- Photo:
- FX Networks, 20th Television
The Most Memorable Sociopaths In TV History
Get ready to feel manipulated as we rank the greatest, most famous, and highly memorable sociopaths in TV history. While there are plenty of comparable mentions when it comes to movies and other media, sociopathic characters make for some of the most interesting TV you’ll ever see with many examples that stick with us today. They can be misanthropes, misogynists, homicidal maniacs, or all of the above! Some may only appear in an episode or two, while others take center stage throughout their series.
From Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal) to Dennis Reynolds (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), the best sociopaths on TV are usually rude, conniving, and self-centered — which is probably what makes them so interesting and many of these shows so successful! Bad characters make for great TV, and these are some of the worst and most egotistical characters to ever grace the small screen — though some still have their moments showcasing some good intent.
These characters are fictional, but the historical context and those real-life sociopaths we've witnessed over time surely provided some inspiration. While some of the characters on this list of TV sociopaths are legitimately evil, others aren't necessarily sociopaths by diagnosis. Rather, they are just really, really vain and veer generally in that direction. Ranging from deceptive killers to more comedic sociopathy and funny twists on the trope, those who horrify you and others who are surprisingly likeable, you'll find the most well-known characters who fit the bill below.
Which of these charming TV sociopaths is your favorite? Some of the scariest sociopaths on TV include twisted, little king Joffrey Baratheon of Game of Thrones, the ruthless Francis Underwood on House of Cards, and a number of cartoon favorites like Eric Cartman from South Park. We can't forget about the celebrities that bring these characters to life, so you'll also find the names of actors along with descriptions and photos of each sociopath and their respective shows.
Vote up the greatest sociopaths on TV — not because they want you to, but because YOU want to! Share this list of TV characters who are sociopaths with your friends, and add any characters you think are missing.
- 1
Ensnared by a twisted moral code instilled by an adoptive father, this forensic technician struggles with an insatiable urge to murder while maintaining a veneer of normalcy. Channeling his dark desires into ridding the world of dangerous criminals, he navigates dual identities with meticulous care and precision. The resulting dance of deception culminates in an examination of the nature of good and evil, blurring the lines between hero and monster.
- Actor: Michael C. Hall
- 2
A psychiatrist with a refined palate and deadly culinary skills, this character masterfully manipulates patients, colleagues, and adversaries alike to suit his sinister purposes. Equal parts charming and terrifying, he enthralls those around him with his intelligence, wit, and sophistication, often hiding his true motives beneath a veneer of polite conversation and gourmet meals. His nuanced portrayal serves as a chilling reminder that the darkest horrors can hide behind the most civilized facades.
- Actor: Mads Mikkelsen, Anthony Hopkins
- 3
Famous for his incredible deductive reasoning and relentless pursuit of the truth, this brilliant yet eccentric character displays an emotional disconnect from others, viewing the world as a series of puzzles to be solved rather than forging meaningful relationships. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and intellectual arrogance, he often toes the line of morality and legality in order to satiate his hunger for knowledge. Nonetheless, his intellect and determination make him an asset in solving crimes, often at the expense of his own well-being and personal connections.
- Actor: Jeremy Brett, John Cleese, Jonny Lee Miller, Tom Baker, Benedict Cumberbatch
- 4
A pint-sized tyrant with a gift for scheming, this animated sociopath torments friends and foes alike in his quest for power and revenge. Devoid of empathy or remorse, he demonstrates a chilling willingness to harm, manipulate, and exploit those around him to achieve his ends. With dark humor and biting satire, this character serves as an unflinching commentary on the worst aspects of human nature.
- Actor: Trey Parker
- 5
Obsessed with maintaining an image of power and control, this bar owner wields his superficial charm as a weapon, manipulating friends and strangers alike to serve his own needs. His twisted sense of morality stems from a deeply-ingrained narcissism, allowing him to rationalize even the most heinous acts in the name of self-preservation. With equal parts dark humor and chilling introspection, this character offers a glimpse into the mind of an unrepentant sociopath.
- Actor: Glenn Howerton
- 6
Brilliant, brash, and unapologetically blunt, this misanthropic medical genius diagnoses and treats the most mysterious of illnesses armed with a razor-sharp wit and a healthy dose of cynicism. His abrasive demeanor often alienates those around him, but his boundless curiosity and knack for solving puzzles keep him forging ahead, driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a desire to save lives. This character's penchant for bucking authority and defying convention make him an unforgettable force in the world of medicine.
- Actor: Hugh Laurie
