In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 best TV shows of all time. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the history of the entertainment industry, the American film and television industry, evolution of online streaming platforms, impact of Covid-19 on online streaming services and future outlook of streaming, head to 30 Best TV Shows of All Time.
10. Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
To begin our list of top 10 best rated series of all time, we have the 90’s mystery drama Twin Peaks. This brilliant series was the brainchild of the cult filmmaker David Lynch and offered one of the most compelling murder mysteries in TV history. The show sparked a cult following so strong that even decades later, it inspired a series revival that continued the strange and supernatural drama.
9. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
The Twilight Zone broke boundaries in 1959 by going against all that television was at the time: simple, easy and safe. The stories and ideas that unfolded in each standalone episode of The Twilight Zone are as relevant today as they were sixty years ago.
8. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
Based on the movie of the same name, M*A*S*H follows the medical officers at a U.S. base camp during the Korean War. The series won 11 Emmys during its 11 season and ranks #1 in the list of Best 100 TV Series of All Time on Reader’s Digest.
7. The Simpsons (1989-Present)
Sitcoms were never quite the same after The Simpsons. With over 20 years under its belt, the show is the longest running American sitcom in history and has defined pop culture for over a generation. The Simpsons modernized television by inventing a new animation genre and is easily one of the best American TV series of all time. ‘The Simpsons Movie’, also released in 2007, and made $527 million worldwide on a $75 million budget.
6. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
In its nine seasons on air, Seinfeld took topics previously considered taboo on mainstream television and not only managed to put them before millions of people but also redefined modern comedy. Modern comedy wouldn’t be the same without it and that is why Seinfeld is regarded as one of the best TV shows in history. The show won 10 Emmys and propelled the careers of its actors.
5. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Based on the books by George R.R. Martin, Games of Thrones is an epic scale series that ranked among the most expensive in history. By the final season, the show had a budget of $15 million per episode and racked up several Emmys in its time. If you are a fan of dragons, epic battle scenes and a well-designed fantasy world, then Game of Thrones is a TV series you should watch.
4. Mad Men (2007-2015)
Set in the 1960s, Mad Men’s characters operated within the stylish world of advertising, which seemed to encourage the indulgent and immoral lifestyle of its most successful people. ‘Advertising Executive’ might not sound incredibly exciting for an ongoing TV show but Don Draper proved to be a fascinating protagonist. It has been described by critics as one of the best tv shows of all time.
3. The Wire (2002-2008)
It’s nearly impossible to find a better cop show than the wire. Set in Baltimore, the show follows the intertwining lives of law enforcement officers and criminals and realistically told the story. The police drama is ranked #1 on the list of top 100 TV shows on IGN.
2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Breaking Bad has been ranked the best drama series of all time on IMDB and the highest ranked TV show of all time on Screen Rant. The show follows the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer, who partners with his former student to cook and sell meth. Throughout its entire run, Breaking Bad never experienced a dip in quality and was the peak of American television.
1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The Sopranos is the number 1 TV show of all time on Rolling Stone. The show follows the story of a New Jersey mob boss, as he deals with balancing his business problems and family issues. The Sopranos was groundbreaking, especially when it first aired in 1999, and racked up more than 20 Emmys over its six seasons. Hence, the crime drama series tops our list of best TV shows of all time.
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