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11 Best TV Characters of 2017: Michael Burnham, Celeste Wright and More

11 Best TV Characters of 2017: Michael Burnham, Celeste Wright and More

‘The Golden Age of TV’ shows no signs of drawing to a close, and as usual the last twelve months have produced a whole host of characters for us to obsess over.

This year has introduced an array of new faces to our televisual lives, reunited us with some old friends, and in some cases, shown us a whole new side to those we thought we knew.

Here we discuss the characters who made it worth turning on the TV (or the laptop, or the tablet…) this year.

Dougie Jones – Twin PeaksWhen Twin Peaks recommenced after twenty-six years, the one question on viewers’ minds was What happened to Cooper? For sixteen of the eighteen episodes, instead of our favourite FBI agent, we were given Dougie – a perennially confused husk of a man, capable only of parroting the last few words spoken to him. It was a huge risk for creators David Lynch and Mark Frost, but thanks to a sublimely funny performance from Kyle MacLachlan (who took on three different roles in the series), it paid off in spades. – Chloe Walker

Steve Harrington – Stranger ThingsHonestly, who’d have thought Steve Harrington would grow to be one of the best things about Stranger Things? The show hasn’t had much opportunity to indulge in character growth but with Steve, the Duffer Brothers really allowed him to evolve into the hero we never thought he’d be. From his babysitter bond with Dustin, to his ability to be the bigger man when he realised that Nancy was in love with Jonathan, Steve really stepped up to the mark in Stranger Things 2. Credit should also be given to Joe Keery whose comic timing and luscious hair were a joy to watch. – Natalie Xenos

Lucifer Morningstar – LuciferWho else could make a TV show worth watching more than the smooth-talking, wise-cracking figure that is the actual devil as he quips his way through murder investigations. Tom Ellis’ version of the DC comics character has really hit his stride this year, proving himself more charming and headstrong than ever. As we delve deeper into his feelings for detective partner Chloe (Lauren German) and his fractured relationships with his brothers and his dear old dad, the Prince of Hell becomes an unexpectedly sympathetic character – but that’s exactly what makes Lucifer so brilliant. On the one hand, he’s a vulnerable being with weaknesses and insecurities, just like the rest of us, and on the other, he’s a master manipulator with a clear sense of right and wrong who’ll happily dole out punishments to sinners. You just never know which side of Lucifer you’re going to get, which means there’s all the more reason to keep on tuning in. – Megan Davies

Michael Burnham – Star Trek: DiscoveryBringing Star Trek into 2017 is quite the challenge, especially trying to retain the old values but giving the show a whole new feel. Discovery manages to cover all bases especially with the focus on the First Officer rather than the Captain. With their first ever black female lead and a character that’s hardly straight-laced, Sonequa Martin-Green gets a lot to sink her teeth into. Whether you’ve been a Trek fan for years or never tried it before, Discovery is worth your time. – David Bedwell

Celeste Wright – Big Little LiesAs a cool-headed pillar of the community undergoing domestic abuse that no one knows about, every day for Celeste is a battle to keep her public and personal lives separate. Watching her gradually grow in strength over the seven episodes of Big Little Lies was one of the most rewarding character arcs of 2017. Nicole Kidman deserved every one of the numerous awards and plaudits she received for her exquisitely nuanced performance. – Chloe Walker

Mad Sweeney – American GodsThe adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods was a bold, brilliant and bonkers series. One of the best elements was the character of Mad Sweeney, a boisterous, foul-mouthed leprechaun played by Orange is the New Black’s Pablo Schreiber. Straight talking and bar brawling, the Irish King was the clear highlight of the show’s first season as he reluctantly teamed up with Emily Browning’s Laura ‘Dead Wife’ Moon in order to retrieve his lucky gold coin. Schreiber brought an energy and unruliness to the character which was bolstered by the colourful language that flowed from his mouth. Mad Sweeney wholeheartedly deserves his own spin-off show. Now there’s a thought… – Natalie Xenos

Dev Shah – Master of NoneWe all fell in love with Aziz Ansari on Parks and Recreation and this is a show that has certainly helped me cope with losing that. Dev is based on his own experiences and the second season showed his writing and storytelling on a much more heartfelt basis. Dev isn’t quite the goofball that Tom was but he’s still a great character to follow. – David Bedwell

Bellamy Blake – The 100Since The 100 kicked off in 2014, Bellamy Blake has been many things – unpredictable, irrational, protective, heroic, exasperating, a rebel and a leader, to name a few. But it wasn’t until this year’s fourth season that all of Bellamy’s best and worst parts finally came together and his character learned to lead with both his heart and his head. When faced with a second apocalypse, Bellamy was forced to accept decisions he didn’t agree with. From understanding Jasper’s decision to die on his own terms to letting Octavia go when it came to her complete integration into Grounder society, in 2017 Bellamy proved to have more nuance than the black-and-white, us vs them mentality he’s had so far, and it was brilliant to see all of the elements of his personality click into place. It helps that actor Bob Morley can inject every possible moment of conflict playing out in Bellamy’s head in one facial expression too. – Megan Davies

Michael – The Good PlaceIt’s not as if Ted Danson needed any further solidification of his place as a TV icon. As Michael on The Good Place though, he has proven yet again what an exceptional comedic talent he is. Between season 1 and season 2, our perception of him undergoes a drastic change, yet Danson’s goofy, endearing portrayal makes him endlessly watchable. Michael’s warm relationship with Janet (played by the wonderful D’Arcy Carden), has been a particular treat this year. – Chloe Walker

June Osborne/Offred – The Handmaid’s TaleThe Handmaid’s Tale was one of 2017’s best new TV series, so it’s only fitting that the show’s central character make this list. June (or to call her by her new name, Offred) was a fiercely compelling character to watch over the show’s 10-episode run. Despite being oppressed, degraded and abused, her strength, spirit and astuteness kept the character going when others might have crumbled. It wasn’t easy to watch but it was easy to empathise with June, and Elisabeth Moss’ gut-wrenchingly powerful performance cemented the character in viewers’ hearts for a long time to come. – Natalie Xenos

Saul Goodman – Better Call SaulWhat seemed like a crazy idea has actually turned out to be a very clever one. A spin off from Breaking Bad was always going to be risky and no one could have seen Saul being such a great choice. Yet Bob Odenkirk has delivered such a multi-layered character, both comedic and tragic, that at times it could be argued that this show is even better than its predecessor. Saul and his complex relationships with his brother and partner make for an addictive watch as well as dealing with his own personal demons. – David Bedwell

Honorable Mentions: Rebecca Bunch (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Olivia Pope (Scandal), Holden Ford (Mindhunter), Samantha White (Dear White People), Jon Snow (Game of Thrones), Tom Kirkman (Designated Survivor)

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View Comments (24)
  • Bellamy Blake deserves more recognition as well Bob Morley who does an incredible job. Bellamy is the best character of The 100 and I dare say, of all cw

  • Bellamy must be one of the worst characters ever so the fact that he is in this list is laughable. He is a murderer and a manchild that needs a younger girl to guide him to make “good choices”. And portrayed by a mediocre actor who only has one facial expression.

    • It’s one thing dislikeing a character but you’ve crossed the very obvious line when you hate on an actor for there own facial expressions. Bob Morley is an amazing sweet and kind person that portrays a great character.

  • I am so happy for Bellamy Blake so well deserved! I can’t wait to watch next season of the 100 that is the best show on cw so far!!

  • Thank you for such a great list! Michael Burnham is amazing, but what really makes me excited is that someone—FINALLY—is recognizing BOB MORLEY playing BELLAMY BLAKE. It has been soooooo long in coming. I’m 47, but I have never seen a more complex or compelling male character on television.

    You’ve made a lot of people really happy today. Thank you!

  • So glad to see Bellamy Blake from the 100 on this list! It’s my absolute favorite character from the show, if not my favorite character of all time.

  • Bellamy Blake is an amazing character! So glad to see a more underrated show on here that deserves so much more attention!

  • OMG thank goodness someone recognizes how amazing Bellamy Blake is & his beautiful character development. Also I have NO IDEA why Bob Morley hasn’t had an Emmy nom yet, he deserves it.

  • Bellamy Blake is my favorite character of all time and I’m happy he’s in this list of other amazing people! The description you guys gave him was really goid and spot on, Bob Morley is a fantastic actor!

  • Bellamy Blake is such a complex character I’ve grown to love. His journey throughout the four seasons of ‘the 100’ and Bob Morley’s performance are amazing to watch. He’s become an all time favorite to me and it’s so good to see the character getting the recognition it deserves

  • Bellamy Blake is best character ever.Bob Morley is the best Bellamy Blake we could’ve ever asked for and best actor that deserves more appreciation

  • So happy to see Bellamy on this list! I have faithfully watched and enjoyed The 100 for three years now. The characters are fascinating, but Bellamy Blake is without a doubt my favorite. Bob Morley gives a very compelling performance and I love seeing him recognized!

  • So happy to see Bob Morleys Bellamy Blake on the list ! He’s such a talent and deserves to be listed! The entire cast is full of talent and he does stand out . As an older adult I’ve seen a lot of characters portrayed in many shows yet this young man has been able to grab my attention and make me really care about the character like no others have save a few.

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