Let’s face it—television isn’t something we turn on in the background anymore. Throughout the decades, it’s become one of the greatest storytelling mediums around. TV has become where groundbreaking ideas are conceived, where societal problems are questioned, and where entire genres are turned upside down. From groundbreaking comedies to brain-twisting dramas, these 10 shows entertained us, but more importantly, they rewrote the rulebook.
10. The Sopranos
There was television prior to The Sopranos, and there was television afterward. When Tony Soprano began spilling his issues to his shrink in addition to running his crime syndicate on the side, audiences were introduced to something new: the blemished, multifaceted, morally ambiguous antihero. Suddenly, television wasn’t so much about good guys and bad guys anymore—it was about complicated, messy people who seemed human. This series set the stage for all“prestige dramas” that have come after it, demonstrating irrevocably that television was able to hold its own against film.
9. I Love Lucy
There’s a reason that I Love Lucy remains so popular today. It wasn’t merely one of the first major sitcoms—it was also one of the smartest. Lucille Ball’s comedic sense was pure genius, but the show pioneered way more than the jokes. It brought on new means of sitcom shooting, such as with a live audience and multiple cameras, and it also went out on a limb with an interracial couple at a time when that was nearly unheard of on television. It wasn’t only funny—it made a point.
8. The Simpsons
Love it or hate it, The Simpsons is a pillar of contemporary television. With its limitless cache of pop culture references, memorable characters, and irreverent satire, the show became a reflection of society—and miraculously remained relevant across generations. It made animated television a platform for adults, not children, and paved the way for every edgy cartoon that has come after. With over three decades having passed, its mark is everywhere.
7. The Twilight Zone
This series didn’t merely tell stories—it distorted reality. The Twilight Zone drew viewers into weird, unsettling stories that probed profound issues regarding fear, identity, and morality. It was years ahead of its time in storytelling and subject matter, demonstrating that science fiction could be intellectual and socially conscious. Its influence can still be sensed today in all anthologies and “what if?” shows that are willing to take risks.
6. Twin Peaks
When Twin Peaks premiered, it was unlike anything seen on television. David Lynch conceived a world that was half soap opera, half horror show, and half surreal fever dream—and people couldn’t get enough. The question of Laura Palmer’s murder drew people in, but it was the show’s surreal style and its willingness to go weird that ultimately shifted the paradigm. It proved that television could be cinematic, weird, and unabashedly artistic.
5. Saturday Night Live
Every Saturday night for nearly 50 years, this show has captured the spirit of the times—sometimes funny, sometimes biting, and always timely. SNL has launched countless comedy careers, satirized politics, and become a cultural touchstone all its own. From memorable characters to unforgettable sketches, it’s more than just a comedy show—it’s a living reflection of American culture, one punchline at a time.
4. Roots
When Roots was broadcast in 1977, it was an event of national importance. This miniseries presented the gruesome tale of slavery in America from a family’s perspective over generations and did not spare the details. It created a national dialogue and brought to life stories long suppressed. It was an emotional and awakening experience for many, demonstrating that television could be a great teacher of empathy and knowledge.
3. All in the Family
Archie Bunker was crude, opinionated, and often offensive—but he was also one of the most important characters ever put on TV. All in the Family didn’t shy away from tough topics like racism, gender roles, or politics. Instead, it put them front and center in the living rooms of millions of Americans. It changed the way sitcoms approached serious issues and proved that humor could be used to challenge societal norms, not just avoid them.
2. Game of Thrones
Love it or hate it, but the last season aside, Game of Thrones can’t be denied. The show created a massive cast, cinematic feel, and morally ambiguous plotlines, which made Sunday nights an event. It made fantasy more mainstream, triggered world conversations, and introduced high-stakes storytelling to television like never before. And let’s be real—nobody was exempt, and that unpredictability had us all glued to the screen.
1. Star Trek
A science fiction series, more than anything else, Star Trek was an idealized future constructed of collaboration, diversity, and discovery. It envisioned a society where individuals of all races, sexes, and even species collaborated for a better future. It broke casting conventions, used narratives that reflected contemporary concerns, and motivated scientists and visionaries to be better. Its legacy remains boldly going decades later.
These programs didn’t merely entertain—transformation, culture, and the very way we approach storytelling on television were all influenced. Whether they made us laugh, cry, or question the world we lived in, they left an imprint that won’t be removed anytime soon.