TV moved from being the “little brother” of cinema to one of the things that it completely stole. Let’s be real—most of us have been glued to a show for a whole weekend, which, in the end, left us dumbfounded by the climax. After the millennial turn, television has become even more bold, more ambitious, and more international than before. When a panel of 206 critics, journalists, and industry professionals from 43 countries voted for the best shows since 2000, their story was actually a reflection of how television had changed. So with all that being said, let’s count down the top 10 greatest TV shows of the 21st century:
10. Succession (2018)
A cutting-edge examination of power, greed, and family pathology, Succession is as gripping as it is cringeworthy. Its Shakespearean backstabbing, brutal one-liners, and multidimensional characters have turned it into one of the most buzzed-about shows in years.
9. The Office (UK) (2001–2003)
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s office sitcom revolutionized sitcoms. It’s cringeworthy realism and deadpan humor set the tone for an entire generation of television and demonstrated that cringeworthy can be a work of art.
8. Fleabag (2016–2019)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s masterful blend of dark comedy and heart-on-sleeve honesty made Fleabag an instant classic. The fourth-wall transgressions, whip-smart writing, and unflinching vulnerability gave it a voice unlike anything else on television.
7. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Love or loathe the finale, there’s no denying Game of Thrones was a cultural sensation. Epic battles, political backstabbing, and surprising character revelations kept audiences glued and the internet abuzz for almost a decade.
6. I May Destroy You (2020)
Michaela Coel’s unflinching, boundary-pushing series on trauma, consent, and identity is peak television at its best. Daring, richly personal, and unforgettable, it’s a show that sets the standard for contemporary storytelling.
5. Mad Men (2007–2015)
Sliding around the slick, smoke-filled universe of 1960s advertising, Mad Men is a masterclass in understated storytelling. With intense attention to detail and complex character journeys, it rebranded what a prestige drama could be.
4. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Walter White’s fall from midline teacher to terrorizing drug lord is a narrative milestone. Tight plotting, moral ambiguity, and iconic performances made Breaking Bad the standard for contemporary television drama.
3. The Wire (2002–2008)
A rich, unsparing portrait of Baltimore, The Wire explores institutions, corruption, and human nature with uncommon accuracy. Its impact can be seen in countless programs that followed, and its applicability hasn’t diminished one whit.
2. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
An animated show about a washed-up actor who happens to be a horse shouldn’t be this profound, but BoJack Horseman defied expectations. Equal parts absurd humor and emotional gut-punch, it broke new ground for adult animation.
1. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)
For over two decades, Larry David’s semi-improvised comedy has turned awkward encounters and social faux pas into comedic gold. Consistently sharp, endlessly relatable, and unapologetically awkward, it’s a true original.
This list is more than just a celebration of great TV—it’s a reminder of how far the medium has come. Streaming services have erased borders, fresh voices are reshaping the industry, and the idea of what makes a “great” show keeps expanding. Whether you’re drawn to dragons, corporate drama, animated existentialism, or razor-sharp satire, we’re living in a golden age of television.