In this article, we look beyond the latest shows and explore some of the best television series of all time, covering genres from crime dramas to sitcoms and spanning several decades of TV history. Rather than focusing solely on recent releases, we highlight each show at its peak, selecting those with unforgettable stories, characters, and cinematic quality. When it comes to the best TV shows of all time, everyone ends up debating whether The Sopranos or Breaking Bad is better. When the subject is iconic sitcoms, Friends and Seinfeld fans divide. With many series to pull from throughout the medium’s history, the best TV shows achieve some variation of critical acclaim, beloved legacies, and cultural significance. Let’s jump into our top 20 TV shows of all time:
20. Billions
The high-stakes world of New York City finance is the backdrop for the compelling drama Billions. Paul Giamatti plays U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhodes, who doggedly pursues hedge fund tycoon Bobby Axelrod (played by Damian Lewis) in the 2016 Showtime premiere. There are many surprising turns in Billions that keep viewers interested.
19. Halt and Catch Fire
Set against the backdrop of the early computer boom in the 1980s and the birth of the internet, Halt and Catch Fire aired on AMC from 2014 to 2017. Despite its modest viewership, this under-the-radar series offers a compelling look at the tech revolution. AMC stayed committed to the series, delivering an emotional and satisfying two-hour finale.
18. Friends
This famous NBC sitcom aired 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, following six friends navigating life and love in New York City. With its blend of humor and poignant moments, Friends, which stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, is a treasured classic.
17. Dexter
Michael C. Hall played Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst who also leads a second life as a vigilante serial killer in the 2006–2013 Showtime series Dexter. Particularly during its first four seasons, the show became a sensation as viewers were captivated by Dexter’s sinister path.
16. Sherlock
This BBC adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels follows a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, and his partner Dr. Watson, portrayed by Martin Freeman. Sherlock aired four seasons between 2010 and 2017 with sharp dialogue, stellar performances, and a Christmas special.
15. The Office (U.S.)
This American mockumentary sitcom aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, follows Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch employees. Featuring Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and Rainn Wilson, The Office remains a fan favorite with its unique comedic style, free of laugh tracks or a studio audience.
14. Lost
Lost is a ground-breaking mystery drama that follows Oceanic Flight 815 survivors as they make their way through life on an enigmatic island. The series, which ran on ABC from 2004 to 2010, had six compelling seasons and is reportedly being considered for a possible remake.
13. Luther
This BBC crime drama stars Idris Elba as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, a brilliant but flawed detective. Luther premiered in 2010, with its fifth season airing in 2019. The show captures audiences with its dark, suspenseful themes and Elba’s powerful performance.
12. The Americans
Set during the Cold War in the 1980s, this spy thriller tells the story of Russian agents posing as an American couple. Premiering on FX in 2013 and ending in 2018, The Americans features standout performances from Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, delivering six seasons of high-stakes espionage.
11. Justified
In Justified, Timothy Olyphant portrays U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who upholds his brand of justice in Harlan, Kentucky. The criminal drama, which ran on FX from 2010 to 2015, is well-known for its exceptional cast and character-driven narrative.
10. Hannibal
Based on Thomas Harris’s novels, this psychological thriller delves into the dark relationship between FBI investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen). Despite its intense subject matter, Hannibal ran for three seasons on NBC from 2013 to 2015, pushing the limits of network television.
9. Seinfeld
Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, this sitcom about “Nothing” ran on NBC from 1989 to 1998. Featuring a memorable cast and sharp humor, Seinfeld is celebrated as one of the best comedies ever, leaving a lasting legacy in TV history.
8. Game of Thrones
This fantasy epic, based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, follows the power struggles between noble families in Westeros. Premiering on HBO in 2011, the series captivated viewers until its controversial final season in 2019, making an unforgettable mark on pop culture.
7. The Sopranos
Airing on HBO from 1999 to 2007, this crime drama stars James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano, who grapples with both his criminal empire and personal struggles. With compelling characters and layered storytelling, The Sopranos redefined TV drama.
6. The Wire
This HBO series, which ran from 2002 to 2008, explores the drug scene in Baltimore from both sides of the law. The Wire is renowned for its realistic portrayal of city life, offering a nuanced look at complex social issues through a powerful narrative.
5. Fargo
The 1996 movie by the Coen Brothers inspired the South Dakota and Minnesota anthology series Fargo. Each season tells a different crime story with a darkly comedic undertone. The show’s distinctive storyline has won praise from critics since its 2014 FX launch.
4. Peaky Blinders
Set in post-World War I England, this gritty crime drama stars Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, leader of the notorious Peaky Blinders gang. Since its debut on the BBC in 2013, Peaky Blinders has gained a dedicated following thanks to its stunning cinematography and intense plotlines.
3. Westworld
A sci-fi Western, Westworld is in an immersive amusement park populated by androids. Premiering on HBO in 2016, this visually stunning series is known for its complex storylines and philosophical themes, drawing viewers into a world where humans and robots collide.
2. Deadwood
This Western drama aired on HBO from 2004 to 2006, set in the lawless settlement of Deadwood, South Dakota, during the late 1800s. With a strong cast led by Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant, Deadwood offers a raw look at life on the frontier and is renowned for its rich dialogue and gritty atmosphere.
1. Breaking Bad
Our top pick, Breaking Bad, aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013. The series stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned meth producer navigating the dangerous world of drug trafficking. With its intense storytelling, award-winning performances, and remarkable cinematography, Breaking Bad is considered a masterpiece of modern television.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into crime dramas, fantasy, or comedy, these shows represent some of the most impactful moments in TV history. In the ever-changing world of entertainment, the best TV shows have continuously captivated our hearts, pushed new limits, and left an everlasting stamp on the landscape of pop culture. Finding the most significant items in its enormous catalog is becoming increasingly difficult. These are the greatest TV shows ever. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
