Radio Times Top 100 most influential people in TV: Full list from Mr Bates vs The Post Office to Kieran Culkin

By Sarah McCann

Health writer

9th Apr 2024, 5:38pm

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The list includes 100 of the most influential people in TV in 2024

The Radio Times has revealed its list for the top 100 most influential people in TV in 2024, with the entire cast of a hit ITV series coming out on top. The Mr Bates vs The Post Office ensemble have been named this year’s most influential people on TV.

The four-part drama told the true story of the Post Office scandal, which left hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly accused of theft and fraud due to a faulty computer system. The show had a lasting impact, leading to the introduction of a new law to help squash sub-postmasters' convictions.

Speaking about the success of the drama, Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media & Entertainment ITV said: “We couldn't be more proud of the continued success of Mr Bates vs The Post Office. It's ITV's biggest drama since records began, over 20 years ago, and so to top Radio Times' TV 100 list is yet another fantastic milestone.”

Lygo continued: “The drama has now been watched by over 14 million viewers since its launch, only three months ago. So I think it's safe to say that this epic ensemble cast (the first ensemble to ever top this list, I'm told!) undoubtedly represents the most important TV talent of the past year. Congratulations to all!"

Runner-up in the Radio Times top 100 list is Kieran Culkin, for his performance as Roman Roy in the final season of HBO's Succession and third place goes to Sarah Lancashire, for playing Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the BBC's Happy Valley. Speaking about the actor, BBC Director of Content Charlotte Moore described Lancashire as: ”One of the most remarkable talents of our age”, adding she “has an incredible depth and range that means you just can't take your eyes off her.” Bella Ramsey came in fourth for their performance of Ellie in HBO drama The Last of Us, whilst Ncuti Gatwa, who topped last year's list is fifth for his portrayal as the fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. The rest of the top 20 included Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, EastEnders executive producer Christopher Clenshaw, the late presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady, Elizabeth Debicki who portrayed Princess Diana in Netflix’s The Crown and Ali Wong & Steven Yeun who came in at number 20 for the Netflix series Beef.

Full list of Radio Times top 100 most influential people in TV

Jeremy Allen White in The Bear season 2 — Jeremy Allen White in The Bear season 2 | Disney

Jeremy Allen White in The Bear season 2 — Jeremy Allen White in The Bear season 2 | Disney

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The yearly list is compiled by the Radio Times alongside leading industry experts. It celebrates both people in front of and behind the camera, honouring the most important moments in TV from the last year.

Sarah McCann is a Trends Writer for NationalWorld who specialises in stories around TV, Film and Health. If you liked this article you can follow Sarah on X (Twitter) here. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.

ITV The Last of Us Gary Lineker Succession Paul O'Grady BBC Eastenders Netflix HBO Happy Valley

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