Here are 10 of the most culturally impactful TV characters of all time:

1. Archie Bunker – played by Carroll O’Connor in the 1970s sitcom “All in the Family,” Archie Bunker was a blue-collar worker and a staunch conservative whose views clashed with those of his liberal son-in-law. Bunker’s character represented a segment of American society that had not previously been depicted on television and challenged viewers to confront issues of race, class, and social change.
2. Mary Richards – played by Mary Tyler Moore in the 1970s sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Mary Richards was a single, career-oriented woman who served as a role model for women everywhere. The show broke ground by featuring a female lead character who was not defined by her relationships with men.
3. Tony Soprano – played by James Gandolfini in the HBO series “The Sopranos,” Tony Soprano was a complex character who straddled the line between hero and villain. As a mob boss who also saw a psychiatrist, he represented the contradictions and moral ambiguities of modern life.
4. Walter White – played by Bryan Cranston in the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” Walter White was a high school chemistry teacher who turned to cooking and selling methamphetamine to provide for his family after he was diagnosed with cancer. His transformation from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless criminal captured the imaginations of viewers and made him one of the most iconic characters in TV history.
5. Homer Simpson – voiced by Dan Castellaneta in the long-running animated series “The Simpsons,” Homer Simpson is a bumbling everyman whose antics have entertained generations of viewers. His character has become a cultural touchstone and has been referenced in everything from politics to popular music.
6. Lucy Ricardo – played by Lucille Ball in the 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” Lucy Ricardo was a zany housewife who was always getting into trouble. Her character paved the way for future female comedians and challenged traditional gender roles.
7. Don Draper – played by Jon Hamm in the AMC series “Mad Men,” Don Draper was a suave, mysterious ad executive who embodied the ideal of the 1960s American male. His character represented the shifting cultural values of the time and challenged traditional notions of masculinity.
8. Hawkeye Pierce – played by Alan Alda in the 1970s TV series “MAS*H,” Hawkeye Pierce was a sarcastic, anti-authoritarian surgeon who used humor as a coping mechanism during the horrors of the Korean War. His character was a symbol of the counterculture movement of the era and represented the disillusionment felt by many Americans.
9. Samantha Jones – played by Kim Cattrall in the HBO series “Sex and the City,” Samantha Jones was a sexually liberated public relations executive who challenged traditional notions of femininity. Her character broke down barriers and empowered women to take control of their own sexuality.
10. Michael Scott – played by Steve Carell in the NBC series “The Office,” Michael Scott was a clueless, politically incorrect boss who managed a small paper company. His character represented the cringe humor that became popular in the 2000s and has since become a meme and cultural icon.