The best TV shows ever span a wide range of genres, styles, and eras, but some titles frequently appear among the greatest of all time including:
- Breaking Bad (Crime drama about a chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer) often tops the list for its storytelling and character development.
- The Sopranos (Crime drama) is hailed for its complex characters and influence on TV storytelling.
- Game of Thrones (Fantasy drama) became a cultural phenomenon despite mixed reactions to its final seasons.
- M A S*H (Comedy-drama set in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) is known for mixing comedy with poignant drama.
- The Wire (Crime drama) offers a profound look at the systemic problems in Baltimore.
- The Twilight Zone (Speculative fiction anthology) is a pioneering and influential series.
- Friends (Sitcom about a group of friends in New York) remains a beloved classic.
- The Simpsons (Animated sitcom) is a long-running satire on American culture.
- Westworld (Sci-fi and philosophical thriller) stands out for its ambitious storytelling.
- Line of Duty (British police procedural) acclaimed for its suspense and writing.
Lists of the best shows often include classics like The Wonder Years, Survivor, and critically acclaimed dramas and comedies that have shaped TV history. The best shows combine artistic merit, cultural impact, and viewer engagement, featuring a mix of drama, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, and documentary styles streamed across platforms including HBO, Apple TV+, Netflix, and more. This synthesis comes from recent comprehensive rankings and articles on best TV shows by Empire, IMDb, IGN, Variety, and Wikipedia.
