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
Cheat¶
# 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¶
- The Sopranos (1999-2007)
- Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
- The Wire (2002-2008)
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
- Mad Men (2007-2015)
- Friends (1994-2004)
- The Office (US) (2005-2013)
- Seinfeld (1990-1998)
- The Simpsons (1989-present)
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
- Stranger Things (2016-present)
- The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)
- Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005-present)
- Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
- Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
- True Detective (2014-present)
- Sherlock (2010-2017)
- The Killing (2011-2014)
- Luther (2010-2019)
- The Simpsons (1989-present)
- Rick and Morty (2013-present)
- BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
- Futurama (1999-2013)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
- Cheers (1982-1993)
- Black Mirror (2011-present)
- Fargo (2014-present)
- Veep (2012-2019)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024)
- The Good Place (2016-2020)
- The Crown (2016-present)
- House (2004-2012)
- The Expanse (2015-2022)
- Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
- The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present)
- Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
- Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
- Westworld (2016-2022)
- Homeland (2011-2020)
- Dexter (2006-2013)
- Lost (2004-2010)
- Ozark (2017-2022)
- Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
- Succession (2018-2023)
- The West Wing (1999-2006)
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-present)
- The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
- Modern Family (2009-2020)
- Arrested Development (2003-2019)
- How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
- Scrubs (2001-2010)
- Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
- House of Cards (2013-2018)
- Narcos (2015-2017)
- Broadchurch (2013-2017)
- Fleabag (2016-2019)
- The Crown (2016-present)
- Mindhunter (2017-2019)
- Hannibal (2013-2015)
- Daredevil (2015-2018)
- Jessica Jones (2015-2019)
- Luke Cage (2016-2018)
- Iron Fist (2017-2018)
- The Punisher (2017-2019)
- The Defenders (2017)
- Stranger Things (2016-present)
- Umbrella Academy (2019-present)
- The Boys (2019-present)
- Watchmen (2019)
- The Witcher (2019-present)
- Good Omens (2019-present)
- American Gods (2017-2021)
- The Expanse (2015-2022)
- The Umbrella Academy (2019-present)
- Westworld (2016-2022)
- The Boys (2019-present)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- The Witcher (2019-present)
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
- Stranger Things (2016-present)
- The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present)
- Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
- The Crown (2016-present)
- The Expanse (2015-2022)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- Westworld (2016-2022)
- Stranger Things (2016-present)
- Black Mirror (2011-present)
- The Expanse (2015-2022)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- Westworld (2016-2022)
- Stranger Things (2016-present)
- Black Mirror (2011-present)
- The Expanse (2015-2022)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- Westworld (2016-2022)
- 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.