Bite my shiny metal ass! TV's all-time top robots have been entertaining us, their organic overlords, for decades. From mechanical mutts to android assassins, our cybernetic companions are celebrated in a countdown of the 20 best automatons ever to grace the small screen.
20. Twiki (Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, 1979-1981)
Swashbuckling sci-fi hero Buck Rogers began as a 1929 newspaper comic strip. In the NBC adaptation, starring Gil Gerard, he was accompanied by cute robo-assistant Twiki, played by Felix Silla and voiced by Mel Blanc. Twiki served drinks, said "Biddi-biddi-biddi!", and carried a sentient computer called Dr Theopolis around his neck.
19. Awesom-O (South Park, 2004)
The Awesom-O 4000 is Eric Cartman's robotic alter ego—actually Eric in a cardboard suit. He fools Butters into thinking he's a robot, but the plan backfires when he's forced to help with anal suppositories and is captured by the US military. He eventually gives himself away by farting.
18. Robert the Robot (Justin's House, 2011-2023)
CBeebies' Justin's House featured Justin Fletcher and his humanoid butler Robert the Robot—a man painted silver. The show included custard pies, the Wiggle Your Bottoms song, and rapt preschoolers.
17. Cameron (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, 2008-2009)
Summer Glau starred as Cameron, a Terminator sent back to protect Sarah Connor and her son John. The ballet-dancing killer cyborg could mimic human mannerisms and even eat. Her foes included Shirley Manson from Garbage. The show was cancelled after two seasons despite a fan campaign.
16. Robot B-9 (Lost in Space, 1965-1968)
"Danger, Will Robinson!" This benevolent bot protected the Robinson family, warning of hidden dangers. With accordion arms and claw hands, B-9 had a love-hate relationship with Dr Smith, who insulted him with phrases like "You bubble-headed booby."
15. Dolores Abernathy (Westworld, 2016-2022)
Evan Rachel Wood played Dolores, a rancher's daughter android in a wild west theme park. She experienced past trauma and joined a robo-rebellion against human guests.
14. Metal Mickey (Metal Mickey, 1978-1983)
Created by musician Johnny Edward, the 5ft tall automaton lived with the Wilberforce family. He loved Atomic Thunderbuster sweets, which briefly went on sale. The series, directed by Micky Dolenz, pulled in 12 million viewers at its peak.
13. Murderbot (Murderbot, 2025-present)
Alexander Skarsgård plays a private security droid who hacks his own programming and protects scientists while binge-watching a Star Trek-like soap. The character is coded as autistic and agender. A second season is in production.
12. Mia, AKA Anita (Humans, 2015-2018)
Gemma Chan played Mia, an android servant who "woke up" and fought for robotic freedom. Chan attended "synth school" to rid herself of human tics, saying, "It was a relief to go home and slouch."
11. Android Ash (Black Mirror, Be Right Back, 2013)
When Ash dies, his girlfriend Martha uses his online footprint to create an AI imitation. The synthetic android version arrives, leading to a melancholic exploration of grief.
10. IG-11 (The Mandalorian, 2019-2023)
IG-11 was a deadly assassin droid trying to capture Baby Yoda, but was reprogrammed as a nurse and protector. Taika Waititi pitched his voice as a cross between Siri and Hal from 2001.
9. Eto Demerzel (Foundation, 2021-present)
Played by Laura Birn, Demerzel is a female-presenting humanoid robot who advises Emperor Cleon clones. It is revealed she is the real power behind the throne, having lived over 20,000 years.
8. Sir Killalot (Robot Wars, 1998-2018)
The cult series drew 6 million viewers. Sir Killalot, a house robot with a rotating drill lance and hydraulic claws, could chop opponents in half. He released a single that reached No. 51 in the UK.
7. Number Six (Battlestar Galactica, 2004-2009)
Tricia Helfer played Six, a humanoid Cylon who used seduction to coerce Gaius Baltar into giving up defence secrets, helping the "skin jobs" conquer humans.
6. Vision (WandaVision, 2021)
Paul Bettany played Vision, a superpowered android living in a sitcom-like reality with Wanda. His own spin-off, VisionQuest, is due in October.
5. K-9 (Doctor Who, 1977-2010)
The robot canine companion travelled with the Fourth Doctor, battling aliens with his encyclopedic knowledge and nose laser. Good boy!
4. Marvin the Paranoid Android (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1981)
Marvin, a depressed robot with a planet-size brain, travelled with Arthur Dent. Radiohead named a track on OK Computer after him.
3. Kryten (Red Dwarf, 1988-present)
Played by Robert Llewellyn, the sanitation mechanoid debases himself to serve humanity, but learns to lie and insult. He was the first robot to give a human the finger.
2. Data (Star Trek: The Next Generation, 1987-1994)
Brent Spiner played Data, an android who longed to become human. He kept a cat, had romantic affairs, and had an evil twin. He became the beating heart of the show.
1. Bender (Futurama, 1999-present)
Bender Bending Rodríguez is a potty-mouthed, heavy-drinking robot who becomes Fry's first friend. Named after Judd Nelson's character from The Breakfast Club, he is the king of TV robots.
