin Olson made a name for herself through It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and now she gets another crack at leading her own series with this ABC crime drama, which debuted in 2024, which also boasts numerous funny moments. Morgan is a highly intelligent single mother of three who works as a cleaning lady for the LAPD. She eventually earns a consulting job with the department after involuntarily helping with various investigations, which proves her worth even more. 

When it comes to character longevity, Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey joins the aforementioned Olivia Benson among the most visible. Amid the Grey's Anatomy universe, Meredith has seen and experienced it all -- good and certainly bad. From open-night stands to marriage to having a miscarriage to motherhood to the death of her husband to natural and man-made disasters. And, she's managed to survive it all for parts of 21 television seasons. Talk about resilience. Like Benson, Meredith Grey is one of the most empowering women in television history.

Brian (Seth MacFarlane) the dog is probably more of a man than his master Peter Griffin on this long-running Fox favorite. Then again, that's why he's one of the best characters within the Family Guy universe. Though Brian often feels too intelligent and good for the Griffins, he's loyal to the dysfunctional gang, especially Peter and baby Stewie (more on the later). Of all the professions Brian, who returned from the dead at one point in the series, has taken a crack at, his time as a successful adult film director seemed like his true calling.

Brian's buddy Stewie, Griffin's toddler who talks like a sailor and might be the funniest, crudest child on network television. Initially, the age-inappropriate Stewie (also voiced by Seth MacFarlane) was all about world domination and killing his mother, Lois. However, his darkness has lightened, and he remains known for his situational humor. Over the years of the series, Stewie's sexuality has been questioned, though, either way, he still remains one of the funniest animated characters of all time. 

It took nearly 50 years in show business for veteran Sheryl Lee Ralph, but she's finally earned serious Hollywood praise for her role as Mrs. Howard, the by-the-book, God-fearing, veteran kindergarten teacher. She's a mentor of sorts to Abbott's younger teachers, and is known for her quirky, sometimes nonsensical, out-of-touch, but hilarious, sayings. Though, she always means well. In 2022, Ralph became the first black actor in 35 years to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Cedric the Entertainer might be the marquee name amid the cast of CBS' surprisingly appreciated The Neighborhood, but the most consistent comedic element lies with Max Greenfield. Starring as the well-meaning, nerd-at-heart, overly friendly Dave Johnson, Greenfield's character is easy to like. Even if he can be annoying at times. Dave's best moments come while getting under the skin of neighbor Calvin (Cedric), who actually appreciates their friendship. 

One of the biggest stories of the Fall 2024 network television season is Kathy Bates' presence in primetime. Sure, Bates spent time on The Office, but she's currently starring as a retired lawyer who gets back in the game by earning a job at a law firm that she believes indirectly contributed to her daughter's death. Knowing her late daughter and surviving grandson were fans of the classic Andy Griffith sitcom Matlock, Madeline takes on the identity of "Matty" Matlock, to infiltrate the firm and get answers. All while being very entertaining. 

Since 2021, Queen Latifah has starred as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative and single mother, who helps those New Yorkers in need of justice or redemption. But as a street vigilante of sorts, without the confines of a boss. For better or worse. Robyn is personable but strong-willed. She's got answers and comes through when on the job, but can also be vulnerable, which makes her quite likable. Though Robyn McCall has been a CBS staple for years, she's a highly underrated character. 

Nathan Fillion enjoyed a lengthy run of success with Castle, and now finds himself on another ABC hit via The Rookie. Trying to re-start life in his 40s, Fillion's John Nolan moves to Los Angeles and joins the LAPD. Despite some early hiccups, Nolan finds his place both personally and professionally. Nolan is not as funny or witty as Fillion's Richard Castle, but works hard, is determined, loyal and should be viewed as a true fictional television role model. 

Donnie Wahlberg, the unofficial leader of New Kids on the Block, turned into an above-average actor. As the son of the NYPD commissioner, Danny is hardcore and pushes many boundaries in his detective work. He's also managed to endure a lot while being part of a police family. As the beloved series comes to an end, Danny is still dealing with losing his wife to a medical helicopter accident that appears to have been orchestrated but trudges on as Reagan's usually do.

So that commissioner just mentioned one by one Francis Reagan, played by the iconic Tom Selleck, who added another legendary television character to his resume. Frank is an undeniable rock, whether at 1PP or the head of the Sunday family dinner table. He's endured the death of a wife and son, all while overseeing the largest police force in the world. Yet, Frank makes it look easy and balances authority with compassion. As with son Danny, we'll hate to see both characters go with Blue Bloods in its 14th and final season.

As is the case with the other Chicago or Law & Order series, determining the best of the best isn't easy. However, Taylor Kinney's Severide continues to persevere. Kinney's career-defining role, might be the most popular of any character within the entire Chicago franchise of shows. On Chicago Fire, Severide is the CFD's golden boy. The son of CFD Captain Benny Severide (Treat Williams), he was the youngest firefighter in the history of the department. He's good at his job but lets outside issues creep into his work. It all makes for one legendary character.

Ever since Tracker premiered on CBS following the Super Bowl in early 2024, lead Justin Hartley has drawn rave reviews. His Colter Shaw is one mysterious character. The son of a survivalist who leads a team that helps find missing persons, while earning the reward money associated with said cases. While Colter is resourceful in just about any environment, his usual past makes for one highly interesting and intriguing character.

There are legendary television characters, then there is Bart Simpson (brilliantly voiced by Nancy Cartwright). A pop culture icon, for more than 30 years on Fox, Bart has been causing havoc throughout Springfield -- and hasn't aged a bit. A troublemaker, prankster, and lovable deviant. The eternally mischievous 10-year-old is known for his witty chalkboard punishment lines, prank-calling Moe at the bar, and various catchphrases ("Eat my shorts,' "Ay, caramba!" and "Don't have a cow, man!"). All those years after being introduced to Bart, we still can't get enough.

When it comes to fatherly dysfunction on network television, the beer-swigging, doughnut-loving Homer takes the cake. He's goofy and incompetent at times, and his antics are quite legendary (we really liked it when he went into space). However, behind every good husband is a competent, loving wife like Marge to keep everybody in check. Of course, at the end of the day, Homer really is a loyal and caring father who deeply loves his family, even if he wants to ring Bart's neck most of the time. 

For those unfamiliar with this Carrie Preston character from The Good Wife (2009-16) and The Good Fight (2017-22), Elsbeth Tascioni delivered some memorable, though often brief, appearances on both shows a quirky, comically inquisitive attorney. Two years after The Good Fight ended, Elsbeth got her own show on CBS, though this time, she's turned her legal knowledge into a career as a de facto detective — now living in New York. Amid its second season, Elsbeth's quirkiness is infectious to the point that it should be considered appointment viewing.

We mentioned her modest rivalry with Principal Coleman, but second-grade teacher Ms. Teagues (Quinta Brunson) is among the best when it comes to true fictional TV role models. Good-natured, determined, and optimistic, at least through the early years of the show, Janine is one of the school's best teachers. And, it's teachers like her who actually make principals look good. The role earned Brunson a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and she also won an Emmy for writing on the show.

During his years on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Ice-T continues to show why he's as good an actor as a rapper. "Fin" is one of the more underrated characters within the Law & Order universe. Raised in Harlem and a former United States Army Ranger, Fin is a former narcotics detective who eventually becomes a sergeant. He has plenty of street smarts, is well-connected, and is just plain cool. Fin likes the phrase "shut up" and is an avid video gamer.

Voight first surfaced on Chicago Fire, looking to rehabilitate his image as a dirty cop. Apparently reformed, Voight (Jason Beghe) went on to command the Chicago Police Department's intelligence unit. He can get a little carried away, and some will question his tactics to bring down criminals. However, Voight is loyal, looks out for his team, and at the end of the day, he lives for his job, which has undoubtedly taken a toll on that life. 

A strong-willed, talented firefighter/paramedic, Hen (Aisha Hinds) has enjoyed a successful second career following a stint as a pharmaceutical rep. Though her personal life can get in the way of her emotional well-being, Hen is as dependable as they come while a standout character on this network TV drama that began on Fox, before shifting to ABC in 2018. It should also be known but Hinds' co-star Peter Krause's Bobby Nash is worthy of consideration for this list.