Top 100 TV Shows of All Time: The Greatest Television Series

There are many qualities that contribute to a television show’s greatness. Some series, like “Seinfeld,” redefined American slang and left an indelible mark on society. Others, such as “Mad Men,” epitomized the Golden Age of television in the early 21st century. Shows like “The Oprah Winfrey Show” created a sense of community among millions of daytime viewers. Then there are series like “The Leftovers” and “Enlightened,” which feel like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Some shows, like those created by Norman Lear, combined insightful social commentary with timeless humor. Others dazzled with spectacle, captivated with intimate character moments, or, in the case of “The Sopranos,” achieved both.

Television has evolved dramatically over the decades. The greatest television shows reflect these changes, showcasing a range of styles, genres, and cultural impacts. From groundbreaking comedies to thought-provoking dramas, these shows have captivated audiences and left a lasting legacy. Consideration must be given to both the quality of a show and its cultural impact when evaluating its place among the greatest.

This list of the top 100 television shows of all time celebrates the enduring power of the medium. It’s a testament to the creativity, innovation, and artistry of the people who bring these stories to life. The shows on this list represent a diverse range of genres and styles, reflecting the evolution of television over the decades.

“Community,” a sitcom set in a community college, pushed the boundaries of the genre with its meta-humor, ambitious storylines, and memorable characters. The show blended familiar sitcom tropes with surreal and often bizarre scenarios.

“Hannibal” redefined the crime drama with its stunning visuals, psychological depth, and complex characters. The show explored the twisted relationship between Hannibal Lecter and FBI profiler Will Graham.

“Homeland” captivated audiences with its intense spy thriller narrative and complex characters, particularly Carrie Mathison, a brilliant but troubled CIA agent. The show delved into the war on terror and the challenges of national security.

“Top Chef” elevated the culinary competition show with its focus on high-end cuisine, talented chefs, and the evolving landscape of American food culture. The show’s judging panel provided expert culinary insights.

“The Good Fight,” a spin-off of “The Good Wife,” tackled contemporary political and social issues with sharp writing and compelling characters. The series followed Diane Lockhart’s journey in a predominantly Black law firm.

“Black Mirror,” a dystopian anthology series, explored the dark side of technology and its impact on society. Each episode presented a unique and often unsettling vision of the future.

“I May Destroy You” offered a groundbreaking exploration of sexual assault, trauma, and consent. Michaela Coel’s powerful performance and writing garnered critical acclaim.

“Will & Grace” broke barriers with its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and its positive impact on the gay rights movement. The show’s humor and relatable characters made it a cultural phenomenon.

“St. Elsewhere” revolutionized the medical drama with its realistic portrayal of hospital life and its willingness to tackle complex social issues. The show launched the careers of many prominent actors.

“Daria,” an animated series, captured the cynicism and disaffection of teenage life in the 1990s. Daria Morgendorffer’s witty observations and introverted personality resonated with a generation.

“The Cosby Show,” while significantly tarnished by the actions of its creator, remains a landmark series for its portrayal of a successful Black family. The show’s legacy is complex and controversial.

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” provided a comforting and educational experience for generations of children. Fred Rogers’ gentle demeanor and positive messages promoted kindness and empathy.

“General Hospital,” a long-running soap opera, became a cultural phenomenon with its iconic storylines and characters, particularly the supercouple Luke and Laura. The show’s enduring popularity demonstrates the appeal of daytime drama.

“Happy Days,” a nostalgic sitcom set in the 1950s, captured the spirit of Americana and became a cultural touchstone. The show’s iconic characters and catchphrases remain popular today. It also inadvertently gave us the term “Jump the Shark.”

“Girls” offered a raw and honest portrayal of millennial women navigating life in New York City. Lena Dunham’s writing and performance sparked both praise and controversy. The show’s frank depiction of female friendships and experiences resonated with many viewers. It also launched the careers of Adam Driver and Allison Williams.

“Columbo,” a detective drama, inverted the typical mystery format by revealing the killer at the beginning of each episode. Peter Falk’s portrayal of the unassuming but brilliant detective became iconic. The show’s “howcatchem” structure challenged conventional storytelling.

“Atlanta,” a critically acclaimed comedy-drama, explored the complexities of Black life in Atlanta’s music scene. Donald Glover’s unique vision and storytelling garnered widespread praise. The show’s surreal humor and social commentary made it a standout.

“Stranger Things,” a supernatural drama set in the 1980s, captivated audiences with its nostalgic appeal, compelling characters, and thrilling storylines. The show became a global phenomenon for Netflix. It revived Winona Ryder’s career and introduced Millie Bobby Brown to the world.

“Fleabag,” a dark comedy, broke new ground with its innovative storytelling, witty writing, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s captivating performance. The show explored complex themes of grief, relationships, and self-discovery. It is widely considered one of the best shows ever made.

“Thirtysomething” captured the anxieties and aspirations of baby boomers navigating their thirties. The show’s realistic portrayal of relationships and career struggles resonated with audiences. It was one of the first shows to realistically depict the lives of baby boomers.

“Scandal,” a political thriller, became a pop culture sensation with its fast-paced storylines, shocking twists, and Kerry Washington’s powerful performance as Olivia Pope. The show’s depiction of political intrigue and crisis management captivated viewers. Shonda Rhimes’ storytelling prowess was on full display.

“The Muppet Show,” a variety show featuring puppets, entertained audiences of all ages with its humor, music, and celebrity guests. The show’s enduring popularity demonstrates the timeless appeal of the Muppets. It is widely considered one of the greatest variety shows ever made.