The decade is coming to a close.  I think. I’m not really sure if the decade technically ends in 2009 or 2010. Either way, I am going to be doing a number of “Best of the Decade” posts over the next month.  Since this is a humor blog, primarily, I will be focusing on some of the best forms of laughter from the past ten years.

Today’s list is the Funniest TV Characters of the Decade. These ten icons have provided myself and others with countless laughs over the years.

10. Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
In a show comprised of low-lives and white-trash, Charlie tops them all.  His poor personal hygiene, inability to read and his appearances as “green man” are routine and always provide a good laugh.
Best Charlie Kelly clip I could find

9. Peter Boyle as Frank Barone- Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond is essentially my life in a nutshell (I grew up in an Italian family on Long Island as the youngest sibling).  Frank Barone, the father of Raymond, is the best character on this show, which ended its run in 2005.  Frank always finds a new way to insult his wife and provide us with some great laughs.
Best Frank Barone clip I could find

8. Trey Parker as Eric Cartman- South Park
Still going strong since 1998, South Park continues to be one of the funniest shows on television.  Eric Cartman is the best character on the long-running Comedy Central series.  Cartman is known for his insensitive, racist, lazy, misogynistic and bigoted behavior—which is usually hilarious.
Best Cartman clip I could find

7. Steve Carell as Michael Scott- The Office
Michael Scott, the head of one of the most successful mid-size regional paper companies in Northeast Pennsylvania, is the second most entertaining character on The Office.  He’s coined the most overused phrase thrown around today which can be seen in the clip below.
Michael Scott Moments

6. Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute- The Office
The volunteer sheriff, owner of Schrute Beet Farms, and Assistant to the Regional Manager is the most entertaining character on NBC’s hit show.  His weekly clashes with Jim Halpert make it the best comedy on NBC.
Best of Dwight Schrute

5. Seth MacFarlane as Stewie Griffin- Family Guy
Although I feel this show has dropped off in recent years due to its increased political commentary and overuse of the “reminds me of the time” jokes, Stewie Griffin has remained the constant throughout the years.  The sexually confused toddler, hell-bent on world domination still makes the show worth watching.
Best Stewie Griffin clip I could find

4. Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold- Entourage
Jeremy Piven is probably the best actor on HBO’s hit show.  It’s hard to imagine anyone playing the role of Ari Gold better. The overzealous, egotistical agent for Vinny Chase has provided some of the most memorable scenes in Entourage.
Best Ari Gold clip I could find

3. J.B. Smoove as Leon Black- Curb Your Enthusiasm
When Larry David decided to adopt a black family whose house was destroyed in a hurricane, I knew it had potential to be hilarious.  The chemistry between Larry and Leon on camera is phenomenal.  J.B Smoove plays this role to perfection. It’s no wonder the producers of Curb found a way to keep him on the show, even though his family moved back home.
Best Leon Clip I could Find

2. Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama- Entourage
The self-conscious younger brother of megastar Vinny Chase is the funniest character on Entourage. Drama routinely provides the best one-liners each episode and his “VICTORY!” chants always have me rolling.
Best Johnny Drama one-liner
Johnny Drama yells “Victory!”

1. Larry David as himself- Curb Your Enthusiasm
Larry Davis is a genius.  Curb is what Seinfeld could have been if it was on HBO.  Watching the show, you realize that Larry David was the brains behind Seinfeld and not Jerry Seinfeld.

The two best Curb Your Enthusiam Scenes (Both from the same episode)
Clip 1
Clip 2

Who is your favorite character?  Who do you think was left off? Who doesn’t deserve to be on the list?  Talk about it in the comments.