The year’s picks for this character show that it doesn’t matter how much screen time you have, but what you actually do with it. The amount of time each of these actors had with their roles differed, some for a few seasons, some just one and one for just one single episode. As long as you make the most of what you have and make an impact with your work, you’re sure to be remembered and appreciated for it.
Here are our picks for the Best Supporting Performances in a Drama Series in 2023.
5. Ray Stevenson – Ahsoka
Baylan Skoll was one of the most interesting additions Ahsokha made to the Star Wars canon, with Ray Stevenson bringing an incredible presence to the role of the former Jedi. He had a fascinating relationship with his apprentice Shin Hati and proved to be a worthy adversary for the rebels. Although he was underused and we have yet to learn Baylan’s true motivation, Stevenson made an impression each moment he was on screen, fittingly for what is one of his last performances.
– Ashley
4. Mark Hamill – The Fall of the House of Usher
Mark Hamill may be known for Star Wars or The Joker, but he has consistently put in other brilliant performances that are sadly overlooked. I hope his role as Arthur Pym, the Usher Homes one-person secret service and private eye, isn’t joining that list. Hamill is controlled, unnerving, and cold throughout the series and is present even at the furthest edges of a scene.
– Dylan
3. Nick Offerman – The Last of Us: Season 1
Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett steal the whole show in one episode of The Last of Us. But it’s Nick Offermans Bill who is getting the award from us as he is the cause of many tears. Is it a supporting role to show up for one episode, you may ask? And to that I say I don’t care, it’s that good! And we don’t do guest appearance awards!
– Dylan
2. Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear: Season 2
Seeing the character growth that Richie took over the course of this season was really something special, and a lot of that comes down to the performance of Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Richie starts the season trying to make himself useful, to find a place in the new regime at The Bear but often ends up screwing things up or getting in the way. Then comes the turning point: ‘Forks’. One of the best episodes of TV of the year which sees Richie finally start to embrace and enjoy a role he is good at. Things you look bright for this cousin.
– Ashley
1. Matthew Macfadyen – Succession: Season 4
After being behind one of the most stunning betrayals last season, Matthew Macfadyen’s Tom was set for a very interesting season, at odds with his wife but at the right hand of Logan Roy. This season saw plenty of ups and downs for Tom as his love for Siobhan was tested against his desire for money and power, his trust in Greg frayed and his ability to act like a real knob frequently rearing its head. Ultimately, where Tom ends up at the season felt fitting and earned in a way some other finales for shows have not been able to achieve.
– Ashley
