43 TV Actors Who Gave Such Memorable Performances, They Might Be The Best Of The Year

I can't stop thinking about Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen's Gambit and Zendaya in Euphoria.

🚨Warning: There are spoilers ahead!🚨

1. Michaela Coel as Arabella on I May Destroy You

Natalie Seery / HBO

What can I say that hasn't already been said about Michaela Coel's work in I May Destroy You? Not only did she write one of the best shows of the year, but her acting was above and beyond amazing. Her ability to portray Arabella's feelings and have them come across on screen with very little dialogue in some cases is a testament to how talented she is. If I could erase my memory and watch Michaela's performance again, it would be perfect.

Memorable episode: "Ego Death"

2. Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon on The Queen's Gambit

Phil Bray / Netflix

From the minute Anya Taylor-Joy steps on-screen as Beth Harmon, it's mesmerizing. There's something to be said for the way Anya commands the screen in every single scene she's in, and it's incredible to watch her work. Whether it's a monologue or a wordless chess match, it's hard to deny that Anya is one of the best actors on TV right now. While every episode is incredible, the culmination of Beth's hard work and Anya's performance make the final episode of The Queen's Gambit a master class in acting and writing from start to finish.

Memorable episode: "End Game"

3. Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Connell and Marianne on Normal People

Enda Bowe / Hulu

When I think of Paul Mescal as Connell, it's hard not to also think about Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne. In a year filled to the brim with amazing TV partnerships, Paul and Daisy rise to the top every single time. Their performances as Connell and Marianne individually are exquisite — Connell's therapy episode is one of the best episodes of the year — but it's their work together that made me stop and cry during several episodes. In order for an adaptation of Normal People to work, the chemistry between Connell and Marianne had to be amazing, and, well, Paul and Daisy had some of the best chemistry I've ever seen on TV.

Memorable episodes: "Episode 10" and "Episode 12"

4. The entire cast of Schitt's Creek

Pop / CBC

I hope for years to come we are still talking about the absolute magic that was the Schitt's Creek ensemble. Every single actor on this series helped make the show what it is today, and the final season really showcases all of their individual strengths as well as their ability to work together. Schitt's Creek is truly a master class in what it means to be an ensemble series, so it's hard to praise one actor without the others. Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara worked hand-in-hand, Dan Levy's performance as David was only elevated by Noah Reid and Emily Hampshire as Patrick and Stevie, and Annie Murphy gave some of her best performances opposite Dustin Milligan this year. I still can't imagine a TV world without Schitt's Creek and these wonderful actors.

Memorable episode: "Happy Ending"

5. Zendaya and Colman Domingo as Rue Bennett and Ali on Euphoria

HBO

While we didn't get a full season of Euphoria in 2020, the series still managed to deliver the finest hour of television this year. Rue's special episode stripped away the glitter that Euphoria has become known for, and gifted us with an episode where Zendaya and Colman Domingo's performances are front and center. Only two extraordinary actors could make an episode that consists of long monologues and one location mesmerizing. Somehow they not only give great performances together, but the episode also showcases how individually amazing they are as actors. Whether it's when Ali is on the phone with his family or when Rue cries while thinking about how she wants her mom and sister to remember her, Zendaya and Colman are forces to be reckoned with.

Memorable episode: "Trouble Don't Last Always"

6. Emma Corrin as Princess Diana on The Crown

Des Willie / Netflix

For years, fans have been waiting for the Princess Diana period in Queen Elizabeth II's reign to be depicted on The Crown. Whoever took on the role would have to portray a beloved icon and it wouldn't be easy. So that's one of the many reasons why Emma Corrin's performance in Season 4 is so incredible. Emma's ability to portray Diana's struggle within the royal family is astounding and it's hard to believe this is her first major TV role. Alongside Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles, she literally became Diana and it was a privileged to watch. Basically, I'm already heartbroken that we only get Emma as Diana for one season because she was simply the best.

Memorable episodes: "Fairytale" and "Terra Nullius"

7. Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher on The Crown

Des Willie / Netflix

Another memorable performance on The Crown this year, Gillian Anderson was flawless as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Not many people could portray the toughness and ambitious that Thatcher led with, but Gillian did a brilliant job at bringing it to The Crown. Add in the perfect voice and walk, and it's hard to tell Gillian apart from the real Thatcher. When you watch scenes between Gillian and Olivia Colman it's hard not to take a step back and realize you are watching two of the finest actors right now going head-to-head. Similar to Emma, it's a shame we only get Gillian for one season because she was just so damn good.

Memorable episode: "War"

8. T'Nia Miller as Hannah Grose on The Haunting of Bly Manor

Netflix

If The Haunting of Hill House belonged to Victoria Pedretti's breakout episode entitled "The Bent-Neck Lady," then The Haunting of Bly Manor belongs to T'Nia Miller's astounding episode called "The Altar of the Dead." T'Nia gave such a mesmerizing performance as Hannah as we learned about her connection to Bly Manor and Owen. It's incredible to watch T'Nia portray Hannah's confusion as she slowly begins to piece together what has happened to her. Her ability to have completely silent moments that convey everything Hannah is feeling is masterful, and it's why T'Nia was one of the best parts of the series.

Memorable episode: "The Altar of the Dead"

9. Victoria Pedretti and Amelia Eve as Dani and Jamie on The Haunting of Bly Manor

Netflix

Sometimes two performances are so intertwined that it's hard to really discuss them apart. This is the case with Victoria Pedretti and Amelia Eve in The Haunting of Bly Manor. Dani and Jamie's love story is the heart of the show and I've truly been thinking about it nonstop for months. Watching the entirety of their relationship unfold in the series finale was equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking. After Bly Manor, I think it's safe to say that Victoria is one of Netflix's biggest and best stars right now. Meanwhile, Amelia Eve's breakout performance as Jamie is incredible, especially when she delivers her moonflower monologue. Together, Victoria and Amelia are an unstoppable force that brought to life one of the most heartwarming and tragic love story's of the year.

Memorable episode: "The Beast in the Jungle"

10. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar on Never Have I Ever

Netflix

I consider Maitreyi Ramakrishnan one of the biggest breakout stars of 2020, and it's amazing how much impact she has made with only 10 episodes of Never Have I Ever. The series is the perfect place for Maitreyi to showcase not only her hilarious comedic timing, but also her ability to portray some of Devi's more vulnerable moments. While Devi's coyote episode remains one of my favorites, it's Maitreyi's work in the season finale when she cries alongside her mother that brings me to tears every single time. I cannot wait to see what Maitreyi does next season because with only one season under her belt, she's already extraordinary.

Memorable episode: "...said I'm sorry"

11. Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors as Leti and Tic on Lovecraft Country

Eli Joshua Ade / HBO

Lovecraft Country was one of my favorite shows of the year and it's partially thanks to Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors. With every new episode, I found myself in awe of how much they put into their characters. Not only was their chemistry together amazing, but separately their characters were strong, independent, and loyal from beginning to end. What I loved about Leti and Tic is that they weren't afraid to fight for what they loved, and Jurnee and Jonathan brought that to life on-screen beautifully. Along with Misha Green's impeccable writing, Jurnee and Jonathan were able to give two performance we won't forget anytime soon.

Memorable episode: "Sundown"

12. Aunjanue Ellis as Hippolyta Freeman on Lovecraft Country

Eli Joshua Ade / HBO

Similar to Jurnee and Jonathan, Aunjanue Ellis was an absolute force to be reckoned with on Lovecraft Country. What you have to know about Lovecraft Country is that you had to be ready to give yourself completely to some of the wild storytelling and that was especially true in "I Am," an episode that focused on Hippolyta traveling through time. Aunjanue played so many different version of Hippolyta in this one episode and it was amazing to watch her showcase every aspect of this complex female character. The journey that Hippolyta went on from the first episode to the last was mesmerizing and I loved every second of it.

Memorable episode: "I Am."

13. Jodie Comer as Villanelle on Killing Eve

BBC America

I've said it before, but I'll say it again, Jodie Comer as Villanelle continues to be one of my favorite TV performances in recent years. In Season 3, Villanelle contemplates whether or not she wants to continue being an assassin, and watching Jodie portray Villanelle's struggle made for some great TV. What's most amazing is Jodie's best moment during this season involved no dialogue, but it simply showed Villanelle weeping on a train while listening to music. If I could fling another Emmy Award at Jodie I would because she continues to make Villanelle a complex character that you can't help but root for.

Memorable episode: "Are You From Pinner?"

14. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini as Jen and Judy on Dead to Me

Netflix

Dead to Me Season 2 continues to showcase the show's strongest asset: The chemistry between Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. Jen and Judy are one of my favorite TV friendships of all time, and this season continues to prove why. While Season 1 held more depth for Jen, Season 2 explored more of Judy's trauma and it was amazing to watch Jen be there for Judy during several episodes. For a long time, Christina and Linda were both criminally underrated actors, and I think with Season 2 of Dead to Me they prove once again why audiences have always loved them.

Memorable episode: "It's Not You, It's Me"

15. William Jackson Harper as Chidi on The Good Place

NBC

Chidi was always one of the best characters on The Good Place, however the final season really put him front and center. William Jackson Harper continued to portray Chidi with a smart, loyal, and heartwarming touch, especially during the series finale. William's monologue about the wave as Chidi says goodbye to Eleanor might be one of the most beautifully crafted scenes on TV. In just four seasons, William helped create one of the most lovable TV characters and I'm already sad that we won't get to see more of him as Chidi.

Memorable episode: "Whenever You're Ready"

16. Aimee Lou Wood as Aimee Gibbs on Sex Education

Netflix

Sex Education Season 2 started streaming in January, so it feels like an absolute lifetime ago. So that's why Aimee Lou Wood's performance this season is so extraordinary because I was still thinking about through all the ups and downs that 2020 had to offer. Aimee's storyline in Season 2, which dealt with her getting sexually assaulted, paved the way for one of the best TV moments of the year when all of Aimee's friends accompanied her on the bus. It was a moment that brought tears to my eyes and Aimee's performance leading up to and during that pivotal moment was astounding.

Memorable episode: "Season 2, Episode 7"

17. Katherine Barrell as Nicole Haught on Wynonna Earp

SYFY

Wynonna Earp Season 4 hit the ground running and it was truly amazing to watch how all of the actors have grown with their characters. However, nothing was more impressive than watching Kat Barrell's work as Nicole Haught. Starting the season playing Eve as Nicole was mesmerizing and if you want to see the range Kat has as an actor, just turn your attention to Season 4, Episode 2. On top of that singular episode, throughout the season, Kat took Nicole to some pretty vulnerable places as she grappled with the decisions Nicole had to make in order to save Waverly. The depths in which Nicole has grown is incredible and it's been a joy to watch Kat grow alongside her.

Memorable episode: "Friends in Low Places"

18. Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji as Issa Dee and Molly Carter on Insecure

Merie W. Wallace / HBO

Insecure is a series that has only gotten better with time, and this latest season is truly puts Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji's talents front and center. Not only do they bring the complicated relationship between Issa and Molly to new heights, but their work separately was exquisite. Watching Issa and Molly come to terms with the fact that they might not "fit" together anymore was heartbreakingly honest, and one of the saddest moments between the two of them this season. My hope is that more people continue to find Insecure and we realize once and for all that Issa and Yvonne bring to life one of the greatest TV friendships ever.

Memorable episodes: "Lowkey Happy" and "Lowkey Lost"

19. Harvey Guillén as Guillermo de la Cruz on What We Do In The Shadows

FX

If you haven't caught up on What We Do In The Shadows, that is your homework assignment before it returns because it's one of the best TV shows right now. While the entire cast is amazing, Harvey Guillén as Guillermo is just next level. Harvey has the incredible ability to do comedy and drama, so What We Do In The Shadows is the perfect series for him to showcase his range. Watching Guillermo navigate how to act around his undead roommates is so funny and smart, and Harvey is one of the reasons why. The Season 2 finale is the perfect episode that shows Harvey's amazing talent.

Memorable episode: "Nouveau Théâtre des Vampires"

20. Jaeden Martell and Michelle Dockery as Jacob and Laurie Barber on Defending Jacob

AppleTV+

I came to Defending Jacob for Chris Evans, but ultimately stayed for the amazing performances from Jaeden Martell and Michelle Dockery. From the very first episode, Jaeden's performance as Jacob is amazing as you're trying to deduce whether or not he's actually guilty. Then, as the series progresses, watching Michelle portray Laurie's spiral into thinking Jacob is guilty is extraordinary to watch. Ultimately, Jaeden and Michelle give a breathtaking performance together in the final moments of the series finale. Jaeden continues to impress in everything he stars in, while Michelle sheds her Downton Abbey roots with a performance I've been thinking about all year.

Memorable episode: "Job"

21. Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning as Peter and Catherine on The Great

Ollie Upton / Hulu

The Great was such a great surprise in 2020 and it was the comedy/drama series I needed. From the smart writing to the breathtaking costumes, everything came together in this show, especially Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning's comedic timing and chemistry. For Nicholas, his charm is what gives Peter some moments where you can't help but feel a little sorry for him, but the strength in his performance comes when Peter is being the absolute worst. And for Elle, she shines as Catherine and it's the quiet moments that remind you why Elle has had so many great roles. Nicholas and Elle's work in The Great goes hand-in-hand, and it's amazing to watch them on-screen together.

Memorable episodes: "Love Hurts" and "The Beaver's Nose"

22. Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler on Better Call Saul

Greg Lewis / AMC

I think it's safe to say that Better Call Saul has become just as good as Breaking Bad, especially in the later seasons and especially thanks to Rhea Seehorn's performance as Kim. Every year I am absolutely baffled by the fact that Rhea hasn't won countless awards for this role, and this year is no exception. With Season 5, Rhea took Kim to new heights as we saw Kim's willingness to do whatever it takes. This wasn't just Rhea's best performance on Better Call Saul, it was also one of the best Breaking Bad universe performances to date.

Memorable episodes: "Bad Choice Road" and "Something Unforgivable"

23. Kerry Washington as Mia Warren on Little Fires Everywhere

Erin Simkin / Hulu

What made Kerry Washington's work as Mia Warren so amazing is that she took a book character a lot of us knew and completely made it her own. Kerry's work alongside Reese Witherspoon was stunning, especially when Mia wasn't afraid to go at it with Elena in some of the biggest moments from the series (and book). While the monumental moments in Little Fires Everywhere are memorable, it's the smaller moments with Mia and Pearl and Mia and Izzy that make Kerry's performance so nuanced and memorable.

Memorable episode: "The Spider Web"

24. Tiffany Boone and AnnaSophia Robb as young Mia Warren and young Elena Richardson on Little Fires Everywhere

Erin Simkin / Hulu

Tiffany Boone and AnnaSophia Robb ended up being the biggest surprises in Little Fires Everywhere because, man, did they steal the show with just one episode. Tiffany's ability to completely turn into Kerry as Mia was unbelievable, and I found myself watching "The Uncanny" with my jaw on the floor because it was so hard not to be mesmerized by her talent. Meanwhile, AnnaSophia perfectly brought Elena's early ambitions to life and, like Tiffany, she was not only playing young Elena, but she somehow managed to play Reese as young Elena. Tiffany and AnnaSophia are two actors I hope we continue to watch grow and shine.

Memorable episodes: "The Uncanny"

25. Madison Reyes as Julie on Julie and the Phantoms

Netflix

Julie and the Phantoms ended up being one of my favorite TV shows of 2020 and it's thanks to the incredible young talent that was assembled, namely Madison Reyes. This is Madison's first TV role, but you wouldn't know it by the sheer star power she radiates. If you want to know how talented she is, just listen to her sing any of the songs from Julie and the Phantoms. If you watched Miley Cyrus rise to stardom on Hannah Montana, Madison is the 2020 equivalent of that. I can't wait to see where she goes from here after this knockout performance as Julie.

Memorable episode: "Stand Tall"

26. Aya Cash and Antony Starr as Stormfront and Homelander on The Boys

Amazon Prime Video

The Boys Season 2 was one of those TV seasons that left me on the edge of my seat, and Aya Cash's introduction as Stormfront was one of the reasons why. Couple Aya's inherent star power with Antony Starr's diabolical performance as Homelander, and you've got one of the most evil TV duos of 2020. For Aya, her ability to play a character that came across as good, but was actually bad, is amazing, and it made the twists and turns in Season 2 all the more enjoyable. And for Antony, he continues to bring one of the best TV villains to life, so much so that I have to remind myself Antony is not actually Homelander. The Boys continued to reach for the stars in 2020, and Aya and Antony's performances are two of the many reasons it was such a good season.

Memorable episodes: "Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker" and "What I Know"

27. Ethan Hawke and Joshua Caleb Johnson as John Brown and Onion on The Good Lord Bird

William Gray / Showtime

When I think of amazing TV duos, Ethan Hawke and Joshua Caleb Johnson are the first that come to mind now. Ethan and Joshua's performances as John Brown and Onion are so brilliant in both the loud moments, but also the quiet and comedic moments. Ethan gives, I think, one of his best performances to date as John Brown, and he's not afraid to be over-the-top and show John Brown's passion. Meanwhile, Joshua gives a breakthrough performance as Onion and if Ethan is the loud passion in The Good Lord Bird, then Joshua commands the quiet moments. Together, they bring to life an unlikely friendship rooted in mutual respect and love. It truly made this series one of the best.

Memorable episodes: "Jesus Is Walkin'" and "Last Words"

28. Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso on Ted Lasso

AppleTV+

Ted Lasso thrived in a year where we needed a little optimism and a glass-half-full kind of person, so that's why Jason Sudeikis's work as Ted absolutely shines. Jason brings his unmatched comedic skills to a role that also allows him to be heartfelt and genuine. It's a best of both worlds character for Jason, which is why his performance became one of the best of the year. Jason brings a fun energy to Ted in every episode, however it's the heartfelt and somewhat serious moments that allow him to shine. I can't wait to see where he takes Ted in the upcoming seasons.

Memorable episode: "The Hope That Kills You"

29. Kaley Cuoco as Cassie from The Flight Attendant and as Harley Quinn on Harley Quinn

HBO Max / DC Comics

Kaley Cuoco had a truly impressive 2020 as she gifted us with two memorable TV performances. First, Kaley voiced Harley Quinn on Harley Quinn and it's an absolute delight from start to finish. She's helped usher in a version of Harley comic book fans can't help but love on a show that gets better and better with every episode. Then, Kaley knocked it out of the park with Cassie on The Flight Attendant, a role that made me realize just how amazing Kaley is at doing both comedy and drama. She's so good at showcasing Cassie's vulnerability in one moments, then in the next, she's making a hilarious joke. With 2020, Kaley left The Big Bang Theory behind and proved that she can be more than just Penny.

Memorable episodes: "Arrivals and Departures" from The Flight Attendant and "Lovers' Quarrel" from Harley Quinn

30. Maya Erskine as Maya Ishii-Peters on PEN15

Erin Simkin / Hulu

Season 2 of PEN15 continues to prove how amazing this underrated comedy series is, and Maya Erskine's performance is simply hilarious, but also heartbreaking. Season 2 dives into some of the more painful moments of being a teenager and growing up, so Maya's work as Maya is entrancing. It's amazing to watch her do full-blown comedic episodes — like "Vendy Wiccany" — then pivot to more serious moments, like Maya's traumatizing scene in front of her friends in "Sleepover." Maya is a comedian to keep an eye on and PEN15 Season 2 continues to prove why.

Memorable episode: "Sleepover"

31. Anjelica Bette Fellini and Maddie Phillips as Blair and Sterling Wesley on Teenage Bounty Hunters

Netflix

2020 became the year where I screamed about Teenage Bounty Hunters and the fact that it didn't deserve to be canceled so soon. I absolutely adored this series, especially Anjelica Bette Fellini and Maddie Phillips as Blair and Sterling. Both Anjelica and Maddie brought their characters to life so perfectly and their partnership on the show was outstanding. From their comedic moments to the more serious sisterly bonding scenes, Anjelica and Maddie gave us two of the most well-rounded performances of 2020. I'm so heartbroken that we don't get to see them continue to play these characters past Season 1. It's honestly a massive shame.

Memorable episode: "Our Ham Is Good"

32. Rachel Skarsten as Alice on Batwoman

The CW

With every Alice-centered episode of Batwoman, I found myself screaming, "Rachel Skarsten is so talented," so it's no surprise that she's one of my favorite TV performers of 2020. Rachel's ability to make Alice a perfect villain, but also a likable character is outstanding, and I find myself constantly impressed with the layers she has brought to the character. While Rachel's work in the present-day storylines is incredible, her most notable episodes always involve Alice's past and how her trauma has affected where she is today. Season 2 of Batwoman is going to look a lot different, but I hope what remains the same is Rachel's amazing performance.

Memorable episode: "Off With Her Head"

33. Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy

ABC

With over 15 years of Grey's Anatomy under her belt, it's hard not to talk about Chandra Wilson's continuously impressive work as Dr. Miranda Bailey. In the last few seasons, Grey's has given Chandra what I call, "The Emotional Bailey episode," and it's where Chandra takes the reigns and delivers some of the most memorable moments in recent seasons. In the beginning of 2020, Chandra heartbreakingly and beautifully portrayed Bailey's struggle after she suffers a miscarriage, then Chandra closed 2020 by giving us a gut-wrenching episode where Bailey deals with her mother having the coronavirus. Chandra continues to give her all to this role, and I'll be heartbroken when Grey's Anatomy eventually comes to an end because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Dr. Bailey.

Memorable episode: "Help Me Through The Night"

34. The cast of The Baby-Sitters Club

Liane Hentscher / Netflix

Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club was another pleasant surprise in 2020 and it perfectly updated the series while also leaning into the nostalgia associated with these iconic stories. What makes The Baby-Sitters Club so enjoyable is the adorable and talented young actors that star in it. Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Malia Baker, and Xochitl Gomez are so good together and help introduce a new generation to Kristy, Claudia, Stacey, Mary Anne, and Dawn. It was a joy to watch them in every single episode of Season 1 and I can't wait to see where they take their adorable characters next.

Memorable episodes: "Kristy's Great Idea" and "Claudia and Mean Janine"

35. Elizabeth Henstridge as Jemma Simmons on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

ABC

Elizabeth Henstridge's work as Jemma in the final season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was honestly the perfect combination of all of her hard work in every single season of this series. Jemma has come so far over the course of seven seasons, and it was an absolute delight to watch her final journey alongside all of the amazing characters we came to love on this show. Season 7 continues the tradition of me weeping over Jemma and Fitz, and I can't help but praise Elizabeth for making Jemma one of my favorite TV characters of all time.

Memorable episodes: "The End is at Hand" and "What We're Fighting For"

36. Robert Sheehan as Klaus on The Umbrella Academy

Netflix

This might be controversial, but I actually enjoyed Season 2 of The Umbrella Academy, as a whole, better than Season 1. So it's no surprise that Robert Sheehan's performance as Klaus is one of my favorites this year. Robert has the brilliant ability to portray moments for Klaus that are absolutely hilarious then pivot to absolutely devastating scenes. Watching Klaus navigate the 1960s is a joy to watch in Season 2 and it's once again thanks to Robert's ability to become his character. It's hard to separate where Klaus ends and where Robert begins, which is why his work on The Umbrella Academy is so mesmerizing and showstopping.

Memorable episode: "A Light Supper"

37. Zoë Kravitz as Robb on High Fidelity

Phillip Caruso / Hulu

One of the biggest heartbreaks for TV in 2020 was that High Fidelity got canceled after just one season. This show had so much potential and was so brilliant, but I'm most upset by the fact that we won't get to see Zoë Kravitz as Robb ever again. Zoë beautifully made Robb her own character and it was an absolute joy to watch Robb's journey during Season 1. What also made Robb such a great role for Zoë is that it put her front and center, which is something Big Little Lies missed out on.

Memorable episode: "The Other Side of the Rock"

38. Tom Ellis and Lauren German as Lucifer and Chloe on Lucifer

Netflix

Lucifer continues to be one of my favorite TV shows right now, and Lucifer and Chloe's relationship has consistently been getting higher and higher on my list of favorite TV relationships of all time. With Season 5, Lucifer and Chloe finally get to a place that fans have been eager to see, and Tom Ellis and Lauren German are exceptional together. On top of the new stage of their relationship, Tom also played two roles this season, so it was also amazing to watch him step into the other role and see how he could make this performance so different from his work as Lucifer. And, Lauren continues to make Chloe such a strong female character who I continuously root for episode after episode. Together, Tom and Lauren are an unstoppable force.

Memorable episodes: "Our Mojo" and "Spoiler Alert"

39. Sophie Okonedo as Charlotte Wells on Ratched

Netflix

I have to say that the overall storylines on Ratched are a little all over the place for me, but Sophie Okonedo's performance is one that stuck with me. It's simply exceptional the way she's able to play Charlotte's multiple personalities and it makes every scene that she's part of astounding. Even though "The Dance" is Sophie's first major episode of the season, it definitely contains her best performance. For me, Sophie is one of the best parts of Ratched and I hope the series has some better overall storylines in the next season.

Memorable episode: "The Dance"

40. Pedro Pascal as Mando on The Mandalorian

Disney+

The Mandalorian Season 2 is epic, plain, and simple, and Pedro Pascal continues to be amazing as Mando. It's incredible what emotions he's able to showcase considering most of the time we never seen Mando's face and it's all expressed through Pedro's voice acting. While the majestic Star Wars-like battles are what make The Mandalorian so awesome, it's the quiet moments between Mando and the other characters that allow Pedro to shine. Pedro has found a TV role that will define him for years to come and I'm so excited about it.

Memorable episodes: "Chapter 16: The Rescue"

41. Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano on The Mandalorian

Disney+

Stepping into a beloved character's shoes is never easy, but bringing an animated character to life for the first time is even harder. However, Rosario Dawson managed to do it perfectly when she suited up as Ahsoka Tano. "Chapter 13: The Jedi" is, dare I say, a perfect TV episode and will be cemented as one of the best sci-fi TV episodes of all time, so it's hard not to praise Rosario's role in it. Ahsoka is such an iconic character and Rosario brought her passion and determination to The Mandalorian perfectly. All I can say is I can't wait to see her in action week after week in Ahsoka's new spinoff series.

Memorable episodes: "Chapter 13: The Jedi"

42. Noma Dumezweni as Haley Fitzgerald on The Undoing

Niko Tavernise / HBO

Noma Dumezweni is a gift in the theater world and The Undoing proves that she's a gift to TV as well. Her work as Haley was mesmerizing because she was able to do so much with so little. She's not in every scene of The Undoing, but in the scenes that she's part of, she steals the show. Noma's work in the courtroom moments from The Undoing left me wanting an entire series where we watch Haley as a kickass lawyer. I couldn't help but be amazed at Noma's ability to turn a monologue into an absolute work of art.

Memorable episode: "Trial by Fury"

43. And finally, Sophia Lillis as Sydney Novak on I Am Not Okay With This

Netflix

I Am Not Okay With This was such a fun and brilliant TV series, so I'm so sad it was canceled so soon, and I'm even more heartbroken that we don't get to see more of Sophia Lillis as Syd. Sophia is an amazing young actor, who continues to get better and better in every role she takes on, and I Am Not Okay With This is no exception. Sophia is great at the dark comedic moments in this series as well as the heartbreaking moments when Syd is trying to figure out her place in this world. It's a real shame this show won't continue because Sophia brought Syd to life so perfectly.

Memorable episode: "Deepest, Darkest Secret"

What were your favorite TV performances of 2020? Tell us in the comments below!

2020 is finally (almost) over, and we're looking back on the year. Check out even more from the year here!