Unveiling the Magic: The 10 Most Iconic Ensemble Casts on TV

The Power of Ensemble Casts: How Actors Make or Break a Show

While beloved TV series like Breaking Bad and The Wire are remembered for their writing and direction, it's the cast that becomes the face of a show. Ensemble performances can have a lasting impact on audiences, from multiple award-winning performances to underrated groups of actors working together to shape the tone and direction of fan-favorite shows.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Hilarious Ensemble

This wacky comedy has been making audiences laugh for nearly 20 years, thanks in large part to the performances of its iconic cast. Danny DeVito may be the biggest draw, but every member of the ensemble delivers consistently hilarious performances, a feat considering the show's intense and dark humor.

Game of Thrones: A Vast and Talented Ensemble

Arguably the most celebrated fantasy series of all time, Game of Thrones boasts one of the largest ensemble casts in television history. Despite its size, there are no weak links. Actors like Sean Bean, Michelle Fairley, and Mark Addy made the most of their limited screen time, while Lena Headey, Gwendoline Christie, and Peter Dinklage delivered stunning performances throughout the show's run.

Six Feet Under: A Character-Driven Ensemble

Widely regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time, Six Feet Under follows the Fisher family as they run a funeral home in LA. The show is remembered for its character-driven storylines and compelling dynamics, carried by the performances of the ensemble cast. Michael C. Hall, Lauren Ambrose, Peter Krause, and Frances Conroy build a tense family dynamic while weaving their individual storylines of character growth.

Modern Family: A Perfectly Balanced Ensemble

With 10 main cast members, Modern Family proved that every performance was essential. The long-running comedy followed three interconnected family units, with the larger-than-life characters playing off each other's performances to create a convincing family dynamic. While adults like Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, and Ty Burrell stole the show, the younger cast kept up, building a show full