The 5 Best Characters on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip" is something of an anomaly. It's received incredibly mixed critical attention - garnering both some of the best and some of the worst reviews I've ever seen an new television show receive. And, of course, its ratings have been a huge disappointment to NBC, particularly in light of Sorkin's last show, the blockbuster "The West Wing." And while "Studio 60" is certainly no "West Wing" (which, for the record, was certainly no "Sports Night"), it does have one thing going for it - some incredibly compelling characters. In that spirit, let's count down the five most compelling characters in Aaron Sorkin's new primetime drama.

5. Darius Hawthorne:

Darius is an amazingly compelling character. From his debut as a stand-up comedian in "The Wrap Party", to his ongoing feud with Simon Stiles about the nature of "blackness" in comedy, I can't keep my eyes off Darius whenever he's on screen (which is a tragically rare occurrence). And, of course, he delivered one of the most shocking moments in Studio 60's short history - mockingly using the "n-word" during one of his encounters with Simon. Combine that with Columbus Short's amazing acting, and Darius is easily one of Studio 60's most compelling characters.

4. Jordan McDeere:

Honestly, who doesn't love Amanda Peet? And Jordan McDeere might be one of her best roles yet - a sassy, sexy, pregnant network executive. Between fighting for classy television programming to fighting off Danny Tripp's ever-cuter advances, and doing it all with effortless grace, Jordan is hands-down my favorite female lead of the season.

3. Jack Rudolph:

Okay, I admit it. I was never a fan of "Wings," and when I heard that Steven Weber was going to have a major role in "Studio 60," I was a bit apprehensive. What a mistake - because Jack Rudolph steals every single scene he's in. His development over the course of the season from the corporate suit that you love to hate, into the defender of the free press that you just plain love, is easily Studio 60's best character arc. And his interactions with Tom Jeter are constantly hilarious.

2. Danny Tripp