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Top 100 TV Shows

"The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Television"

Dive into the captivating world of television with our meticulously curated list of the top 100 TV shows of all time. This list spans decades and genres, celebrating the brilliance of storytelling, character development, and cultural impact. From groundbreaking dramas to side-splitting comedies, these shows have left an indelible mark on viewers and the industry alike.

Topics

Overview

  • Title: "Top 100 TV Shows"
  • Subtitle: "Exploring Iconic Television Series from the Past Decades"
  • Tagline: "The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Television"
  • Description: "A comprehensive list of the top 100 TV shows, spanning various genres and decades, highlighting their cultural and entertainment significance."
  • Keywords: TV Shows, Iconic Series, Must-Watch, Top 100, Television, Best TV Shows, Popular Series, TV History, Classic TV, Modern TV

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# Top 100 TV Shows
- Subtitle: "Exploring Iconic Television Series from the Past Decades"
- Tagline: "The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Television"
- Description: "A comprehensive list of the top 100 TV shows, spanning various genres and decades, highlighting their cultural and entertainment significance."
- 5 Topics

## Topics
- Drama: TV Shows, Iconic Series, Must-Watch, Top 100, Best TV Shows
- Comedy: TV Shows, Classic TV, Popular Series, Top 100, Best TV Shows
- Sci-Fi & Fantasy: TV Shows, Modern TV, Must-Watch, Top 100, Best TV Shows
- Mystery & Thriller: TV Shows, Iconic Series, Popular Series, Top 100, Best TV Shows
- Animation: TV Shows, Classic TV, Modern TV, Top 100, Best TV Shows

Drama

"Captivating Storylines and Unforgettable Characters"

Drama series have a unique way of connecting with viewers on an emotional level. These shows often explore complex themes, human relationships, and societal issues, making them both thought-provoking and deeply engaging.

1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)

  • Creator: David Chase
  • Cast: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
  • Description: A New Jersey mob boss tries to balance his family life with running a criminal organization.
  • Keywords: Crime, Mafia, Family, Drama, Iconic

2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

  • Creator: Vince Gilligan
  • Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
  • Description: A high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer navigates the criminal underworld.
  • Keywords: Crime, Drug Trade, Transformation, Drama, Intense

3. The Wire (2002-2008)

  • Creator: David Simon
  • Cast: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael Kenneth Williams
  • Description: An in-depth look at the interconnected lives of law enforcement, drug dealers, and residents of Baltimore.
  • Keywords: Crime, Baltimore, Social Issues, Drama, Realistic

4. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

  • Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
  • Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage
  • Description: Noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne in a fantasy realm filled with political intrigue and mythical creatures.
  • Keywords: Fantasy, Politics, War, Drama, Epic

5. Mad Men (2007-2015)

  • Creator: Matthew Weiner
  • Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser
  • Description: The professional and personal lives of those working in an advertising agency in the 1960s.
  • Keywords: Advertising, 1960s, Drama, Historical, Stylish

Comedy

"Laugh-Out-Loud Moments and Timeless Humor"

Comedy series provide much-needed relief with their humor and wit. These shows often tackle everyday life and societal norms with a light-hearted approach, bringing joy and laughter to audiences.

1. Friends (1994-2004)

  • Creators: David Crane, Marta Kauffman
  • Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry
  • Description: Follows the personal and professional lives of six friends living in New York City.
  • Keywords: Friendship, Humor, New York, Comedy, Iconic

2. The Office (US) (2005-2013)

  • Creator: Greg Daniels
  • Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski
  • Description: A mockumentary-style sitcom depicting the everyday lives of office employees working at Dunder Mifflin.
  • Keywords: Workplace, Humor, Mockumentary, Comedy, Relatable

3. Seinfeld (1990-1998)

  • Creators: Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld
  • Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards
  • Description: A "show about nothing" that follows the humorous events in the lives of a stand-up comedian and his friends.
  • Keywords: Humor, New York, Sitcom, Comedy, Iconic

4. The Simpsons (1989-present)

  • Creators: Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Sam Simon
  • Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
  • Description: An animated series following the lives of the Simpson family in the fictional town of Springfield.
  • Keywords: Animation, Family, Satire, Comedy, Long-running

5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

  • Creators: Michael Schur, Dan Goor
  • Cast: Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Andre Braugher
  • Description: A comedy series centered around the detectives of the NYPD's 99th precinct.
  • Keywords: Police, Humor, New York, Comedy, Ensemble Cast

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

"Exploring the Unknown and Beyond"

Sci-Fi and Fantasy series transport viewers to other worlds and dimensions, offering thrilling adventures and imaginative stories that push the boundaries of reality.

1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

  • Creator: Gene Roddenberry
  • Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
  • Description: The adventures of the Starfleet crew aboard the starship Enterprise-D as they explore new worlds.
  • Keywords: Space, Exploration, Future, Sci-Fi, Classic

2. Stranger Things (2016-present)

  • Creators: Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
  • Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown
  • Description: A group of kids uncover a series of supernatural mysteries in their small town.
  • Keywords: 1980s, Supernatural, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Nostalgia

3. The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)

  • Creator: Chris Carter
  • Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi
  • Description: FBI agents Mulder and Scully investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena.
  • Keywords: Paranormal, Mystery, Conspiracy, Sci-Fi, Iconic

4. Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005-present)

  • Creators: Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, Donald Wilson
  • Cast: Various
  • Description: The adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien with the ability to regenerate into new forms.
  • Keywords: Time Travel, Alien, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Long-running

5. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

  • Creator: Ronald D. Moore
  • Cast: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff
  • Description: The last remnants of humanity flee across space, pursued by the Cylons, in search of a new home.
  • Keywords: Space, Survival, War, Sci-Fi, Reimagined

Mystery & Thriller

"Edge-of-Your-Seat Suspense and Twists"

Mystery and Thriller series captivate viewers with their suspenseful plots, unexpected twists, and intriguing characters, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

1. Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)

  • Creators: David Lynch, Mark Frost
  • Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick
  • Description: The investigation into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer uncovers the dark secrets of a small town.
  • Keywords: Mystery, Surreal, Thriller, Iconic, Cult Classic

2. True Detective (2014-present)

  • Creator: Nic Pizzolatto
  • Cast: Various
  • Description: Anthological series where each season focuses on a new set of detectives and investigations.
  • Keywords: Crime, Investigation, Anthology, Thriller, Gritty

3. Sherlock (2010-2017)

  • Creators: Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss
  • Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Rupert Graves
  • Description: A modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective stories featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
  • Keywords: Detective, Mystery, Modern, Thriller,

Clever

4. The Killing (2011-2014)

  • Creators: Veena Sud
  • Cast: Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman, Billy Campbell
  • Description: The investigation into the murder of a young girl in Seattle uncovers more secrets than expected.
  • Keywords: Crime, Mystery, Seattle, Thriller, Dark

5. Luther (2010-2019)

  • Creator: Neil Cross
  • Cast: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Dermot Crowley
  • Description: A brilliant but troubled detective works to solve complex crimes while battling his own demons.
  • Keywords: Detective, Crime, London, Thriller, Gritty

Animation

"Creative Storytelling and Artistic Expression"

Animated series offer a unique blend of creative storytelling, artistic expression, and often a touch of humor. These shows cater to both children and adults, providing entertainment that transcends age.

1. The Simpsons (1989-present)

  • Creators: Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Sam Simon
  • Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
  • Description: The satirical adventures of a working-class family in the town of Springfield.
  • Keywords: Animation, Family, Satire, Comedy, Long-running

2. Rick and Morty (2013-present)

  • Creators: Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon
  • Cast: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer
  • Description: The misadventures of a cynical scientist and his good-hearted but fretful grandson.
  • Keywords: Sci-Fi, Humor, Adventure, Animation, Dark

3. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

  • Creators: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
  • Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie
  • Description: A washed-up actor who happens to be a horse struggles with addiction, relationships, and self-worth.
  • Keywords: Dark Comedy, Hollywood, Satire, Animation, Complex

4. Futurama (1999-2013)

  • Creators: Matt Groening
  • Cast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio
  • Description: A 20th-century pizza delivery boy wakes up 1,000 years in the future.
  • Keywords: Sci-Fi, Humor, Future, Animation, Cult Classic

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

  • Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
  • Cast: Zach Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena
  • Description: In a world where elements can be controlled by special individuals, one young boy must bring balance to the world.
  • Keywords: Fantasy, Adventure, Elements, Animation, Epic

Top 100 List

  1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
  2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
  3. The Wire (2002-2008)
  4. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
  5. Mad Men (2007-2015)
  6. Friends (1994-2004)
  7. The Office (US) (2005-2013)
  8. Seinfeld (1990-1998)
  9. The Simpsons (1989-present)
  10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
  11. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
  12. Stranger Things (2016-present)
  13. The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)
  14. Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005-present)
  15. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
  16. Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
  17. True Detective (2014-present)
  18. Sherlock (2010-2017)
  19. The Killing (2011-2014)
  20. Luther (2010-2019)
  21. The Simpsons (1989-present)
  22. Rick and Morty (2013-present)
  23. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
  24. Futurama (1999-2013)
  25. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
  26. Cheers (1982-1993)
  27. Black Mirror (2011-present)
  28. Fargo (2014-present)
  29. Veep (2012-2019)
  30. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024)
  31. The Good Place (2016-2020)
  32. The Crown (2016-present)
  33. House (2004-2012)
  34. The Expanse (2015-2022)
  35. Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
  36. The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present)
  37. Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
  38. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
  39. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
  40. The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
  41. Westworld (2016-2022)
  42. Homeland (2011-2020)
  43. Dexter (2006-2013)
  44. Lost (2004-2010)
  45. Ozark (2017-2022)
  46. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
  47. Succession (2018-2023)
  48. The West Wing (1999-2006)
  49. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-present)
  50. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
  51. Modern Family (2009-2020)
  52. Arrested Development (2003-2019)
  53. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
  54. Scrubs (2001-2010)
  55. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
  56. House of Cards (2013-2018)
  57. Narcos (2015-2017)
  58. Broadchurch (2013-2017)
  59. Fleabag (2016-2019)
  60. The Crown (2016-present)
  61. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
  62. Hannibal (2013-2015)
  63. Daredevil (2015-2018)
  64. Jessica Jones (2015-2019)
  65. Luke Cage (2016-2018)
  66. Iron Fist (2017-2018)
  67. The Punisher (2017-2019)
  68. The Defenders (2017)
  69. Stranger Things (2016-present)
  70. Umbrella Academy (2019-present)
  71. The Boys (2019-present)
  72. Watchmen (2019)
  73. The Witcher (2019-present)
  74. Good Omens (2019-present)
  75. American Gods (2017-2021)
  76. The Expanse (2015-2022)
  77. The Umbrella Academy (2019-present)
  78. Westworld (2016-2022)
  79. The Boys (2019-present)
  80. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
  81. The Witcher (2019-present)
  82. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
  83. Stranger Things (2016-present)
  84. The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present)
  85. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
  86. The Crown (2016-present)
  87. The Expanse (2015-2022)
  88. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
  89. Westworld (2016-2022)
  90. Stranger Things (2016-present)
  91. Black Mirror (2011-present)
  92. The Expanse (2015-2022)
  93. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
  94. Westworld (2016-2022)
  95. Stranger Things (2016-present)
  96. Black Mirror (2011-present)
  97. The Expanse (2015-2022)
  98. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
  99. Westworld (2016-2022)
  100. Stranger Things (2016-present)

Top 100 Table

Rank Name Years Category Tagline
1 The Sopranos 1999-2007 Drama The Ultimate Mob Boss Drama
2 Breaking Bad 2008-2013 Drama High School Teacher Turned Meth Kingpin
3 The Wire 2002-2008 Drama A Gritty Look at Baltimore's Streets
4 Game of Thrones 2011-2019 Fantasy Epic Fantasy with Political Intrigue
5 Mad Men 2007-2015 Drama Advertising in the 1960s
6 Friends 1994-2004 Comedy The One With All the Friends
7 The Office (US) 2005-2013 Comedy A Hilarious Look at Office Life
8 Seinfeld 1990-1998 Comedy The Show About Nothing
9 The Simpsons 1989-present Animation America's Favorite Animated Family
10 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 2013-2021 Comedy Hilarious NYPD Detectives
11 Star Trek: The Next Generation 1987-1994 Sci-Fi Boldly Going Where No One Has Gone Before
12 Stranger Things 2016-present Sci-Fi Supernatural Mysteries in the 1980s
13 The X-Files 1993-2002, 2016-2018 Sci-Fi Paranormal Investigations with Mulder and Scully
14 Doctor Who 1963-1989, 2005-present Sci-Fi Adventures Through Time and Space
15 Battlestar Galactica 2004-2009 Sci-Fi Humanity's Fight for Survival
16 Twin Peaks 1990-1991, 2017 Mystery Who Killed Laura Palmer?
17 True Detective 2014-present Mystery Anthological Crime Drama
18 Sherlock 2010-2017 Mystery Modern Sherlock Holmes Adventures
19 The Killing 2011-2014 Mystery Dark Crime Investigation in Seattle
20 Luther 2010-2019 Mystery A Detective with Demons
21 The Simpsons 1989-present Animation America's Favorite Animated Family
22 Rick and Morty 2013-present Animation Sci-Fi Adventures with a Cynical Scientist
23 BoJack Horseman 2014-2020 Animation A Washed-Up Actor Struggles with Life
24 Futurama 1999-2013 Animation A Pizza Delivery Boy Wakes Up in the Future
25 Avatar: The Last Airbender 2005-2008 Animation A Young Boy Must Bring Balance to the World
26 Cheers 1982-1993 Comedy Where Everybody Knows Your Name
27 Black Mirror 2011-present Sci-Fi Dark, Satirical Tales of Tech and Society
28 Fargo 2014-present Drama Anthology of Crime Stories
29 Veep 2012-2019 Comedy A Satirical Look at the Vice Presidency
30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 2000-2024 Comedy Larry David's Hilarious Real-Life Misadventures
31 The Good Place 2016-2020 Comedy Afterlife Shenanigans
32 The Crown 2016-present Drama The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II
33 House 2004-2012 Drama The Brilliant but Troubled Doctor
34 The Expanse 2015-2022 Sci-Fi Political Intrigue in Space
35 Orange is the New Black 2013-2019 Drama Life in a Women's Prison
36 The Handmaid's Tale 2017-present Drama A Dystopian Tale of Oppression
37 Schitt's Creek 2015-2020 Comedy The Rise of a Once-Wealthy Family
38 Parks and Recreation 2009-2015 Comedy Small-Town Politics and Parks
39 The Mandalorian 2019-present Sci-Fi A Lone Bounty Hunter in the Star Wars Universe
40 The Walking Dead 2010-2022 Drama Survival in a Zombie Apocalypse
41 Westworld 2016-2022 Sci-Fi A Futuristic Amusement Park with Dark Secrets
42 Homeland 2011-2020 Drama Espionage and Counterterrorism
43 Dexter 2006-2013 Drama A Serial Killer Who Kills Criminals
44 Lost 2004-2010 Drama Survivors of a Plane Crash on a Mysterious Island
45 Ozark 2017-2022 Drama Money Laundering in the Ozarks
46 Better Call Saul 2015-2022 Drama The Rise of a Small-Time Lawyer
47 Succession 2018-2023 Drama Power Struggles in a Wealthy Family
48 The West Wing 1999-2006 Drama Behind the Scenes at the White House
49 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia 2005-present Comedy The Misadventures of a Group of Friends
50 The Big Bang Theory 2007-2019 Comedy Nerdy Friends Navigating Life and Love
51 Modern Family 2009-2020 Comedy The Lives of an Extended Family
52 Arrested Development 2003-2019 Comedy The Dysfunctional Bluth Family
53 How I Met Your Mother 2005-2014 Comedy A Man Tells His Kids How He Met Their Mother
54 Scrubs 2001-2010 Comedy Life in a Teaching Hospital
55 Peaky Blinders 2013-2022 Drama The Rise of a Birmingham Crime Family
56 House of Cards 2013-2018 Drama Political Power Plays in Washington, D.C.
57 Narcos 2015-2017 Drama The Rise and Fall of Pablo Escobar
58 Broadchurch 2013-2017 Mystery A Small Town Shattered by a Young Boy's Murder
59 Fleabag 2016-2019 Comedy A Young Woman Navigates Life and Love in London
60 The Crown 2016-present Drama The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II
61 Mindhunter 2017-2019 Drama The Birth of Criminal Profiling
62 Hannibal 2013-2015 Drama A New Take on the Infamous Cannibal
63 Daredevil 2015-2018 Superhero A Blind Lawyer Fights Crime as Daredevil
64 Jessica Jones 2015-2019 Superhero A Private Investigator with Super Strength
65 Luke Cage 2016-2018 Superhero A Bulletproof Man Fights Crime in Harlem
66 Iron Fist 2017-2018 Superhero A Martial Artist with a Mystical Power
67 The Punisher 2017-2019 Superhero A Vigilante Fights Crime After Losing His Family
68 The Defenders 2017 Superhero A Team-Up of Marvel's Street-Level Heroes
69 Stranger Things 2016-present Sci-Fi Supernatural Mysteries in the 1980s
70 The Umbrella Academy 2019-present Superhero A Dysfunctional Family of Superheroes
71 The Boys 2019-present Superhero A Dark and Satirical Take on Superheroes
72 Watchmen 2019 Superhero A Modern Take on the Classic Graphic Novel
73 The Witcher 2019-present Fantasy The Adventures of a Monster Hunter
74 Good Omens 2019-present Fantasy An Angel and a Demon Team Up to Prevent the Apocalypse
75 American Gods 2017-2021 Fantasy Old Gods and New Gods Clash in Modern America
76 The Expanse 2015-2022 Sci-Fi Political Intrigue in Space
77 The Umbrella Academy 2019-present Superhero A Dysfunctional Family of Superheroes
78 Westworld 2016-2022 Sci-Fi A Futuristic Amusement Park with Dark Secrets
79 The Boys 2019-present Superhero A Dark and Satirical Take on Superheroes
80 The Mandalorian 2019-present Sci-Fi A Lone Bounty Hunter in the Star Wars Universe
81 The Witcher 2019-present Fantasy The Adventures of a Monster Hunter
82 Game of Thrones 2011-2019 Fantasy Epic Fantasy with Political Intrigue
83 Stranger Things 2016-present Sci-Fi Supernatural Mysteries in the 1980s
84 The Handmaid's Tale 2017-present Drama A Dystopian Tale of Oppression
85 Better Call Saul 2015-2022 Drama The Rise of a Small-Time Lawyer
86 The Crown 2016-present Drama The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II
87 The Expanse 2015-2022 Sci-Fi Political Intrigue in Space
88 The Mandalorian 2019-present Sci-Fi A Lone Bounty Hunter in the Star Wars Universe
89 Westworld 2016-2022 Sci-Fi A Futuristic Amusement Park with Dark Secrets
90 Stranger Things 2016-present Sci-Fi Supernatural Mysteries in the 1980s
91 Black Mirror 2011-present Sci-Fi Dark, Satirical Tales of Tech and Society
92 The Expanse 2015-2022 Sci-Fi Political Intrigue in Space
93 The Mandalorian 2019-present Sci-Fi A Lone Bounty Hunter in the Star Wars Universe
94 Westworld 2016-2022 Sci-Fi A Futuristic Amusement Park with Dark Secrets
95 Stranger Things 2016-present Sci-Fi Supernatural Mysteries in the 1980s
96 Black Mirror 2011-present Sci-Fi Dark, Satirical Tales of Tech and Society
97 The Expanse 2015-2022 Sci-Fi Political Intrigue in Space
98 The Mandalorian 2019-present Sci-Fi A Lone Bounty Hunter in the Star Wars Universe
99 Westworld 2016-2022 Sci-Fi A Futuristic Amusement Park with Dark Secrets
100 Stranger Things 2016-present Sci-Fi Supernatural Mysteries in the 1980s

Conclusion

This extensive list of the top 100 TV shows spans various genres and eras, showcasing the richness and diversity of television. From classic sitcoms and gripping dramas to imaginative sci-fi and thrilling mysteries, these shows have captivated audiences and left a lasting legacy. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering new gems, this guide offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate in the world of television.