“These TV Shows Changed Everything—Which One’s Your Secret Obsession?”

Greatest TV Shows of All Time

Determining the “greatest TV shows of all time” is inherently subjective, but a blend of critical acclaim, cultural impact, audience devotion, and influence on the medium helps narrow it down. Based on recurring mentions across rankings, viewer votes, and industry recognition, here’s a list of some undisputed heavyweights as of February 23, 2025. These shows have shaped television, sparked endless debates, and left lasting legacies.

• Breaking Bad: This AMC masterpiece follows Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, with Bryan Cranston’s Emmy-winning performance anchoring a gripping tale of morality and consequence. It’s often cited as the gold standard for storytelling, with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and a record-breaking 16.7 million viewers for its finale.
• The Sopranos: HBO’s groundbreaking drama about mob boss Tony Soprano redefined prestige TV. Its raw exploration of family, power, and psychology paved the way for the antihero era, earning 21 Emmys and a spot as a cultural touchstone.
• The Wire: David Simon’s Baltimore saga is a slow-burn masterpiece, dissecting crime, education, and bureaucracy with unmatched realism. Its ensemble cast, including early roles for Michael B. Jordan and Idris Elba, and critical praise (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) make it a perennial favorite.
• Game of Thrones: Despite a divisive finale, HBO’s fantasy epic dominated the 2010s with its sprawling narrative and jaw-dropping spectacle. It won 59 Emmys, the most for any drama, and its global fandom remains unmatched.
• Friends: This NBC sitcom’s 10-season run turned six pals into household names. Its timeless humor and relatable dynamics still draw 236 million streaming hours yearly on Max, proving its enduring appeal.
• The Simpsons: Over 35 seasons, this animated satire has skewered society with razor-sharp wit. It’s the longest-running scripted primetime series, with 36 Emmys and a cultural footprint that’s spawned countless catchphrases.
• MAS*H: Blending comedy and war, this CBS classic ran for 11 seasons, ending with a finale watched by 105.9 million people—a record that stood for decades. Its heart and humor still resonate.
• Seinfeld: The “show about nothing” reinvented sitcoms with its quirky take on everyday life. Its 9-season run on NBC earned 10 Emmys and a legacy as a comedy benchmark.
• Twin Peaks: David Lynch’s surreal mystery blended soap opera and horror, influencing arthouse TV. Its 1990s run and 2017 revival cemented its cult status.
• Mad Men: This AMC drama about 1960s ad men layered style with substance, winning 16 Emmys and defining the Golden Age of TV with Don Draper’s complex journey.

Honorable mentions include Band of Brothers for its cinematic war storytelling, Chernobyl for its haunting miniseries perfection, The Office (US) for its mockumentary charm, and Succession for its razor-sharp take on power—each a titan in its own right. Also: What made John Wick more successful than movies like Hitman and Shoot ‘Em Up?

These shows stand out for their innovation, emotional pull, and ability to stick with viewers long after the credits roll. Rankings vary—IMDb puts Breaking Bad at 9.5/10 with over 2 million votes, while The Sopranos tops Rolling Stone’s critic-driven list—but their greatness is undeniable.

More from the Topic: Determining the greatest TV shows of all time is subjective and often depends on personal taste, cultural impact, and critical acclaim. However, based on popularity, influence, and critical reception, here’s a list of TV shows that are frequently regarded as some of the best:

1. Drama Series

1. The Sopranos (1999–2007)

• A groundbreaking mafia drama exploring family, morality, and identity.

1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

• A gripping tale of a chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin.

1. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

• A fantasy epic known for its complex characters and shocking twists.

1. The Wire (2002–2008)

• A realistic portrayal of urban life and systemic issues in Baltimore.

1. Mad Men (2007–2015)

• A stylish dive into the world of 1960s advertising and societal change.

2. Comedy Series

1. Friends (1994–2004)

• A beloved sitcom about six friends navigating life in New York City.

1. Seinfeld (1989–1998)

• A “show about nothing” that redefined sitcoms with its quirky humor.

1. The Office (US) (2005–2013)

• A mockumentary-style comedy about office life and eccentric coworkers.

1. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

• A heartwarming and hilarious look at local government.

1. Fleabag (2016–2019)

• A sharp, dark comedy about a flawed but relatable protagonist.

3. Sci-Fi/Fantasy

1. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

• A classic anthology series exploring surreal and thought-provoking stories.

1. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969)

• A pioneering sci-fi series that inspired generations.

1. Stranger Things (2016–present)

• A nostalgic homage to 80s sci-fi and horror.

1. Black Mirror (2011–present)

• A modern anthology series examining the dark side of technology.

1. The X-Files (1993–2018)

• A mix of sci-fi, horror, and conspiracy theories.

4. Crime/Thriller

1. True Detective (2014–present)

• A gritty anthology series with standout performances and storytelling.

1. Sherlock (2010–2017)

• A modern take on Sherlock Holmes with brilliant writing and acting.

1. Mindhunter (2017–2019)

• A chilling exploration of criminal psychology and FBI profiling.

1. Dexter (2006–2013)

• A unique story about a forensic expert who’s also a serial killer.

1. Narcos (2015–2017)

• A gripping portrayal of the rise and fall of drug cartels.

5. Animated Series

1. The Simpsons (1989–present)

• The longest-running animated series, known for its satire and humor.

1. South Park (1997–present)

• A controversial and hilarious take on current events and society.

1. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

• A critically acclaimed animated series with deep storytelling.

1. Rick and Morty (2013–present)

• A sci-fi comedy with dark humor and complex themes.

1. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

• A poignant and darkly comedic exploration of fame and mental health.

6. Historical/Political Drama

1. The Crown (2016–present)

• A lavish portrayal of the British royal family.

1. Band of Brothers (2001)

• A gripping WWII miniseries based on true events.

1. Chernobyl (2019)

• A harrowing depiction of the 1986 nuclear disaster.

1. Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

• A period drama about an aristocratic family and their servants.

1. Rome (2005–2007)

• A historical drama set in ancient Rome.

7. Reality TV/Competition

1. Survivor (2000–present)

• A pioneering reality competition show about strategy and survival.

1. The Great British Bake Off (2010–present)

• A wholesome baking competition with a loyal fanbase.

1. RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009–present)

• A groundbreaking celebration of drag culture and creativity.

1. Top Chef (2006–present)

• A high-stakes cooking competition showcasing culinary talent.

1. The Amazing Race (2001–present)

• A globe-trotting competition testing teamwork and endurance.

8. Miniseries

1. Roots (1977)

• A landmark series about the history of slavery in America.

1. John Adams (2008)

• A biographical miniseries about the founding father.

1. Big Little Lies (2017–2019)

• A star-studded drama about secrets and relationships.

1. When They See Us (2019)

• A powerful series about the Central Park Five case.

1. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

• A visually stunning story about a chess prodigy.

Final Words

These shows have left a lasting impact on television, pushing creative boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide. Whether you’re into drama, comedy, sci-fi, or reality TV, there’s something on this list for everyone. Let me know if you’d like more recommendations! 😊