2010s Best of the Decade: LEAD ACTRESS SUDDEN DEATH!

For me, in order this is: Ari then Kate then Ali.

Even though I guess it seems Ali was in more episodes than Kate this decade, because of how overexposed Sami was in her final years, she still missed half of the decade. And I dunno, I just don't like Sami as much in the modern day as I did in the 1990s and 2000s. She doesn't feel like herself anymore. She's the bronze medal for me here.

Between Ari and Kate, I have to give it to Ari. She's been around more, for most of her time on the show (this decade, I'd consider her supporting in her first run) she was the female lead of the show, whereas Kate only transitioned from supporting to lead near the end of her original run. Nicole can be a character that's larger than life and one that's grounded and nuanced, and it can be tough to play both. And Ari even had to play Kristen DiMera for much of this year. Kate's great, but she hasn't been tasked with as much as Ari.