The 100 Greatest TV Characters

Bravo TV ^ | November 2004

[ConservativeStatement]

This comprehensive five-part series will focus its critical eye on famous television characters that have become a part of the fabric of American pop culture. Blending classic moments, rare photos and interview with both stars and show creators, the series will spotlight how our favorite TV characters broke out of the pack to emerge as pop icons.

[beckysueb]

I thought Aunt Bea would have been in there somewhere. And Andy should have been closer to number one. And Gomer Pyle. They missed a bunch of good ones.

[beckysueb]

And Lassie and the Cisco Kid.

[Dan from Michigan]

What do you think the most shown movie on American TV is?

Not sure. My guess is Bloodsport. It's on a lot out here.

[beckysueb]

Shes either the Vampire Slayer or the little girl, Buffy and Jodi from that show with Uncle Bill and Mr. French.

[Liberty Valance]

anything with Jack Elam

[Beckwith]

Richard Boone's Paladin should be high on this list.

[jennyp]

"The Avengers" is represented by Emma Peel, I think.... do you think that's more of the PC angle or was she the more memorable character? I only very vaguely remember the show, it's a little before my time....

Hmmm, Emma Peel was a role model for me. But I loved John Steed, the gentleman's gentleman spy, too.

Speaking of cool British imports: Number 6, from The Prisoner. "I am not a number, I am a free man!"

[beckysueb]

Wasn't she on the Big Valley with Barbra Stanwyck?

[jennyp]

BTW where the hell is Cartman.

19. Eric Cartman

[Oztrich Boy]

Who is Buffy? Am I that aged?

1. The girl child in the '60s series Family Affair
2. Obviously, yes. (You know, they make televisior programs in colour now)

[Uncle Meat]

"I am not a number, I am a free man!"

So that's where Iron Maiden got that.

[wingnut1971]

You are correct...on Big Valley as Audra Barker

[jennyp]

No Oscar Madison & Felix Unger?

Oh man, Oscar & Felix! That show was so popular for so long... and it introduced much of the country to the problem you get when you ass-u-me. :-)

[jennyp]

PS: And no Arnold the Pig? Ed the talking horse?? Lassie? I sense some anti-animal bias here :P

Arnold Ziffel is my sentimental favorite. Also Mr. Ed. But I must admit, I've heard more jokes that reference Lassie than the other two. Even today there are 2 commercials running that play off of Lassie, a full 50 years after its debut.

[Syncro]

Casablanca is my all-time favorite movie.

I'm glad it is shown more than any other film on TV.

I finally bought a copy some years ago.

It is the classic of classics.

And yes nice URL, LOL

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Thanks for posting the list... Interesting that the only "characters" to make it from the Golden Age of Television (the 1950's) were Marshall Dillon, Sgt. Joe Friday, and Lucy. Notice the omission of any of the "1950's Dads": Ozzie, Fathers Know Best (Jim Anderson), etc. I guess those "family values" don't make it to today's era and the network that brought Queer Eye to the small screen.

[Syncro]

Now that show had an unusual quirk in the credits...Stanwyck was ALWAYS referred to as Miss Barbara Stanwyck.

Understandable though...

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Oh, yeah: and for the category "best company spokesman" -- the one and only Ronald Wilson Reagan for GE Theater. The best there ever was.

[hineybona]

Never even heard of that show..Certainly not a classic

[verifythentrust]

Love That Bob