The Best Characters on TV Right Now: 50-41

We’ve reached the top half of my list of the best characters on TV right now! It’s time to get into the very best of the best. Don’t forget to check out my choices for 60-51, 70-61, 80-71, 90-81 and 100-91.

50. Bob Belcher (Bob’s Burgers)

Bob is in some ways the straight man, sighing his way through life as the whacky characters around him get out of hand. But, his social awkwardness and deep love of cooking provide plenty of comedy. The unconditional love he has for his wife and children is very refreshing for an adult-aimed animated comedy.

49. Carol Pilbasian (The Last Man on Earth)

Carol has been a comedic force to be reckoned with since she was introduced on The Last Man on Earth. The show could’ve easily gone the route of making fun of her, but despite all of her quirks she is in many ways the most likable character on the show.

48. Norma Bates (Bates Motel)

Poor, doomed Norma is the emotionally gripping center of Bates Motel. Watching her try desperately to escape her fate and live a normal life is absolutely heartbreaking. Her relationships to both her sons are some of the most fascinating and entertaining relationships on TV. She’s flawed, inspiring, surprisingly funny and a million other things.

47. Ravi Chakrabarti (iZombie)

As Liv’s adorable and always supportive best friend, Ravi is really what keeps the show from getting too dark and depressing to be entertaining. He’s a constant source of joy and fun, while still being an empathetic character.

46. Trish Walker (Jessica Jones)

Trish is an inspiring character. The way she holds onto hope and calls upon those around her to become better people is absolutely inspiring. Although she’s not the center of the show, she contains all the qualities that are important to a superhero show.

45. Ray Gillette (Archer)

Sarcastic, downer way is a great source of comedy. His quiet drawl has its own distinct comedic rhythm that nicely contrasts with the often high-paced, action-driven nature of the show around him.

44. Ilana Wexler (Broad City)

Ilana is such a fun, free-spirited, what-you-see-is-what-you-get character she allows the audience to live through her and feel like they’d be Ilana if only they let loose a little bit. She’s hilarious and just a joy to watch.

43. Winston Bishop (New Girl)

Winston has been delivering some of the biggest laughs on New Girl for years. He’s just gotten more amazing as the show embraces how truly weird he can be, while still making him feel like a real person.

42. Rick Sanchez (Rick and Morty)

Rick has always been a unique comedic force to be reckoned with, but what’s been really rewarding is the way the show has peppered in emotion and character development as it goes on, culminating in an absolutely incredible season finale for Rick.

41. Jess Day (New Girl)

When New Girl first came out it was a bit shaky because it was unclear exactly what they were going for with Jess. Fortunately, they’ve dropped the notion that she could possibly be pathetic or unappealing. New Girl has struck a perfect tone where Jess is able to be wonderfully weird and unique, while they also give her self-confidence and acknowledge how beautiful and charming she is.