The best TV shows of all time will be debated forever, but there are clear contenders. These are the very best TV shows of all time, ranked.
Summary SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT 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.
Release Date September 8, 1981 Cast David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Lennard Pearce, Buster Merryfield, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong, Roger Lloyd-Pack, John Challis Genres Comedy Seasons 7 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.
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.
46 Oz The critically-acclaimed prison drama that kick-started HBO's hot streak Oz 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 September 14, 1985 Cast Betty White Genres Sitcom Seasons 7 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.
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. 42 Six Feet Under Compelling, emotionally-charged drama that deserves its place at HBO's top table Six Feet Under 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 April 15, 1990 Cast Jim Carrey, Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans Genres Comedy Seasons 5 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.
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."
38 Parks & Recreation Character comedy that managed to make government fun Parks and Recreation 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.
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 Genres Adventure, Drama, Action Seasons 4 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.
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.
Release Date June 3, 2019 Cast Stellan Skarsgård, Jared Harris Genres Drama Seasons 1 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.