24 Swoon-worthy Fall TV Characters

This wannabe family man (Andrew Rannells) yearns for a baby but has no clue how to be a dad. His eagerness and sense of humor are totally endearing — especially since he’s played by Rannells, who we’ve been crushing on since The Book of Mormon was in previews. — Hillary Busis

They say behind every great man is a great woman, but Lucy Liu’s embodiment of the good doctor who props up the savant — and former pill-popper — Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller) takes that supporting role to the front and center. She’s smart, sassy, and set to forever change the way we think about Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic. What more do you need? —Lanford Beard

Whether he’s devirginizing April (Sarah Drew) or treating patients, Jackson (Jesse Williams) is a sweet and sensitive doctor who constantly works to prove he’s not just a famous (in the Grey’s world) last name. And when he takes off his shirt, he takes our breath away. —Denise Warner

What’s hotter than uncompromising drive to reach one’s goals (even if they include vengeance, destruction, and deception)? Oh yeah. Badass martial arts skills, an ability to rock any Hamptons high-end fashion, an endearing adoration for a childhood pet, and a soft spot for a childhood friend? Well, Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) has all that too. —Emily Rome

A billionaire (Stephen Amell) who moonlights as Arrow, a bow-and-arrow-wielding vigilante. To put it simply: He can string my bow anytime. —Breia Brissey

It takes roughly 10 seconds for this high-powered weapons lobbyist (Autumn Reeser) to strip down to her underwear in the Last Resort pilot. But even in the middle of a love scene, Sinclair is laser-focused on work, seductively describing the heavy artillery of Last Resort‘s renegade submarine in a bit of sexposition worthy of Game of Thrones. All hail the military-industrial complex! —Darren Franich

Crowned the Sexiest Beast by EW.com readers after the show’s first season, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) continues to smolder as the bad boy vampire who specializes in giving good soundbites. Damon showed his softer side to Elena (Nina Dobrev) in season 3, but this fall, he’ll be back to his unapologetic old self. —Mandi Bierly

Men like her. Women like her. And she knows it. Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) — known for bringing us some of the steamiest scenes network TV will allow — uses her sexuality and street smarts to get what she wants. She’s the perfect investigator for Lockhart/Gardner, and someone we’d never want to piss off. —Breia Brissey

The boxer-turned-model — a new addition to ANTM’s judging panel in cycle 19 — boasts an English accent, washboard abs, and rags-to-couture backstory. This won’t have to go to judgment. He’s a total knockout. —Lanford Beard

With just the pilot alone, this teenager raised in a post-apocalyptic America (Tracy Spiridakos) has already earned her place among fall TV’s all-stars. Her courage and staunch determination to protect her family — even when she’s scared out of her wits — are undeniably attractive. —Emily Rome

These brothers have been to hell and back — literally. It’s up for debate whether Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are each other’s greatest weakness or greatest strength, but they are both without a doubt unceasingly (and endearingly) protective of one another. Bonus points for keeping a sense of humor while saving the world. —Emily Rome

The political fixer (Kerry Washington) knows how to work a white suit (or a white lace panty and bra set). But it’s her confidence — and chemistry with her married former lover-turned-President (Tony Goldwyn) — that makes her truly sensational. —Mandi Bierly

Dr. Reed (Ed Weeks) is just like Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones’s Diary, except a doctor and not as much of a jerk. Caddish. British. Doctor. Need I say more? —Hillary Busis

As legendary warriors go, Mulan (Jamie Chung) is the whole package — fierce, strong, and unafraid to give herself a haircut with a sword. Plus, she’s mysterious as the dark side of the moon!

The only thing Ben (Adam Scott) loves more than government and Game of Thrones is his girlfriend, fellow dork Leslie Knope. Unflinching loyalty may be the hottest quality of all. —Hillary Busis

Annie (Alison Brie) has the good-girl innocence that men find irresistible, but her former life was one of a street rat and pill addict. Also, she knows how to turn on some deranged sex appeal when she needs to. —Josh Stillman

Move over, Finchel! With Finn (Cory Monteith) out of sight, Dean is a potential love interest for Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) at NYADA this fall. Played by South African-born Australian singer/songwriter Brody Weston, he’s hot and has a killer voice to boot. —Breia Brissey

As star Connie Britton herself said, ”Some of the strongest women are from the South.” James may be past her heyday, but she isn’t letting any young upstart take away her glory. With golden hair to match her golden voice, she’s a tune we can’t wait to hear. —Lanford Beard

He’s got brains, snark, charisma, and badass moves, but Peter (Joshua Jackson) can also shed a few tears when hit with tragedy. He’ll lay down his life, even his existence for others — whether it be his soul mate Olivia or an entire universe of people. —Emily Rome

TV’s spiciest Trophy MILF (Sofia Vergara) is expecting another child, making a healthy maternal glow just one more reason for us to envy her. —Lanford Beard

Could we get some au jus with that French Dip? The returning All-Star, who also goes by ”Sex and the City‘s Naked Guy,” could be the most sizzling man to ever compete on the show. If not that, then he definitely has the biggest hands. You know what they say: Big hands, big…Viennese Waltz scores. —Annie Barrett

Optimistic Dorothy (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) stays calm, cool, and collected even when mischievous monkey Dr. Rizzo is cruising through the animal hospital on a tiny golf cart. Grace under monkey fire: so hot right now. —Hillary Busis

Nick (David Giuntoli) has the ability to see mystical creatures almost no one else can and fights them to the death (with a gun, sword, crossbow, his bare hands, well?pretty much anything). More importantly, though, he also has the ability to see past the monster and find goodness even in grotesque creatures. —Emily Rome