Unforgettable Performances: Shining Stars of the Small Screen in 2025

The Actors Who Captivated Us This Year

Choosing the best performances on television is a task riddled with subjectivity. What resonates with one viewer may not with another. Great acting can be elevated by brilliant writing, the audience’s pre-existing affection for certain character archetypes, or even a director’s keen eye. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time, perfectly capturing the spirit of the age. Yet, television, more than the silver screen, offers a unique intimacy, inviting performers into our homes and our lives, episode after episode. Despite the relatively short time elapsed in 2025, the small screen has already showcased a wealth of unforgettable performances. This is my humble list of actors and actresses who have truly shone this year.

Tramell Tillman: Mastering the Subtleties in ‘Severance’

In Apple TV+’s psychological thriller, ‘Severance,’ Tramell Tillman delivers a performance that is as complex as it is compelling. From the outset, Tillman embodies Seth Milchick, a devoted department manager at Lumon Industries, with a quiet intensity. His portrayal is a masterclass in conveying internal conflict. Milchick is caught within the strange corporate culture of Lumon, navigating the strange realities of severance, where work and personal memories are distinct. Tillman skillfully conveys Milchick’s simmering frustration with bizarre microaggressions and moral compromises, all with just a few words, using only subtle shifts in facial expressions to express his emotions. How does he do it? The answer is that he does it by drawing the viewer into a thoughtful journey, forcing us to ask the same questions as Milchick: Is it all worth it? It’s a portrayal of a proud Black man grappling with the burdens of middle management. Tillman’s performance culminates in a jaw-dropping season finale, leading a marching band in a musical number. It is a moment that cements his place as one of the year’s most memorable actors.

Carrie Coon: Transforming Awkwardness in ‘The White Lotus’

Carrie Coon’s performance in HBO’s ‘The White Lotus’ is a powerful example of an actor’s ability to elevate even imperfect material. While the show’s exploration of wealth and privilege may be problematic for some, Coon’s delivery of a particular monologue is undeniably impactful. The scene finds Coon’s character at a crossroads, grappling with the dynamics of her friendships. The dialogue itself could be considered awkward, yet Coon transforms it into a cathartic experience. Her tearful confession to her friends, “We started this life together … I look at you guys and it feels meaningful … I’m just happy to be at the table,” is a testament to her skill. It’s a display of how acting can take questionable narrative choices and turn them into something real and affecting.

Uzo Aduba: Leading the ‘The Residence’ Mystery

Move over, Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, Uzo Aduba, in Netflix’s ‘The Residence,’ gives us a modern detective that steals the show. Her portrayal of Cordelia Cupp, an eccentric birder and police consultant, is the magnetic center of the show. The mystery surrounding the murder of the head usher in the White House is a great framework for a story that blends absurdist comedy and complex mystery. Aduba’s Cupp is a confident woman who is brash and brilliant, who solves the crime with a wry humor. Aduba’s performance is not only crucial to the show’s success, but it is also a powerful display of her talents. She creates a character that the audience can root for, someone who is both quirky and brilliant, making the viewer eager to join Cupp’s journey through the twisting mystery.

Noah Wyle: Immersed in ‘The Pitt’s’ Intensity

Noah Wyle’s performance in ‘The Pitt’ is a gripping portrayal of a doctor facing the pressures of an emergency room. From the very first moments of this intense series, which unfolds in real-time over a grueling 15-hour shift, Wyle commands attention. He expertly navigates the chaotic landscape of the ER, which includes everything from routine births to casualties from a mass shooting. The show is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Wyle’s performance transcends mere comparison to his earlier work in ‘ER’. He presents Dr. Robby Robinavitch as a damaged, experienced, and down-to-earth professional, whose life revolves around his demanding job. A powerful, memorable performance that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.

Owen Cooper: Unveiling Complexity in ‘Adolescence’

Owen Cooper’s performance in ‘Adolescence’ is a revelation, capturing the character’s volatile emotions. This show, filmed in a single, unbroken shot, focuses on incel culture among high school boys, and the effect of the lead actor, co-creator, and co-writer, Stephen Graham. Cooper’s portrayal of Jamie Miller, a young man accused of murder, is what makes this show so remarkable. In a pivotal episode, Cooper masterfully portrays the character’s unpredictable swings between charm and volatile anger. Considering Cooper’s lack of prior acting experience, this performance is particularly remarkable. It’s a tour-de-force that leaves the viewer with both wonder and a deep sense of empathy. It’s a truly memorable performance.

Catherine O’Hara: Adding Sparkle to Supporting Roles

Catherine O’Hara, a comedy icon since the 1970s, continues to shine as a brilliant supporting actress. In ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘The Studio’, O’Hara brings her sharp comedic sensibilities to more dramatic roles. Her ability to combine humor and drama is a testament to her skills. In ‘The Last of Us,’ she is a wryly funny, no-nonsense figure in a dark story. In ‘The Studio,’ she is the over her head boss. O’Hara’s presence elevates both projects, proving her status as one of the best supporting players in the industry.

Conclusion: A Year of Outstanding Television

The performances highlighted here are only a glimpse into the rich landscape of television in 2025. These actors and actresses have captivated us with their talent, bringing complex characters to life and pushing the boundaries of their craft. Their work serves as a reminder of the power of television to connect us to powerful and moving stories.