With such a rich and overwhelming array of television to choose from at the end of every year, there are inevitably worthy shows that go unheralded. There’s only so much anyone — even TV critics! — can watch and absorb, try though we might to stay on top of everything available. And yet, there are always excellent performances that break through the rest of the noise, demanding recognition by virtue of their undeniable pull.
’s chief TV critics Caroline Framke and Daniel D’Addario considered buzzy new shows , shows that snuck up on them , and shows that took their final bow . Some actors have had time to settle into their roles and find new ways into their roles on established shows such as HBO’s meticulous drama “Succession,” while others burst onto the screen with impressive ease on promising newcomers such as Peacock’s gleefully bonkers comedy “Girls5Eva.
All of them made for unforgettable moments on sweeping dramas, character comedies, rom-coms, and even as the unflappable facilitators of interviews that kept viewers talking far beyond the ending credits. Together, the work of these 25 people represents the extraordinary breadth of the medium, and how truly great acting can give any project that extra indelible spark of inspiration.’s picks for the 25 best performances from this year in television, presented in alphabetical order.