100 Greatest Television Series of All Time: A Definitive Ranking

The landscape of television is vast and ever-changing, encompassing a multitude of genres, styles, and cultural impacts. From groundbreaking sitcoms that redefined humor to poignant dramas that explored the human condition, Great Television Series have the power to entertain, educate, and leave a lasting legacy. This comprehensive list celebrates 100 of the greatest television series of all time, spanning decades of innovation and captivating storytelling.

Criteria for Selection: Quality and Cultural Impact

This ranking considers both the inherent quality of each series and its cultural impact on society. Factors such as writing, acting, directing, innovation, and lasting influence were carefully evaluated by a team of Variety staff and contributors. While countless deserving programs exist, this list focuses on English-language series aired or streamed in the United States.

Image Credit: Mike McQuade for Variety

From Familiar Favorites to Hidden Gems: A Journey Through Television History

This list encompasses a wide range of series, from beloved classics to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It serves as a reminder of past favorites and a guide for future binge-watching adventures.

Groundbreaking Comedies that Redefined Humor

Series like “Seinfeld,” with its unique brand of observational humor, and “I Love Lucy,” with Lucille Ball’s iconic physical comedy, revolutionized the sitcom landscape. “The Simpsons,” with its satirical wit and cultural commentary, pushed the boundaries of animated comedy, while “Friends” captured the hearts of a generation with its relatable portrayal of friendship and urban life. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” broke barriers for women in television, showcasing an independent woman navigating her career and personal life.

Poignant Dramas that Explored the Human Condition

Dramas such as “The Sopranos,” with its groundbreaking exploration of a complex antihero, and “Mad Men,” with its stylish depiction of the advertising world in the 1960s, captivated audiences with their intricate characters and compelling storylines. “Breaking Bad” chronicled a man’s descent into the world of crime with stunning intensity, while “The Wire” offered a realistic portrayal of urban life and its systemic issues. “Six Feet Under” delved into the complexities of life and death with sensitivity and humor.

Genre-Defying Series that Pushed Boundaries

Series like “Twin Peaks,” with its surreal and mysterious atmosphere, and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” with its blend of horror and coming-of-age themes, defied traditional genre conventions. “The Twilight Zone,” with its thought-provoking explorations of science fiction and fantasy, captivated audiences with its imaginative storytelling. “Black Mirror” offered a chilling glimpse into the potential dangers of technology, while “Stranger Things” blended nostalgia with supernatural thrills.

Reality TV That Captured the Zeitgeist

Reality series such as “Survivor,” with its innovative format and compelling social dynamics, and “The Real World,” with its groundbreaking portrayal of diverse individuals living together, revolutionized the television landscape. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” brought drag culture into the mainstream with its vibrant personalities and dazzling performances. “Top Chef” elevated culinary competition to a new level of prestige.

The Enduring Power of Variety and Talk Shows

From the iconic “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” to the influential “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” variety and talk shows have played a significant role in shaping television history. “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” used satire to provide insightful commentary on current events, while “Late Night With David Letterman” introduced a new era of ironic and self-aware humor to late-night television.

Image Credit: Vivian Zink/NBC

Conclusion: A Celebration of Television Excellence

This list represents a diverse tapestry of great television series that have entertained, challenged, and inspired audiences for generations. From groundbreaking comedies to poignant dramas, these shows have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape and continue to be enjoyed and celebrated today. They showcase the power of television to tell compelling stories, explore complex themes, and reflect the ever-evolving world around us. These series remind us that television, at its best, can be a powerful and transformative art form.

(Contributors: Joshua Alston, BreAnna Bell, Amber Dowling, LaToya Ferguson, Hunter Ingram, Cynthia Littleton, Ramin Setoodeh, and Brian Steinberg.)