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Iconic and Memorable Roles: TV, part I
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Your Name, The Show
Sometimes a show will be named after the principal character. Although the show will have many cast members, the focus of the show is the title character.
2560
7.5
8.9
Jerry Seinfeld as Jerry
Julia-Louis Dreyfus as Elaine Baines
Michael Richards as Kramer
Jason Alexander as George Costanza
People seem to either love or hate 'Seinfeld.' Either way, the show is memorable, and the characters iconic.
Julia-Louis Dreyfus as Elaine Baines
Michael Richards as Kramer
Jason Alexander as George Costanza
People seem to either love or hate 'Seinfeld.' Either way, the show is memorable, and the characters iconic.
Joseph Grey's rating:
596
7.3
8.4
I Love Lucy (1951)
Lucille Ball as Lucy
Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo
I Love Lucy featured a very experienced Lucille Ball as a offbeat housewife. In the late 30's and early 40's, Lucille Ball was an accomplished movie actress, acting alongside some great movie actors.
Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo
I Love Lucy featured a very experienced Lucille Ball as a offbeat housewife. In the late 30's and early 40's, Lucille Ball was an accomplished movie actress, acting alongside some great movie actors.
Joseph Grey's rating:
1097
6.6
7.6
MacGyver (1985)
Richard Dean Anderson as MacGuyver
What a fun show! Every week he'd thwart the evil plans of criminals and crooked businessmen using common household items. This guy was my hero.
What a fun show! Every week he'd thwart the evil plans of criminals and crooked businessmen using common household items. This guy was my hero.
Joseph Grey's rating:
3543
8.2
8.6
Dexter (2006)
Micheal C. Hall as Dexter Morgan
This guy must really be likable. It's one of the only times you see fans rooting for a serial killer.
This guy must really be likable. It's one of the only times you see fans rooting for a serial killer.
4636
8
8.7
Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House
Hugh Laurie plays a character that is anything but likable. Yet somehow, his surliness has its own appeal.
Hugh Laurie plays a character that is anything but likable. Yet somehow, his surliness has its own appeal.
84
7
7.2
Quincy M.E. (1976)
Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy, M.E.
Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
Dr. Quincy would have to piece together the circumstances of death as a medical examiner. Jack Klugman played a very passionate Dr. Quincy as a man who cared very much for life, and tried to help surviving family members along the way.
Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
Dr. Quincy would have to piece together the circumstances of death as a medical examiner. Jack Klugman played a very passionate Dr. Quincy as a man who cared very much for life, and tried to help surviving family members along the way.
Joseph Grey's rating:
1517
6.7
8.2
Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Fasier Crane
Kelsey Grammer reprised his role from Cheers as Frasier Crane. He played a radio psychologist in 'Fraiser,' often being faced with his own personal and emotional limitations.
Kelsey Grammer reprised his role from Cheers as Frasier Crane. He played a radio psychologist in 'Fraiser,' often being faced with his own personal and emotional limitations.
Joseph Grey's rating:
170
8.3
8.7
Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes
David Burke as Dr. Watson
I absolutely love this series. Jeremy Brett is a perfect Sherlock Holmes, the best that I have seen.
David Burke as Dr. Watson
I absolutely love this series. Jeremy Brett is a perfect Sherlock Holmes, the best that I have seen.
Joseph Grey's rating:
41
7.6
8.2
Hal Linden as Barney Miller
Abe Vigoda as Det. Phil Fish
Jack Soo as Nick Yemana
Ron Glass as Ron Harris
Steve Landesberg as Arthur Dietrich
Max Gail as Stan Wojciehowicz
Barney Miller was a great show with an ensemble cast. I hope all of you have watched it before. If not, give it a try.
Abe Vigoda as Det. Phil Fish
Jack Soo as Nick Yemana
Ron Glass as Ron Harris
Steve Landesberg as Arthur Dietrich
Max Gail as Stan Wojciehowicz
Barney Miller was a great show with an ensemble cast. I hope all of you have watched it before. If not, give it a try.
Joseph Grey's rating:
169
6.8
8.3
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961)
Dick Van Dyke as Bob Petrie
Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie
Who can forget the opening of the show where Dick Van Dyke falls over the foot rest? I used to watch re-runs as a kid.
Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie
Who can forget the opening of the show where Dick Van Dyke falls over the foot rest? I used to watch re-runs as a kid.
Joseph Grey's rating:
89
7.3
8.2
Perry Mason (1957)
Raymond Burr as Perry Mason
Perry Mason is one of the few lawyers we're allowed to like. A really well organized and enjoyable show. The show returned in the eighties, and continued until Raymond Burr's death in 1993.
Perry Mason is one of the few lawyers we're allowed to like. A really well organized and enjoyable show. The show returned in the eighties, and continued until Raymond Burr's death in 1993.
Joseph Grey's rating:
2225
7.1
8.5
Mr. Bean (1990)
Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean
A show that seems to have no middle ground when it comes to opinions. With very little dialogue, Mr. Bean highlights the trivialities of life we take for granted, as he struggles through the simplest of everyday tasks.
A show that seems to have no middle ground when it comes to opinions. With very little dialogue, Mr. Bean highlights the trivialities of life we take for granted, as he struggles through the simplest of everyday tasks.
Joseph Grey's rating:
47
7
7
Flash Gordon (1936)
Larry 'Buster' Crabbe as Flash Gordon
This guy made even brave dudes look like wimps. His heroism was so over the top he seemed suicidal at times, as he continually risked his life to save Dale Arden and the planet Earth from the evil Ming The Merciless.
This guy made even brave dudes look like wimps. His heroism was so over the top he seemed suicidal at times, as he continually risked his life to save Dale Arden and the planet Earth from the evil Ming The Merciless.
Joseph Grey's rating:
2954
7
7.9
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)
Will Smith as Will, The Fresh Prince
Before Will Smith was getting accolades for being a serious actor, he did a great job playing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A fun show, with a good ensemble cast.
Before Will Smith was getting accolades for being a serious actor, he did a great job playing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A fun show, with a good ensemble cast.
Joseph Grey's rating:
61
7.1
7.4
Martin (1992)
Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne
Martin Lawrence had his own show in the 90's. It was more grown up than the above listed "Fresh Prince," and between the two of them, I liked this one better.
And, his girlfriend Gina was very pretty.
Martin Lawrence had his own show in the 90's. It was more grown up than the above listed "Fresh Prince," and between the two of them, I liked this one better.
And, his girlfriend Gina was very pretty.
Joseph Grey's rating:
122
7.1
8.1
The Rockford Files (1974)
James Garner as Jim Rockford
James Garner sprinkled his usual charm all over the PI character Jim Rockford.
James Garner sprinkled his usual charm all over the PI character Jim Rockford.
Joseph Grey's rating:
169
7.3
7.7
Columbo: Murder by the Book (1971)
Peter Falk as Detective Columbo
Peter Falk is the perfect choice for Columbo. Unassuming, but very effective, Columbo always stops himself as he's about to stop harassing a suspect, saying "There's just one thing that bothers me..."
That's when you know he's gonna nail the killer to the wall.
Peter Falk is the perfect choice for Columbo. Unassuming, but very effective, Columbo always stops himself as he's about to stop harassing a suspect, saying "There's just one thing that bothers me..."
That's when you know he's gonna nail the killer to the wall.
Joseph Grey's rating:
233
7
8.3
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor
Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife
Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife
Joseph Grey's rating:
223
6.2
7
Matlock (1986)
Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock
Sadly, Andy Griffith died just a short time ago. I watched this show pretty often, and have seen many of the episodes. It was a good courtroom drama, and added a lighthearted element that wasn't seen in the Perry Mason courtroom dramas.
Sadly, Andy Griffith died just a short time ago. I watched this show pretty often, and have seen many of the episodes. It was a good courtroom drama, and added a lighthearted element that wasn't seen in the Perry Mason courtroom dramas.
Joseph Grey's rating:
211
6.4
8
Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986)
Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman
I loved this show. It stretched the imagination with its total insanity.
I loved this show. It stretched the imagination with its total insanity.
Joseph Grey's rating:
367
6.4
7.4
Magnum, P.I. (1980)
Tom Selleck as Magnum
Likable Tom Selleck was responsible for keeping mustaches prevalent through the 80's.
Likable Tom Selleck was responsible for keeping mustaches prevalent through the 80's.
Joseph Grey's rating:
73
6.8
6.5
A dog gets top billing in a show. I wonder how the human actors felt about that.
Joseph Grey's rating:
81
6
7
Mister Ed (1961)
Mister Ed as Himself
Would playing second fiddle to a horse be worse than being a dog's sidekick?
Would playing second fiddle to a horse be worse than being a dog's sidekick?
Joseph Grey's rating:
688
6.8
7.4
I Dream of Jeannie (1965)
Barbara Eden as Jeannie
This show basically never changed. There's a Jeannie, the man she torments, and an arrangement of neighbors and associates that can't handle her eccentricities. And yet, the show was still fun. Also, Barbara Eden was beautiful.
This show basically never changed. There's a Jeannie, the man she torments, and an arrangement of neighbors and associates that can't handle her eccentricities. And yet, the show was still fun. Also, Barbara Eden was beautiful.
Joseph Grey's rating:
492
7.8
8.4
Doctor Who (1963)
William Hartnell as The Doctor(1)
John Pertwee as The Doctor(3)
Tom Baker as The Doctor(4)
Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor(9)
David Tennant as The Doctor(10)
People have their favorites among the 11 or so Doctors that have played the role. I watched many of the episodes with Tom Baker, on re-runs.
There have been many Doctors, and I won't list them all. However, I can link you to a list where you'll find all of them.
www.listal.com/list/dcotor-who-actors
John Pertwee as The Doctor(3)
Tom Baker as The Doctor(4)
Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor(9)
David Tennant as The Doctor(10)
People have their favorites among the 11 or so Doctors that have played the role. I watched many of the episodes with Tom Baker, on re-runs.
There have been many Doctors, and I won't list them all. However, I can link you to a list where you'll find all of them.
www.listal.com/list/dcotor-who-actors
Joseph Grey's rating:
825
8
8.8
Fawlty Towers (1975)
John Cleese as Basil Fawlty
Basil Fawlty is trying to run a Hotel. Surrounded by incompetence, he has long since lost his mind.
Basil Fawlty is trying to run a Hotel. Surrounded by incompetence, he has long since lost his mind.
Joseph Grey's rating:
822
6.1
6.5
Kevin Sorbo as Hercules
Many movie versions of Hercules were a bit two dimensional. Kevin Sorbo helped to make the character Hercules accessible and likable as a person.
Many movie versions of Hercules were a bit two dimensional. Kevin Sorbo helped to make the character Hercules accessible and likable as a person.
Joseph Grey's rating:
83
7.5
8.1
Inspector Morse (1987)
John Thaw as Chief Inspector Morse
Kevin Whately as Seargant Lewis
A very good murder mystery show starring veteran actor John Thaw.
Kevin Whately as Seargant Lewis
A very good murder mystery show starring veteran actor John Thaw.
Joseph Grey's rating:
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Join the Team
Some shows followed a group or team of characters as they worked together to accomplish common goals. Be they explorers, soldiers, cops, or lawyers, they had to pool their efforts to succeed, or survive.
234
7.2
7.9
Mission: Impossible (1966)
Peter Graves as Mr. Phelps
Greg Morris as Barney Collier
Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter
Martin Landau as Rollin Hand
Peter Lupus as Willy Armitage
Leonard Nimoy as Paris
This show had a great opening, and every episode featured a con or heist. The cast changed over the years, so I didn't include every single cast member across the seasons.
Greg Morris as Barney Collier
Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter
Martin Landau as Rollin Hand
Peter Lupus as Willy Armitage
Leonard Nimoy as Paris
This show had a great opening, and every episode featured a con or heist. The cast changed over the years, so I didn't include every single cast member across the seasons.
Joseph Grey's rating:
792
6.6
7.5
The A-Team (1983)
George Peppard as John 'Hannibal' Smith
Dirk Benedict as Templeton 'Faceman' Peck
Dwight Schultz as 'Howling Mad' Murdock
Mr. T as B.A. Baracus
80's fun starring George Peppard as leader/babysitter to a bunch of gung-ho mercenaries. I watched this show in the 80's but I only remember the action and not the plot.
Dirk Benedict as Templeton 'Faceman' Peck
Dwight Schultz as 'Howling Mad' Murdock
Mr. T as B.A. Baracus
80's fun starring George Peppard as leader/babysitter to a bunch of gung-ho mercenaries. I watched this show in the 80's but I only remember the action and not the plot.
Joseph Grey's rating:
1189
7.4
8.3
Star Trek (1966)
William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy as Chief Science Officer Mr. Spock
Deforest Kelley as Dr. 'Bones' McCoy
Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura
James Doohan as Chief Engineer Scott
George Takei as Sulu
Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov
What can I say about Star Trek that hasn't already been said? A great cast, and a great show.
Leonard Nimoy as Chief Science Officer Mr. Spock
Deforest Kelley as Dr. 'Bones' McCoy
Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura
James Doohan as Chief Engineer Scott
George Takei as Sulu
Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov
What can I say about Star Trek that hasn't already been said? A great cast, and a great show.
Joseph Grey's rating:
28
9
8.4
Combat! (1962)
Vic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders
Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley
Pierre Jalbert as Pvt. Caje
Jack Hogan as Pvt. Kirby
Dick Peabody and Tom Lowell as Pvt. Little John and Pvt. Billy Nelson
Conlan Carter as Doc
An iconic and gritty show. I loved this show as a kid, and still do.
Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley
Pierre Jalbert as Pvt. Caje
Jack Hogan as Pvt. Kirby
Dick Peabody and Tom Lowell as Pvt. Little John and Pvt. Billy Nelson
Conlan Carter as Doc
An iconic and gritty show. I loved this show as a kid, and still do.
Joseph Grey's rating:
146
6.9
7.3
Hawaii Five-O (1968)
Jack Lord as Det. Steve McGarrett
James MacArthur as Danny Williams
Zulu as Kono
Kam Fong as Chin Ho
James MacArthur as Danny Williams
Zulu as Kono
Kam Fong as Chin Ho
Joseph Grey's rating:
212
6.8
7.5
NYPD Blue (1993)
Dennis Franz as Det. Andy Sipowicz
Gordon Clapp as Det. Greg Medavoy
Jimmy Smits as Det. Bobby Simone
Kim Delaney as Det. Diane Russel
Nicholas Turturro as Det. James Martinez
James McDaniel as Lt. Arthur Fancy
David Caruso as Det. John Kelly
This was a good show overall, and I liked many of the characters. Like many shows that last for more than 8 seasons, there are too many characters to try include them all.
Gordon Clapp as Det. Greg Medavoy
Jimmy Smits as Det. Bobby Simone
Kim Delaney as Det. Diane Russel
Nicholas Turturro as Det. James Martinez
James McDaniel as Lt. Arthur Fancy
David Caruso as Det. John Kelly
This was a good show overall, and I liked many of the characters. Like many shows that last for more than 8 seasons, there are too many characters to try include them all.
Joseph Grey's rating:
685
7.2
7.8
Law & Order (1990)
Sam Waterston as Jack McCoy
S. Epatha Merkerson as Lt. Anita Van Buren
Jerry Orbach as Det. Lennie Briscoe
Steven Hill as D.A. Adam Schiff
Jill Hennessey as A.D.A Claire Kincaid
Chris Noth as Det. Mike Logan
Another long running show with a revolving door cast. I could only pick some of the many memorable players on the show, otherwise I'd have to make a whole list just out of this show.
S. Epatha Merkerson as Lt. Anita Van Buren
Jerry Orbach as Det. Lennie Briscoe
Steven Hill as D.A. Adam Schiff
Jill Hennessey as A.D.A Claire Kincaid
Chris Noth as Det. Mike Logan
Another long running show with a revolving door cast. I could only pick some of the many memorable players on the show, otherwise I'd have to make a whole list just out of this show.
Joseph Grey's rating:
566
7.7
8.4
Red Dwarf (1988)
Chris Barrie as Arnold J. Rimmer
Craig Charles as Dave Lister
Danny John-Jules as Cat
Robert Llewellyn as Kryten
One of my all time favorite comedy shows. I love these characters.
Craig Charles as Dave Lister
Danny John-Jules as Cat
Robert Llewellyn as Kryten
One of my all time favorite comedy shows. I love these characters.
Joseph Grey's rating:
1643
7.8
8.7
Jamie Bamber and Edward James Olmos as
Capt. Lee Adama and Admiral William Adama
Michael Hogan as Colonel Saul Tigh
Katee Sackhoff as Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace
Tricia Helfer as Cylon Model Six
Mary McDonnell as Laura Roslin
Grace Park as Lt. Sharon Valerii
James Callis as Dr. Gaius Baltar
An excellent new vision of a 70's sci-fi show that may be better than the original.
Capt. Lee Adama and Admiral William Adama
Michael Hogan as Colonel Saul Tigh
Katee Sackhoff as Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace
Tricia Helfer as Cylon Model Six
Mary McDonnell as Laura Roslin
Grace Park as Lt. Sharon Valerii
James Callis as Dr. Gaius Baltar
An excellent new vision of a 70's sci-fi show that may be better than the original.
Joseph Grey's rating:
1076
7.2
8.4
Richard Dean Anderson as Colonel Jack O'Neill
Michael Shanks as Dr. Daniel Jackson
Amanda Tapping as Major Samantha Carter
Christopher Judge as Teal'c
A long running show with more than one incarnation of the SG-1 team. I chose to show this group because it was the season 1 team.
Michael Shanks as Dr. Daniel Jackson
Amanda Tapping as Major Samantha Carter
Christopher Judge as Teal'c
A long running show with more than one incarnation of the SG-1 team. I chose to show this group because it was the season 1 team.
Joseph Grey's rating:
2677
7.3
7.7
William Peterson as Gil Grissom
Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows
Paul Guilfoyle as Captain Jim Brass
Gary Dourdan as Warrick Brown
George Eads as Nick Stokes
Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows
Paul Guilfoyle as Captain Jim Brass
Gary Dourdan as Warrick Brown
George Eads as Nick Stokes
Joseph Grey's rating:
This is the first in a series of lists that highlight some of the more memorable character roles in television. This is not a list of favorites, as some of these shows I have not personally watched.
I broke the shows up into different categories. This is my first attempt at making different sections within a list. I'll add couple more in this list before moving on to different kinds of television shows. Overall, there will be around four lists, and around 120 shows in total.
I broke the shows up into different categories. This is my first attempt at making different sections within a list. I'll add couple more in this list before moving on to different kinds of television shows. Overall, there will be around four lists, and around 120 shows in total.
