1. James West – The Wild Wild West
James West wasn’t your average cowboy. Played by Robert Conrad, this secret agent brought a suave, sophisticated charm to the Old West, wearing high-tech gadgets and effortlessly battling villains. His character redefined the spy genre long before the likes of James Bond were mainstream, showcasing a unique blend of brains, brawn, and charm. West’s ability to outwit enemies with clever tricks while maintaining his cool made him a standout figure in television history.
He was the epitome of cool in a time when television was looking for a new type of hero—one who wasn’t afraid to mix high-class elegance with a rough-and-tumble Western backdrop. His daring feats and charisma made him a character viewers couldn’t forget, and James West quickly became one of the defining symbols of ’60s television cool.
2. John Steed – The Avengers
John Steed, portrayed by Patrick Macnee, brought an entirely different flavor of cool to television in The Avengers. As the dapper British secret agent, Steed was the epitome of sophistication, always sporting a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella that could double as a weapon. What made him so compelling was his calm, collected demeanor, even when facing bizarre villains and outlandish situations. Unlike most action heroes, Steed didn’t rely on brute force but on his sharp wit and impeccable manners.
His relationship with his partner, Emma Peel, was a perfect blend of mutual respect and understated charm. Together, they set a precedent for cool, combining intelligence and style in a way that was ahead of its time. Steed’s effortless elegance and charm made him one of the most iconic TV characters of the ’60s.
3. Agent 86 – Get Smart
Don Adams brought the quirky, lovable Agent 86 to life in Get Smart, a show that was both a satire of the spy genre and a parody of the cold war-era tension. Maxwell Smart, with his signature catchphrase “Would you believe?” became a symbol of the absurd and awkward side of cool. Unlike his suave counterparts in other spy shows, Smart was often clumsy, fumbling his way through missions with a mix of charm and complete ineptitude. Yet, he always managed to save the day in his own uniquely bumbling way.
What made Smart “cool” was his ability to stay optimistic, even when his methods failed spectacularly. His confidence in his own incompetence was oddly endearing, and viewers couldn’t help but root for the bumbling agent as he got the job done, proving that sometimes, it’s not about being perfect but about being determined.
4. Samantha Stephens – Bewitched
Samantha Stephens, portrayed by Elizabeth Montgomery, took the idea of cool to another level as a suburban housewife who just happened to have magical powers. With a snap of her fingers, she could do anything from cleaning the house to altering reality itself. But what really set Samantha apart as a cool character was her down-to-earth nature. Despite her magical abilities, she didn’t let them define her—she was always trying to balance her “normal” life with her extraordinary powers.
Her coolness wasn’t just in her magical powers but in how she used them with a sense of fun and responsibility. Samantha didn’t flaunt her abilities or use them for personal gain, making her relatable despite her fantastical world. She was a modern woman ahead of her time, juggling family life, a career, and supernatural powers with ease.
5. Steve Austin – The Six Million Dollar Man
Steve Austin, portrayed by Lee Majors, was the definition of cool when it came to action heroes. With his bionic enhancements, Austin could outrun cars, lift heavy machinery, and perform superhuman feats, but it wasn’t just his physical abilities that made him cool—it was his calm, steady personality. Austin was a man of few words, letting his actions speak for him. His stoic demeanor and unwavering commitment to justice made him a hero who seemed almost untouchable.
Even with his bionic powers, Austin’s vulnerability and humanity were always at the forefront. He was a man who had come to terms with his new life, making the best of it while still holding onto his former life’s values. This balance of strength and emotion made him one of the most memorable characters on television.
6. Captain James T. Kirk – Star Trek
Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, was the quintessential cool leader in Star Trek. As the captain of the starship Enterprise, Kirk faced alien species, time travel, and galactic wars, all while keeping his cool under pressure. His charm, combined with a natural leadership quality, made him the kind of person viewers would follow into the unknown. But what really made him cool was his willingness to bend the rules when necessary, proving that sometimes, doing what’s right is more important than following orders.
Kirk’s cocky yet compassionate nature set a new standard for TV heroes, one who could outwit any foe and win hearts at the same time. His ability to think on his feet and his adventurous spirit were exactly what made him the perfect embodiment of cool in the ’60s.
7. Batman – Batman
Batman, portrayed by Adam West, was a totally different take on the superhero in the ’60s, mixing campy humor with heroic action. His deadpan delivery and almost absurd ability to get out of tricky situations with gadgets and clever plans made him one of the coolest characters on television. His iconic suit, the Batmobile, and his endless list of gadgets were enough to make any kid’s heart race. But it was his dual identity as Bruce Wayne, the billionaire playboy with a strong moral compass, that really made him stand out.
What set Batman apart from other heroes of the era was his unwavering commitment to justice and his ability to handle his alter ego’s fame with grace. He didn’t need to show off his powers or act tough; his coolness came from his sense of duty, intelligence, and quiet confidence.
8. Felix Unger – The Odd Couple
While not your typical “cool” character, Felix Unger (Tony Randall) from The Odd Couple brought a different kind of cool to the table. As a meticulous, fastidious character, Felix’s obsession with cleanliness and order clashed hilariously with his messy roommate, Oscar Madison. Despite his quirks, Felix’s calm demeanor, sharp wit, and ability to handle chaotic situations with an almost Zen-like patience made him the coolest person in the room—whether he realized it or not.
Felix’s coolness came from his ability to maintain control of his world despite the chaos around him. His unfazed attitude and commitment to doing things “his way” made him both endearing and an unlikely role model, proving that cool doesn’t always come in a traditional package.
