Best TV show released the year you were born

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 1,932
- Stars: John Daly, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf, Dorothy Kilgallen

One of the longest-running game shows in prime-time network television, "What's My Line?" captivated audiences by having a panel of well-known personalities ask contestants yes-or-no questions to figure out their occupations. There was always a celebrity mystery guest, and panelists had to wear blindfolds while the celebrities tried to disguise their voices.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 31,258
- Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley

Long before women comedians were the norm, Lucille Ball was keeping viewers in stitches with her crazy antics and perfectly timed wit. With her sidekick, Ethel (Vivian Vance), and real-life husband Desi Arnaz, Lucy's weekly escapades were always a hoot, and the series has remained a favorite through the years.

- IMDb rating: 7.7
- IMDb user votes: 5,145
- Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, John Hamilton, Bill Kennedy

Running from 1952 to 1958, the series featuring the Man of Steel was one of the first shows to bring superheroes directly into people's homes. Episodes aired in black and white for the first two seasons, then switched to color for the final four. George Reeves became the defining Superman of his era (Kirk Alyn had worn the cape first, in 1940s movie serials), and his life and 1959 death were dramatized in the 2006 feature film "Hollywoodland." The character returned to theaters in 2025 with David Corenswet in James Gunn's "Superman."

- IMDb rating: 8.2
- IMDb user votes: 229
- Stars: Edward R. Murrow, Charles Collingwood

While it might seem like celebrity interviews started with Jack Paar and "The Tonight Show," "Person to Person" was actually one of the first popular television talk shows. Hosted by Edward R. Murrow for most of its run, the show visited the homes of guests including Elizabeth Taylor, Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and John F. Kennedy. CBS briefly revived the format in 2012 with co-hosts Charlie Rose and Lara Logan.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 2,616
- Stars: Walt Disney, Paul Frees, Clarence Nash, Slim Pickens

"The Magical World of Disney," which aired under several names over the course of its run, began as "Disneyland," a showcase for the theme park that opened in 1955. Episodes highlighted places such as Adventureland and Frontierland, with everything from documentaries on Disney films to cartoons to musical acts. The show became a staple for families across America and is another example of how Walt Disney made his brand a household name.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 20,899
- Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Harry Tyler, John Williams, Patricia Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock is widely considered one of the greatest directors of all time, so it's little wonder the series was immensely popular. Each week's episode (some directed by Hitchcock himself) told a different story, from dramas to thrillers to mysteries. Guest stars from both the big and small screen included Robert Redford, Jessica Tandy, and Bette Davis.

- IMDb rating: 7
- IMDb user votes: 1,728
- Stars: Bobby Nicholson, Dal McKennon, Norma MacMillan, Art Clokey

It might seem hard to believe that a piece of green clay could become a beloved stop-motion star, but "The Gumby Show" became an iconic part of television history. Gumby explores the world with his best friend, Pokey, a talking orange pony. The series developed a huge following of children and adults alike, expanding to a line of toys and games, as well as a movie in 1995.

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 3,921
- Stars: Richard Boone, Kam Tong, Hal Needham, Stewart East

Westerns were a common genre for television in the '50s, and "Have Gun - Will Travel" was one of the best. The cultured gunfighter for hire Paladin travels the West, collecting hefty fees to solve his clients' problems and always finishing the job with flair. The show inspired a radio series of the same name, which ran from 1958 to 1960.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 5,963
- Stars: Chuck Connors, Johnny Crawford, Paul Fix, Joe Benson

Another famous Western series, "The Rifleman" is the story of a rancher trying to make it in the Wild West of the 1880s. Chuck Connors stars as Lucas McCain, who battles outlaws, brings justice to the frontier, and never seems to miss a shot with his trusty Winchester rifle, all while raising his son alone. Surprisingly, the show also became popular in the Soviet Union, where it was one of the few American series allowed to air at the time.

- IMDb rating: 9
- IMDb user votes: 111,072
- Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, Vaughn Taylor

The memorable and somewhat chilling voice of Rod Serling introduced these unusual and often frightening sci-fi tales, which took regular people on extraordinary journeys. While the series itself only ran from 1959 to 1964, it spawned a 1983 movie and three revivals: one in the 1980s, one in 2002, and a 2019 version hosted by Jordan Peele that aired on CBS All Access (now Paramount+).

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 38,236
- Stars: Mel Blanc, June Foray, Jim Backus, Bea Benaderet

From 1960 to 1975, the animated series "The Bugs Bunny Show" was a favorite, first in prime time and later on Saturday mornings, featuring the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters. Created by Warner Bros. and voiced for decades by Mel Blanc, Bugs remains one of the most recognizable cartoon characters of all time.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 13,440
- Stars: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam

Winner of 15 Emmy Awards during its five-year run, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" was a sitcom that took viewers into the life and home of television writer Rob Petrie, played by Dick Van Dyke. Mary Tyler Moore played Petrie's wife, and the show helped launch both actors into what would become long and illustrious careers.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 5,970
- Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Hinton Pope, Jimmy Joyce, Lew Brown

Originally the 30-minute series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," the show was renamed "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" when it was extended to a full one-hour time slot. Featuring Hitchcock's same penchant for dark mystery, the show ran from 1962 to 1965.

- IMDb rating: 8.1
- IMDb user votes: 10,511
- Stars: Bob Johnson, Ben Wright, William Douglas, Robert Culp

This sci-fi favorite came on the heels of "The Twilight Zone," offering a deeper look into alien forces and outer space. Created by Leslie Stevens, with Joseph Stefano producing and writing much of the first season, the one-hour series ran for only two years but earned a fan base that still stands today. In 1995, Showtime revived the series, which later moved to the Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy) and aired until 2002.

- IMDb rating: 8
- IMDb user votes: 24,610
- Stars: John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Ted Cassidy

"The Addams Family" got its start as the cartoon creation of Charles Addams for The New Yorker magazine. Featuring John Astin and Carolyn Jones as the bizarre Gomez and Morticia Addams, alongside their equally odd children, Pugsley and Wednesday, the family's ghoulish ways upended the idea of the traditional nuclear family while staying eminently lovable. The series ran only from 1964 to 1966, but it spawned cartoons, feature films, and Netflix's 2022 hit "Wednesday," starring Jenna Ortega.

- IMDb rating: 8.1
- IMDb user votes: 1,546
- Stars: Dean Martin, Sandahl Bergman, Dom DeLuise, Norm Crosby

Rat Pack crooner Dean Martin hosted this television variety show, which ran from 1965 to 1974. A combination of song medleys, skits, and comedy sketches, it brought in guest stars such as Liberace, Dom DeLuise, Bob Newhart, and John Wayne. Each week, the laid-back Martin would open the show by sliding down a fireman's pole, drink in hand, and he famously kept rehearsals to a minimum, giving the show its loose, off-the-cuff feel.

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 102,433
- Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols

"Star Trek" debuted in 1966 and ran for three seasons, but no one could have anticipated that it would go where few TV shows have gone. The enormously successful franchise for both television and film even generated its own fandom, known as Trekkies. Starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk, the crew of the Starship Enterprise explored the galaxy and interacted with the various inhabitants they found. Nearly 60 years later, the franchise is still boldly going on Paramount+.

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 8,352
- Stars: Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner

With a tug on her earlobe and a rollicking sense of humor, Carol Burnett kept viewers laughing from 1967 to 1978. The comedy show included skits performed by Burnett and her co-stars, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway, as well as a variety of celebrity guests. Burnett was honored at the 2019 Golden Globes as the first recipient of the Carol Burnett Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in television.

- IMDb rating: 8.8
- IMDb user votes: 10,873
- Stars: Fred Rogers, Betty Aberlin, David Newell, Joe Negri

Teaching the world what it really means to be a good neighbor, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" wasn't just an educational children's show; it was also a quiet slice of social commentary that addressed current events and sent a message of peace and acceptance to adults and children alike. Creator and star Fred Rogers became known for his soft-spoken demeanor and intelligent dialogue, treating children with respect while keeping a sense of wonder about the world. In 2018, a documentary about Rogers, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?," won a variety of awards, including a Critics' Choice Award.

- IMDb rating: 8.1
- IMDb user votes: 17,369
- Stars: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney, Jerry Nelson

PBS's "Sesame Street," which debuted in 1969, is an educational children's series that has woven itself firmly into the fabric of American culture. Lovable characters such as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Elmo help children learn songs and rhymes, play counting games, and explore other languages. The winner of more than 200 Emmys, the show moved first-run episodes to HBO in 2015 and, in 2025, struck a deal with Netflix to premiere new episodes there and on PBS on the same day.

- IMDb rating: 8.2
- IMDb user votes: 1,703
- Stars: Frank Gifford, Al Michaels, Howard Cosell, Dan Dierdorf

"Monday Night Football" became part of ABC's weekly lineup in 1970, shortly after the New York Jets became the first American Football League team to win the Super Bowl. The show has remained an American staple and now airs on ESPN, with select games simulcast on ABC.

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 21,337
- Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers

The '70s were a time of radical social change, and "All in the Family" told the story of a working-class family that consisted of a bigoted father, a downtrodden mother, and their progressive daughter and son-in-law. The show managed to expose issues relating to race relations, war, poverty, and politics, combining humor with a realistic look at America's melting pot and struggles that went beyond stereotypes.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 70,251
- Stars: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr

Set during the Korean War, "M*A*S*H" was much more than a war series. Based on the novel and movie of the same name, the show focused on the lives of the doctors and patients of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Alternately hilarious and poignant, the doctors struggled to escape the terrible things they witnessed daily while treating wounded soldiers. Its 1983 finale remains the most-watched scripted episode in U.S. TV history.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 2,773
- Stars: Gene Rayburn, Johnny Olson, Brett Somers, Richard Dawson

This comedy game show originally premiered in 1962 on NBC, running until 1969. It was revived on CBS in 1973 with a different format and higher cash stakes. The new formula proved to be a success, with contestants trying to answer a series of questions, often with hilarious results. The show has enjoyed a number of resurgences over the years on various networks.

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 3,519
- Stars: Jay O. Sanders, Craig Sechler, Lance Lewman, Will Lyman

First airing in 1974, the long-running PBS documentary series focuses on science, nature, and history. The award-winning show has covered topics such as volcanic eruptions, climate change, the Great Pyramids, space exploration, and evolution.

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 1,834
- Stars: Jim Hutton, David Wayne, Tom Reese, John Hillerman

Everyone likes a good whodunit, and the "Ellery Queen" series proved to be one of the most popular mysteries of its time. Starring Jim Hutton as the famous sleuth, each week the show brought a new murder to solve. Before the big reveal, Ellery would turn to the camera and challenge viewers to crack the case themselves. It ran for only one season, but that gimmick earned it a devoted following.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 3,356
- Stars: Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas

Canadian sketch series "Second City Television," or "SCTV," was set at a fictional TV station in the town of Melonville, with skits spoofing news broadcasts, commercials, game shows, and sitcoms. First produced in Toronto (and later Edmonton), it made the leap to American television in 1981 as NBC's "SCTV Network" and finished its run on Cinemax as "SCTV Channel" from 1983 to 1984.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 9,529
- Stars: Katherine Helmond, Rod Roddy, Richard Mulligan, Cathryn Damon

A satirical look at daytime soap operas, "Soap," written and created by producer Susan Harris, ran on ABC from 1977 to 1981. Telling the story of the wealthy Tate family and their working-class relatives, the series provided a smart, humorous, and sometimes dark view of the human condition. Actor Billy Crystal played an openly gay man, which was controversial at the time, but it became a breakout role that catapulted his career.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 2,292
- Stars: Mel Blanc, June Foray, Larry Storch

Bugs Bunny brings back all his friends in this popular animated series. With classic cartoons from Bugs and the gang, as well as the Road Runner forever escaping Wile E. Coyote, the show continued "The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour," which first paired the two Saturday morning favorites on CBS in 1968.

- IMDb rating: 8
- IMDb user votes: 2,540
- Stars: Neil Everett, Jalen Rose, Jenn Brown, Antonietta Collins

"SportsCenter" premiered on Sept. 7, 1979, the same day ESPN itself launched, and quickly became one of the most-watched sports programs on television. The show features highlights from various sporting events, as well as commentary, interviews, and game previews.

- IMDb rating: 9.3
- IMDb user votes: 54,025
- Stars: Carl Sagan, Jaromír Hanzlík, Jonathan Fahn, Alan Belod

The PBS documentary series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage" explored the universe with creator and host Carl Sagan. Winner of two Emmys and a Peabody Award, it has been broadcast in more than 60 countries and remains popular today. Its legacy continued with a 2014 follow-up hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson and a 2020 sequel, "Cosmos: Possible Worlds."

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 2,434
- Stars: John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin

NBC took on this popular Canadian comedy show in 1981, and it quickly gained a big following. It went on to win an Emmy for outstanding writing in a variety or music program in both 1982 and 1983 and helped actor John Candy make the leap to the big screen.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 25,199
- Stars: Leslie Nielsen, Alan North, Rex Hamilton, Ed Williams

The comedic genius of Leslie Nielsen shines in this short-lived but hilarious spoof of police shows. The series played off serious police dramas, poking fun via slapstick, sight gags, and deadpan commentary. While the show lasted only six episodes before being canceled, it became the basis for "The Naked Gun" film trilogy, released between 1988 and 1994, and a 2025 reboot starring Liam Neeson.

- IMDb rating: 9.3
- IMDb user votes: 7,226
- Stars: Bob Ross, Steve Ross, Dana Jester, Peep

In this PBS series that aired from 1983 to 1994, painter Bob Ross taught viewers how to create oil landscapes with step-by-step instructions that made it look all too easy. Across 403 episodes, he typically finished a full painting in under half an hour. Every episode now streams free on the official Bob Ross YouTube channel.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 9,138
- Stars: Alex Trebek, Johnny Gilbert, Jimmy McGuire, Sarah Whitcomb Foss

Still a much-watched game show, "Jeopardy!" first aired from 1964 to 1975, then came back for good in 1984. Longtime host Alex Trebek, who became almost a member of many households, guided contestants as they searched for the questions that go with the answers until his death in November 2020. Ken Jennings, the show's record-setting champion, now holds the podium.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 4,367
- Stars: Robert Axelrod, Bill Capizzi, Frank Catalano, Richard Epcar

An American adaptation of three separate Japanese anime series, "Robotech" aired in 1985, imagining a future where humanity reverse-engineers technology from an alien battleship that crash-lands on Earth.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 2,390
- Stars: Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel, Richard Roeper, Michael Phillips

Offering what became their trademark "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" for newly released movies, critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel gave weekly rundowns of the latest films. The series was nominated for several Emmys and ran from 1986 to 2010. After Siskel's death in 1999, Ebert carried on with guest critics before Richard Roeper became his permanent co-host in 2000.

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 151,958
- Stars: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton

A continuation of the "Star Trek" franchise, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" made its debut in 1987. It starred Patrick Stewart as the unflappable Jean-Luc Picard, leading his crew on new adventures aboard the USS Enterprise. Most of the main cast reunited for the final season of "Star Trek: Picard" in 2023.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 27,805
- Stars: Joel Hodgson, Michael J. Nelson, Trace Beaulieu, Kevin Murphy

In what could easily be considered one of the most unusual show premises of all time, a janitor is shot into space by two mad scientists and forced to watch terrible B-movies. He builds himself some robot companions to keep him company, and the group riffs on the movies as they watch. The show originally ran from 1988 to 1999, and creator Joel Hodgson ran a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign to revive the series on Netflix in 2017.

- IMDb rating: 8.8
- IMDb user votes: 389,738
- Stars: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander

Running for nine seasons on NBC and famously billed as a "show about nothing," this series starred comedian Jerry Seinfeld as himself, navigating daily life in New York with his friends and cohorts. The show had an incredible influence on American culture, with its quirky themes and dialogue, and was nominated for a total of 68 Emmys.

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 25,121
- Stars: Rob Morrow, Janine Turner, Barry Corbin, John Cullum

"Northern Exposure" tells the story of Dr. Joel Fleischman, a big-city doctor who ends up working in the remote town of Cicely, Alaska. Surrounded by a host of strange and unusual characters, Fleischman, played by Rob Morrow, initially can't wait to get back to New York, but finds himself growing attached to the community and its odd inhabitants.

- IMDb rating: 8.3
- IMDb user votes: 20,860
- Stars: Colin O'Meara, Thierry Wermuth, Christian Pellissier, Henri Labussière

Based on a series of books by Belgian cartoonist Georges Prosper Remi (better known as Hergé), "The Adventures of Tintin" ran for three seasons and aired in the U.S. on HBO. Telling the story of a young reporter and his loyal dog, Snowy, the animated series takes the two on heroic exploits and adventures. The books were never as popular in the U.S. as in Europe, but the show was nominated for several awards. Steven Spielberg adapted the comics into a 3D computer-animated film in 2011.

- IMDb rating: 9
- IMDb user votes: 140,643
- Stars: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Robert Hastings

"Batman: The Animated Series" ran from 1992 to 1995, bringing to life a favorite hero of DC comic books. Matching the darkness of Tim Burton's feature film versions of the Caped Crusader, the show offered as much for adults as it did for kids. Kevin Conroy voiced Batman here and for nearly three decades after, until his death in 2022.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 278,019
- Stars: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis

FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) investigate alien activity in this long-running series. Created by writer-producer Chris Carter, the series was nominated for 61 Emmys and won 15. It ran from 1993 to 2002, came back for another season in 2016, and had its final season in 2018.

- IMDb rating: 8.8
- IMDb user votes: 1,211,619
- Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc

Another sitcom that had a permanent impact on American culture, "Friends" debuted on NBC in 1994 and followed six 20-somethings trying to make their way in New York City. Created by writer-producers David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the show ran for 10 seasons and was nominated for 62 Emmys, though it won only six.

- IMDb rating: 8.4
- IMDb user votes: 11,333
- Stars: Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, John Ennis, Jay Johnston

This sketch comedy series aired on HBO from 1995 to 1998 and featured an ensemble cast and often bizarre skits. In addition to hosts Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, the show's rotating cast included comedians and writers such as Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, and Tom Kenny. Odenkirk later reinvented himself as a dramatic star, playing Saul Goodman on "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul."

- IMDb rating: 8.8
- IMDb user votes: 182,006
- Stars: Doc Harris, Christopher Sabat, Scott McNeil, Sean Schemmel

Getting its start as a popular Japanese anime series, "Dragon Ball Z" premiered in the U.S. in 1996 and continued on Cartoon Network from 1998 to 2003. With help from his friends, the Saiyan warrior Goku fights to defend Earth from a parade of aliens, androids, and villains. Creator Akira Toriyama, who died in 2024, saw the franchise grow to include movies, video games, and sequel series including "Dragon Ball Super" and "Dragon Ball Daima."

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 451,213
- Stars: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Isaac Hayes, Mona Marshall

Irreverent, crass, and always funny, no one was safe from the special brand of humor of "South Park." Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the animated (but not for children) show depicts the lives of Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman while mocking celebrities, politicians, and public figures on a regular basis. Nearly three decades after its 1997 premiere, new seasons still air on Comedy Central and stream on Paramount+.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 49,667
- Stars: Drew Carey, Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady

Adapted from the British series of the same name, this improv comedy show ran on ABC from 1998 to 2007. Hosted by Drew Carey, each episode featured four performers who created skits, songs, and games from prompts by the audience or Carey. Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles also appeared in the U.K. version, and both returned when The CW revived the show, which ran there until 2024.

- IMDb rating: 9.2
- IMDb user votes: 601,972
- Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli

This HBO hit (in more ways than one) debuted in 1999 to raves. It showcased the life of mob boss Tony Soprano and his family as he turns to therapy to deal with the stress of being both a criminal and a family man. Created by writer David Chase, the series ran until 2007.

- IMDb rating: 8.8
- IMDb user votes: 169,528
- Stars: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman

Dealing with all of life's little annoyances in the worst way possible, "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David plays himself in this HBO comedy series. A perennial awards contender, the show took a six-year hiatus between 2011 and 2017, and after a successful ninth season, it came back for three more seasons from 2020 through 2024.

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 171,292
- Stars: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose

An HBO drama series about a family that runs a funeral home, "Six Feet Under" ran from 2001 to 2005. The show received extensive acclaim, winning nine Emmys, three SAG awards, and a Peabody.

- IMDb rating: 9.3
- IMDb user votes: 442,121
- Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce

HBO kept getting it right with yet another successful series. "The Wire," a gritty drama about the lives of police officers, drug dealers, and addicts in Baltimore, aired from 2002 to 2008. Written and created by former police reporter David Simon, the show built a devoted following and is now regularly ranked among the greatest TV series ever made, despite never winning an Emmy.

- IMDb rating: 8.8
- IMDb user votes: 79,732
- Stars: Dave Chappelle, Charlie Murphy, Donnell Rawlings, Paul Mooney

Dave Chappelle's Comedy Central sketch series became a cultural phenomenon in barely two seasons, thanks to bits like "Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories" and its Rick James sketch, which turned the late funk singer's catchphrase into a national punchline. The first-season DVD became the best-selling TV-series DVD ever at the time. Then Chappelle walked away from a reported $50 million deal in 2005, and the unfinished third season aired in 2006 as "The Lost Episodes."

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 602,464
- Stars: Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer

Combining medicine, mystery, and some good old-fashioned sleuthing, "House" was a medical drama series that had an eight-season run on Fox. The show starred Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House, whose often controversial methods left him at odds with the hospital and staff. The good doctor always seemed to be right in the end, however, diagnosing complex conditions that other staff missed. The show received numerous awards, including five Emmys and two Golden Globes.

- IMDb rating: 9
- IMDb user votes: 855,426
- Stars: Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson

The American version of the BBC series of the same name, "The Office" debuted in 2005 and ran for nine seasons. Showing a comedic view of office life for the employees of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, the series turbocharged the careers of several actors, including Steve Carell, John Krasinski, and Mindy Kaling. The mockumentary format got a second life in 2025 with Peacock's spinoff "The Paper."

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 959,682
- Stars: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar

"Dexter" is a series about one of the most likable serial killers to ever grace the small screen. Played by Michael C. Hall, Dexter is a killer with a conscience. He can't stop himself from wanting to murder, but keeps his urges in check by targeting only other killers. Adapted from the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay, the original show was developed by writer James Manos Jr. and ran from 2006 to 2013. It has since continued with "Dexter: New Blood" (2021), the prequel "Dexter: Original Sin" (2024), and "Dexter: Resurrection" (2025).

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 295,486
- Stars: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones

Set in a 1960s New York ad agency, "Mad Men" explores the dynamics between ad executives, their work, and their families. Jon Hamm plays Don Draper, the complicated, conflicted, but brilliant creative director of a successful agency. The show ran for seven seasons on AMC.

- IMDb rating: 9.5
- IMDb user votes: 2,691,904
- Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt

A high school chemistry teacher is diagnosed with terminal cancer and decides the only way to leave his family financially solvent is to run his own underground meth lab. Starring Bryan Cranston as Walter White, the show ran on AMC for five seasons and won 16 Emmys.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 177,169
- Stars: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, Chris Parnell

This adult animated series debuted on the FX network in 2009, featuring the somewhat questionable adventures of secret agent Sterling Archer and his motley associates. Created and written by Adam Reed, the show was moved to FX's other network, FXX, for its eighth season in 2017 and ultimately ran for 14 total seasons.

- IMDb rating: 9
- IMDb user votes: 1,103,065
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves

This BBC-produced award-winning series is a modern-day take on the famed London sleuth created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The show ran from 2010 to 2017 with actor Benedict Cumberbatch playing the role of Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson.

- IMDb rating: 9.2
- IMDb user votes: 2,674,318
- Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey

Based on the best-selling book series by George R.R. Martin, "Game of Thrones" debuted on HBO in 2011. Following the bloody battles and dark scheming of several noble families as they fight to claim the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, the series won 59 Emmys, the most ever for a drama. It ended in 2019, but the franchise lives on in the prequels "House of the Dragon" and "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."

- IMDb rating: 8.9
- IMDb user votes: 186,361
- Stars: Jason Ritter, Alex Hirsch, Kristen Schaal, Linda Cardellini

Disney's animated series "Gravity Falls" ran from 2012 to 2016. The story of two siblings who spend the summer with their great-uncle amid spooky and supernatural happenings, the show won two Emmys during its run and was nominated for several other awards.

- IMDb rating: 9
- IMDb user votes: 716,081
- Stars: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke

Part of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, "Rick and Morty" follows the animated adventures of a mad scientist and his grandson as they split their time between family life and travel to other planets and dimensions. Co-creator Justin Roiland left the show in 2023, and Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden have voiced the title characters since.

- IMDb rating: 9.2
- IMDb user votes: 141,362
- Stars: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stoney Emshwiller, Piotr Michael, André Sogliuzzo

A follow-up to Carl Sagan's acclaimed PBS series, "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" ran on Fox and National Geographic from March to June 2014. Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, the show explored facets of the universe, including the planets, astronomy, light, and human evolution. It earned 12 Emmy nominations in its lone season.

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 538,150
- Stars: Pedro Pascal, Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann

This Netflix series about the Colombian drug cartel tells the story of the infamous Pablo Escobar, who made billions off the cocaine trade, and the DEA's fight to shut down his cartel and its competitors. Actor Wagner Moura plays Escobar, a role that earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. The series ran for three seasons, with Netflix creating a spin-off titled "Narcos: Mexico," which premiered in 2018.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 1,747,028
- Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour

Another successful Netflix original, "Stranger Things" is the creation of the Duffer Brothers, who also wrote the horror film "Hidden." Part sci-fi, part horror, the story starts with the disappearance of a young boy and the eerie events that follow. The fifth and final season rolled out in three batches at the end of 2025, with the series finale arriving on New Year's Eve.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 161,002
- Stars: Rachel Brosnahan, Michael Zegen, Marin Hinkle, Tony Shalhoub

Amazon's comedy about a 1950s New York housewife turned stand-up comic became a breakout hit, winning the Emmy for outstanding comedy series in 2018. Armed with nothing more than an unflinching, confessional sense of humor, Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) fights her way into the male-dominated world of comedy while navigating life as a newly single mom. The series wrapped in 2023 after five seasons.

- IMDb rating: 8.5
- IMDb user votes: 338,713
- Stars: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser

Created by writer and director Mike Flanagan, known for horror films such as "Hush" and "Ouija: Origin of Evil," Netflix's "The Haunting of Hill House" promises terror and doesn't disappoint. The series, an adaptation of the novel by Shirley Jackson, follows a family that moves into Hill House to renovate and flip it, only to be haunted by paranormal events long after they leave. Flanagan followed it with more Netflix horror, including "The Haunting of Bly Manor" and "Midnight Mass."

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 668,111
- Stars: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Rio Hackford, Gina Carano

"The Mandalorian" premiered on Disney+ in November 2019 and was created by Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan in "Iron Man" and "Avengers"; director of "The Lion King" remake). Set a few years after "Return of the Jedi" and about 25 years before "The Force Awakens," it starred Pedro Pascal ("Narcos") as a bounty hunter of questionable morals navigating the galaxy between the fall of the Empire and the rise of the First Order. Of course, he did so while protecting the endlessly memeable Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). The show led to the May 2026 film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu."

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 474,393
- Stars: Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Stephen Manas, Hannah Waddingham

This charming comedy follows Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), an American college football coach hired, in a small act of subterfuge, to manage a struggling English soccer team despite having no soccer experience whatsoever. Premiering in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, its relentless optimism made it the show a lot of viewers needed. Three years after its apparent finale, "Ted Lasso" returned for a fourth season in August 2026, with Ted back in Richmond coaching a second-division women's team.

- IMDb rating: 9
- IMDb user votes: 459,359
- Stars: Ella Purnell, Hailee Steinfeld, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung

Based on the hugely popular video game "League of Legends," Netflix's "Arcane" follows two sisters on opposing sides of a war between magical forces. The animated series quickly built a massive fanbase and won four Primetime Emmys in 2022, including outstanding animated program, a first for a streaming series. The show's second and final season also earned critical and audience acclaim after premiering in 2024.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 411,874
- Stars: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman

This mind-bending sci-fi series from Apple TV explores the compelling and frightening possibilities of technology that walls off one's work life from home life. Nominated for 14 Emmy Awards in its first season (it won two), "Severance" quickly became one of the buzziest new shows of 2022. Its second season, which wrapped in March 2025, earned 27 Emmy nominations, the most of any show that year, and acting wins for Britt Lower and Tramell Tillman.

- IMDb rating: 8.6
- IMDb user votes: 12,593
- Stars: Madeleine Martin, Roz Ryan, Tom Kenny, Donald Glover

Audiences can join Fionna Campbell (Madeleine Martin) and Cake the cat (Roz Ryan) on a colorful, animated journey through the multiverse. A gender-swapped spinoff of Cartoon Network's hit "Adventure Time," which ran from 2010 to 2018, "Fionna & Cake" charmed audiences and won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2024. The series balances magical quests with surprisingly grown-up reflections on identity and purpose, and a second season arrived on HBO Max in October 2025.

- IMDb rating: 8.7
- IMDb user votes: 60,664
- Stars: George Buza, Cal Dodd, Holly Chou, Ray Chase

A continuation of "X-Men: The Animated Series," which aired from 1992 to 1997, Disney+'s "X-Men '97" chronicles the mutant superheroes' adventures for a new generation. Several cast members from the original returned to voice their characters, including Cal Dodd as Wolverine and George Buza as Beast. The revival had big shoes to fill, but both critics and audiences raved. Season 2 premiered in July 2026, and Disney+ has already renewed the show for a third.

- IMDb rating: 8.9
- IMDb user votes: 176,085
- Stars: Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa

Each season of HBO Max's "The Pitt" covers a single 15-hour shift in the emergency department of a Pittsburgh hospital, one hour per episode. Noah Wyle (a familiar face from "ER") stars as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, the attending physician holding the place together. The show won the Emmy for outstanding drama series in 2025 and repeated the feat at the 2026 Emmy Awards.

Additional writing by Cu Fleshman.