Variety just dropped its list of “The 100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century,” and as expected, it’s already causing quite the buzz online. To put the list together, they set some pretty specific rules—like cutting out certain types of shows and sticking to a particular time frame—which means some fan-favorite performances didn’t make the cut. Naturally, that’s led to some heated debates, with fans passionately defending their picks and questioning others.
But amidst all the back-and-forth, there’s one name that seems to have everyone nodding in agreement: Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones. Landing a spot in the top 20, Dinklage’s portrayal of the quick-witted, morally layered Lannister has been praised as one of the most unforgettable performances in TV history. Whether you’re Team Variety or Team “Where’s my favorite?,” there’s no denying that Dinklage’s inclusion is a win for fans everywhere.
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Tyrion Lannister is in the top 20 “Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century”
Credits: HBO
Peter Dinklage has officially cracked the top 20 in Variety’s “100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century,” landing at number 19 for his iconic role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones. What makes this even more impressive? He’s the only actor from the sprawling Game of Thrones cast to make the cut. While fans might argue that he deserved an even higher spot—let’s be honest, Tyrion’s wit and complexity could easily justify a top 10 placement—there’s no denying the impact of Dinklage’s performance. As Variety put it, his portrayal of the sharp-tongued, deeply human Lannister was nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you think he should’ve been ranked higher or not, one thing’s clear: Dinklage’s Tyrion is a TV legend, and this recognition is well-earned.
This is what Variety had to say regarding his ranking:
“Yes, “Game of Thrones” had dragons. But what gave the show its era-defining firepower was the distinctive tapestry of ego, humor, desire and rage conjured by its sprawling cast. And Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister embodied it all. In the early seasons, Dinklage made a feast of Tyrion’s tart tongue and insatiable appetites, compensation for being the only halfway decent member of his venomous, incestuous family. As the show evolved, Dinklage’s performance deepened, exposing Tyrion’s fury over living in a world that sees him as a monster and the anguish of being the smartest person in just about every room he’s in. The moment in Season 5 when Tyrion saw his first dragon, and Dinklage’s face washed over in waves of disbelief, awe and disquiet, was a perfect representation of the hold “Game of Thrones” had on the culture in the 2010s. There’s a reason he was nominated for a Emmy for every season of the show — and won four times.”
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Who else made it into the top 20 of Variety’s list?
Topping Variety’s list at number one is Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who absolutely owned the role of Selina Meyer in Veep. As the hilariously self-absorbed and endlessly ambitious vice president (and later president), Louis-Dreyfus turned political chaos into comedic gold. Her razor-sharp timing and ability to balance Selina’s flaws with moments of unexpected humanity earned her a staggering seven Emmy Awards—and a permanent spot in the comedy hall of fame.
Coming in at number two is Jeremy Strong, whose portrayal of Kendall Roy in Succession is nothing short of mesmerizing. As the tormented heir to the Roy media empire, Strong brought layers of ambition, vulnerability, and raw emotion to the screen. His performance has been praised as one of the most intense and unforgettable in recent TV history, capturing the tragic complexity of a man constantly at war with himself and his family.
Rounding out the top three is Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in Mad Men. Moss took Peggy from a wide-eyed secretary in a 1960s ad agency to a confident, trailblazing copywriter, breaking barriers in a male-dominated world. Her nuanced performance highlighted Peggy’s quiet strength, resilience, and evolution, making her one of the most compelling characters in the critically acclaimed series. Moss didn’t just play Peggy—she made her unforgettable.
The top 20 actors from Variety’s list
These are the top 20 actors who made it to the list:
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer in Veep, HBO, 2012-2019.
- Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy in Succession, HBO, 2018-2023.
- Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in Mad Men, AMC, 2007-2015.
- Lisa Kudrow as Valerie Cherish in The Comeback, HBO, 2005, 2014.
- Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad, AMC, 2008-2013.
- Michael Kenneth Williams as Omar Little in The Wire, HBO, 2002-2008.
- Carrie Coon as Nora Durst in The Leftovers, HBO, 2014-2017.
- Andre Braugher as Capt. Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fox/NBC, 2013-2018; 2019-2021.
- Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, AMC, 2015-2022.
- Sandra Oh as Dr. Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy, ABC, 2005-2014.
- Michaela Coel as Arabella Essiedu in I May Destroy You, HBO, 2020.
- Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office, NBC, 2005-2011, 2013.
- Regina King as Angela Abar/Sister Night in Watchmen, HBO, 2019.
- Michael Chiklis as Vic Mackey in The Shield, FX, 2002-2008.
- Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans, FX, 2013-2018.
- Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, Fox/Netflix, 2003-2006; 2013-2019.
- Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown, HBO, 2021.
- Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, Hulu, 2022.
- Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, HBO, 2011-2019.
- Emma Stone as Whitney Siegel in The Curse, Showtime, 2023-2024.
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