TV Anti-Heroes We Love

Back in the early days of television, it wasn't difficult to spot the hero. The lead male or female was morally upright, admirable, always ethical. These days, the coin has been decidedly flipped.

From dramas to reality shows - just about every TV genre boasts that person we all love to hate or hate to love. What's more, the most celebrated of characters today tend to be flawed, imperfect and as far from heroic as it's possible to be.

The anti-hero is the new black. For example, take Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes' Gene Hunt (brilliantly played by Philip Glenister). Part of his appeal is anticipating which sacred cow he'll attack next. He can be racist, sexist and homophobic but his moral ambiguity makes him extremely compelling. He's just one TV anti-hero featured in our gallery.