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On January 10, 1999, a bathrobe-clad Tony Soprano first bent over to pick up a Star-Ledger in his driveway — and TV changed forever. We’re celebrating this new Golden Age of Television by paying tribute to our favorite TV characters who’ve debuted since The Sopranos premiered. No reality TV here, folks: just the 99 richest, most fascinating fictional characters from both comedies and dramas to grace the small screen over the past decade and a half. We love TV… and these people are the reason why.

9. Tami Taylor, Friday Night Lights

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It’s a little weird to talk about Tami without her other half, Eric, because part of what makes both characters so great is how they interact with each other. But for herself, Tami deserves her spot on this list for her unbending loyalty to her husband, children, and students; the staunch integrity she shows against bullying boosters and close-minded parents; and the strength of mind and heart to ask for her turn after years of being Mrs. Coach. Plus, nobody has better hair, and she can throw back wine like nobody’s business. She’s a keeper, y’all. — Kelly Woo

8. Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones

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An underdog that would cut your throat for even suggesting he was an underdog, Tyrion was raised in the nest of vipers that is the Lannister family and has the cunning and quick reflexes to show for it. But it’s impossible not to root for a guy who has so much going against him and still manages to come out on top. Of course, when he does? His bastard nephew takes credit for his success. Tyrion has the brains we all wish we had, without any of the advantages we take for granted. — Robert Chan