The Framework

While Tony Soprano may have paved the way for many other anti-heroes on television, they are still characters within their own rights. Read more about them below:

Al Swearengen.

Based off a historical figure, Al Swearengen is one of the most important characters on Deadwood. While he’s often going up against Sheriff Bullock, both are anti-heroes just trying to do what they think is best for Deadwood.

Al’s not afraid to kill anyone who gets in his way, but the show sometimes shows us a softer (but still pretty prickly and foul-mouthed) side of Al by demonstrating his affection for some of his employees.

Vic Mackey.

Vic Makcey is, in his own words, a different kind of cop, and he’s not the man you’d want investigating you. His interrogation techniques can be brutal and technically against the law, but he does, more often than not, get results with his methods.

Like many television anti-heroes, he’s constantly trying to balance his family with his work. And, like many television anti-heroes, he’s not very good at it.

Don Draper.

While Don Draper may not have some of the murderous tendencies other anti-heroes possess, he’s still twisted in his own way.

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Walter White.

At this point, there aren’t many people who can rightfully call themselves “up-to-date” on pop culture without having heard the name Walter White.

The profound success of Breaking Bad is undeniable, with some critics even ranking it as one of the best television series of all time. Of course, it would never have achieved that fame without its leading man.