The 10 Best TV Heroes of the 21st Century: Iconic and Inspiring Characters

Who are the most epic television heroes? Well, it's been a super awesome time with these incredible actors. We're seeing characters do wild things, battle dangerous enemies and face heart-wrenching struggles and, with so much television out there, how do you even know where to start?

id="10-best-television-heroes"> 10 Best Television Heroes

From "Luther" to "Stranger Things" there's an abundance of heroes in this awesome, modern age.

Since the start of 2000s we've had great television! We're at a golden age with all those super awesome characters we love, though a bunch of them just might be those super amazing characters we love to hate! However, we want some heroes to cheer for! These actors not only have big hearts but also are capable of being those great guys we love!

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John Luther

Luther (Idris Elba) looking battered and beat up while hiding behind a wall in Luther Image

Idris Elba in "Luther" is known for being such an incredible performer. Even if we see a villainous side! His great roles as a character known for going out and taking the villains out! In the series, we see him work hard as a detective.

Luther, is that guy who’s able to take a dangerous case! He is a great investigator and even though he might be reckless he still is super determined, that’s the true hero part! But just how is Luther a hero?

We get a special view of Luther's heroic journey by the very first episode. It seemed he might be a hero or a villain.
We watch this cop in "Luther" as he has this intense drive, and allows a murderer to die, a fall.

He makes sure to stay determined in the pursuit of taking these dangerous criminals down!

He saves lives.
Even those that seem untouchable. He goes unarmed to try and take down a cop killer!
This amazing detective also goes to a ton of trouble, to save people he cares about!

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June Osborne:

It's almost impossible not to remember this story, which brought so many compelling elements to a really difficult world!

The Handmaid's Tale

The series was a special, groundbreaking adaptation that captured so much in a terrifyingly dystopian future, with its special narrative around women who have to be servants!

The series follows women who are being controlled, as well. A story about women that can give birth! It was an intense premise.

For the main role, the character June Osbourne had a harrowing time that led her down this path.

This show had viewers talking! June Osbourne, a role that truly shows the impact of women as heroes! You can't escape the abuse and suffering they've been forced to take. But she becomes the light, with the courage to make change and save the day.

The incredible story for this character is shown in how her heart remains powerful and undeterred. June’s initial approach wasn't to battle! It was to fight back in quieter moments, finding small wins to have a semblance of control.
This changed! What made her special was that this gave her strength as she rose against oppression! This story that came from Margaret Atwood really showed her commitment and willingness to keep fighting until there was freedom!

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Coach Taylor

There are some shows that just really inspire people!

Friday Night Lights

This is a true gem of TV! One of the best stories around the great world of "high school football." It takes place in Texas in a small town.

This shows fans all those crazy ups and downs. As we learn what life's really about when you have an inspiring coach that pushes you and your teammates.

A heartwarming series that follows "Coach Taylor.", a coach who never gives up, shows that success and love is much more than wins on the field!

Coach Taylor shows he's always got his players' back!
While the town really puts their faith in him. Taylor remains humble as a hero!
That powerful motto "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose." is what makes his approach so effective and shows that a sense of togetherness makes people powerful!

When this show finished, audiences were shocked as there was one of those tender moments between a coach who cared about his players, a story about what happens when you can find strength in your coach as your mentor, while also teaching your team what real family is.

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Angela Abar:

Regina King cracking an egg by the pool in Watchmen Image

HBO Max knows about incredible TV! One of the big shows that made history was "Watchmen," and audiences won't want to miss this.

Watchmen is about this fantastic, incredible series based on the great comic book of the same name! What makes it so awesome is the fact that it also introduced some new and inspiring characters.

You will want to know more about Angela Abar!

What was super interesting about "Watchmen?" Was the time! We're seeing a period where heroes are a no-no. Yet Angela Abar, the series, follows this remarkable, dedicated police officer and her efforts to enforce the law!

It also gives a nod to this interesting twist. It is more than just a great officer as we discover she hides her secret. Angela Abar is also a hero in her own right, but one who is going to save the day by being a guardian against the evil she's forced to battle.
Her actions as a character is super meaningful to the story. She goes deep into understanding her peers and is more than ready to take down injustice even in her ranks.
She also makes sure that anyone trying to corrupt, that she takes them down, and won't allow people who seem to be allies, or her own team, to get in her way of bringing down corruption.

id="jack-bauer"> Jack Bauer: Jack Bauer wearing body armor and pointing a handgun in 24 tv series Image

Fans who enjoyed big action movies and even more importantly TV, got a wild ride with 24! This action-thriller was an exciting series to get into as it put everyone's senses on high alert! What is super unique, though?

It follows a single 24 hours in the life of a very compelling character. He’s the man you want when you are fighting for your survival!

Jack Bauer, is a hero with great purpose. That was a main focus for this series that shows how much the character put on the line!

In this super chaotic day, there's always a new obstacle.
Jack Bauer, always the one who steps in. This means we see the loss of many who he cared about! And his relentless approach may even force him into some actions, not very heroic in nature.
But with a sense of honesty, the series reveals the depths of how powerful Jack Bauer is!
He's got a big heart, even if some actions are cruel!

What does a true hero do? He puts himself on the line for everyone, meaning he sacrificed so much for his country, even taking out a "nuclear weapon," in the desert! To keep his nation safe.

id="din-djarin">Din Djarin: Din Djarin and Grogu flying in The Mandalorian season 2 Image

"The Mandalorian," a series from Disney+

That's just one element, because The Mandalorian had an impact! And audiences can't wait to see the show's most loved, mysterious character. What's really compelling about this? This series shows you an intergalactic bounty hunter that is out to take those who owe him.

In his story. We learn all about how much he was forced into being that man! But you get a different sense from this.

Mando takes this new path! That doesn't mean his past and what brought him to his situation. He really becomes that guardian angel, and finds himself protecting, and helping anyone who is going through some challenging situations!
There's one iconic "Mando" moment that had fans excited about the series.
When a mysterious being was brought to "Mando," a figure that captured everyone's hearts! We get Grogu.
"The Mandalorian" and "Grogu". They form an incredible bond in a new heartwarming, powerful adventure, creating one of the most cherished father/child relationships of the 21st century.

We've been given more with this incredible duo and there are so many more moments to explore. You will be excited to catch the pair in "The Mandalorian" movies. They've already been announced and are a testament to how popular the two have become.

id="jack-shepard">Jack Shepard Jack looking sad on Lost Image

There's a huge adventure that audiences can't get enough of!

One of the shows that really changed everything on television! A huge, cult-favorite, "Lost.". The iconic series had fans wanting more, a truly gripping tale of survival in an incredible, remote location with all of its mystery and adventure, along with those mind-bending moments!

The "Lost" character "Jack Shepard" was initially going to die at the beginning of the series! We are left with an inspiring man!
He's going to go through this crazy journey of adventure and is going to save so many of those around him in a truly incredible show!
A man of action! Jack does everything that a true leader should! The series was about survival! However, Jack stayed focused on doing his best as a community member, trying to always help others! He's a doctor so he's heartbroken when he isn't able to heal. But through a sense of determination and a loving heart, he brings people hope when there might be little left.

id="raylan-givens">Raylan Givens Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in Justified Image

It's just like you stepped back in time.

Raylan Givens from "Justified." If you are into classic westerns and action thrillers that go together so well, the combination of both was made real. He's got the whole "cowboy swagger."

Raylan Givens is another one of those heroes who never hesitates when taking on danger.
He always seems to have the right words, the quippiest, sharp, wit! But that's not all!
You never forget the sense of respect that he shows others.

The hero with a touch of swagger and it just made everyone wonder if this type of cool, composed action hero, who was the definition of cool could really do it all? That just made fans love the character, the show, and the story, even more.

Even when Raylan Givens was facing off against a rival, Boyd Crowder who was an enemy. There was still a bond. It proved this was a hero that respected people!

id="jon-snow"> Jon Snow: Kit Harington as Jon Snow heading Beyond the Wall in the Game of Thrones finale Image

"Game of Thrones" was epic. This fantasy tv series is a fan favorite. You could find characters everywhere on the path to good or bad, heroes or villains.

It seemed like a main character kept getting more power as they got more notoriety.

Jon Snow. There was a truly wild adventure with Jon Snow. A hero who always made the right decision!

A young man, who started his story on his own and got thrown into a whirlwind adventure that led to finding a new place! And not only that! This wasn't a random place. It was The Night's Watch.
Even as he found out more about who he was and where he truly belonged, there was one defining characteristic! The honor that he was raised with and it seemed that it didn't matter that Jon Snow wasn't his biological dad, Ned Stark, was the type of father figure who could pass these values onto his children.
As "Jon Snow,", we watched a character rise in a chaotic world to make something of himself! We watched him rise in combat. In a shocking move he battled a "White Walker."! We've even got him flying a dragon, bringing to life those most amazing fantastical elements! And coming back to life is another feat!

id="eleven"> Eleven Eleven reaching out to use her powers in Stranger Things season 3 Image

There's nothing like an amazing story to show that kids are a force to be reckoned with, as a character with powers that are mind-bending!

From the very first episode of Stranger Things, audiences were hooked on the compelling story. There were characters who brought those cool powers and supernatural skills!

Who was behind all those abilities, you know it's got to be "Eleven". She's one of the main forces, a driving force that led this show to an unforgettable experience. This character, though! They are beyond cool. Even with those special powers they bring that extra human element, that love of friendship!

She had some rough experiences in her life. One, being an experiment, Dr. Brenner took her. She found herself trapped, however, after meeting Mike and his group. The kind of friends anyone could ask for.

She makes a promise to protect them.
In that same series "Stranger Things", she sacrifices herself for those she cares about.
Every season is another chapter in how much Eleven has had to carry this great burden, and with a sense of love for who she's around, and her heart's desire is to be normal, and yet what makes Eleven truly special is she brings all that together and is ready for a confrontation against "Vecna."

With a cast full of stars who've touched millions of hearts, there’s nothing but pure excitement to see what else these awesome shows will be like.

As they continue! With their awesome and heroic acts! If you love television, keep a close eye out as there's so much excitement to be found and to discover all those unforgettable television heroes. What stories have touched you? What character have you enjoyed? Be sure to share and stay up to date on all your favorites.

The 10 Best TV Heroes of the 21st Century: Iconic and Inspiring Characters

John Luther

June Osborne:

Coach Taylor

Angela Abar:

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