The TV landscape changed drastically in 2025 to bring us some of the most captivating, uniquely new dramas to our screens. These shows and their characters kept us wanting more and coming back to TV time and time again.

That’s not to say we didn’t also continue to love the long-standing dramas from the past few years as well. In a time when reality hasn’t been very kind, TV reminded us that we could escape into the stories of characters we believe in and want to see successful.

From exciting medical dramas to historical fiction to hockey romances and the tried and true procedurals, these characters comforted us during a time when we needed it the most.

In no particular order, here are our 15 Favorite Characters from TV Dramas in 2025.

1. Dr. Samira Mohan (The Pitt)

Dr. Mohan constantly grapples with the pressures of the medical system she’s forced to work in and her desire to make sure she’s advocating for her patients.

As she finds her voice and power in her profession, she’s also learning her limitations in a powerfully vulnerable way. Supriya Ganesh balances her compassion and her prowess within the hospital but shines brightest in Mohan’s quietest moments.

2. Ilya Rozanov (Heated Rivalry)

Despite his somewhat cold exterior on the ice, Russia’s Ilya Rozanov is actually a warm person with a giant heart. Too bad no one really gets to see that side of him unless they get to know him. Which most people aren’t willing to do, leaving him particularly lonely being so far from home.

Despite this, Ilya is quick with a witty remark and exudes the confidence necessary to make him one of the top hockey players in the league. That said, at the end of the day, his heart isn’t focused on hockey; it’s focused on the man he’s been told he should hate, Shane Hollander.

3. Arthur Guinness (House of Guinness)

Succession of beer. His temper and inability to hide his emotions make him the perfect foil to his too responsible brother Edward.

Despite not always being the most endearing character, actor Anthony Boyle manages to show Arthur’s vulnerability, too, as a gay man having to live in the closet or risk his family’s empire.

4. Olympia Lawrence (Matlock)

It’s a man’s world, especially at Jacobson Moore, but Olympia pushes herself to be the best. Her dedication to the law and being as fair as possible within the system finally pays off when she makes partner.

Her connection with Matty might be giving her an ulcer, but you’d never know it by looking at her holding court in the office and in the courtroom. Olympia might be struggling to do the right thing with Wellbrexa and keep her family safe, but she doesn’t let that stop her from being the lawyer everyone expects her to be.

5. Hank Voight (Chicago P.D.)

While Hank Voight isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, he remains the thread that holds the unit together.

There would be no show without him because he is the one to bring out the best (and at times the worst) in every character. He bends the rules to protect those he loves, and that is what makes him one of the best characters in the One Chicago universe.

6. Peggy Scott (The Gilded Age)

Peggy Scott is easily one of the most compelling characters on HBO’s The Gilded Age, and Season 3 sees the stars align for her after two seasons of turmoil. She becomes laser-focused on her novel, advocates for women’s right to vote, and finds love with the handsome Dr. Kirkland.

Despite resistance from his mother — an apt lesson on the damaging effects of colorism — love wins the day, with Kirkland proposing to Peggy in the season finale. An intelligent and compassionate trailblazer like Peggy deserves her happily ever after.

7. Dr. Mel King (The Pitt)

Mel King is a second-year resident on The Pitt. Taylor Dearden breathes life into Mel, bringing authenticity to a joyful character. Her character illustrates the importance of neurodivergent representation; Mel represents hope as a neurodivergent doctor.

She has a level of empathy and understanding for people that not all doctors acquire. She may only be a second-year resident, but The Pitt Season 1 has shown her immense potential as a doctor and as a character.

8. Joanne Manfredi (Tulsa King)

Tulsa King is a man’s empire, but Joanne Manfredi proves you don’t have to be a man to hold your own. She knows how to carry herself in a world that’s constantly reminding women they are “no one.”

Joanne understands the ins and outs of the mafia, how to treat the bad guys, and how to keep a business running. Without her, the General wouldn’t be able to hold his empire together.

9. Shirley Dander (Slow Horses)

After witnessing someone (understandably) try to run over Roddy, Shirley realizes that there’s something more sinister afoot than Roddy being in the wrong place at the wrong time on Slow Horses Season 5. Someone’s after him. When she presents her theory to her teammates and Jackson, no one believes her.

But that doesn’t stop her from setting out to do her job, prove them all wrong, and, begrudgingly, keep Roddy safe. Shirley doesn’t let anyone’s belittling comments sway her from what she knows to be true, and the rest of Slough House would be wise to believe her the next time she speaks up.

10. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy)

Miranda Bailey has truly become the heart of Grey’s Anatomy. One of only three original cast members left on the show, she’s had a journey that’s come full circle as she’s once again focused on mentoring new doctors.

In addition to that, she’s grown as a leader and a doctor herself, and she’s always willing to continue to learn.

11. Athena Grant (9-1-1)

2025 was not kind to Athena Grant. She started the year strong, with plans to build a new home with her husband, only for a crisis to arise at a government lab.

In the aftermath, Athena is left reeling over the loss of her beloved man, Captain Bobby Nash. Her grief is so profound that she is barely able to function, shuts out her kids and friends, and ultimately ends up in space.

However, her journey toward moving forward is a poignant one that Angela Bassett handles with care and consideration. If anyone from 9-1-1 deserves to be honored this year, it is Athena Grant for never completely giving up.

12. Van Palmer (Yellowjackets)

This year, we got Season 3 of Yellowjackets, which was the bloodiest and deadliest season so far. One of the saddest deaths came toward the end of the season with the loss of Van Palmer.

Since the start, Van has been a fan favorite for being unapologetically queer and for her sound mind and strength in a crisis. Her steadiness made the loss of this character that much harder to stomach, especially for her former teammates.

Sure, she was dying from cancer already, but that doesn’t make her murder any easier to handle. And Lauren Ambrose’s performance during those final moments will go down in history.

13. Matty Matlock (Matlock)

Matty Matlock is smart, observant, and constantly underestimated in a way that works to her advantage. Kathy Bates is perfect in this unique role on the CBS drama series.

Matty values family, friendship, and loyalty, but she’ll also do whatever she needs to do when put in a difficult situation. She’s become one of the most enjoyable characters to watch on network television.

14. Morgan Gillory (High Potential)

Kaitlin Olson brings the character of Morgan Gillory to life on High Potential. Morgan is a highly intelligent single mother who works with the police and has an uncanny ability to spot patterns others miss. What makes her especially compelling is how unapologetically herself she is.

She’s messy, emotional, deeply human, and always has a great comeback.

15. Robby Robinavitch (The Pitt)

Noah Wyle returned to the ER as Michael “Robby” Robinavitch on The Pitt this year, and instantly became one of the year’s best TV drama characters. Robby is a skilled doctor, but he’s also a flawed human who has been through a lot in his personal life.

It’s all taken an emotional toll on him, and The Pitt Season 1 gives him even more to deal with as the events of the season unfold. Still, he’s able to power through it, all while pushing back against hospital politics, advocating fiercely for his patients, and being a mentor.

—

Who do you think were the best TV characters from drama series in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

Contributions by: Breeze Riley, Mads Misasi, Melody McCune, Lara Rosales, Adam Patla, Sarah Novack, Allison Nichols, and Ashley Bissette Sumerel