From Marvel’s newest superhero to America’s newest favorite housewife and even “Stranger” beings, these newcomers left a mark on the TV landscape in 2016.
STERLING K. BROWN
As star of both “The People v O.J. Simpson” and “This Is Us,” there was no way Sterling K. Brown wouldn’t become a bona fide breakout star in 2016. And now he’s got an Emmy to back that up — and two SAG Awards nominations as well.
ISSA RAE
It’s not easy to make a successful transition from YouTube sensation to TV star, but “Awkward Black Girl” creator and star Issa Rae did just that with “Insecure,” and HBO has already ordered a second season of her sitcom.
RIZ AHMED
Before “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” makes him a movie star, Riz Ahmed became a TV sensation at the center of HBO’s latest murder mystery.
VANESSA KIRBY
As Queen Elizabeth II’s sultry sister, Princess Margaret, in “The Crown,” Vanessa Kirby brings some welcome passion and sex appeal that any drama about the British monarchy would desperately need.
BRIAN TYREE HENRY
Paper Boi, Paper Boi, all about that paper, boy. The breakout rapper in FX’s “Atlanta” also became the show’s breakout star.
KATY MIXON
Katy Mixon has spent years stealing scenes in supporting roles on shows like “Mike and Molly” and “Eastbound and Down,” but her first leading turn as the snarky, sarcastic and bitterly hilarious Katie Otto on ABC’s “American Housewife” is downright delightful.
JUSTICE SMITH
After gaining notice as a supporting player in John Green adaptation “Paper Towns,” Smith became a star as the lead in Baz Luhrmann’s first TV project, “The Get Down,” a vibrant romp through the 1970s music scene.
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN
Thanks to “Stranger Things” and Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of a girl with supernatural powers, countless pets and even some children born this year will be named Eleven.
MIKE COLTER
As the bulletproof protector of Harlem, Mike Colter’s Luke Cage became the timeliest of Marvel superheroes.
PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE
The unnamed title character of Amazon’s “Fleabag” may be crude, angry and self-destructive, but she remains deeply sympathetic thanks to the sharp writing and subtle charm of star and creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
