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The Uncontested Top 10: Variety’s Greatest TV Performances Of The 21st Century Revealed

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The landscape of television acting has undergone a seismic shift since the year 2000, moving away from procedural comfort to complex, morally ambiguous character studies. As of today, December 20, 2025, the definitive list that captures this revolution is Variety’s "100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century," a comprehensive ranking that celebrates the actors who have redefined what it means to lead a series. This list is not merely a collection of popular stars; it is a critical examination of the depth, nuance, and cultural impact of performances that have shaped the Golden Age of Peak TV, with the top spot going to a surprising comedic genius over a dramatic powerhouse. Variety's decision to include only one performance per actor and show makes this ranking a brutally competitive measure of true artistic achievement.

The selection criteria prioritize performances that are transformative, unforgettable, and essential to the success of their respective series, spanning the evolution of television from network dramas to prestige streaming hits. The list offers a crucial perspective, highlighting how the 21st century has allowed actors to explore long-form character arcs with unparalleled depth, cementing their work in the cultural zeitgeist. The debate over who belongs in the top tier is fierce, but Variety's choices offer a compelling argument for the finest acting masterclasses of our time.

The Definitive Top Tier: Variety's Greatest TV Performances

The top echelon of Variety's list is a battleground between the titans of modern television, showcasing a blend of searing drama and razor-sharp comedy. The ranking is notable for its refusal to solely favor dramatic roles, a common trend in such lists, instead crowning a comedic performance as the undisputed champion of the 21st century. This recognition underscores the difficulty and brilliance of sustaining a complex, hilarious, and often tragic character for multiple seasons.

1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer in "Veep"

Taking the coveted number one spot is Julia Louis-Dreyfus for her portrayal of Vice President (and brief President) Selina Meyer in the political satire "Veep." Variety's choice is a testament to the sheer, relentless brilliance of her performance. Louis-Dreyfus played Meyer as a relentlessly insecure, foul-mouthed, and power-hungry politician whose incompetence was only matched by her narcissism. Her work is a masterclass in physical comedy, rapid-fire delivery, and the ability to convey profound desperation beneath a veneer of political polish. She made a deeply unlikeable character utterly compelling, earning her a record-breaking six consecutive Emmy Awards for the role.

2. Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy in "Succession"

Immediately following is Jeremy Strong as the tortured, aspirational, and deeply broken Kendall Roy in the HBO drama "Succession." Strong’s performance is often cited as the gold standard for modern dramatic acting, characterized by his intense commitment to the character's internal turmoil. His portrayal of Kendall, a wealthy heir constantly seeking his father's approval and the CEO chair, is a study in suppressed emotion, fragile ego, and profound sadness. Strong utilized subtle body language, non-verbal cues, and a method approach to create a performance that was both excruciating to watch and impossible to look away from, especially during the emotional climax of the series finale.

The Elite Circle: Performances That Defined the Era

The remainder of the top tier features performances that have become cultural milestones, each representing a peak in their respective genres. These actors did not just play a character; they embodied an era.

  • Ian McShane as Al Swearengen in "Deadwood": McShane's portrayal of the foul-mouthed, cunning, yet surprisingly moralistic saloon owner is a benchmark for complex anti-heroes. His performance is a powerhouse of controlled intensity and Shakespearean dialogue delivered with frontier grit.
  • Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in "Mad Men": While Don Draper often took the spotlight, Moss's subtle, transformative performance as Peggy Olson—a secretary who slowly but forcefully climbs the corporate ladder—is a quiet revolution on screen. Her work is a nuanced depiction of ambition, gender politics, and self-discovery in the 1960s.
  • Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag in "Fleabag": A groundbreaking performance that shattered the fourth wall, Waller-Bridge's titular character is a raw, hilarious, and devastating exploration of grief, sex, and modern womanhood. Her direct address to the audience created an intimacy rarely seen in television.
  • Bryan Cranston as Walter White in "Breaking Bad": Cranston's transformation from a meek, emasculated chemistry teacher to the ruthless drug lord "Heisenberg" is arguably the most iconic dramatic arc of the 21st century. His work is a masterclass in depicting a slow, terrifying descent into moral depravity.

The New Guard: Recent Contenders and Topical Authority

While the Variety list focuses on the 21st century's legacy, the current television landscape continues to produce performances that will undoubtedly challenge these rankings in the future. The inclusion of more recent stars like Jeremy Allen White and Sydney Sweeney underscores the list's commitment to contemporary excellence. These performances build topical authority by linking the classics to the current critical darlings.

The Rise of the Prestige Streamer Performance

The shift to streaming platforms has allowed for even more intense, focused storytelling, resulting in performances that feel cinematic in their scope and detail. These actors have quickly joined the conversation of the greatest:

  • Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto in "The Bear": White’s portrayal of the high-strung, genius chef battling personal demons in a chaotic kitchen has become an instant classic. His performance is a study in anxiety, trauma, and the relentless pressure of creative perfection.
  • Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard in "Euphoria": Sweeney's work captures the volatile and heartbreaking reality of a young woman desperate for love and validation. Her performance is a standout in a show known for its intense emotional realism.
  • Emma Stone as Whitney Siegel in "The Curse": Stone’s ability to navigate the complex, unsettling, and often cringe-inducing satire of "The Curse" showcases a new level of performance art in television, blending comedy and psychological horror.

These newer entries demonstrate that the art of television acting is not static; it is constantly evolving to meet the demands of increasingly sophisticated narratives. The depth of character exploration now possible in a limited series or a tightly written drama is attracting A-list talent and producing unforgettable work. The critical success of these shows adds significant topical authority to any discussion of modern TV greatness.

The Criteria for Greatness: What Makes a Performance "Greatest"?

The selections on Variety's list highlight several key criteria that separate a great performance from one of the "greatest." It is a blend of technical skill, emotional resonance, and cultural impact that solidifies a performance's legacy. The list serves as a guide for understanding the evolution of the craft in the 21st century.

Entity-Driven Excellence and LSI Keywords

A truly great performance must be inextricably linked to the character and the show's core themes. The LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and entities surrounding this list—such as character transformation, acting masterclass, prestige television, dramatic anti-heroes, and comedic brilliance—are all embodied by the top contenders. For instance, Sandra Oh's decade-long run as Cristina Yang in "Grey's Anatomy" is a masterclass in long-form character development, securing her a spot on the list for her emotional depth and consistency. Similarly, Jodie Comer's unnerving duality as Villanelle in "Killing Eve" is a prime example of a performance that blends charisma with sociopathic menace.

The selection process also favors performances that exhibit a profound level of difficulty and range. The ability to pivot between high-stakes drama and moments of genuine vulnerability is a hallmark of the 21st-century great. For example, Stellan Skarsgård's stoic yet emotionally charged portrayal of Luthen Rael in "Andor" is a sleeper hit on the list, demonstrating how a supporting role can carry the moral weight of an entire epic narrative.

A List of Essential Entities and Performances (Topical Authority)

To fully appreciate the scope of Variety's list and build topical authority, it is essential to recognize the breadth of talent honored. The ranking is a who's who of modern television excellence, offering a comprehensive view of the shows and actors who defined their respective decades. The following is a partial list of the vital entities and performances that make up the 100 Greatest, showcasing the diversity of genres and acting styles recognized:

  • Matthew Macfadyen as Tom Wambsgans in "Succession"
  • Jon Hamm as Don Draper in "Mad Men"
  • Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope in "Scandal"
  • Toni Collette as Tara Gregson in "United States of Tara"
  • Donald Glover as Earn Marks in "Atlanta"
  • Viola Davis as Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder"
  • Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning and Clones in "Orphan Black"
  • Michael K. Williams as Omar Little in "The Wire"
  • Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope in "Parks and Recreation"
  • Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in "Mare of Easttown"
  • Jeff Daniels as Jeff Daniels in "The Newsroom"
  • Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson in "This Is Us"
  • Larry David as Larry David in "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
  • Danny Pudi as Abed Nadir in "Community"
  • Kyle Chandler as Eric Taylor in "Friday Night Lights"
  • Zendaya as Rue Bennett in "Euphoria"
  • Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman in "Better Call Saul"
  • Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in "Game of Thrones"

This extensive roster confirms that Variety’s list is a serious and well-researched attempt to codify the best of the best. It provides a definitive viewing guide for anyone seeking to understand the power and evolution of acting in the modern television era. The ongoing conversation about who was ranked too low or who was missed entirely is a testament to the cultural weight of this list and the passion of television fans worldwide.

The Uncontested Top 10: Variety’s Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century Revealed
variety greatest tv performances
variety greatest tv performances

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