Greetings TV Fans! As we wrap up 2020 and move on to 2021, let’s take a look at some of our favorite male performances on television from this past year. Whether it was a moment of heroism, a sacrifice, or even a breaking point, these male actors went above and beyond to fully embrace their characters.
It was difficult for me to narrow down my favorite male performances for 2020 because there were honestly so many and I didn’t think it was possible for me to choose my absolute favorite one, which is where you came in!
I ran a three round poll (randomized tournament style) on Twitter and asked for fans to cast their votes so that we can all decide who our favorite male performances are for the year. Thank you so much for your participation and support, as the tournament was so much fun and actually really competitive!
Round One featured the following Male Performances on TV from 2020:
- Misha Collins as Castiel from Supernatural
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan from The Walking Dead
- Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar from Lucifer
- Tom Pelphrey as Ben from Ozark
- Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones from Riverdale
- Hugh Grant as Jonathan Fraser from The Undoing
- Jonathan Majors as Atticus Freeman from Lovecraft Country
- Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester from Supernatural
- Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester from Supernatural
- Richard Harmon as John Murphy from The 100
- Lennie James as Morgan Jones from Fear the Walking Dead
- Bob Morley as Bellamy Blake from The 100
After your votes, the following male actors moved on to Round Two:
- Cole Sprouse
- Misha Collins
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan
- Jared Padalecki
- Jensen Ackles
- Tom Ellis
After your votes in Round Two, the following male actors moved on to the FINALS:
- Misha Collins
- Jared Padalecki
- Jensen Ackles
Honorable Mention: Tom Ellis just came up short as Lucifer and I think it’s only a matter of time before we witness another showstopping number from him in season 5, part 2!
Image courtesy of Netflix
After your votes in Round Three, the FINAL results are:
3rd place: Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester in Supernatural
Image courtesy of The CW
After winning the crown the past two years in a row, Jared Padalecki came in third place this year. I had a feeling the end results would be very Supernatural-centric and well deserving. Jared’s performance has always been so emotional and I am looking forward to seeing him explore a new role in 2021! Thanks for all the memories Sammy!
2nd place: Misha Collins as Castiel in Supernatural
Image courtesy of The CW
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…Castiel has had one of the most brilliant character transformations I have ever witnessed on any show. Misha Collins has been amazing and his final performance still has me in tears. Castiel forever!
Drum roll please…
1st place: Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester from Supernatural
Image courtesy of The CW
We have a new winner for your favorite male performance on TV for 2020 and I couldn’t be more proud. Dean Winchester has always been my favorite character on SPN. While Sam usually carried the emotional weight of the show, I was so beyond impressed by Jensen’s incredibly heartbreaking performance in the final episode of SPN. He was so believable and I think he really showed a lot of range in his performance.
This year has given us so many incredible performances, but I am so beyond thrilled that Supernatural took the crown this year. Thank you for 15 amazing years of television. You will be missed, but never forgotten! SPN FAMILY FOREVER!
Thanks to all the fans who voted! I wish you all the best for 2021!
I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your favorite male performances on TV from 2020. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl