Television has a strong track record of portraying intelligent main characters. While the professions and types of shows are typically similar, the characters are all vastly different in personality. A popular online forum discusses these characters with varied thoughts. Intelligence is also a relative thing and comes in various forms. From doctors to scientists to detectives, more than a fair share of incredible brainiacs grace our screens.

1. House m.d. (Dr. Gregory House)

Dr. Gregory House from House
Photo Credit: Fox Network.

In the history of medical shows, no other doctor holds a handle to Dr. Gregory House, played brilliantly by Hugh Laurie. He is a grumpy, sarcastic addict with a horrific bedside manner. But as the doctor whose task is to diagnose seemingly impossible-to-decipher symptoms, House is a genius.

1. House m.d. (Dr. Gregory House)

Dr. Gregory House from House
Photo Credit: Fox Network.

He always had a strong team surrounding him, but ultimately, House figured out what was plaguing each patient. As one fan accurately says, “House M.D. is like a medical version of Sherlock Holmes.” The show and the character are brilliant.

2. Timeless (Lucy Preston)

Lucy Preston from Timeless
Photo Credit: NBC Universal.

“Timeless” is a captivating yet short-lived television series centered on a team of time travelers dedicated to preserving pivotal historical events to safeguard our familiar world. Among this “time team” is Lucy Preston, portrayed by Abigail Spencer. A history professor by trade, her exceptional abilities lie in her extensive American and global history expertise. Lucy is not only strong-willed and confident but also vulnerable and brave.

2. Timeless (Lucy Preston)

Lucy Preston from Timeless
Photo Credit: NBC Universal.

She knows dates and times, etiquette, events, and what should be appropriate attire. But her knowledge spans much farther to the most important thing about history- the people who shaped it. Understanding the thoughts and emotions of others makes Lucy unique.

She’s deeply committed to safeguarding history and showing concern for the people who shaped the world we inhabit. Her combination of intellectual knowledge and emotional intelligence makes her an indispensable part of the team. “Timeless” is an endlessly captivating series that remains undiscovered by many.

3. Elementary (Sherlock Holmes)

Sherlock Holmes in Elementary
Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting.

Fans of the classic detective stories of Sherlock Holmes, who enjoy fresh modern interpretations, will love Elementary. However, this take on the character is not your average one. Portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller, Sherlock is a brash, recovering addict who closes himself off from others.

3. Elementary (Sherlock Holmes)

Sherlock Holmes in Elementary
Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting.

What remains the same is his dazzling intellect and deduction skills. What’s refreshing about this Sherlock is that as bold as his confidence is that no one is smarter than he is, he knows when to ask for assistance. His character grows in his emotional intelligence through his relationship with his partner Watson, in this series played beautifully by Lucy Liu.

4. White Collar (Neal Caffrey)

Neal Caffrey from White Collar
Photo Credit: USA Network.

White Collar is a light but poignant heist/thriller series similar in tone and premise to the film Catch Me if You Can. However, this series portrays an incredibly smart man in many ways. Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) is a charming thief who is released from prison when he agrees to assist the FBI on cases of fraud, and forgery, amongst other things. Neal’s intelligence is vast but hidden behind a veneer of charisma.

4. White Collar (Neal Caffrey)

Neal Caffrey from White Collar
Photo Credit: USA Network.

His skills in forgery are impeccable. Most impressive is his ability to copy masterpiece paintings. Not only does this take artistic talent but also knowledge of the painting and the artist’s methods. His skills appear effortless, which makes it all the more captivating to watch.

5. The Big Bang Theory (Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Howard, Amy, and Bernadette)

Scene from the Big Bang Theory
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Television.

For twelve seasons, audiences fell in love with the misadventures of a group of nerdy scientists on The Big Bang Theory. Besides being incredibly funny, what I love is that the characters grow. Additionally, while socially awkward, they have supreme intelligence in their fields.

5. The Big Bang Theory (Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Howard, Amy, and Bernadette)

Scene from The Big Bang Theory
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Television.

These include theoretical physics, astrophysics, engineering, neuroscience, and microbiology. Through these genius men and women, The Big Bang Theory brings these complex sciences into our homes with heart and laughter. And it can make us all feel just a bit smarter.

6. Monk (Adrian Monk)

Adrian Monk from Monk
Photo Credit: Mandeville Films.

This drama follows former detective Adrian Monk who consults for the San Francisco Police Department. Though he struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, his ability to observe and solve homicides is uncanny. His intuitiveness and intelligence are unparalleled.

6. Monk (Adrian Monk)

Adrian Monk from Monk
Photo Credit : Mandeville Films.

You will enjoy every time he utters “he’s the guy” because he sees what others overlook. The show runs for eight seasons, with the finale resolving the series-long mystery about the murder of Monk’s wife, Trudy. These last episodes bring the series to a satisfying and poignant conclusion.

7. Bones (Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan)

Dr. Temperance
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox Television.

Bones follows a forensic anthropologist and an FBI agent who team up, along with a group of other skilled professionals, to solve crimes. Dr. Brennan lacks social skills but is a brilliant woman who often detects and sees things others do not.

7. Bones (Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan)

Dr. Temperance
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox Television.

Her ability to look past the morbid side of her profession gives her a mature intelligence we don’t often see in a female character. Bones is a long-running series with a whopping twelve seasons and 245 episodes, but worth the investment.

8. The X-Files (Agent Dana Scully)

Agent Dana Scully from X-Files
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox Television.

The X-Files and the character of Dana Scully are landmarks in television history. The show about FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who investigate the paranormal, is an influential masterpiece. But the character of Scully is even more so. She is a doctor and scientist.

8. The X-Files (Agent Dana Scully)

Agent Dana Scully
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox Television.

She is a skeptic but open-minded, remains calm under pressure, is endlessly courageous, loving, and above all else, genuinely brilliant. Female characters in her profession had rarely been seen in this light, so much so that she influenced an entire generation of young women to pursue careers in the STEM fields. This influence is known today as “The Scully Effect.”

9. The Mentalist (Patrick Jane)

Patrick Jane from The Mentalist
Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting.

The Mentalist is a captivating and poignant drama that follows Patrick Jane, a man with keen observational talents that allow him to consult on cases with the CBI and FBI. But throughout the series, the one looming case is the pursuit of the serial killer “Red John,” who murdered Jane’s wife and daughter.

9. The Mentalist (Patrick Jane)

Patrick Jane from The Mentalist
Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting.

Jane’s intelligence is much like Monk‘s in that he sees the small details and can solve puzzling cases. But as bright as he is, he is not infallible, which makes The Mentalist all the more compelling to watch.

10. Frasier (Dr. Frasier Crane)

Dr. Frasier Crane from Frasier
Photo Credit: Paramount Television.

Psychiatrists represent a unique kind of knowledge. Understanding the human brain to treat mental health is an invaluable profession. Although his brother Dr. Niles Crane is a practicing psychiatrist, Frasier and his brother are equally intelligent.

10. Frasier (Dr. Frasier Crane)

Dr. Frasier Crane
Photo Credit: Paramount Television.

However, they may disagree on that fact. Their competitive nature, Frasier’s radio show where he quickly gives advice and counsel, and their penchant for high-brow arts make the series one the funniest and most brilliantly written on television.

Source: Reddit.

25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals

Image Credit: Rosebud Releasing Corporation

Every once in a while, a movie sequel or remake surpasses the original film. After polling the internet, “Name a single movie where the sequel or remake was better than the original?” Here are the top-voted responses.

25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals

25 Blockbuster Films With Behind-The-Scenes Turmoil Unknown to the Public

Image Credit: 20th Century Fox

Several big movies with significant nightmare productions have some seriously delicious tea. After a recent poll on the internet, here are twenty-five films with disasters that made filming difficult.

25 Blockbuster Films With Behind-The-Scenes Turmoil Unknown to the Public

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites

Image Credit: Troma Entertainment

We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites

About the Author

Marianne Paluso
+ posts
Flipboard