Wednesday Season 2: Steve Buscemi: 5 best TV roles to watch before Wednesday Season 2

Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi is known for the eccentric characters that he portrays. From playing unconventional roles in popular films such as Big Fish, Reservoir Dogs, and Fargo, the actor has also attempted diverse roles on television, and has made a mark with his talent.

Apart from his movie roles, Buscemi has also appeared in various shows on the small screen, such as The Sopranos and 30 Rock, and demonstrated his range as an actor, along with the fact that he can fit into just about any kind of role, in any genre.

With his portrayal of Principal Barry Dort in the upcoming Wednesday Season 2, Steve Buscemi seems all set to add another feather in his cap. Principal Dort, revealed to be the next head of Nevermore Academy, promises to be another unique role that the actor will add to his filmography. Dort, after all, is not normal because he has the ability to control fire. He will be introduced as a character who is too proud of being an outcast and does not like 'normal' people (that is, people without any supernatural ability) much.

As we wait for Steve Buscemi’s new role in yet another Tim Burton project after the 2003 film, Big Fish, let us take a look at five of his best TV roles that depict the range of his acting prowess.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

Steve Buscemi: 5 best TV roles to watch before Wednesday Season 2

5) Pete Wittel (Horace and Pete)

Steve Buscemi in Horace and Pete | Image via Hulu

The tragicomedy series was created by Louis C.K., who also stars in the series as Horace Wittel VIII. Steve Buscemi plays the character of Pete Wittel, Horace’s cousin, and the co-owner of the family bar. On the show, Buscemi’s Pete suffers from mental illness, and relies on medicine as he gets older.

Although a kind person, Pete is also sensitive, and this is a reason he has many arguments with Horace, who is also not doing well in his life. They are trying to save their bar, and as they go about it, the series focuses on several issues, ranging from family relationships and abuse, to even politics. The show should definitely be on your watchlist.

4) Lenny Wosniak (30 Rock)

Steve Buscemi in 30 Rock | Image via Universal Television

Created by Tina Fey, 30 Rock is a satirical show that follows the lives of the cast and characters of a sketch comedy show called TGS with Tracy Jordan. The plot aims at highlighting the relationships between the cast and crew, and the overall environment of a network studio.

Steve Buscemi has featured in six episodes of the series. He is seen playing the character of Lenny Wosniak, a private investigator who dons different disguises to solve his cases. Buscemi's Lenny Wosniak first appears in Season 2, where he spies on Jack Donaghy (played by Alec Baldwin), to find clues that would hamper his chance of becoming the CEO of General Electric.

Jack also hires him in the later seasons to find out who his biological father is, and asks him to spy on his mother. Buscemi’s role is all about brilliant comedic timing in one of the best satirical series ever, and is a must-watch performance.

3) God (Miracle Workers)

Steve Buscemi in Miracle Workers | Image via FXP

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, the anthology comedy series is based on various works of Simon Rich. All the main cast members play different roles in the different seasons of Miracle Workers. Steve Buscemi appears as God in Season 1 and wants to destroy the Earth, while also concentrating on his hobbies and working on a new restaurant.

From playing God to playing an outlaw named Benny the Teen in various episodes of the series, Buscemi has more than once impressed the audience with his unconventional roles in the comedy series, and is worth a watch.

2) Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson (Boardwalk Empire)

Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire | Image via HBO Entertainment

Steve Buscemi’s Golden Globe-winning role in Boardwalk Empire is among his best roles. The treasurer of Atlantic City, Buscemi's Nucky, also has a dark side, as he controls the politics of the city. While appearing as a kind-hearted person among the public and his family, Buscemi’s two-faced personality is also involved in the gang wars and several other things gone wrong in the city.

He maintains his ruse in Season 1 and in most of Season 2, but his greed and dishonesty come to an end at the end of Season 2, as everyone comes to know about the corruption that he has committed all along. In the period crime drama, Steve Buscemi shows the cynical side of the character he portrays, making it one of the most intriguing performances.

1) Tony Blundetto (The Sopranos)

Steve Buscemi in The Sopranos | Image via HBO Entertainment

One of the biggest TV roles of Steve Buscemi was in the acclaimed crime drama, The Sopranos. Buscemi appeared as Tony Blundetto, Tony Soprano’s cousin, in Season 5. He has been recently released from prison and is trying to live a normal life. However, the idea turns out to be difficult for him, and he goes back to his criminal ways.

This results in a feud between the Lupertazzi and DiMeo crime families. Besides appearing in an important role in the crime series, Buscemi has also directed several episodes of the TV show, including one of its most popular episodes, Pine Barrens.

While these are only a few of his roles from his large filmography, Steve Buscemi has also appeared in many more popular shows such as The Equalizer, ER, and Portlandia, among others. He has also lent in voice to hit animated shows such as Bob's Burgers, Rick and Morty, and Big Mouth.