Protagonists and villains are compelling for a variety of reasons. However, the most complex and memorable characters embody elements of both archetypes. Villain protagonists on TV and in movies are caught between good and evil and often base their decisions on a moral code that differs from the norm. Nevertheless, fans can understand the motivations behind their actions and can even sympathize with them in some cases. Many fan-favorite television shows feature strong antiheroes at the heart of their plot. These characters keep viewers invested from the pilot to the finale. Furthermore, they preserve public interest in the show’s storylines long after the series ends, compelling viewers to repeatedly re-watch their favorite shows.
10. Young Norman Bates Blossoms Into A Killer In Bates Motel
Before Norman Bates became the notorious killer in Psycho, he was a wayward young man helping his mother run a hotel. Bates Motel is a psychological drama that aired on A&E. The show is a prequel to the Psycho horror film series, which began in 1960 and included three sequels and one reboot. Bates Motel shows audiences Bates’ descent into madness as he attempts to navigate the complicated dynamics of his own family. Though he is a villain, this prequel gives young Bates many redeeming qualities at the beginning of the series. He is very protective of his mother and appears polite and kind, which humanizes him enough to keep audiences on his side.
9. Vic Mackey Is A Morally Questionable Cop In The Shield
When it comes to police brutality, few are as vicious as Detective Vic Mackey. However, he has moments where he demonstrates some signs of a moral compass. The Shield was a hit police procedural series on FX, which ran for seven full seasons. During that time, viewers got to know Mackey as more than just a corrupt police officer: he was loyal, protective of loved ones, and dedicated to uncovering the truth at all costs. His investigative methods were often in violation of protocol, and he was involved in many illegal side projects throughout the series. Nevertheless, he was a fan-favorite character who always cracked tough cases.
8. Frank Underwood Is A Crooked Politician In House Of Cards
House Of Cards stars controversial Oscar Winner Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood, a quintessential corrupt politician. Underwood is ruthless in his ascent to the top of the political food chain. He has designs on the White House, but his assistant murders him before achieving this goal. His redeeming moments are few and far between, but he does possess a unique sense of justice by which he governs himself. For instance, he kills his neighbor’s dog after it was injured in an accident to – in his reasoning – put the poor animal out of its misery. Viewers may disagree with his decisions, but it’s hard not to respect a villain protagonist on tv with such strong convictions.
7. Tony Soprano Is A Family Man And Crime Boss In The Sopranos
Being a crime syndicate leader isn’t for the faint of heart, but The Sopranos villain protagonist, Tony Soprano, takes it all in stride. He’s undeniably nefarious, with a selfish streak and a talent for committing crimes. However, he is also a fan-favorite character in the series because of the apparent care he feels for his biological family. For instance, Tony and his sisters suffered an abusive childhood. He also has some obvious mental health struggles, sometimes suffering from panic attacks when the going gets especially tough. However, his ability to bounce back and take charge is admirable and makes him a somewhat sympathetic character.
6. Thomas Shelby Is A War Veteran Turned Gang Leader In Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders fan-favorite, Thomas Shelby, is a classic example of a villain protagonist on tv who redeems himself through his sometimes-respectable moral code. Though he is a ruthless gang member and drug user, Shelby is also close to his large immediate family. He is loyal to both them and his fellow gang members – when it suits him. His status as a WWI veteran also gives him some sense of discipline and honor. He is very protective of his family and occasionally displays a softer side when it comes to them. Furthermore, his violent, self-serving behavior sometimes leads to remorse, making him a more relatable character for fans of the show.
5. Walter White Is A Chemistry Teacher Gone Rogue In Breaking Bad
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and that’s part of what drove fan-favorite Breaking Bad character Walter White into a life of crime. Bryan Cranston portrays the middle-aged White, who starts the series as a simple high school chemistry teacher. However, when he receives a terminal lung cancer diagnosis, concern over his family’s long-term financial security drives him into the underworld. He rises to the level of methamphetamine kingpin, leaving a trail of ruthless violence in his wake. His humble origins and complicated, ever-evolving morality make him one of the most compelling villain protagonists on TV.
4. Dr. Hannibal Lecter Helps Profile Violent Killers In Hannibal
NBC’s series Hannibal ran for four seasons and served as a prequel to the Hannibal Lecter series of films. The series borrows elements from films and books in the Hannibal Lecter franchise but pre-dates all of the events of those established works. Hannibal depicts a young Dr. Lecter at the beginning of his relationship with the FBI. Though Dr. Lecter is clearly a violent, sometimes sadistic killer, the series gives this iconic villain protagonist a host of redeeming qualities. Most notably, Hannibal is an accomplished home cook who uses his skills to bond with different members of the show. It’s endearing – except for the fact that human flesh is usually on the menu.
3. Nucky Thompson Is A Kind-Hearted Gangster In Boardwalk Empire
There’s no mistaking Nucky Thompson’s cutthroat nature, but Boardwalk Empire’s old-school gangster does have a fair dose of warmth in her personality. Steve Buscemi brings this character to life as he truly is: part politician, part crime boss, all charm. He has his hands in nearly every illegal enterprise in Prohibition Era Atlantic City and is relentless in his quest to turn partnerships into profit. However, he has a deep sense of righteousness, and there are limits to the amount of violence he is willing to inflict on others. Nucky is a class act in his own right, even in the absence of traditional heroic qualities.
2. Dexter Morgan Hunts Other Killers In Dexter
The premise of a serial killer who hunts other serial killers presents an obvious moral problem for viewers. This concept is at the heart of Dexter and is part of what made the Showtime Original Series such a compelling fan favorite. Dexter Morgan is a forensic technician who works with the Miami Metro P.D. to hunt serial killers. This makes him seem like a traditional protagonist, but his villainy shows itself after the work day ends. Dexter spends his nights hunting and killing criminals he deems worthy of harsher punishments than they received from the justice system.
1. Omar Little Is The Robin Hood Of Baltimore In The Wire
Omar Little is a multifaceted character, making him a prime example of what a strong villain protagonist can be. Little is a major player in the world of The Wire. He is a Baltimore criminal who steals money, points guns in people’s faces, and occasionally partners with police to help catch other criminals. However, his help is mainly aimed at retaliation for the murder of his significant other. Little’s true redeeming quality is his Robin Hood style of justice: he robs drug dealers to help out needy community members. Though he is clearly a villain, Little becomes a hero to those he assists and is idolized by some of the neighborhood children.
