At the start of the decade, characters like Don Draper and Walter White dominated television screens. These 'difficult men' were charismatic yet morally ambiguous antiheroes. However, by the end of the 2010s, this era had come to an end, replaced by a new wave of protagonists.
While some antiheroes still exist, such as Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul or Elliot Alderson in Mr Robot, they no longer define the cultural landscape. Instead, the most compelling antiheroes are now women, including Fleabag, Daenerys Targaryen, and Villanelle from Killing Eve. Their stories offer fresh perspectives on moral ambiguity.
Another trend that has neutered the antihero is the return of genuinely good characters. Shows like Happy Valley and Line of Duty feature protagonists who adhere to rules and retain compassion, even when dealing with criminals. This shift reflects a broader change in storytelling, moving away from indulging in flawed masculinity towards more diverse narratives.
