Top 10 Greatest TV Kings and Queens, Ranked

Stories about royal families have been a part of television since the very beginning, with the first-ever TV drama, The Queen’s Messenger, airing in 1928. However, many of the most memorable kings and queens on television have actually appeared in shows from the 21st century, spanning historical dramas, fantasy series, and science fiction alike.

Popular historical TV shows often focus on kings and queens because their rule usually represents the key events and atmosphere of the time period. Plus, viewers are consistently fascinated by the complex relationships and power struggles within royal families.

Royal characters aren’t just limited to shows about real people. Many of the most popular fantasy and science fiction series feature fictional kings and queens – often a lot of them! It’s common for these shows to build their worlds around monarchies.

The title of king or queen isn’t limited to real-life rulers. Many popular TV characters have earned these titles figuratively, through their accomplishments rather than by ruling a country. However, only the most well-developed TV royalty truly seem worthy of their crowns.

10. King Arthur

Merlin

The King Arthur shown in the TV series Merlin feels more realistic than most movie versions. At the start of the show, Arthur is a spoiled prince who cares mostly about himself. Over time, he grows into the noble king he’s meant to be.

The final episode of Merlin doesn’t end with Arthur successfully ruling. Instead, it’s a tragic conclusion where the young king dies from injuries sustained in the Battle of Camlann, despite defeating his enemy, Mordred. This departure from a typical happy ending actually reinforces the show’s claim to having the best portrayal of King Arthur ever seen on screen.

9. Queen Charlotte

Bridgerton

Queen Charlotte, from the series Bridgerton, is known as the mother of King George’s children, but the show portrays her as much more than just a mother figure. The historical Queen Charlotte was already considered brave and intelligent, with a strong devotion to her husband. However, the series reimagines her as an even stronger and more powerful character.

The historical Queen Charlotte was known for having a strong personality, but it’s unlikely she was as quick with witty remarks as she is in Bridgerton. Also, the show’s portrayal of her as a fashion icon and advocate for racial inclusion doesn’t align with what we know about the real queen and her role in 19th-century Britain.

8. Crowley

Supernatural

Crowley, the cunning demon from Supernatural, is a more effective ruler of Hell than even Lucifer. He’s a brilliant strategist who uses manipulation and plays demons against each other to keep his kingdom stable and maintain control.

Crowley is definitely charming, but he’s not the scariest demon on Supernatural. What makes him truly dangerous is his ability to be both cruel and clever, letting him manipulate people to get what he wants. This makes him perfectly suited to lead a truly evil world.

7. Sansa Stark

Game of Thrones

Sansa Stark is more than just a liberator of the North, having freed her people from Ramsay Bolton’s cruel rule. She’s a remarkably intelligent and insightful leader, possessing a wisdom beyond her age that makes her stand out among all the rulers of Westeros.

Sansa Stark consistently made smart choices throughout Game of Thrones, and her path serves as a great example for other characters. She honors her father, Ned Stark’s, memory and is one of the few heroes who achieves a truly satisfying ending in the final season.

6. Gol D. Roger

One Piece

The live-action adaptation of One Piece successfully cast an actor to play Gol D. Roger in 2024. However, some fans of the original manga may not agree with how the Netflix show portrays him in flashback scenes. Despite any differences, Roger remains a true icon in both the anime and live-action versions of the story.

No actual portrayal of this character could ever match the legend of the pirate who supposedly conquered the entire Grand Line and discovered the legendary treasure, the “One Piece.” He represents the ultimate goal, inspiring both the Straw Hat Pirates and a new generation of dreamers.

5. Jaehaerys I

House Of The Dragon

Artwork by Amok.

King Jaehaerys Targaryen from House of the Dragon was a more effective ruler of Westeros than any of the kings we saw in Game of Thrones. He’s presented as the ideal leader, bringing lasting peace and success to the Seven Kingdoms.

He ruled a united Westeros for more than fifty years, successfully implementing and maintaining a fair legal system throughout the land. Known for his strong will and good sense, he didn’t make any clear mistakes during his time as king. However, the realm quickly fell into decline after his death at the age of 69.

4. Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I, the famous Tudor queen who ruled England for nearly fifty years and led her navy to defeat the Spanish Armada, is the subject of many excellent TV shows. Her accomplishments, combined with the fact that she was a powerful woman in a traditionally male role, make her a fascinating character to watch.

I think when people think of Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth I, most immediately picture her amazing work in the 2005 miniseries, Elizabeth I. It came out just before she won her Oscar for playing Elizabeth II, but honestly, a lot of fans – myself included – actually think her performance as the first Queen Elizabeth is even stronger!

3. King Alfred the Great

The Last Kingdom

The portrayal of King Alfred in the TV series The Last Kingdom is mostly true to history. The real King Alfred was a brilliant political leader who brought the Anglo-Saxons together to fight against the Vikings, ultimately helping to create what would become England – all while dealing with ongoing health problems.

You know, I’ve always been fascinated by Alfred the Great. He wasn’t a physically imposing king, but honestly, his mind was his greatest weapon. He was a brilliant strategist, a master tactician in battle, and incredibly skilled at forging alliances – knowing exactly who to team up with and when. It’s almost like he paved the way for those powerful monarchs who came later in the Middle Ages and Renaissance – the ones who really knew how to rule and build strong kingdoms. He really was ahead of his time.

2. Ragnar Lothbrok

Vikings

One of Ragnar Lothbrok’s most impressive moments in Vikings is leading a direct assault on Paris. This scene perfectly captures his character: he’s a fearless warrior, but also a clever leader who skillfully expands Viking lands and trade routes.

Despite his flaws – particularly his impulsive nature – Ragnar is depicted as the ideal Viking leader in the show. His brutal death at the hands of King Ælla is arguably the most shocking demise of any major character in television history.

1. Queen Elizabeth II

The Crown

It makes perfect sense that the most compelling TV depictions of a king or queen would focus on Queen Elizabeth II, who was a remarkably famous and long-reigning monarch. Each of the three actresses who have played her in The Crown delivers a captivating performance, offering a unique and unprecedented look at the woman behind the crown.

The series also deeply explores the very idea of a monarchy and what purpose it serves today, looking at it from all sides. We witness the young Queen’s quiet influence on politics after the war, a failed plot to use her name for a coup, and the constant problems caused by the troubled relationships of her children, which become a major source of difficulty for her.

The final scene of The Crown, where Jonathan Pryce’s Prince Philip tells Queen Elizabeth II she represents a vanishing era, perfectly captures her legacy as a queen of the television age. It’s hard to imagine another monarch like her, either in real life or on screen.

2025-11-26 02:03