While TV shows usually focus on a hero for whom audiences are supposed to root, some seriesvillainswere just so compelling that they became the most fun aspect of the entire show. It’s often more entertaining to watch a sinister supervillain enact their evil deeds than to witness a noble hero trying to do what’s right. This means thatthe best TV villainsadd to their shows through more than just conjuring conflict, as their strong characterization and engaging performances make them a major reason to check the show out in the first place.
Whilethe best movie villainshave left their mark on cinema through brief appearances, part of the beauty of TV villains is that their characters can be developed over the course of several episodes or even seasons. This means that audiences can get to know these villains on a deeper level, and they can even supersede the protagonist to become theshow’s most popular character. Whileit takes a great actor to excel as a villain, those who have done it right have given some of the all-time great TV performances.
10Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Hannibal (2013 - 2015)
Few characters are more iconic than Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a sinister cannibalistic serial killer who gained worldwide prominence due to Anthony Hopkins’ Oscar-winning take on the role inThe Silence of the Lambs. With this astounding legacy to live up to, it’s even more impressive that Mads Mikkelsen managed to add new depth and intrigue to this killer with his performance inHannibal. While both maintain an air of sophistication that hides the darkness buried within, Mikkelsen had more time to develop his portrayal throughoutHannibal’sthree-season run.
5 Reasons Why Mads Mikkelsen Was A Better Hannibal (& 5 Reasons Why Anthony Hopkins Was Better)
Hannibal has been portrayed by two brilliant actors, Anthony Hopkins & Mads Mikkelsen, but who was the better Hannibal the Cannibal?
WhileHannibaldealt with the FBI profiler Will Graham’s work investigating a serial killer, it was his relationship with Dr. Lecter that made the show worth watching. Mikkelsen’s ability to convey Hannibal’s chilling demeanor while maintaining his signature charisma was the magic that made this performance work so well. With a stylishness, flamboyance, and sexuality that arguably surpassed Hopkins’ iconic performance, viewers have debated endlessly since the show’s premiere about which performance was better.
Hannibal
Cast
Created for TV by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is a TV adaptation/reimagining of Thomas Harris' Red Dragon novel. The show follows the exploits of FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and their perpetual game of cat and mouse that unfolds over the series. When a string of murders in Minnesota requires a brilliant mind to crack the case, Will Graham is called in to investigate - but due to the intimate and terrifying nature of the crimes, he is appointed Dr. Lecter to act as his psychiatrist. The truth of Dr. Lecter is that he is Will’s target - but to complicate matters, he’s the only person that can truly understand him.
9Sideshow Bob
The Simpsons (1989 - Present)
The vast and varied population of Springfield seen inThe Simpsonscontains every type of character one can imagine and even features its own supervillain in Sideshow Bob. With a rich backstory that saw this self-proclaimed genius and Yale graduate go from Krusty the Clown’s lowly assistant to a ruthless megalomaniac determined to attract vengeance against Bart Simpson, Sideshow Bob’s appearances have always been a highlight across the dozens of seasons ofThe Simpsons.
Sideshow Bob is voiced by none other thanFrasier’sKelsey Grammer, who adds an air of sophistication and worldliness to his characterization. From classic moments, such as his endless stepping on rakes in “Cape Feare,” to his many appearances inTreehouse of Horrorepisodes, Sideshow Bob is an integral part ofThe Simpsons’unique identity. As funny as he is frightening, although the Simpson family themselves may not be fans of his, viewers certainly are.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
8Kilgrave
Jessica Jones (2015 - 2019)
While to many viewers, it’s impossible to disassociate David Tennant from the fun-loving antics of the 10th Doctor onDoctor Who, the Scottish actor showcased his impressive talents for playing a villain as Kilgrave on Jessica Jones. This chilling antagonist was truly one of the darkest evildoers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as he used his mind-control powers on Jessica Jones. With dark implications surrounding consent, sexual assault, and domestic abuse, while there was nothing funny about Kilgrave’s actions,Tennant’s compelling performance made him incredibly entertaining to watch.
Kilgrave’s obsession and fascination with Jones led him down a truly stomach-churning path, as he manipulated her into staying with him and made her life a living hell throughJessica Jones’sfirst season. While Jones tried to teach Kilgrave empathy so he could use his powers for good, a man as depraved and self-involved as him was always a hopeless case. Kilgrave was the definitive villain inJessica Jones, and the show was never as good after Tennant exited the show at the end of season 1.
Marvel’s Jessica Jones
Having left her brief career as a superhero behind, Jessica Jones works as a private investigator. When Kilgrave, her abusive former partner who possesses mind-control powers, resurfaces, it’s up to Jessica to stop him.
7Louis Litt
Suits (2011 - 2019)
While the Pearson Hardman corporate lawyer Louis Litt wasn’t always a villain throughout the legal dramaSuits, he was always at his most fun to watch when his allegiance turned against Mike Ross and Harvey Specter. As a shrewd and cunning individualist who was never afraid to use Machiavellian tactics to achieve his aims, Litt’s underhanded nature and ability to hold a grudge served well in the legal sphere. With a desire to be made partner at all costs, Litt was driven by a massive insecurity complex that bled into his every action.
Watching as Litt plotted his revenge against those who superseded him was always thrilling, and whenever things were going right for Mike or Harvey, he could always be relied on to throw a spanner in the works. WhileLitt grew into a more likable and kindhearted characteras the series progressed, his villainous streak in the earliest seasons was among the most fun aspects ofSuits.
Suits
Suits is a legal drama series that premiered in 2011, centering on Mike Ross, a college dropout with a photographic memory who lands a job at a top New York law firm despite lacking a law degree. Partnering with one of the city’s best legal closers, Harvey Specter, they navigate the challenges of high-stakes cases and firm dynamics.
6Villanelle
Killing Eve (2018 - 2022)
Few fictional assassins were as engaging to watch as Villanelle fromKilling Eve. With a transformative performance from Jodie Comer, Villanelle’s role as an initial tool of the Twelve, antagonist and love interest to Eve Polastri, and sociopath killer with an obsessive streak made her a character of endless depth. With cold brutality hidden below her innocent exterior, Villanelle’s recklessness, lack of conscience, and total disregard for the sanctity of life made her a frighteningly fun TV villain.
WhileVillanelle lacked any sort of moral code, the way she obsessed over and seemed to genuinely care for Eve added intrigue to her characterization throughout the show’s four seasons. AlthoughKilling Evewas never better than when it was being overseen by showrunner Phoebe Waller-Bridge in season 1, Comer’s performance was so spectacular throughout that the entire show was worth watching. As an original spin on the well-worn spy genre, Villanelle was a villain unlike any other.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve is a black comedy thriller series starring Sandra Oh as British intelligence officer Eve Polastri who is assigned to track and capture a dangerous assassin named Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. Bored with her life, Eve finds herself hired by an undercover MI6 division tasked with tracking down Villanelle - who, after just a brief time studying and following her, she becomes obsessed with her. However, the obsession becomes mutual as soon the two enter a game of cat and mouse that deviates them from their missions as they venture to learn more about one another.
5Newman
Seinfeld (1989 - 1998)
As Jerry’s arch nemesis, there is something just so incredibly fun about watching Newman onSeinfeld. With a hilarious performance from Wayne Knight,Newman was a mysterious and frustrating addition to Jerry’s everyday lifeas the two eyed each other up and viciously uttered one another’s names whenever they encountered one another. While this lowly mail carrier may have been a friend of Kramer’s, to Jerry he was the embodiment of a pure villain.
Newman lived down the hall from Jerry’s apartment, so there were plenty of instances where the two would unwittingly run into each other. These awkward encounters led to some ofSeinfeld’sfunniest moments, as neither could hide their disdain for one another. In an analogy Jerry himself has used, if Jerry Seinfeld was Superman, then Newman would be his Lex Luthor; they were just natural enemies, and it was always a joy to watch.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld is a television sitcom that follows stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three eccentric friends, George, Elaine, and Kramer, as they navigate everyday life in New York City during the 1990s. Premiering in 1989, the series humorously explores the mundane and often trivial aspects of social interactions.
4Wilson Fisk
Daredevil (2015 - 2018)
Daredevilwas the first of Marvel’s Netflix TV series, which led to the crossover miniseriesThe Defenders. While it was exciting to see Charlie Cox as the blind lawyer Matt Murdock turned crime-fighting hero Daredevil, the most fun aspect of the series was Vincent D’Onofrio’s characterization of Wilson Fisk. Although Fisk was known in the Marvel comics as a consistent foe of Spider-Man, D’Onofrio’s transformative take on the character meant he will forever be associated with his shady deals in Hell’s Kitchen.
D’Onofrio gave the best performance any Marvel fan could have asked for, as he imbued the character with a depth of emotion rarely seen in the superhero genre. Part of the appeal of Fisk’s character arc acrossDaredevilwas that audiences got to see the human side of this supervillain, and he became an essential part of the show’s legacy. D’Onofrio’s popularity meant he remained in the MCU even after the show concluded, and he has returned as Fisk in releases likeHawkeyeandEchoand is set to appear inDaredevil: Born Again.
Daredevil
Daredevil is a Netflix original series starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock. The TV show ran for three seasons before being canceled by Netflix, despite being critically praised. Kingpin was the main antagonist in seasons 1 and 3 and also introduced Jon Benrthal’s Punisher in season 2. Daredevil was followed by Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again.
3Lalo Salamanca
Better Call Saul (2015 - 2022)
It’s astounding how a throwaway line from Saul Goodman uttered in his first appearance inBreaking Badled to the creation of perhapsBetter Call Saul’sgreatest villain. Lalo Salamanca was the man that Saul thought had abducted him when Walter and Jesse kidnapped him, and it was a clue to his terrifying nature that the criminal lawyer was relieved when he learned it was just a pair of clueless meth cooks trying to intimidate him.It took a while for Lalo to appear inBetter Call Saul, but he became the most engaging villain to watch once he had.
As a charming and charismatic high-ranking cartel member, Lalo was ruthless, intelligent, and sadistic, yet balanced this menacing nature with a humorous disposition. As the only member of the Salamanca family that Gus Fring truly feared, watching the two engage in a game of cat and mouse to destroy the other made for nailbiting viewing. Although audiences knew Lalo was no longer around to face off against Walter White, the journey of how that came to be was so endlessly entertaining.
Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul follows small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill as he navigates the legal world to make ends meet. The series, set six years before his encounter with Walter White, chronicles Jimmy’s evolution into Saul Goodman, with notable interactions alongside fixer Mike Ehrmantraut.
2The Trinity Killer
Dexter (2006 - 2013)
As a TV series following a serial killer with a code, it can sometimes be hard to determine who was a hero and who was a villain in the world ofDexter. However, among all the psychopathic killers that Dexter Morgan faced off against, one stood above the rest: The Trinity Killer. This notorious murderer’s real name was Arthur Mitchell, and with an expert performance from John Lithgow, audiences learned how he lived a double life as a perceived family man while also carving out a legacy as one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.
The Trinity Killer was Dexter’s most sinister foe, whose consistent kill cycle of the burial of a ten-year-old boy, a woman murdered in a bathtub, a woman falling to her death, and a father of two being bludgeoned made for shocking, albeit predictable viewing. Trinity’s final kill cycle sent ripple effects throughDexteras he was responsible for the death of Rita, the mother of Dexter’s child. With aTrinity Killer prequel seriesin development, audiences haven’t seen the last of Arthur Mitchell.
Dexter
Dexter is a television series following Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police who secretly leads a dual life as a vigilante serial killer. Released in 2006, the show focuses on Dexter’s internal conflict as he hunts down criminals who elude justice within the legal system.
1Joffrey Baratheon
Game of Thrones (2011 - 2019)
It was a testament to the power of Jack Gleeson’s performance as Joffrey Baratheon that among the sprawling ensemble cast ofGame of Thrones, he was the most fun to watch. As the secret bastard son of Cersei Lannister’s incestuous relationship with her twin brother Jaime Lannister, Joffrey’s cruel, arrogant, and sadistic personality meant he was the last person who should have become King of Westeros. This ruthless and tyrannical leader carelessly inflicted pain upon his subjects and servants, which meant that his reign was impressively brief.
WhileJoffrey was insanely entertaining to watch throughoutGame of Thrones, the lengths that he went to be cruel also made for difficult viewing, as the way he treated his supposed love, Sansa Stark, was difficult to watch. Although watching Joffrey made for engaging viewing, the most fun part of his character arc was the end, as audiences felt real catharsis when he finally got his comeuppance as he was poisoned by Olenna Tyrell in the season 4 episode “The Lion and the Rose.”
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
