Will Arnett S Top 6 Roles In Television

Hey there, fellow TV watchers! Ever find yourself just scrolling through a show and suddenly realize, "Wait a minute, that voice! That face! That's Will Arnett!"? It’s like bumping into a familiar, hilarious friend in the most unexpected places, right? The guy’s got this knack for playing characters who are… well, let’s just say they’re rarely your typical goody-two-shoes. He’s often the guy who’s a bit of a mess, a bit arrogant, but somehow, we can’t help but root for him (or at least, be endlessly amused by his antics).

Arnett’s career is a fascinating tapestry of comedic gold, and honestly, picking just six roles feels a bit like trying to choose your favorite flavor of ice cream – tough, but someone’s gotta do it! So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s take a little stroll down memory lane to explore some of Will Arnett’s most memorable television gigs. We’re talking about the ones that really made us laugh, cringe, and maybe even ponder the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of questionable life choices).

Gob Bluth in Arrested Development

Okay, let’s just get this one out of the way first because, let's be honest, it's the role that arguably put Will Arnett on the map for so many of us. Arrested Development. What a show! And within that wonderfully dysfunctional family, you had Gob. Oh, Gob. He’s the kind of magician who can’t actually do magic, the older brother who’s desperate for approval but consistently messes everything up. Remember his illusion, "The Ass," which was just… him lifting his shirt? Peak Gob. He’s the ultimate deluded showman, constantly overestimating his abilities and underestimating the consequences. It’s a masterclass in pathetic brilliance. We’d never want to be him, but man, is it entertaining to watch him try!

What makes Gob so special? It's his unwavering confidence, even when faced with utter failure. He’s the guy who’d confidently walk into a burning building, convinced he’d somehow escape unscathed, only to emerge covered in soot and smelling faintly of burnt toast. His utter obliviousness to his own shortcomings is a comedic goldmine. And that signature swagger? Priceless.

Bojack Horseman in Bojack Horseman

Now, for something a little different. Bojack Horseman. This animated horse, a washed-up sitcom star from the 90s, is arguably Arnett’s most complex and, dare I say, heartbreaking role. Bojack is everything Gob isn't and yet, shares a similar vein of self-sabotage and a desperate yearning for something more. He’s a walking, talking embodiment of crippling depression and addiction, masked by a veneer of celebrity and self-pity. It’s a show that’s hilariously dark, profound, and often leaves you feeling a bit raw.

What’s so compelling about Bojack? It’s the show’s willingness to dive deep into the uncomfortable truths of fame, loneliness, and the struggle for redemption. Arnett’s voice work here is truly phenomenal, conveying Bojack’s despair, his flashes of wit, and his crushing moments of realization. It’s a character that makes you think, makes you feel, and is a testament to the power of animation to tell truly mature and moving stories. It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion, but you can’t look away because you’re hoping, against all odds, that he’ll eventually find a way to pull himself out of the rubble.

Steve in The Millers

Let’s lighten the mood a bit with Steve in The Millers. This one is a classic Arnett character: the lovable screw-up who’s trying his best, but let’s face it, he’s not exactly hitting it out of the park. After his parents’ divorce, Steve moves back home, and things get… complicated. He’s trying to navigate adulthood, family drama, and his own slightly questionable decisions. It’s a show that leans into the relatable chaos of family life, and Arnett fits right in as the well-meaning but often misguided protagonist.

What’s fun about Steve? He’s that guy who’s always got a plan, and the plan usually goes awry in the funniest ways. He’s not malicious, just… a bit of a doofus. Think of him as the awkward uncle who means well but can never quite get the joke. His interactions with his eccentric parents and his sister are the heart of the show, and Arnett brings that signature blend of exasperation and underlying affection to the role. It’s the kind of show that makes you nod and say, "Yeah, my family does stuff like that too!"

Mr. Peabody in The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show

Who says Will Arnett can’t do voice work for the kids? Enter Mr. Peabody in The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show. This is a much more gentle and intellectual portrayal compared to some of his other roles. Mr. Peabody is a genius canine inventor who travels through time with his adopted human son, Sherman. The show is charming and educational, with a jazzy vibe and plenty of historical hijinks.

What makes Mr. Peabody so cool? He’s the ultimate wise and witty pet owner, a true renaissance dog. Arnett’s voice here is smooth and sophisticated, perfectly capturing Peabody’s intelligence and paternal warmth. It’s a role that shows a different side of his range, proving he can be both hilarious and incredibly endearing. It’s like if your favorite professor decided to invent a time machine and also happened to be a dog. Sign us up!

Devon in Flaked

Now, Flaked. This Netflix original is a bit more low-key and introspective. Arnett plays Chip, a man living in Venice, California, who’s a bit of a mess trying to stay sober and navigate his relationships. It’s a show that explores themes of addiction, regret, and the search for self-acceptance. Arnett brings a quiet vulnerability to Chip that’s different from his more boisterous characters.

Why is this role interesting? Because it shows Arnett tackling a character who isn’t constantly cracking jokes or making grand, misguided gestures. Chip is more internally driven, wrestling with his demons. Arnett portrays this struggle with a subtle intensity. It’s like watching a quiet storm brewing, and you’re invested in seeing if he can find some peace. It’s a more mature and nuanced performance that showcases his ability to play characters who are truly flawed and relatable, even in their quiet struggles.

Detective Paul Guld in The Comeback

Finally, let’s talk about Detective Paul Guld in The Comeback. This is a role that’s short but incredibly memorable. For those who don’t know, The Comeback stars Lisa Kudrow as Valerie Cherish, a former sitcom star trying to make a comeback. In a few key episodes, Arnett plays a detective who gets caught up in one of Valerie’s many schemes. He’s the straight man to Valerie’s outrageous antics, and his reactions are priceless.

What’s great about this role? It’s the perfect comedic foil. Arnett’s deadpan delivery and his bewildered expressions as he deals with Valerie’s absurdity are pure gold. He’s the audience’s surrogate, experiencing the same disbelief and confusion. It’s like that moment when you’re watching someone else’s crazy situation unfold, and you just have to stare with your mouth slightly open. It’s a small part, but Arnett makes it unforgettable with his signature dry wit.

So there you have it – a little tour through some of Will Arnett’s greatest television hits. From the hilariously inept magician to the deeply troubled animated horse, the well-meaning dad, the brilliant dog, the struggling addict, and the bewildered detective, he’s proven time and time again that he’s a master of his craft. He can make us laugh until we cry and cry until we laugh. And for that, we’re eternally grateful. What are some of your favorite Will Arnett roles? Let us know in the comments!