From ‘Sopranos’ to ‘Avatar,’ These Are 10 Unforgettable TV Characters Who Changed the Way We View Life

TV entertainment has stood the test of time, becoming a form of escapism that some see as a lifeline, and even at times a sort of mentor. Over the years, characters have managed to reach their audiences, as parental figures, friends, and for the hopeless romantics, lovers. Quite a few TV characters hold meaning to their fans, and often enough impact their lives in some tremendous ways.

Whether the TV character embodies compassion, complex personalities, or simply resilience, these iconic figures have done more than entertain their audience; they, in some cases, have managed to change lives. Names like Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who emanated power within feminity, and Uncle Iroh (Mako, later Greg Baldwin), who guided them with quiet wisdom and deep empathy—these and the brilliant characters on this list left a mark not just on viewers’ memories, but on their very souls, having had a hand in their growths and in shaping who they are today.

10

Dora (Kathleen Herles)

‘Dora the Explorer’ (2000–2014)

This seven-year-old bilingual adventurer happens to be the very first Latina leading lady in a mainstream American cartoon. Known from the iconic children’s program, Dora the Explorer, Dora (Kathleen Herles) and her bestie, Boots, take on the world with nothing but a backpack and a trusty map, as they teach children about empowerment, curiosity, and kindness.

There weren’t many kids who weren’t indulging in the adventures of Dora back in the early 2000s. She stood as a significant figure who portrayed a confident brown girl who bridges languages and cultures, helping to normalize diversity and bilingualism on children’s television. English parents and children alike learned Spanish words from Dora, and, even better, reinforced basic English literacy skills. Dora stands as one of the first popular and memorable characters that made learning fun. She took kids on an adventure, and asked them questions, all the while overcoming major obstacles, and made the children watching feel like they were a part of the journey—making her more than just a cartoon—she became an unforgettable influence on a generation of young viewers.

9

Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy)

‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966–1969)

Spock (Leonard Nimoy) is a character that empowers all those who feel different. Starring as a half-human, half-Vulcan science officer in the beloved sci-fi series, Star Trek: The Original Series, Spock stood as an outsider who found a home in Starfleet.

Spock encouraged the value of empathy, logic, curiosity, and understanding towards those who may be different from us. Spock’s beautiful journey of self-discovery, as he embraced all aspects of himself, showed there is a kind of relief and empowerment in being who you are, even when it’s different from others. The cool and collected character was seen as mixed or biracial—one of TV’s first— gaining fans, both adults and children alike, who saw themselves in him. Spock takes his place on this list of icons, not just for his duel-natured representation and calm demeanor in the face of strife, but also for his influence on real-world scientists, engineers, and all those who have ever felt misplaced in the world.

8

The Doctor (Multiple Actors)

‘Doctor Who’ (1963–)

This cherished character has influenced generations across almost six decades. The Time lord from the series Doctor Who, may have had various faces through a succession of characters via regeneration, but the Doctor—each brilliant, endlessly curious, and wholesomely compassionate—remains a timeless figure that promotes heroism and hope.

Whether a viewer grows up on the tenth Doctor’s exclamations of “Allons-y!”, or the Fourth Doctor, who offered jelly babies, the Doctor taught his audience something about hope, wonder, and morality. There are many authors, lovers of science, and everyday heroes who credit the good Doctor who inspired some aspect of their lives. The Doctor stands as a hero who wields his weapon of compassion and intellect while helping those in need and investing in his curiosity, leading him to be ranked on this list of life-changing individuals seen on TV.

Doctor Who

Release Date

1963 – 1989-00-00

Network

BBC One, BBC Television

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  Barry Jackson

  Gordon Lowery

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7

Uncle Iroh (Mako/Greg Baldwin)

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

The wise, tea-loving Uncle Iroh from 2005’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is quite often viewed as one of the best TV mentors out there. The character stands as a guide for his wayward and hopelessly lost nephew Zuko (Dante Basco), emulating humility, inner peace, and forgiveness.

With an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender, it is unsurprising to find a plethora of iconic characters within the show. Uncle Iroh is honestly one of the best of them, a source of profound life lessons for characters and viewers alike. With heartfelt and wise quotes like “In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength,” Iroh has genuinely helped fans through tough times. He’s the perfect father some wished they had, but also the flawed character who viewers know has experienced great trauma, and learned from past mistakes. With silly moments that make audiences laugh, and touching encounters that are capable of moving just about anyone, Uncle Iroh is definitely one of the most life-changing characters on TV.

6

Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini)

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is the leading man in the 1999 show The Sopranos. The New Jersey mob boss is the first real look at an anti-hero character who influenced thinking on the topic of masculinity and mental health.

While a character like Tony is traditionally portrayed to be a macho figure, he reached groundbreaking status by openly grappling with depression, anxiety, and family issues—humanizing mental struggles for many, particularly men. As audiences witnessed Tony’s complicated psyche, a sense of understanding rose among The Sopranos viewers—Tony, like them, was human, flawed, and he struggled. The unexpected depth allowed for relatability, something that sometimes unsettled viewers. Tony’s impact helped audiences understand themselves and allowed them to accept the idea of a morally gray character, making Tony the perfect standout on this list.

5

Superman/Clark Kent (Tom Welling)

‘Smallville’ (2001–2017)

This hero has been played by multiple actors on TV, including Tyler Hoechlin and George Reeves. Despite his many faces, the character Clark Kent (Tom Welling), or more iconically Superman, reinforced the inspirational message of the importance of hope, truth, and justice. The popular and beloved series, Smallville, shows the beginnings of Clark and his discovery and acceptance of his otherness.

Superman is often the first superpowered individual most children encounter, setting a moral benchmark of using his powers for good, protecting the innocent, and standing as a symbol of integrity and hope. His alter-ego, Clark Kent, may be comically clumsy, but he still stands as a humble and kind-hearted man, and just as inspirational and impactful as his super-side. The great character still remains an aspirational ideal, as memories of a time of modeling a towel or t-shirt as a cape still live on with most viewers. Superman’s selflessness in doing good for goodness’ sake is thoroughly ingrained in society, marking him as a standout figure that absolutely changed lives.

Smallville

Release Date

2001 – 2011

Network

The WB, The CW

4

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar)

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

The mighty chosen one, and epic slayer, Buffy Summers (Gellar), resonated with many young women across the globe. Buffy Summers is the leading lady in the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The story follows her as she navigates vampire slayings and monstrous threats while grappling with everyday teenage strife.

Buffy Summers is no one’s damsel. The small, blond, stake-wielding teen became a feminist icon for many viewers during her show’s run. She is proof that no matter how little you are, and how big the obstacles you face in front of you are, challenges can be overcome. Buffy is a strong and vulnerable character that inspired confidence, as those watching her saw her kick vampire butt, navigate school’s challenges, friendships, and a tubulous love life. Buffy the Vampire Slayer broke ground as one of the first teen supernatural dramas to broach topics of desire, death, and identity through the lenses of the incredible Buffy. The character made femininity, strength, and intelligence a norm for aspiring young women watching her, making her one of the best life-changers on TV.

3

Naruto Uzumaki (Junko Takeuchi)

‘Naruto’ (2002–2017)

Naruto Uzumaki (Junko Takeuchi) is an orange-clad ninja everyone who watches anime knows and loves. The icon stands as the protagonist of the show Naruto, which made its debut in 2002. The story follows his journey to becoming the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.

When most were asked what their very first anime experience was, it was often a segway into a long discussion on the greatness of the series Naruto. Naruto himself stands as a character beloved for his resilience and fire. The iconic ninja remains an inspirational figure that motivates fans, encouraging them to persevere through life’s obstacles. Filled with optimism and grit, Naruto, despite his loneliness and the unfairness he suffered, took on the world to protect his home and loved ones. He isn’t just an anime protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki is a cherished memory, and a role model of determination and optimism, making him the perfect addition to this list of life-changing characters.

Naruto

Release Date

2002 – 2007-00-00

Showrunner

Masashi Kishimoto

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2

Eddard Stark (Sean Bean)

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Coming from the brilliant fantasy series, Game of Thrones, Eddard “Ned” Stark (Sean Bean) is an honorable lord with more integrity than most of the known Game of Thrones characters. The series features noble families’ ruthless bid for the iron throne and the power that comes with it.

Ned Stark taught many fans a hard lesson: sometimes the right thing can cost you dearly. Ned leads his house honorably, embodying loyalty, justice, and honesty. The man himself didn’t last very long within the Game of Thrones series, amongst the snake pit of the royal court. Standing as a defining figure who was featured in a defining pop-culture moment, Eddard Stark changed audiences’ approach to stories—themes and foreshadowing deserved closer attention, and sometimes, the main character really does die. Fans still mourn the iconic figure, discussing all the intriguing what-ifs. As a character who changed how viewers watch TV, Eddard Stark definitely stands as a standout life-changing TV character.

1

Bill Nye (Himself)

‘Bill Nye the Science Guy’ (1993–1998)

An entire generation of 90s kids were introduced and made to love science because of the cherished TV educator, Bill Nye. Starring on the educational program Bill Nye the Science Guy, children were taught that science was not only important but could be extremely fun.

Bill Nye’s quirky show was a fast-paced treat that made what should have been extremely complex topics understandable and fun, inspiring many to pursue careers in science. The goofy experiments and Bill’s genuine enthusiasm and passion for science encouraged viewers’ curiosity about the world. Bill blurred the lines between TV character and real-life educator, becoming a memorable figure that inspired so many to fall in love with a subject that influenced their everyday lives—earning him the number one ranking on this list of life-changing TV characters.

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