Summary

  • The best TV shows of all time span various genres, showcasing their substantial impact on culture and the television medium since the 1950s.
  • Critical acclaim, cultural impact, popularity, and influence on the television medium are important factors in determining the best TV shows of all time.
  • The likes of Life on Mars, Only Fools and Horses, Stranger Things, Oz, The Golden Girls, The X-Files, and Six Feet Under are all considered among the greatest TV shows of all time due to their cultural significance, critical acclaim, and success.

The best TV shows of all time cover a wide range of genres, topics, and generational conflicts that continue to have substantial impacts on the wider culture and the television medium itself. Television might have once been viewed as a lesser medium than movies, but some of the greatest prestige TV shows, classic sitcoms, and sketch shows have massively shaped the cultural conscience and changed how audiences interact with media since the 1950s.

With a vast number of series to pull from throughout the history of the medium, the best TV shows of all time achieve some variation of critical acclaim, beloved legacies, and cultural significance. Prestige dramas may tend to have an advantage with reputations as the greatest shows of all time, but the cultural impact and popularity must also be accounted for with groundbreaking horror shows, legendary sitcoms, and sci-fi hits. While the ultimate ranking will always be subjective, Screen Rant's list of the best TV shows of all time takes a holistic approach based on a combination of factors like awards, critical and audience acclaim, cultural effect, influence on the television medium, and larger legacy.

Related
The 50 Best Movies Of All Time
Screen Rant breaks down the 50 best movies of all time, which are based on original scores weighted by rankings from IMDb and Metacritic.

50 Life On Mars (2006-2007)

High-concept British Sci-Fi meets 1970s Cop Drama

Highest Rated Episodes Of Life On Mars

Episode

IMDB Rating

Season 2 Episode 8

8.9

Season 1 Episode 8

8.6

Season 1 Episode 4

8.3

The British TV series Life on Mars is renowned for its successful combination of various genres, being able to wear the labels of sci-fi, mystery, time travel, period drama, and police procedural. Life on Mars follows police officer Sam Tyler from 2006 Manchester, who finds himself mysteriously transported back to the 1970s after an accident.

Life on Mars is also well-remembered for its ambiguity in regard to Sam's fate, leaving audiences and characters equally uncertain about whether he is comatose, deceased, or truly traveling back in time. The popularity of Life on Mars' two-season story inspired numerous international remakes, including a short-lived American series, and earned the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series twice.

49 Only Fools And Horses (1981-2003)

Working class comedy heroes unite in a British classic

Only Fools and Horses
Comedy

Only Fools and Horses is a British comedy that follows two brothers from London's working-class Peckham estate trying to make their fortune through dodgy deals. Over seven seasons, Del Boy and Rodney Trotter constantly search for the one big score that will help them realize their dreams of being millionaires.

Release Date
September 8, 1981
Cast
David Jason , Nicholas Lyndhurst , Lennard Pearce , Buster Merryfield , Tessa Peake-Jones , Gwyneth Strong , Roger Lloyd-Pack , John Challis
Seasons
7

Highest Rated Episodes Of Only Fools and Horses

Episode

IMDB Rating

The Jolly Boys' Outing (S6, E7)

9.6

Time on Our Hands (1996 Christmas Special)

9.6

Heroes and Villains (1993 Christmas Special)

9.3

One of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time is John Sullivan's Only Fools and Horses, which originally ran for seven seasons from 1981 until 1991, and then returned to screens with specials until 2003. The series follows the highs and lows of the working-class Trotter family as they attempt to get rich, with many supporting characters including their significant others and neighbors. A proper sleeper hit, Only Fools and Horses made little impact upon its initial release before becoming a massive success with audiences and critics alike in its later seasons.

In addition to holding UK records for sitcom viewership, the show boasts an undeniable impact on British culture today as the source of several popular English phrases and words. The series also earned several BAFTA awards and British Comedy Awards, and finds itself on several modern lists of the greatest sitcoms, British TV shows, and characters in television history. With seven seasons through 1991 and a total of 16 sporadic Christmas specials through 2003, Only Fools and Horses has had a pervasive, global cultural influence that firmly establishes it as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

48 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

Netflix's flagship sci-fi show that inspired millions of subscriptions

Stranger Things
Fantasy
Horror
Drama

Inspired by 80s pop-culture and elements of Stephen King's works, Stranger Things is a supernatural action-drama TV series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. When a young boy goes missing, his group of friends stumbles upon a young girl with telekinetic powers who recently escaped from a mysterious facility. They soon realize that she may be their only chance at stopping an impending doom that threatens to engulf Hawkins whole.

Release Date
July 15, 2016
Cast
Finn Wolfhard , joe keery , Jamie Campbell Bower , Brett Gelman , Caleb McLaughlin , Maya Hawke , David Harbour , Matthew Modine , Priah Ferguson , Gaten Matarazzo , Winona Ryder , Charlie Heaton , Sadie Sink , Millie Bobby Brown , Joseph Quinn , Dacre Montgomery , Natalia Dyer , Noah Schnapp
Seasons
4

Highest Rated Episodes Of Stranger Things

Episode

IMDB Rating

The Massacre at Hawkins Lab (S4, E7)

9.6

Dear Billy (S4, E4)

9.4

The Upside Down (S1, E8)

9.3

The Duffer Brothers have been heavily inspired by 80s horror when creating Stranger Things, which has become a sensation for Netflix. The series only grows in scope with each passing season, with the record-breaking Stranger Things season 4 increasing its character count, global span, and technological ambitions for some of its most critically acclaimed installments yet. The combination of stunning visual effects, a captivating story, incredible young actors, and 80s nostalgia has made Stranger Things into a global hit.

Changing the landscape of streaming and binge-watching as one of Netflix's first major original shows, Stranger Things' appeal to multiple generations has established it as a cultural phenomenon since 2016. The shocking accomplishments of the series have rarely been seen on the small screen, which won't be forgotten after coming to a close with Stranger Things season 5.

47 Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)

The outrageous, hilarious sitcom that became the UK's best, officially

John Cleese in Fawlty Towers
Fawlty Towers
Comedy
Satire

Fawlty Towers is a British satirical comedy created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, initially released in 1975. Loosely based on events John Cleese's life experiences, Fawlty Towers focuses on a rude hotel owner and his group of mismatched employees who all try to keep the business afloat amidst a parade of eccentric guests.

Release Date
September 19, 1975
Cast
John Cleese , Prunella Scales , Andrew Sachs , Connie Booth , Ballard Berkeley , Brian Hall , Renee Roberts , Gilly Flower
Seasons
2

Highest Rated Episodes Of Fawlty Towers

Episode

IMDB Rating

The Germans (S1, E6)

9.3

Communication Problems (S2, E1)

9.2

The Upside Down (S1, E8)

9.3

From Monty Python co-founder John Cleese, Fawlty Towers earns its spot on the list of the greatest TV shows of all time through its cultural legacy and reputation as the quintessential British sitcom. Set in the fictional eponymous hotel in Torquay, Fawlty Towers is about the owner, his wife, the chambermaid, and the waiter who strive to run the hotel amid challenging situations and a variety of eccentric guests.

The recipient of several BAFTAs, Fawlty Towers has received greater critical acclaim over time, with the series holding a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and being named the best British sitcom ever by the British Film Institute in 2000.

46 Oz (1997-2003)

The critically-acclaimed prison drama that kick-started HBO's hot streak

Oz christopher meloni
Oz
Crime
Drama

Oz was a crime-drama series from HBO created by Tom Fontana. The series focuses on the inmates and officers of the fictional experimental Oswald State Correctional Facility. The prison, prioritizing rehabilitation instead of corrective punishment, navigates the fragile social cliques within its halls, where tensions never relent.

Release Date
February 23, 1997
Cast
Ernie Hudson , Terry Kinney , Harold Perrineau , Eamonn Walker , Kirk Acevedo , Rita Moreno , J. K. Simmons , Lee Tergesen , Dean Winters , Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Seasons
5

Highest Rated Episodes Of Oz

Episode

IMDB Rating

A Game of Checkers (S1, E8)

9.2

You Bet Your Life (S4, E8)

9.0

A Day in the Death... (S6, E6)

8.9

Set in a fictional men's prison, Oz follows an experimental unit of the facility called the "Emerald City" that strives to ease tensions between the various factions of prisoners. Known as the first one-hour drama series produced by HBO, Oz set the stage for the prestige drama TV reputation that the network maintains today.

Oz has received significant critical acclaim and numerous awards nominations, with the series being groundbreaking for its depiction of graphic violence and sexual content as well as its complicated themes.

45 The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

The revolutionary, awards-darling sitcom that's aged incredibly well

The Golden Girls cast sat chatting on a couch in Golden Girls
The Golden Girls
Sitcom

The Golden Girls follows Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), Rose Nylund (Betty White), Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan), and Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) as they live together in Miami. Throughout its seven seasons, the beloved series created by Susan Harris won 11 Primetime Emmys and continues to be one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Release Date
September 14, 1985
Cast
Betty White
Seasons
7

Highest Rated Episodes Of The Golden Girls

Episode

IMDB Rating

One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's Nest (S7, E23)

9.1

Old Friends (S3, E1)

9.0

The Case of the Libertine Belle (S7, E2)

9.0

The Golden Girls is often considered a comfort show across various generations, offering funny and warm moments of friendship between its central four ladies. The revolutionary sitcom boosted ratings for NBC, was critically acclaimed throughout its run, and received numerous awards, including the rare achievement of each main actress winning an Emmy.

However, along with providing warm-hearted laughs, people might have forgotten that The Golden Girls was also willing to tackle difficult subjects like death as well as show support for gay rights. Continuing to appeal to new generations, The Golden Girls is an instance of a 1980s sitcom that has aged surprisingly well for its subject matter, performances, and comedic writing.

44 Sergeant Bilko (1955-1959)

The military comedy whose influence changed sitcom history

The Phil Silvers Show Sgt Bilko Steve Henshaw Rocco Barbella
Sergeant Bilko
Comedy

Sergeant Bilko (also known as The Phil Silvers Show) was a sitcom created for CBS by Nat Hiken. The classic comedy series follows a group of soldiers at a fictional military base in Kansas led by Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko, who, while leading his men, would attempt various get-rich-quick schemes, often roping those under his command into his comical hijinx.

Release Date
September 20, 1955
Cast
Phil Silvers , Harvey Lembeck , Allan Melvin , Paul Ford
Seasons
4

Highest Rated Episodes Of Sergeant Bilko

Episode

IMDB Rating

The Court Martial (S1, E25)

9.2

Doberman's Sister (S2, E10)

9.0

A Mess Sergeant Can't Win (S2, E9)

9.0

Also known as The Phil Silvers Show or You'll Never Get Rich, the 1955 sitcom Sergeant Bilko has had a substantial influence on the history of comedy television. Having inspired some of the greatest TV show figures like Larry David (via YouTube) and subsequent uniform sitcoms like MASH, Phil Silvers' Sergeant Bilko is a quintessential example of how to create a timeless TV character persona.

The title officer and the sitcom's premise have been parodied countless times throughout television history, with Sergeant Bilko's top-tier writing and character building earning it numerous Emmy awards, critical acclaim, and high ratings throughout its run.

43 The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)

The modern era's answer to The Twilight Zone that left an unprecedented mark

Gillian Anderson's Scully showing her badge while David Duchovny's Mulder looks in the X-Files revival
The X-Files

The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.

Release Date
September 10, 1993
Cast
Gillian Flynn , David Duchovny , Robert Patrick , Annabeth Gish , Mitch Pileggi
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Seasons
11

Highest Rated Episodes Of The X-Files

Episode

IMDB Rating

Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose (S3, E4)

9.2

Bad Blood (S5, E12)

9.2

Anasazi (S2, E25)

9.1

Inspired by some of history's biggest shows like The Twilight Zone, The X-Files managed to become a legendary series in its own right. The sci-fi mystery show focuses on a pair of FBI agents who investigate the strangest paranormal cases the bureau has to offer. Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny are electric on screen together, with their chemistry being maintained when the show as revived in 2016.

From the theme song to the storylines, The X-Files is a pop culture staple that received positive reviews and various awards before spawning spin-offs, comics, and films. By the conclusion of the show, The X-Files was the longest-running sci-fi series in the history of US television, leaving an incredibly influential mark on the genre thereafter.

42 Six Feet Under (2001-2005)

Compelling, emotionally-charged drama that deserves its place at HBO's top table

The Fisher family ay a funeral in the Six Feet Under Pilot
Six Feet Under
Drama

Created by Alan Ball, Six Feet Under is a Black Comedy and Drama series that stars Peter Krause, Frances Conroy, Rachel Griffiths, and Michael C. Hall. Running for five seasons between 2001 and 2005, the plot revolves around a dysfunctional family that owns and operates a funeral home.

Release Date
June 3, 2001
Cast
Peter Krause , Lauren Ambrose
Seasons
5

Highest Rated Episodes Of Six Feet Under

Episode

IMDB Rating

Everyone's Waiting (S5, E12)

9.9

All Alone (S5, E10)

9.6

Ecotone (S5, E9)

9.5

Considered to have one of the greatest TV show finales of all time, HBO's Six Feet Under also maintains a legacy as one of the best dramas in television history. Receiving significant acclaim for its acting, writing, and themes, Six Feet Under won various primetime awards and high ratings as it captivated audiences for five seasons.

Its rich characterizations, ruminations on life and death, and cast performances are only made better by the fact that Six Feet Under exceeds expectations in how it sticks the landing. In addition to its brilliant storytelling, Six Feet Under is a great example of how to properly execute an ending on television, which has been the Achilles heel of many great shows.

41 In Living Color (1990-1994)

Ground-breaking, beloved comedy that centered great Black talent

In Living Color cast
In Living Color
Comedy

Created by Keenen Ivory Wayans for FOX, In Living Color is a sketch comedy series that aired from 1990-1994. In Living Color provided a new take on the evening sketch comedy series airing at the time, with a mostly Black cast and a focus on unique humor helmed by the Wayans family. The series also featured several rotating guests and took home an Emmy in its release year for Outstanding Variety Series.

Release Date
April 15, 1990
Cast
Jim Carrey , Tommy Davidson , David Alan Grier , T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh , Keenen Ivory Wayans , Kim Wayans
Seasons
5

Highest Rated Episodes Of In Living Color

Episode

IMDB Rating

Dirty Dozens Tournament of Champions (S5, E19)

8.0

Thelma and Louise Jefferson (S4, E24)

7.9

Best Celebrity Impersonations (S4, E32)

7.9

In Living Color is considered one of the greatest sketch comedy series of all time, showcasing a predominantly Black cast during a time when other shows in this format were primarily White. Additionally, In Living Color's sketches put Black humor in the limelight in an era where mainstream Black comedy shows like The Cosby Show were set in mild family-friendly environments, though a feud between the Wayans and Fox would threaten the series' success.

The revolutionary show was a huge hit with audiences, had great ratings for its first few seasons, and even beat Saturday Night Live to win the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series Emmy Award in 1990. Before ending in 1994, In Living Color featured future film and TV stars like the Wayans brothers, Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and even Jennifer Lopez as a dancer.

40 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Beloved supernatural drama that started TV's obsession with hot vampires

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers looking determined in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Action
Comedy
Drama
Horror
Supernatural

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural comedy-drama series released in 1997. The show follows the exploits of Buffy, a woman born into a line of "Slayers" destined to do battle with vampires, demons, and monsters. Aided by her close group of friends and a Watcher who helps her hone her craft, the crew solves mysteries and battles the forces of evil to protect their town - and the world.

Release Date
March 10, 1997
Cast
Sarah Michelle Gellar , Nicholas Brendon , Alyson Hannigan , Charisma Carpenter , Dan Rubin , David Boreanaz , Seth Green , James Marsters
Seasons
7

Highest Rated Episodes Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Episode

IMDB Rating

Once More, with Feeling (S6, E7)

9.7

Hush (S4, E10)

9.7

The Body (S5, E16)

9.7

Given the revelations about creator Joss Whedon, rewatching seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer now might be a little less enjoyable. However, there is no denying that this was an extremely important show that redefined the way genre stories could be told on the small screen.

The series follows a high school girl who is next in the line of ancient warriors and must balance battling evil and her everyday life, primarily vampires. The exciting Buffy canon mythology, quippy humor, and lovable heroes are timeless, with the series also featuring one of the greatest TV episodes of all time, "The Body."

39 The Leftovers (2014-2017)

The compelling sci-fi drama that deserves way more than its frequent Lost parallels

The Leftovers - Justin Theroux as Kevin Garvey in his police officer uniform
The Leftovers
Drama
Mystery
Supernatural
Thriller

The Leftovers is a three-season drama that follows a group of people as they deal with the effects of the sudden disappearance of 2% of the word's population. It was created by Lost co-producer Damon Lindelof and Election writer Tom Perrotta, with famous actors such as Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Margaret Qualley, and Justin Theroux in the ensemble cast.

Release Date
June 29, 2014
Cast
Justin Theroux , Amy Brenneman , Christopher Eccleston , Liv Tyler , Chris Zylka , Margaret Qualley , Carrie Coon , Emily Meade , Amanda Warren , Ann Dowd , Michael Gaston , Max Carver
Seasons
3

Highest Rated Episodes Of The Leftovers

Episode

IMDB Rating

International Assassin (S2, E8)

9.6

I Live Here Now (S2, E10)

9.5

The Book of Nora (S3, E8)

9.5

HBO's The Leftovers is supernatural drama mystery series that begins two years after a global event resulting in 2% of the population disappearing. The lives of a police chief, grieving widow, and reverend are the series' focal point as they adjust to life after the devastating event, with The Leftovers being a masterclass in tackling deep themes, character building, direction, and writing.

Often finding itself compared to Lost, The Leftovers is considered one of the best TV shows of all time for its powerful and provocative storytelling that evolves alongside its characters.

38 Parks & Recreation (2009-2017)

Character comedy that managed to make government fun

Donna, Andy, April, Ann, and Ron in a Christmas episode of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Sitcom
Comedy
Mockumentary

This political sitcom full of humor and heart follows the adventures of Leslie Knope, deputy director of the Parks Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Every week holds a new crisis of small-town politics, but Leslie and her friends work tirelessly to make Pawnee — and the world — a better place.

Release Date
April 9, 2009
Cast
Amy Poehler , Nick Offerman , ​Chris Pratt2 , Aubrey Plaza , Adam Scott , Rashida Jones , Retta , Jim O'Heir , Aziz Ansari , Rob Lowe
Seasons
7

Highest Rated Episodes Of Parks & Recreation

Episode

IMDB Rating

One Last Ride (S7, E12)

9.5

Leslie and Ron (S7, E4)

9.5

Moving Up: Part 2 (S6, E22)

9.3

While initially battling comparisons to NBC's popular workplace mockumentary sitcom The Office, Mike Schur's Parks and Recreation quickly established itself as a series worthy of standing on its own. Seeing significant changes in season 2 with Leslie Knope, its sophomore season allowed the characters to come into their own, grow together, and develop into some of TV's best.

Amy Poehler won a Golden Globe and the cast helped produce future stars like Aubrey Plaza and Chris Pratt. The show truly took off after adding Adam Scott and Rob Lowe, delivering consistently funny and heartwarming episodes until its conclusion in 2017.

37 Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Bold sci-fi remake with a galaxy-worth of cultural significance

The Five in BSG and Edward James Olmos as Commander William Adama
Battlestar Galactica
Adventure
Drama
Action

The 2004 science fiction TV series Battlestar Galactica is a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same title. Created by Glen A. Larson, the original Battlestar Galactica features a fictional human civilization living in a distant star system called the Twelve Colonies. They are in constant battle against a cybernetic race called the Cylons, who want to exterminate the human race. A massive attack was launched, and only those who made it onboard the Battlestar Galactica and its fleet survived. They navigate space in search of the mythical 13th colony called Earth. Battlestar Galactica is under the command of President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Colonial Fleet Officer, Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos).

Cast
Grace Park , Katee Sackhoff , Mary McDonnell , Tahmoh Penikett , Tricia Helfer , Edward James Olmos , Aaron Douglas , James Callis , Alessandro Juliani , Michael Hogan , Jamie Bamber , Kandyse McClure
Seasons
4

Highest Rated Episodes Of Battlestar Galactica

Episode

IMDB Rating

Crossroads: Part 2 (S3, E20)

9.2

Exodus: Part 2 (S3, E4)

9.1

Blood on the Scales (S4, E14)

9.1

A reboot of the original Battlestar Galactica series, the 2004 TV show has received immense critical acclaim for its writing, directing, visual effects, and sound design. As one of the best TV series of all time, Battlestar Galactica has had a massive impact on the sci-fi genre and how to put such stories on the small screen with complexity and depth.

Also praised for its positive depiction of complex female characters and its compelling politically-charged narratives, the show's cultural influence as a massively successful post-9/11 drama can't be understated.

36 Bojack Horseman (2014-2020)

Heartbreaking and hilarious animation that took things surprisingly high-brow

BoJack and Gina at craft services in BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman
Drama
Animation
Comedy

Once the famous star of a hit sitcom, BoJack Horseman has fallen on tough times. Stuck in a major career slump and longing to relive his glory days, BoJack attempts to once more become relevant in an industry that has long since turned its back on him. With a few dysfunctional friends at his side, BoJack begins his long-overdue career comeback.

Release Date
August 22, 2014
Cast
Amy Sedaris , Will Arnett , Alison Brie , Aaron Paul , Paul F. Tompkins
Seasons
6

Highest Rated Episodes Of Bojack Horseman

Episode

IMDB Rating

The View from Halfway Down (S6, E15)

9.9

Free Churro (S5, E6)

9.8

Time's Arrow (S4, E11)

9.8

An animated series about an anthropomorphic horse who used to be a sitcom star doesn't sound like the kind of thing that would touch on serious topics. However, Bojack Horseman covers alcoholism, suicide, depression, trauma, and more mature themes that separate it from contemporary adult animated comedies.

In addition to nominations for several major awards during its run, Bojack Horseman has revolutionized the adult animated comedy genre with high-concept episodes, comedy, and serious themes. The voice acting of Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Aaron Paul, Alison Brie, and the many guest stars who appeared also make up an impressive cast.

35 Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)

Aburd, surrealist comedy from Britain's most famous collective

Monty Python's Flying Circus Logo
  • Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 45 | Episode Length: 25-30
  • Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Carol Cleveland

Highest Rated Episodes Of Monty Python's Flying Circus

Episode

IMDB Rating

The Spanish Inquisition (S2, E2)

8.9

Full Frontal Nudity (S1, E8)

8.6

Spam (S2, E12)

8.6

Monty Python's Flying Circus showed Saturday Night Live the ropes, with the British sketch comedy series being a standout for its absurdist humor, skits with no punchlines, animation breaks, and risqué jokes.

The show broke ground for the Monty Python comedy group, whose style of humor has been so massively influential on the entire comedy genre over the past 50 years that it earned its own "Pythonesque" adjective. Monty Python's Flying Circus was remarkably popular in the UK and went on to achieve success later in the US, leading to three movies and live tours for the comedians.

34 Chernobyl (2019)

The stunning true story of one of humanity's darkest days

A person in a gas mask in Chornobyl
Chernobyl
Drama

Chernobyl is the Emmy award-winning mini-series by Craig Mazin created for HBO that retells the dramatic story of the Ukrainian nuclear disaster in the 80s. The show follows the true story closely with some dramatizations but still follows the fallout of the atomic event and tells stories from those closely involved to the efforts of first responders and other teams who helped with the cleanup efforts.

Release Date
June 3, 2019
Cast
Stellan Skarsgård , Jared Harris
Seasons
1

Highest Rated Episodes Of Chernobyl

Episode

IMDB Rating

Vichnaya Pamyat (S1, E5)

9.8

Please Remain Calm (S1, E2)

9.6

Open Wide, O Earth (S1, E3)

9.5

Known as one of the greatest miniseries of all time, HBO's Chernobyl has been widely acclaimed for its historical accuracy, chilling cinematography, gripping screenplay, cast performances, and score.

With nineteen nominations and three major wins at the 2020 Emmys, Chernobyl's haunting depiction of the titular disaster is monumental for how it explores the human tragedy through institutional corruption, denial, and abuse of authority. Chernobyl is an extraordinary example of consistently building dread with each episode, using the television format to its greatest strength.

33 Deadwood (2004-2006)

The greatest Western TV show ever conceived

Gerald McRaney as George Hearst in Deadwood
  • Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 36 | Episode Length: 48-60 minutes
  • Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Jim Beaver, Brad Dourif

Highest Rated Episodes Of Deadwood

Episode

IMDB Rating

Sold Under Sin (S1, E12)

9.1

A Two-Headed Beast (S3, E5)

9.0

Boy-the-Earth-Talks-To (S2, E12)

8.9

Many of HBO's most prestigious TV shows follow the idea of "quality over quantity," and Deadwood fits well in this category. Despite only lasting three seasons, the Western series was met with widespread critical acclaim and garnered eight Emmy wins. Set in the titular town during the 1870s, it focuses on the people involved in the town's growth over the years.

The show's unique dialogue, gritty depiction of the Old West, and talented cast produce a series layered with deeper political and moral themes that firmly place it as one of the best Western TV shows of all time. With Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Anna Gunn, and so many other great actors, Deadwood is a must-see in the Western genre.

32 Roots (1977)

Hugely important and ground-breaking historical drama telling the story of the Black American experience

Roots poster mother baby
  • Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 8 | Episode Length: 45
  • Cast: LeVar Burton, John Amos, Ben Vereen, Louis Gossett Jr., Leslie Uggams, Georg Standford Brown

Highest Rated Episodes Of Roots

Episode

IMDB Rating

Part I

8.3

Part II

8.3

Part III

8.1

Roots is one of the most culturally significant series in the history of television, with the miniseries being groundbreaking in its frank portrayal of slavery in the United States. Breaking various records for 1970s television and inciting difficult conversations among viewers, Roots explored the themes of generational trauma for Black people in America, encouraged Americans to seriously discuss the history of slavery, and depicted issues that still impact the nation today.

One of the biggest "TV events" in history, Roots had a massive influence on how Black people and the Black community have been depicted on television.

31 Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

The fall and rise of the utterly irresistible Rose family

The Rose family smiling on Schitt's Creek
Schitt's Creek
Comedy

Schitt's Creek is a sitcom series created by and starring Dan and Eugene Levy. When the Rose family's business manager embezzles funds from their fortune, they discover that all of their money is gone except for one last piece of property - a small town called Schitt's Creek that they purchased for fun years ago. Now forced to acclimate to an average, borderline impoverished life, the Rose family will attempt to make due with what they have while trying to revitalize the town.

Release Date
January 13, 2015
Cast
Catherine O'Hara , Dan Levy , Noah Reid , Emily Hampshire , Tim Rozon , Dustin Milligan , Eugene Levy , Jennifer Robertson , Chris Elliott , Annie Murphy
Seasons
6

Highest Rated Episodes Of Schitt's Creek

Episode

IMDB Rating

Happy Ending (S6, E14)

9.3

Start Spreading the News (S6, E13)

9.2

Meet the Parents (S5, E11)

9.1

This Canadian series grew in popularity and quality with each passing season, becoming one of the most celebrated and culturally acclaimed sitcoms of the past decade. It culminated with a final season that saw Schitt's Creek pull off the rare feat of sweeping the Emmys, winning all seven comedy awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, the four big acting categories, writing, and directing, setting the record for most wins by a comedy series in a single year.

The show centers on the wealthy Rose family who loses their fortune and must relocate to a small town where hilarity followed. In addition to its touching themes, iconic performances, and highly praised portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, Schitt's Creek's layered storytelling makes it stand apart from the modern slate of comedy series.