America's Most Loved TV Personalities

Though John Oliver does not have the name recognition or social media fan bases of many of the other TV personalities around him on this list, he is one of the most awarded TV personalities of all time.

A stand-up comedian from England, Oliver gained prominence as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” as well as through acting roles in TV shows like “Community.” He then began starring in his own politically-focused comedy show on HBO in 2014 called “Last Week Tonight.” The show is known for its deeply detailed examinations of complicated and difficult topics. Between writing and producing those two shows, Oliver has won 13 Emmy Awards.

Kylie Jenner was born into a show business family, first starting to appear in reality programs like “Keeping up with the Kardashians” with her family when she was just 10. Jenner has appeared in a number of other Kardashian reality show spin-offs, including “I Am Cait,” “Khloé & Lamar,” and her own spinoff, “Life of Kylie.”

Before becoming a TV icon, Gordon Ramsay first made a name for himself as a chef, becoming the first Scottish chef to receive a three star review from the Michelin Guide, the highest honor in the food world. In 1999, he was the subject of a docuseries called “Ramsay’s Boiling Point,” which followed the chef as he tried to open a restaurant.

Ramsay’s intensity helped make him a star, and he has gone on to host a number of food shows, both in the U.S. and the U.K., including “Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Masterchef,” and many more.

Kim Kardashian’s television career has largely revolved around “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” the reality program following the exploits of herself and her family. The show has spawned a number of spin-off programs, which also featured the family. Along with her show, Kardashian’s business dealings and personal relationships have all been consistent tabloid fodder, keeping her in the public eye for well over a decade.

Kardashian’s fame and that of her family has drawn criticisms aimed at celebrity culture, social media influencers, and body image issues. With 97% name recognition among YouGov poll respondents, Kardashian is tied for the most well-known American TV star. The Kardashian family has leveraged their fame into fabulous wealth — Kim Kardashian is reportedly worth $1 billion.

After decades on air, Oprah Winfrey still ranks as America’s most loved TV personality. Born into poverty in Mississippi, Winfrey rose through the ranks as a TV broadcaster on local stations. Even though she faced harassment and setbacks, she persevered and eventually landed her own morning talk program “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” The program ran from 1986 to 2011, and her empathetic interviewing style helped make her a household name and a superstar.

No TV personality has greater name recognition than Oprah, and she parlayed her status into a multi-billion dollar media empire, including her own TV channel, OWN. Winfrey is worth an estimated $2.6 billion, according to Forbes. She is still making TV headlines, most recently with her highly awaited interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry after they distanced themselves from the British royal family.