The 100 Greatest Television Shows of All-Time

1 week ago 19

Here at FandomWire, we search high and wide, turn over every stone, and search to the ends of the earth to cultivate a list of “The Best 100 Television Shows of All-Time!” Why? Because we can! So, please sit back, read our list, and write down what you have seen and agree with. Lastly, jot down quickly which of these great shows you must check out immediately!

100. Jeopardy! (1964 – present)/Wheel of Fortune (1975 – present)

merlin 189010167 d6bc81ef 0697 4b24 a06e d9444d1f4608 superJumbo

Created by Merv Griffin

I’m not sure you can include a list of the best television shows ever without mentioning the American game show classics Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Both shows have become ingrained in the American lexicon, featuring iconic hosts Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak (along with Vanna White). You simply can’t discuss the best shows without them.

99 Bargain (2022)

Created by Jeon Woo-sung

Bargain is a near-perfect K-drama horror thriller. With performances brimming with anxiety-ridden stress and humor, the series delves into morally complex issues. This Paramount+ streaming series is binge-worthy, word-of-mouth escapist television that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

98 Saturday Night Live (1975 – present)

Saturday Night Live | Image via NBC Universal

Created by Lorne Michaels

While many may argue that Laugh-In influenced SNL and shows like the legendary SCTV were far superior, Saturday Night Live’s lasting influence and cultural impact on television cannot be denied. Created by Lorne Michaels, SNL is a sketch show that has withstood the test of time and launched the careers of stars such as Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, and Will Ferrell.

97 Dateline (1992 – present)

Created by Neal Shapiro

Starting as a news magazine and shifting its focus by the 2000s, Dateline became influential by playing a significant role in popularizing true crime, thanks partly to its breakout host, Keith Morrison, and his captivating storytelling that catered to audiences’ fascination with the macabre.

96 60 Minutes (1968 – present)

Created by Don Hewitt

Perhaps no show in television history has remained as significant as 60 Minutes. Why? Considering the times we live in and everyone consuming their news on social media, having a show that holds our public and private leaders accountable is vital. Due to its investigative impact, there hasn’t been a news show with the same longevity.

95 The Muppets (1976 – 1981)

Created by Jim Henson

The Muppet’s focus was on breaking down stereotypes and preconceived notions, highlighting the innocence of characters often judged by their outward appearance. The famously hard-working and driven creative knew his work was important—it brought families together.

94 Nathan For You (2013 – 2017)

MV5BNDg0ODMwNTgzMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjIxMzg5MjE%40. V1

Created by Nathan Fielder

One of the most audacious and nonsensical television series ever made, Nathan Fielder’s Nathan for You is a mockumentary-style comedy that doubles as a brilliant social satire, blending irreverent and absurdist humor. From opening a “pop-up Starbucks” to “the claw” of danger, after watching, you’ll never look at social commentary the same way again.

93 Pachinko (2022 – present)

Created by Min Jin Lee

As I wrote for Geek Vibes Nation, Pachinko is a series that profoundly consumes you and should be savored for its emotional depth and rich storytelling. It achieves what only the best movies or shows can do by taking you to another time and place while exploring modern themes.

92 SCTV (1976 – 1984)

Created by Andrew Alexander and Bernie Brillstein

Responsible for launching the careers of John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis, Martin Short, Dave Thomas, and Paul Shaffer, SCTV is regarded as a classic in sketch comedy. The Canadian import has fans like Conan O’Brian, Tina Fey, Steve Martin, and Jon Stewart credit the series for its benchmark in absurdist humor and sharp social commentary.

91 The Amazing Race (2001 – present)

Created by Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster

The Amazing Race is the most acclaimed reality show in television history, winning 10 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Along with Survivor, the CBS series is one of the main reasons for the onslaught of reality programming we see today, but it remains one of the best.

90 ER (1994 – 2009)

Created by Michael Crichton

When ER came to NBC, the series with the most hype was CBS’s Chicago Hope. Boy, did the critics get that wrong. ER was startling, frenetic, realistic, and a shot of adrenaline to the standard medical drama. The series launched the careers of stars such as George Clooney and Julianna Margulies and became one of the most influential series ever.

89 Freaks and Geeks (1999)

promotional image cast of television show Freaks and Geeks

Created by Judd Apatow

Regarding shows canceled too early, Freaks and Geeks may be the best. Created by a then-unknown Judd Apatow, the series was The Big Bang Theory before Chuck Lorre stumbled upon the winning, watered-down formula. Apatow brought pathos to the writing that was funny and touching, and it was a realistic portrayal of teen life between the shadows of all-American prom kings and queens.

88 Picket Fences (1992 – 1996)

Created by David E. Kelley

The little show could become a critical smash for CBS despite being stuck on Friday nights at 10 p.m. However, the then-little-known writer David E. Kelley created the series, and the rest is history. Fearlessly tackling ethical and moral ambiguity in a small town. Starring Tom Skerritt and Kathy Baker, Picket Fences won 14 Emmy Awards, including two for Best Drama Series.

87 Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991, 2017)

Created by David Lynch

A work of suspenseful surrealism with a jaw-dropping atmosphere and mood at the heart of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks is the concept of duality where even the quaintest of communities is in front of sinister secrets. The abstract storytelling cannot be repeated.

86 The Corner (200)

Created by David Simon

After Homicide: Life on the Street and before The Wire, there was The Corner, an adaptation of Simon’s remarkable account of spending one year on one of Baltimore’s notorious drug corners. The story is strikingly gritty and honest, while Khandi Alexander is an absolute revelation. The Corner provides an unwavering and unapologetic look at the socioeconomic realities of inner-city poverty.

85 Boardwalk Empire (2010 – 2014)

Created by Terrence Winter

Since the series is from Terence Winter, whose association with The Sopranos brings a jaw-dropping cinematic quality, as well as cinematography and production design that most series can only dream of, and with a historically rich context, Steve Buscemi’s masterful performance makes Boardwalk Empire one of HBO’s most enduring masterpieces.

84 Yellowstone (2018 – present)

Created by Taylor Sheridan

No one would have thought a modern-day Western featuring an actor past his prime and premiering on a network known as “Spike TV” just a few months prior could succeed. However, Yellowstone had Taylor Sheridan, the Academy Award-nominated writer, and the rest is history. The result is a cinematic series as ruthless as the setting in which it takes place.

83 Narcos (2015 – 2017)

Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro

Narcos is one of the most underrated and undervalued franchises in television history. No show has ever been as cinematic, including the stunning spinoff Narcos: Mexico. Perhaps no work of entertainment since Traffic has depicted the uphill battle faced by those fighting the drug trade against the intricate political, social, and economic systems surrounding them.

82 Looney Tunes (1930 – 1940)

Looney Tunes | Image via Warner Brothers Discovery

Created by Warner Brothers Animation

Featuring some of the most iconic characters in television history (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd), Looney Tunes set the groundwork for comedies nearly a century later. The animation still holds up. The comedy is timeless. Finally, the satirical commentary has a level of sophistication that is still unmatched.

81 Veep (2012–2019)

Created by Armando Iannucci

The relentlessly funny satire has dozens of reasons to watch Veep, but you only need one: Julia Louis-Dreyfus! The multi-Emmy Award-winning actress brilliantly blends vanity, absurdity, and general incompetence, mirroring our political leadership today. American politics has never been put under the fire like this.

80 The Cosby Show (1984 – 1991)

Created by Bill Cosby and Ed. Weinberger

A universal family sitcom that breaks down cultural stereotypes in Hollywood, The Cosby Show is an iconic series that remains historically funny despite what you think of its star. However, the show never skimped on its tremendous amount of heart.

79 The Late Show with David Letterman (1993 – 2015)

The Late Show with David Letterman | Image via CBS

Created by David Letterman and Rob Burnett

The Late Show with David Letterman was great television because it provided an irreverent, anti-network establishment approach to late-night TV. Letterman’s famous segments remain influential today, including the “Top Ten” lists, “Stupid Pet and Human Tricks,” and throwing random items off rooftops just for fun.

79. Happy Days (1974–1984)

Created by Garry Marshall

How does a show that literally invented ‘Jumping the Shark’ find its way onto a list of the 100 Best Television Shows of All Time? Simple: Henry Winkler. His iconic creation of ‘The Fonz’ made him the most popular actor in the world during the 1970s. In Happy Days, he turned the simple words ‘Ayy’ and ‘Heyy’ into comedic gems we imitate today.

78. The Jeffersons (1975 – 1985)

Created by Don Nicholl, Michael Ross and Bernie West

The Jeffersons was a trailblazing and pioneering series during a time when the representation of African American families was rare on television. Sherman Hemsley’s George Jefferson broke racial stereotypes with the character of a successful businessman who moved his family into the affluent world of “white” Manhattan socialites. It remains one of the most iconic shows in television history.

77 Beavis and Butthead (1993–1997, 2011, 2022–present)

Beavis and Butthead | Image via Paramount+

Created by Mike Judge

Beavis and Butthead remains an iconic animated series of the inane and dumbfounded. Perhaps no series has ever satirized the absurdity of American life like the Mike Judge creation. Judge’s ability to adapt the series that remains a comedy classic is most remarkable.

76 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Image via NBC

Created by Andy and Susan Borowitz

Primarily launching Will Smith’s career into movie superstardom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was akin to The Cosby Show, showcasing an affluent African-American family that never shied away from social commentary. Not to mention, Will Smith’s portrayal of himself, uh, slaps, and is one of the most charismatic in television history.

75 Taxi (1978 – 1983)

Created by James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, and David Davis

Few have had the success of James L. Brooks, who was the driving force behind Taxi and other classic sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Simpsons. The ensemble cast, including Judd Hirsch, Andy Kaufman, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, and Christopher Lloyd, made Taxi a workplace comedy that influenced thousands of shows that followed.

74 Beef (2023)

Created by Lee Sung Jin

Beef is an exceptional one-off miniseries that you have to stream to believe! I wrote for Ready Steady Cut that this Lee Sung Jin series perfectly blends dark comic thrills and deep reflection. Frenetic, hilarious, anxiety-ridden, and wholly original, it’s a triumph.

73 NYPD Blue (1993–2005)

Created by Steven Bochco and David Milch

NYPD Blue was ahead of its time and a revolutionary show that forever changed network television. The storytelling was gritty, the characters pushed boundaries, and the themes embraced mature content that network television had long avoided. Dennis Franz’s portrayal of Andy Sipowicz remains one of the most significant achievements in television history.

78 Cheers (1982 – 1993)

Created by Glen Charles, Les Charles, and James Burrows

Cheers has largely fallen by the wayside in discussions of people’s favorite comedies since bowing out in 1993. The simple reason is that Seinfeld, Friends, and Frasier followed, marking the golden age of sitcoms. However, the Ted Danson-led series remains a classic sitcom about friendships and finding one’s place in life.

72 The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978)

Created by Bob Newhart

The Bob Newhart Show was an endlessly creative, sharp, and warm sitcom that had one of the greatest twists in its finale in television history. A classic situational comedy that excelled at character-driven humor, it blended Newhart’s psychiatrist character with the absurdity of everyday life, becoming a television classic.

71 The Big Bang Theory (2007 – 2019)

Created by Chuck Lorre

In an era when network television is dying, and sitcoms are shifting to streaming platforms, one show defied expectations by becoming one of the greatest comedies in television history. Chuck Lorre’s The Big Bang Theory embraced and taught us to love our true selves—not just geek culture. Not to mention, the show is just so damn funny.

70 Sesame Street (1969–present)

Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett

Whenever I think of Sesame Street, I remember PBS is a network that offers affordable, quality content when the working class cannot afford cable. That’s where Sesame Street comes in: a show that was innovative in its educational storytelling for multiple generations. Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo, Bert, and Ernie ran America’s classroom, and we are all the better for it.

69 Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)

Created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll

Hill Street Blues was one of the first series to abandon the case-of-the-week mantra and bring a cinéma vérité quality to everyday police life that went beyond your standard procedural. The storylines pushed boundaries, and it was one of the first to utilize an ensemble cast, setting the standard for cop shows for generations.

68 Watchmen (2019)

Created by Damon Lindelof

Watchmen remains stunningly cinematic, with more to say about the state of America than most series could dream of. With its jaw-dropping reimagining of the Tulsa Massacre, commentary on white supremacy, and the legacy of racism that is relevant today, Watchmen is a work of stunning comprehension of socioeconomic disparities.

67 War & Remembrance (1989 – 1990)

Created by Herman Wouk

One of the most significant network television miniseries of all time, War & Remembrance, is a powerful example of what television can be. Based on the novel by Herman Wouk, this sequel to The Winds of War was nominated for 15 Emmy Awards and won Best Miniseries.

66. Stranger Things (2016 – 2025)

Created by The Duffer Brothers

Stranger Things shouldn’t work, but this genre classic is thrilling, funny, and genuinely frightening. The Duffer brothers’ arm-rest-grabbing Stranger Things streaming series is a masterful example of how good mainstream popcorn escapism can get. There is simply nothing like it on television.

65 Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)

Created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy

Schitt’s Creek won 9 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor (Eugene Levy), Outstanding Lead Actress (Catherine O’Hara), and Outstanding Supporting Actor (Dan Levy). The series is hilarious, offering a fish-out-of-water story and sharp satire on corporate culture.

64 Silicon Valley (2014–2019)

Created by Mike Judge

There is no one like Mike Judge. The reason? Has anyone folded relatable characters and grounded stories with sharp societal satire? No, they haven’t. Finally making the jump into non-animated series television with Silicon Valley, it’s a live-action comic strip whose commentary on technology remains relevant and side-splittingly hilarious.

63 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)

Avatar: The Last Airbender Credits: Nickelodeon

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko

A franchise molded with exquisite craftsmanship, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) satisfies fervent fans’ high expectations while still managing to feel new and fresh, which is a nearly impossible hurdle to clear. The series remains one of the most richly rewarding and emotionally satisfying anime series ever made.

62 Community (2009–2015)

Created by Dan Harmon

If it wasn’t for Dan Harmon and Chevy Chase derailing the series because of their squabbles and internal behavior, Community was on a trajectory to be one of the best comedic series of all time. However, for a four-season run, no show was smarter and funnier. Community’s brand of zany brilliance and whirlwind wit remains unmatched.

61 The Mandalorian (2019–present)

Created by Jon Favreau

Of the countless Disney efforts at cash grabs of the Star Wars franchise, it’s like the greedy little mouse is in a money booth with whirlwind Star Wars bucks at his fingertips. The Mandalorian is the only one to match the spirit of the original film. Exciting, explosively high-octane, and unexpectedly packed with cuteness, The Mandalorian gets the galactic story right.

60. Dr. Who (1963–1989, 2005–present)

Created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, and Donald Wilson

One of the finest science fiction series ever produced, David Tennant helped propel the series to its current global stardom. However, if it weren’t for Patrick Troughton’s considerable charm laying the groundwork for the series, we might never have received the revival’s gift. Dr. Who is a groundbreaking series that everyone should see.

59 Attack on the Titan (2013 – 2023)

Attack on Titan | Image via MBS Holdings

Created by Hajime Isayama

The Anime UK Times perhaps says it best: “All of these revelations help to make Attack on Titan the thrilling series it is, as we try to piece together the truth about the origins of the Titans.” However, what elevates this manga, like any good fantasy series, is its transformation into a political thriller that grabs you and refuses to let go.

58 The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)

The Mary Tyler Moore Show | Image via CBS

Created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns

The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a revolutionary series that brought a woman front and center as an independent career professional. Born from the genius of James L. Brooks and the indelible talent of Moore, the series was a hilarious challenge to conventional norms.

57 All in the Family (1971–1979)

Created by Norman Lear

Before the golden age of the antihero, near the end of the 20th century, you had the “complex” protagonist, Archie Bunker. Carroll O’Connor’s work was undeniably great in a social commentary comedy that addressed racism, sexism, homophobia, war, and religion like no other show in television history. All in the Family opened doors when others wanted them nailed shut.

56 Atlanta (2006 – 2012)

Created by Donald Glover

Bold and genre-defying, Atlanta was a brilliant and revolutionary social commentary from the mind of Donald Glover. The Community and Childish Gambino star played the character of Earn, portraying the role with such subtle nuance. His performance always had the potential to have the power of a wrecking ball at any moment.

55 Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

Parks and Recreation | Image via NBC Universal

Created by Mike Schurr

For my money, Parks and Recreation is better than the American adaptation of The Office in almost every way. The reason is the series is rooted in positivity and heart; over time, the characters develop into three-dimensional figures, whereas the latter remains cartoonish comic strip cutouts.

54 Shōgun (2024)

Created by Justin Marks

In time, the performances of Shōgun by Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai will become iconic. You cannot take your eyes off Sanada, and Sawai’s thoughtful, patient, sumptuous, and downright brilliant performance will take your breath away. Shōgun is a series bigger and more ambitious than most films.

53 The X-Files (1993–2002, 2016–2018)

Created by Chris Carter

The X-Files was a game-changing series for several reasons. Not just because the series was scary, serialized to perfection, and the incredible chemistry between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, it finally gave a fledging network the hit it desperately needed. Scary, thrilling, and engrossing, The X-Files was a series that has been hard to replicate since.

52 The Crown (2016 – present)

Created by Peter Morgan

The Crown does what only the very best movies and television series can do — transport you to another time and place. Featuring jaw-dropping performances from Claire Foye, Gillian Anderson, and Elizabeth Debicki, what the Peter Morgan series does best is explore power and duty with powerful results.

51 Mr. Bean (1990 – 1995)

Created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis

One of the most innovative physical comedy series ever made, Mr. Bean is a perfect example of British comedy at its finest. Rowan Atkinson’s performances have stood the test of time with a talent for physical and slapstick humor that remains unmatched.

50 Archer (2009 – present)

Created by Adam Reed

Funny and super cool, Archer’s lightning-quick wit, clever dialogue, and a blend of irreverent and satirical humor, not to mention its penchant for pop culture references, are why the series remains so popular — it has something for everyone. Not to mention, the voice work of H. Jon Benjamin is legendary.

49 The Bear (2022 – present)

Created by Christopher Storer

The best show on television returns and remains an American classic! The Bear’s is exciting, confusing, excellent, dissonant, extraordinary, innovative, delicious, inconsistent, and utterly unique, unlike anything on television. I loved every frenetic and feverish moment of it.

48 Justified (2010–2015, 2023)

Created by Graham Yost

A series dripping with intrigue and sharp dialogue, Justified is a walk on the wild side, filled with venomous characters folded into a fully realized, gripping, breathtakingly satisfying crime narrative. And let’s not forget Timothy Olyphant’s Raylan Givens, a combination of Sam Spade and Dirty Harry, who is downright scintillating.

47 The Penguin (2024–present)

Created by Lauren LeFranc

The Penguin is an enthralling, brutal, visceral crime saga and the best comic book television series adaptation of this century. Colin Farrell gives an iconic performance as the titular character, and Cristin Milioti is simply scintillating. This DC Comics adaptation is a criminally cunning must-watch!

46 Undone (2019-2022)

Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro

Ambitious, touching, and beautifully told. As I wrote for Ready Steady Cut, “A mental health allegory that will move you in unexpected ways and bring a few tears to your eyes. At least, it did to mine.”

45 Black Mirror (2011–present)

Created by Charlie Brooker

An anthology series whose mood, style, and intellectual point of view can turn on a dime from episode to episode, Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror is like nothing else on television, network, or streaming. Inventive and thought-provoking, this brand of metaphysical storytelling is a powerful indictment of our own doing.

44 South Park (1999 – present)

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone

Considered one of the most influential animated comedies of all time, South Park is an enduring classic that challenges conventional comedy by daring to be different. Featuring iconic characters, irreverent satires, and poking fun at everything from politics to pop culture, South Park broke all the rules.

43 Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)

Created by Steven Knight

Cinematic and visually thrilling from nearly start to finish, it’s impossible not to be charmed by Peaky Blinders’ grandiose swagger. What makes this Steven Knight series great, for one, is the powerful performance from Cillian Murphy, and two, its exploration of the unintended consequences of war, such as power and ambition, that war brings upon society.

42 The Boys (2019–present)

Created by Eric Kripke

The Boys doesn’t reinvent itself so much every year, as it comes doubling down on being bolder, badder, and bloodier than ever! Now, with the series taking a critical political bent, Eric Kripke’s series is frighteningly relevant. Fold in a wicked sense of dark, ominous humor and satirical wit that continues to astonish as the series’ original subtext is now entirely at the surface.

41 Friday Night Lights (2006 – 2011)

Created by Peter Berg

Anyone who says Friday Night Lights exaggerated the importance of football in any small Texas community is sorely mistaken. Peter Berg’s adaptation of H.G. Bissinger’s nonfiction account is an authentic and masterful portrait of middle-American values and an intimate look at family dynamics. The dynamic between stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton perfectly portrays a real, enduring marriage.

40 Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)

Created by Ronald D. Moore

Complex. Gripping. Philosophical. Introspective. Intense. Ambitious. Mature. Thought-Provoking. Dystopian. Layered. Haunting. Atmospheric. Innovative. Uncompromising. Cerebral. That’s Battlestar Galactica, in a few words, a science fiction epic that only gets better with every viewing.

39 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a gorgeous, immersive, and magnificent series from Amy Sherman-Palladino, with dialogue that crackles with every syllable. It features a star-making performance by Rachel Brosnahan that simultaneously manages to be exuberant and exhilarating.

38 The Carol Burnett Show (1967 – 1978)

Created by Carol Burnett

The Carol Burnett Show is a timeless classic because of the versatility of the titular star. (It also helps to have a writing staff that includes Harvey Korman and Tim Conway.) Burnett could sing, dance, and perform comedic skits to hilarious perfection. This variety hour was crafted with impeccable comedic timing.

37 The Shield (2002–2008)

Created by Shawn Ryan

A bit of stunt casting at the time, The Shield cast Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey, a character who was the direct opposite of The Commish’s Tony Scali. Tough, gritty, and morally ambiguous, The Shield helped kick off a new era of anti-heroes that shaped television today.

36 Lonesome Dove (1989)

Created by Simon Wincer

One of the greatest miniseries ever made, Lonesome Dove reached indelible heights because of the exceptional acting showcase by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Larry McMurtry, this nuanced portrayal of the American West’s epic scope offers strong writing and jaw-dropping cinematography, capturing the harsh realities of the expansion westward in pursuit of the American Dream.

35 BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg

One of the greatest animated comedies of all time, BoJack Horseman is a meditative blend of humor, irreverence, and a deep exploration of mental health that never shied away from tackling taboos like addiction and the complexities of personal relationships.

34. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)

Created by Akira Toriyama

A renowned piece of Japanese anime that only gets better with age, this groundbreaking series from Akira Toriyama was revolutionary and timeless at the same time. With memorable characters (Goku), awe-inspiring animation (those fight scenes!), and universal themes that span generations, Dragon Ball Z remains an epic, transformative experience.

33 Succession (2018–2023)

Created by Jesse Armstrong

Fascinating and complex while being bitingly funny, Succession is a masterclass in acting. The cast includes Brian Cox, Nicholas Braun,
Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfadyen, Sarah Snook, Alan Ruck, and a breakout performance from Jeremy Strong, the Jesse Armstrong drama, portray a family that replaces love with corporate greed.

32 Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–present)

Created by Larry David

The moment I watched Curb Your Enthusiasm stage an argument between a Holocaust survivor and a contestant on Survivor over which scenario was more challenging, I knew I was in the hands of someone willing to go to any lengths to explore the absurd. Larry David’s post-Seinfeld era proves he is a genius behind the camera and, finally, in front of it.

31 Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood (1968–2001)

Created by Fred Rogers

Tom Hanks said of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, “I think that when Fred Rogers first saw… something that was cynical.” That was the brilliance of Fred Rogers, a man who worked tirelessly to bring emotional honesty and empathy to promote discussion of taboo topics that brought the possibility of change to the latest generations.

30. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

Created by Rod Sterling

In part, Jordan Peele, a superfan of the original The Twilight Zone, wanted to remake the series because the original mirrored a society that did not want to look at itself. That’s why the original remains a timeless classic—hair-raising, suspenseful, and exciting—but always an exaggerated reflection of our society.

29 One Piece (1999 – Present)

Created by Eiichiro Oda

With genuinely unique world-building, diver storytelling, rich character development, idiosyncratic animation, and long-term payoffs of the story’s interconnected plot, Ome Piece has dazzled new and old fans for decades.

28. Late Night with Conan O’Brien (1993 – 2009)

Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Image via NBC

Created by Lorne Michaels

I’ll fire up YouTube and enjoy replays of “Dudez-a-Plenti,” “In the Year 2000,” or watch Big Red pull a lever to reveal the head-scratching and long-running Chuck Norris drama. A late-night comedic performer who influenced countless generations, the waggish and irreverent Conan O’Brien brought what looked like the same old talk show format but infused it with a type of razor-sharp wit, absurdity, and plenty of heart that was entirely his own.

27 Friends (1994 – 2004)

Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman

While the cultural impact of Friends cannot be measured, one thing is sure: Friends remains a series that couldn’t BE more hysterical and one of the funniest shows in television history. There is nothing like old friends, so go ahead, sit back, and reminisce this weekend.

26 Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss

If it weren’t for Game of Thrones’ disastrous (some would say downright lazy) final season, this David Benioff and D.B. Weiss series would be sitting pretty in our top ten. However, the head-scratching Starbucks cup aside, Game of Thrones was an epic cultural touchstone. The gripping story, filled with twists and turns, was appointment-viewing television that could not be missed.

25 Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Cowboy Bebop | Image via Sunrise Entertainment

Created by Shinichirō Watanabe

Cowboy Bebop is an anime with a rhythm and style all its own. An eclectic mix of genres and fighting styles that stays true to its jazz influences, what other series can combine genres so seamlessly, like science fiction, noir, western, and action, into one addictive shot of adrenaline? This cult classic has stood the test of time.

24 Firefly (2002 – 2003)

Created by Joss Whedon

Considered the best one-and-done series of all time, Firefly brought back something we hadn’t felt since the release of Star Wars—an innovative blend of science fiction and Western genres. It features a charming, swashbuckling performance by star Nathan Fillion. Humorous, with deeply resonant themes, Firefly was ahead of its time.

23. The Office (USA) (2005 – 2014)

Created by Greg Daniels

One of the most shocking things about Greg Daniels’s American adaptation of the British The Office is that it was a classic that rarely was. At the time, NBC struggled in the ratings, and the first season of the Steve Carell-led series performed even worse. Yet, the show was saved by digital streaming and purchasing platforms, which gave a reprieve to a series that became a classic comedy for the ages, making stars out of a half-dozen or so cast members.

22 Arcane (2021 – 2024)

Created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee

Here at FandomWire, we recognize that some series don’t have to be live-action to be great. Take Arcane, for instance—a gloriously emotional, character-driven drama that is breathtakingly beautiful. One of the few gaming adaptations, whether in film or television, that genuinely works, Arcane is a masterclass weaving themes of power, family, and betrayal.

21 Mad Men (2007 – 2015)

Created by Matthew Weiner

Mad Men saved a network once known for classic reruns and transformed it into a key player in Hollywood. Led by a star-making performance from Jon Hamm, this Matthew Weiner series transported viewers to another time and place with a meticulously crafted narrative that was constantly surprising. It never failed to deliver a sophisticated, timeless, and immersive experience.

20 The West Wing (1999 – 2006)

Created by Aaron Sorkin

At the turn of the 21st century, good television went dark. And, in turn, left behind the ideals that made The West Wing one of the last of its kind. Sorkin’s romantic utopian bliss of presidential staffers remains idealistic comfort food, a show that we need back on the air more than ever.

19 Arrested Development (2003 – 2005)

Created by Mitchell Hurwitz

For three seasons, Arrested Development was one of the funniest series ever. It was unfairly treated, with many citing how the family treated each other as a turn-off for viewers. (Hello, have you watched an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond?) The blitzkrieg of jokes came so fast and furious that you could only catch them after a handful of rewatches. There hasn’t been a sitcom this brazen and audacious since.

18 Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995)

The Animated Series | Image via Fox Kids

Created by Bruce Timm

Before Christopher Nolan finally gave us the Batman we deserved, there was one show that cast Bruce Wayne as more than just the chin! That was the animated anti-Tim Burton caped crusader, Batman: The Animated Series! Considered the greatest animated comic book series ever made, it brought darkness and sophistication to its storytelling that would not be matched for nearly three decades.

17 Frasier (1993 – 2004)

Created by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee.

Cheers was great, but Frasier was better! Considered the greatest spinoff of all time, Frasier was a massive critical and commercial hit that perfectly blended wit, highbrow humor, physical comedy, and situational comedy to glorious new heights.

That was the secret to Frasier: it had something for everyone and could adapt any episode to its creative ambitions. Kelsey Grammer’s turn as the titular character remains a classic, but David Hyde Pierce’s portrayal of his brother Niles is even better.

16 Better Call Saul (2015 – 2022)

Created by Vince Gilligan

A prequel of staggering impact, Better Call Saul stars the great Bob Odenkirk as Saul, telling the original story of Saul Goodman, lawyer to the stars, the downtrodden, and crime lords. The series was funny, suspenseful, and engaging and a jaw-dropping example of creativity. Better Call Saul delved deeper into Breaking Bad fan favorites without heavily relying on the original nuanced, cinematic, and compelling source material.

15 Roots (1977)

Created by David L. Wolper

A cultural touchstone if there ever was one, the network television adaptation of Alex Haley’s Roots: The Saga of an American Family was a monumental achievement. Powerful, emotional, and revelatory, led by the remarkable LeVar Burton, the late John Amos, and Louis Gossett Jr., Roots resonated deeply with viewers and has stood the test of time.

14 The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)

Created by Carl Reiner

The Dick Van Dyke Show is one of the funniest series of all time! Featuring clever and witty writing from the likes of Carl Reiner, and iconic performances from Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, the sitcom introduced innovative and realistic storylines about marriage, work, and comedy styles that had never been done before up until that point in time.

13 Chappelle’s Show (2003 – 2006)

Created by Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan

Chappelle’s Show blew the doors off the sketch comedy genre, reinventing itself to address race, culture, politics, and social issues that Saturday Night Live and MADtv refused to touch. Can you imagine SNL doing “The Racial Draft,” “Black Bush,” or “Clayton Bigsby” at any point in their history? Chappelle’s Show remains the most abrasive, brave, and audacious comedy ever.

12 Rick and Morty (2013 – present)

Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon

Incredibly absurd, surprisingly philosophical, and ominously dark, Rick and Morty is a clever, high-concept sci-fi series. Do you think I’m wrong? What other series can blend deep existential crises with alternate dimensions, time travel, and a multiverse while debating the nature of life, free will, and human nature while being side-splittingly funny? None before Rick and Morty, and now after.

11. MAS*H (1972 – 1983)

Created by Larry Gelbart

M*A*S*H* is one of the few examples where the series adaptation of a film was better than the source material, and the original film even won an Oscar for Best Picture! Hilarious, topical, and thoughtful, Alan Alda led a consistently innovative series that was never afraid to show the emotional resonance of war.

10 Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)

Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld

Perhaps no show about nothing has been funnier, but let’s face it, Seinfeld was always about something. Like the absurdity of everyday life. Or, let’s face it, how about downright narcissism from its main characters? Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld made self-absorption, a stunning lack of empathy, and the stubborn inability to change a comedy staple for nearly a decade. Thinking back, maybe Susan got off easy.

9 Homicide: Life on the Street (1993 – 1999)

Created by Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson

Homicide: Life on the Street was based on the nonfiction masterwork by Baltimore Sun crime reporter David Simon, Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, in which he spent a year following the “murder police” and their dogged determination to bring justice to Charm City’s blood-soaked and drug-stained streets.

Featuring the great Andre Braugher in a titanic performance and diversity never before seen on network television, Homicide was a crown jewel of crime shows, as groundbreaking, gritty, and authentic as cop shows get.

8 Barry (2018 – 2023)

Created by Bill Hader

Perhaps no show morphed into something completely new than Barry. The HBO masterpiece had an excellent blend of dark humor and profoundly explored exaggerated human behavior. Hader and Anthony Carrigan deliver exceptional performances that captivate viewers. The show fully realizes the themes of grief, redemption, the consequences of violence, and identity.

7 Lost (2004- 2010)

Created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber

Lost was a high-wire act, throwing in polar bears, mysterious hatches, and wild ripples in timelines no one saw coming! Perhaps no other show sustained such a fervent global fanbase like this wildly inventive science-fiction adventure. Lost embraced its flaws, was all the better for it, and was determined to tell a complex story that led to a stunningly poignant finale that still leaves me speechless.

6 The Simpsons (1989 – present)

Created by James L. Brooks

The greatest animated comedy ever made, The Simpsons is the longest-running animated sitcom and scripted series, making us laugh until our sides hurt and even predicting the future. (If anyone can find a clip where the series depicts the show as the sixth greatest series of all time, please message me!)

Whether it’s the town singing the praises of a monorail, Homer preparing to lose his arm by hanging onto a vending machine purchase for dear life, or classically satirizing everything from Free Willy to Cape Fear, The Simpsons is a timeless cultural phenomenon.

5 Band of Brothers (2001)

Created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks

Band of Brothers is the greatest entertainment ever made about World War II, period. A bold, gritty, and powerful retelling of the legendary Easy Company, the Emmy-winning miniseries followed a group of men from training, navigating them through the entire war.

Featuring stunning performances from Damian Lewis and Donnie Wahlberg and the powerful episode titled “Why We Fight,” Band of Brothers is a masterful example of the passion of filmmaking and the source material.

4 I Love Lucy (1951 – 1957)

Created by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

I Love Lucy is not only the greatest comedy of all time, but Lucille Ball also gave the greatest comedic performance of all time. One of the very first series to be filmed live in front of a studio audience, I Love Lucy perfected multiple comedic styles, such as physical, situational, and character-based humor, and tied them together with searing verbal wit. No comedy has ever been better.

3. The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

Created by David Chase

Twenty-five years ago, The Sopranos changed the television landscape forever by revitalizing a genre that had grown old, tired, and stale. No show has been as cinematic in scope and as enthralling. With the help of two iconic performances from James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, The Sopranos became a cultural touchstone that has yet to be matched.

2 The Wire (2002 – 2008)

merlin 124086458 7996cf83 fd5b 4d74 995e 7e79578224dc articleLarge

Created by David Simon

No other series on television, whether network or streaming, has come this close to being an honest-to-God work of art. The Wire, particularly its fourth season, is a masterpiece of socioeconomic urban decay. Led by Dominic West and Michael K. Williams, David Simon’s American epic is uncompromising and powerful in depicting human despair across all levels of society.

1 Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

breaking bad stagione 5 v1 1127140 1280x720 1

Created by Vince Gilligan

Agonizing over the title of the greatest television series ever is no easy task. However, breaking it down—episode by episode, season by season, and character by character—Breaking Bad is the ultimate exploration of antihero culture. Led by Bryan Cranston, who created the greatest character in television history, and Aaron Paul, whose portrayal of Jesse Pinkman was a true full-circle revelation. Breaking Bad offered a stark, unflinching look at what is the fallacy of the pursuit of the American Dream.

*** Disclaimer: This Article is auto-aggregated by a Rss Api Program and has not been created or edited by Bdtype.

(Note: This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News Rss Api. News.bdtype.com Staff may not have modified or edited the content body.

Please visit the Source Website that deserves the credit and responsibility for creating this content.)

Watch Live | Source Article