Jensen Ackles has made his mark on television through his best characters, as the actor stands out in every TV show he’s in. Whether they’re heroes or villains, the characters the actor portrays in Ackles’ best movies and TV shows are elevated by the actor’s inherent charisma and the commitment he brings to each role. Though we love to see him as the good guy, Ackles is just as capable of being morally ambiguous or even evil.
Ackles’ character in Big Sky, Beau Arlen, takes center stage in the series’ third and final season, but it’s worth watching every installment of the show to get there. Running for three seasons on ABC, Big Sky brought the book series The Highway to life, grappling with crime and drama in Montana.
Beau appears in season 2, and Ackles is a welcome addition to the cast, becoming the interim Sheriff and giving his all to protecting the community. He works well with Katheryn Winnick’s Jenny Hoyt, who serves as the protagonist of the series, and quickly finds a niche for himself within the mystery show, and is an emotional anchor in the episodes leading up to the series finale.
It’s easy to love Beau throughout Big Sky season 3, and if the series has returned for a fourth season, we would’ve wanted to see a lot more from Beau. There are elements of Beau that might remind fans of his earlier work, and it makes sense that Big Sky would tap him for the role of Beau, as the show only got stronger as the seasons progressed.
When you think of iconic television characters, there’s no denying Jensen Ackles has brought some unforgettable roles to life. Whether it’s as a demon-slaying brother, a sarcastic anti-hero, or a charming guest star, Ackles has consistently proven his talent and charisma on screen. In this article, we’re diving deep into Jensen Ackles’ 8 best TV characters, ranking them not just for popularity but also for impact, fan love, and his performance.
The Legacy of Jensen Ackles on Television
Jensen Ackles has built a career spanning more than two decades. From soap operas to fantasy epics and even stepping into the superhero genre, he’s shown incredible range. What sets him apart? His ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and toughness in a way that feels authentic.
Let’s break down his most iconic characters and why each one deserves a spot on this list.
1. Dean Winchester – Supernatural
If there’s one role that defines Jensen Ackles’ career, it’s Dean Winchester. For 15 seasons of Supernatural, Ackles played the older Winchester brother, hunting demons, angels, and every kind of supernatural creature imaginable.
Why Dean Stands Out
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Emotional depth: Dean wasn’t just a monster hunter; he was a son, a brother, and a man burdened with responsibility.
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Humor & sarcasm: His witty one-liners and pop culture references gave the show its trademark charm.
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Loyalty & sacrifice: Dean embodied family above all else, even at great personal cost.
It’s no surprise fans worldwide still chant “No Dean, No Supernatural.”
2. Soldier Boy – The Boys
When Jensen Ackles joined The Boys in Season 3, he flipped his heroic image upside down. Soldier Boy was violent, unfiltered, and morally grey—basically Captain America if he were the worst version of himself.
Why Soldier Boy Shocked Fans
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Bold performance: Ackles brought a raw, unhinged energy that made Soldier Boy unforgettable.
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Dark humor: His politically incorrect, outdated comments gave fans both laughs and chills.
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A perfect villain: He wasn’t just bad—he was relatable in some twisted way, making him fascinating to watch.
Ackles’ take on Soldier Boy was proof he could reinvent himself beyond Supernatural.
3. Eric Brady – Days of Our Lives
Long before demon hunting, Ackles cut his teeth on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. Playing Eric Brady, he won over fans with his boy-next-door charm.
Why Eric Was Important
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Breakout role: It gave him his first taste of fame and even earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award.
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Romantic lead: Eric showcased Ackles’ softer, emotional side.
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Longevity: Even years later, fans still remember his time on the show.
4. Alec/X5-494 – Dark Angel
In Dark Angel, Ackles played Alec, a genetically enhanced super-soldier with both charm and arrogance. He appeared in Season 2 and quickly became a fan favorite.
Why Alec Resonates
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Complex character: Alec had layers—part cocky troublemaker, part tortured soul.
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Chemistry: His dynamic with Jessica Alba (Max) kept fans hooked.
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Scene-stealer: Even though he wasn’t the lead, Ackles often stole the spotlight.
5. Jason Teague – Smallville
In Smallville, Ackles played Jason Teague, a love interest for Lana Lang in Season 4. While not his most famous role, it showed another side of his acting.
Why Jason Matters
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Romantic drama: He added tension and depth to Lana’s storyline.
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Villain twist: His arc took a darker turn, proving Ackles could handle morally grey roles.
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Pre-Supernatural exposure: This role introduced him to a broader CW audience—paving the way for Dean Winchester.
6. Tom Hanniger – Harper’s Island
Ackles’ brief but memorable role in Harper’s Island as Tom Hanniger proved he could bring suspense to the small screen. Although the series was short-lived, his presence elevated it.
Why Tom Worked
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Suspenseful edge: He played a role that kept viewers guessing.
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Range: It showed Ackles could jump into thriller territory.
7. Mr. Rhodes – Big Sky
Ackles joined Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen in Season 2 and instantly won fans over. His natural charisma made him the perfect addition to the crime drama.
Why Beau Arlen Shines
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Cowboy charm: Ackles leaned into his Texan roots, making Beau feel authentic.
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Fresh energy: He revitalized the show with humor and grit.
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Fan love: Many considered him the standout of the season.
8. Himself – Supernatural: The French Mistake
This might sound like cheating, but Jensen Ackles playing himself in the legendary Supernatural episode “The French Mistake” deserves recognition.
Why This Meta Role Is Iconic
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Self-parody: Ackles proved he could laugh at himself.
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Memorable humor: His awkward fake acting and real-life jokes had fans in stitches.
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Cult classic: This episode remains one of the most beloved in the series.
Jensen Ackles’ Impact Beyond the Screen
Ackles isn’t just a TV actor—he’s also a director, producer, and musician. His ability to dive into different creative fields shows his versatility and passion for storytelling. Whether voicing Batman in animated projects or rocking the stage with his band Radio Company, Ackles keeps finding ways to surprise fans.
Conclusion
From soap operas to superheroes, Jensen Ackles has built an impressive resume of television roles. Each character, whether heroic, villainous, or hilariously self-aware, proves just how versatile he is. While Dean Winchester may always be his most iconic role, Ackles’ career shows he’s capable of so much more. The bottom line? Whether he’s saving the world, breaking hearts, or playing a twisted parody of himself, Jensen Ackles always leaves a mark.
