10 coolest fictional TV characters who lowkey made you wish you were them

The Coolest Fictional TV Characters | Images via HBO and Netflix
The Coolest Fictional TV Characters | Images via HBO and Netflix

The coolest fictional TV characters are those that viewers find memorable, appealing, relatable, or fashionable. Some of the coolest fictional TV characters leave a lasting impression that goes beyond the screen. Not only are they entertaining, but they are iconic. Some television characters leave a lasting impression that goes beyond the screen. Each character made a lasting impression on the audience, whether it was through their self-assurance, unique flair, bravery, or sharp humor.

They asserted their stories in flair, whether they were misfit geniuses, vampire hunters, gang bosses, or clever advertising executives. This list honors ten exceptional individuals who, despite the world around them collapsing, marched to their beat and made being cool appear so effortless.

Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 10 coolest fictional TV characters who lowkey made you wish you were them:

10. Michael Scott (The Office)

Coolest Fictional TV Character - Michael Scott | Image via Netflix
Coolest Fictional TV Character - Michael Scott | Image via Netflix

In The Office, Dunder Mifflin's lovably awkward boss is Michael Scott. He has a golden heart and craves attention and approval. In the episode Casino Night, Michael throws a large fundraiser in the office parking lot. Among his numerous failures, the scene in which he literally opens up to Pam is the most touching.

Michael speaks straight, which is characteristic of his eccentric honesty and genuine concern for his employees. The scene reveals to us that behind the silly jokes and the “That’s what she said” lines, there is a person who just wants to help people. The Office reveals why Michael is the coolest fictional TV character. Many people consider him to be the coolest fictional TV character due to his courage and vulnerability, which lend him an authentic and memorable appearance.


9. Arya Stark (Game of Thrones)

Arya Stark | Image via HBO
Arya Stark | Image via HBO

Arya Stark begins as a sassy young girl in Winterfell and becomes a decisive, deadly assassin. She fought Brienne of Tarth in Season 7, Episode 4. Brienne, the best fighter in Westeros, faced Arya in Winterfell. However, to impress and win respect, Arya stood her ground and used every lesson she had learned, from Faceless Men training to needle practice.

This scene demonstrates her courageous prowess and ferocious commitment to her art. One of the coolest fictional TV characters, Arya, shows in the scene that she doesn't need royal blood or fancy clothes to be a strong character. Her wit, bravery, and uncanny determination make every blow matter.


8. Frasier Crane (Frasier)

Frasier Crane | Image via Hotstar
Frasier Crane | Image via Hotstar

A sophisticated and humorous psychiatrist, Frasier Crane hosts a radio show in Seattle. Kelsey Grammer portrays the character, who has a big heart and a sophisticated sense of humor. In "The Matchmaker" episode, Frasier inadvertently attempts to match his boss with himself. He then recognizes the problem and talks his way out of it, cleverly demonstrating his composed, quick-thinking mind. He is endearing, smart, and awkward.

That scene demonstrates why he is one of the coolest fictional TV characters. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and take ownership of his mistakes makes him one of the coolest fictional TV characters. It is this combination of jokes, sophistication, and self-awareness that makes Frasier so cool and relatable.


7. Thomas Shelby (Peaky Blinders)

Thomas Shelby - A Coolest Fictional TV Character | Image via Netflix
Thomas Shelby - A Coolest Fictional TV Character | Image via Netflix

Cillian Murphy portrays Thomas Shelby, a quiet but wise leader of the Peaky Blinders gang. In the first episode of the first season, Tommy is seen riding slowly on his black horse through a terrified street. He manages to maintain his coolness and swagger even when wearing a razor-bladed cap.

The latter scene establishes his mood of quiet swagger and silent power. He does not have to speak to make it clear that he dominates the room. He is one of the coolest fictional TV characters because of these moments. Tommy's silent intensity, deadly calm, and sharp decisions give him a presence that is both genuine and memorable; there is no need for him to shout and demonstrate his authority.


6. Olivia Pope (Scandal)

Olivia Pope | Image via Hulu
Olivia Pope | Image via Hulu

Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) is a heavy-hitting crisis manager in Washington, D.C., in the American thriller series Scandal. She is intelligent, fashionable, and highly motivated. In the episode "Baby, It’s Cold Outside," Olivia makes the silent decision to have an abortion. The story portrays her silent personality in a private moment; there is no drama or notable statements.

That is a strong and yet simple scene that demonstrates that she is in charge of her life. She is dealing with an enormous personal decision in the hot glare of publicity. It is one of the reasons why she is one of the coolest fictional TV characters; she is daring, discreet, and in complete control. She is strong enough to make difficult decisions and stick to them even when she is alone.


5. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Buffy Summers - A Coolest Fictional TV Character | Image via Hulu
Buffy Summers - A Coolest Fictional TV Character | Image via Hulu

Buffy Summers is a vampire slayer in her teenage years. She is courageous, intelligent, and incredibly human, and Sarah Michelle Gellar plays her. In Season 3, Episode 1, Buffy deals with a dark creature that enslaves human beings. She combats bravely and competently despite her sufferings. In a scene, viewers have seen her saying

"I’m Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. And you are?"

This quote marks her characteristic. She does not hold back her power. This scene is why she is one of the coolest fictional TV characters. Despite her strength, Buffy never backs down from a challenge; she faces evil head-on, and she never hesitates to be herself. She does not require any superpowers other than her own to demonstrate genuine courage.


4. Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)

The Coolest Fictional TV Character - Tony Soprano | Images via Hotstar
The Coolest Fictional TV Character - Tony Soprano | Images via Hotstar

James Gandolfini stars as the powerful and complex mob boss Tony Soprano in The Sopranos. His criminal empire is balanced with personal struggles, which makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the history of TV. One incident in Season 6, Episode 13 exemplifies his coolness.

Tony and his brother-in-law Bobby Baccalieri share some silent time by the lake as they contemplate life. As the debate turns serious, Tony suddenly challenges Bobby to a fight. The uncut intensity of the scene displays the unpredictability and the superiority of Tony. He is impossible to forget because of his capability to alternate charm and menace. He is one of the coolest fictional TV characters, and his presence speaks for itself as a recognized leader.


3. Phoebe Buffay (Friends)

Phoebe Buffay - A Coolest Fictional TV Character | Image via Netflix
Phoebe Buffay - A Coolest Fictional TV Character | Image via Netflix

Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow, is the hippie and eccentric friend in Friends. She is unique in her weird character and comedic relief. An example of the scenes where her coolness stands out is season 4, episode 5. Phoebe has a cold before performing at Central Perk. When she gets a raspy voice, she accepts it, terming it "sexy phlegm" instead of getting upset. She is not afraid to sing, and this makes it funny and legendary at the same time.

This situation could have been embarrassing, but her capability to transform a negative experience into a positive one indicates her unusual attractiveness. Phoebe is proud of who she is and does not fear being different. Her easygoing attitude and memorable occurrences make her one of the coolest fictional TV characters.


2. Don Draper (Mad Men)

Coolest Fictional TV Character - Don Draper | Image via Netflix
Coolest Fictional TV Character - Don Draper | Image via Netflix

Don Draper is a cool, enigmatic, brilliant ad man in 1960s New York. He is charismatic, suffering, and talented, played by Jon Hamm. We have seen that Don makes the Kodak Carousel pitch in the episode of The Wheel. He presents a slideshow of elderly family photographs, and he talks in a low voice about memory, yearning, and feeling. Clients weep. His tone, timing, and sincerity are authentic. He is not selling a product—he is touching life itself.

He appears in the scene as one of the most appealing false TV personalities, a man who can touch someone with genuine emotion in addition to his smooth rhetoric. The interplay between the outward charisma and inward pain lends him a silent strength that is very powerful.


1. Walter White (Breaking Bad)

The Coolest Fictional TV Character - Walter White | Images via Netflix
The Coolest Fictional TV Character - Walter White | Images via Netflix

Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher-cum-merciless methamphetamine king. Portrayed by Bryan Cranston, he transforms himself from a timid father into a strong criminal. In the "Say My Name” episode, Walt encounters drug dealers. They desire to engage in negotiation. Calmly, Walt says,

“Say my name.”

And when they do, “Heisenberg,” he says,

“You goddam right.”

There is a silence in the room. That scene demonstrates why Walt is among the coolest fictional TV characters—he possesses his new identity with a frightening self-confidence. His low-key voice, steel-like austerity, and unwavering acceptance of authority mark the beginning of a new era. It is a tense, explosive, and memorable moment. It tells us that Walt is no longer scared of the darkness he has chosen.


It is concluded that these characters were not simply well-written, but they were experienced. They inspired us, astounded and even horrified us, yet always maintained composure under pressure. They all possessed a certain type of power that rendered them memorable. In their finest hours, they inspired us and made us think that we can be as audacious and daring as well.

Edited by Ishita Banerjee