20 Actors Who Were the Most Perfect TV Series Casting Choices of All Time

Casting the right actor for a TV show can make a character unforgettable, turning a good series into a cultural landmark. When an actor slips into a role so perfectly it’s hard to picture anyone else, that’s when you know the casting is pure gold.

Here you have 20 actors who were the ideal choices for their TV series roles. These performances, across various genres, defined their shows and left a lasting impression on viewers everywhere.

20. Andre Braugher as Raymond Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013-2021)

Andre Braugher played Captain Raymond Holt, the stoic leader of the 99th precinct. His deadpan humor and quiet warmth made Holt a fan favorite.

Braugher’s commanding presence balanced comedy and heart, earning him two Critics’ Choice Awards. His casting brought depth to the sitcom’s ensemble.

19. Betty White as Rose Nylund in ‘The Golden Girls’ (1985-1992)

Betty White brought charm to Rose Nylund, the naive but lovable senior. Her sunny delivery turned simple lines into comedy gold.

White’s Emmy-winning performance made Rose a standout in the iconic sitcom. Her casting felt like a perfect match for the character’s innocence.

18. Jodie Comer as Villanelle in ‘Killing Eve’ (2018-2022)

Jodie Comer played Villanelle, the stylish and unpredictable assassin. Her magnetic charm and chilling edge defined the thriller’s tone.

Comer’s Emmy-winning role showcased her ability to blend humor with menace. She was the only one who could make Villanelle so captivating.

17. Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay in ‘Friends’ (1994-2004)

Lisa Kudrow portrayed Phoebe Buffay, the quirky heart of the ‘Friends’ crew. Her offbeat humor and warmth made Phoebe unforgettable.

Kudrow’s Emmy win proved her perfect fit for the eccentric role. Her unique energy brought a special spark to the ensemble.

16. Steve Carell as Michael Scott in ‘The Office’ (2005-2013)

Steve Carell played Michael Scott, the bumbling boss with a big heart. His awkward comedy made the workplace sitcom a classic.

Carell’s Golden Globe win showed his mastery of cringe humor. No one else could have made Michael so lovably absurd.

15. Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk in ‘Monk’ (2002-2009)

Tony Shalhoub starred as Adrian Monk, the obsessive-compulsive detective. His blend of humor and pathos made the character iconic.

Shalhoub’s three Emmy wins highlighted his flawless portrayal. His casting brought heart to the quirky mystery series.

14. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes in ‘Seinfeld’ (1989-1998)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus played Elaine Benes, Jerry’s brash ex-turned-friend. Her sharp wit and physical comedy lit up the show.

Louis-Dreyfus’s Emmy win cemented her as the perfect Elaine. Her energy matched the sitcom’s fast-paced humor perfectly.

13. Michael Kenneth Williams as Omar Little in ‘The Wire’ (2002-2008)

Michael K. Williams portrayed Omar Little, the fearless stick-up man. His raw intensity and moral code made Omar a legend.

Williams brought unmatched depth to the complex role. His casting added a soulful edge to the gritty drama.

12. Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015-2020)

Catherine O’Hara played Moira Rose, the dramatic former soap star. Her over-the-top flair and heart made Moira a comedy icon.

O’Hara’s Emmy win showcased her perfect fit for the eccentric matriarch. Her performance elevated the sitcom’s charm.

11. Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully in ‘The X-Files’ (1993-2018)

Gillian Anderson starred as Dana Scully, the skeptical FBI agent. Her intelligence and strength made her a role model.

Anderson’s Emmy-winning role inspired women in STEM, known as the Scully Effect. Her casting grounded the sci-fi series perfectly.

10. Jon Hamm as Don Draper in ‘Mad Men’ (2007-2015)

Jon Hamm played Don Draper, the enigmatic ad man with a secret past. His brooding charm carried the period drama.

Hamm’s Emmy win proved he was made for the complex role. His casting brought depth to the show’s exploration of identity.

9. Bryan Cranston as Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’ (2008-2013)

Bryan Cranston portrayed Walter White, the teacher-turned-drug-lord. His shift from mild-mannered to menacing was gripping.

Cranston’s four Emmy wins showed his mastery of the role. He was the only one who could embody Walter’s dark journey.

8. James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in ‘The Sopranos’ (1999-2007)

James Gandolfini played Tony Soprano, the troubled mob boss. His raw emotion and menace redefined TV drama.

Gandolfini’s three Emmy wins made him a legend. His casting brought unmatched humanity to the complex antihero.

7. Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy in ‘Succession’ (2018-2023)

Sarah Snook starred as Shiv Roy, the cunning Roy sibling. Her sharp wit and vulnerability made Shiv a standout.

Snook’s Emmy win highlighted her perfect casting. She brought fire to the family drama’s cutthroat world.

6. Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013-2021)

Andy Samberg played Jake Peralta, the goofy but talented detective. His comedic energy drove the sitcom’s charm.

Samberg’s Golden Globe win proved his fit for the lovable cop. His casting made Jake the heart of the precinct.

5. Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis in ‘One Tree Hill’ (2003-2012)

Sophia Bush portrayed Brooke Davis, the evolving high school queen. Her charm and growth made Brooke a fan favorite.

Bush’s heartfelt performance carried the teen drama’s emotional arcs. Her casting was spot-on for the character’s journey.

4. Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009-2017)

Ian Somerhalder played Damon Salvatore, the brooding vampire. His smoldering charisma and depth made Damon iconic.

Somerhalder’s performance won multiple Teen Choice Awards. His casting brought the perfect edge to the supernatural drama.

3. Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)

Peter Dinklage portrayed Tyrion Lannister, the witty outcast. His sharp delivery and heart made Tyrion a standout.

Dinklage’s four Emmy wins proved his perfect fit. His casting defined the fantasy epic’s emotional core.

2. Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’ (2009-2015)

Jane Lynch played Sue Sylvester, the ruthless cheerleading coach. Her biting humor and surprising depth stole the show.

Lynch’s Emmy win showcased her mastery of the role. Her casting made Sue a comedic force in the musical series.

1. Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing in ‘Friends’ (1994-2004)

Matthew Perry was Chandler Bing, the sarcastic friend with a heart. His flawless comedic timing made Chandler unforgettable.

Perry’s delivery defined the sitcom’s humor, earning him an Emmy nomination. No one else could have brought Chandler to life so perfectly.

Which actor’s TV casting blew you away, or is there a perfect role I didn’t mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!