The 21 best performances by actors on TV shows in 2017

There were so many exquisite performances on TV - in leading roles, supporting roles, and guest roles - that it's impossible to pick a handful as the best. But we narrowed it to the top 21.

Some of the outstanding dramatic performances of the year include Nicole Kidman's best work of her career on "Big Little Lies," Elisabeth Moss' work on "The Handmaid's Tale," and Cameron Britton's creepy portrayal of serial Ed Kemper on Netflix's "Mindhunter."

Comedy also had a great year, with multiple performances on "The Good Place" that brought heart, soul, and many, many laughs to the clever afterlife comedy. Comedian and podcaster Marc Maron brought his lovable snark to his bitter character on the Netflix comedy "Glow," and Rob Delaney showed he has a dark side in season three of "Catastrophe."

A note: We couldn't include everyone on "Big Little Lies" and "The Handmaid's Tale" because it was important to us to showcase smaller, less talked-about performances that you might have missed.

Here's our list of the best TV performances in 2017: