Television of the 21st century has been like a rollercoaster, an emotional rollercoaster of highs, lows, and in-betweens. It is wonderful—and sometimes very confusing—to be a viewer in this fantastic era where you can watch whole seasons dropped at once by streaming services and critics going into minute detail about what really means “Peak TV.” However, it is the task of one person to distinguish the good from the great. These are my reflections on the ten best TV shows of the 21st century, from ten to one, because suspense is what makes everything better.
10. Succession
Succession is a gripping drama like no other in the history of corporate power battles. It is a sharp and comprehensive study of the disorder in the family, and the script, along with the acting, very often makes you feel a mix of emotions – they make you cringe, laugh, and, in rare instances, even shout. The comedic elements in the tragic Roy family saga have not only made the family a standard for comparison in pop culture but also, through the high drama of the Shakespearean kind, have paved the way to show that corporate fights are just as engaging and addictive as dragons or crime families.
9. Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag makes the fourth wall a personal confessional. With her in-your-face speeches to the audience, every cringe and every emotional moment lands with more impact. The show marries wicked humor with visceral exposure, making for a narrative style that’s revolutionary and shatteringly relatable. It’s not television—it’s an experience that leaves you feeling like you’re a character within it.
8. Game of Thrones
Love it or despise the finale, Game of Thrones revolutionized TV. Sweeping battles, political machinations, and yes, dragons in abundance, made this HBO hit impossible to turn away from. Its ambition and scope raised a new standard for serialized drama, and while the finale polarized viewers, its impact on TV and pop culture is not to be doubted.
7. Breaking Bad
Walter White’s metamorphosis from chemistry teacher at a high school to meth lord is the stuff of legend. Breaking Bad was a slow-burning thriller with careful plotting, deep characters, and moral compromise that raised the standard for serialized drama. Its influence can still be seen today in hundreds of shows and spin-offs detailing the rise and fall of antiheroes.
6. Mad Men
Step into the world of Sterling Cooper, and you’re immersed in a meditation on identity, ambition, and the American dream. Mad Men goes beyond a period piece with its intricate characters, flawless production design, and exploration of existential ennui. Its influence stretches beyond television, inspiring fashion, design, and even a resurgence in cocktail culture.
5. The Office (UK/US)
However you feel about Ricky Gervais’ cringeingly embarrassing David Brent or Steve Carell’s affable Michael Scott, The Office changed workplace comedy forever. The mockumentary style, deadpan delivery, and relatable human flaws make it perpetually quotable and ageless. Its influence is a cultural touchstone for cringeworthy laughter and office surrealism worldwide.
4. BoJack Horseman
An animated horse riding through the ruins of fame and self-doubt is ridiculous—but BoJack Horseman demonstrates that animation doesn’t have to be superficial. The series approaches mental illness, addiction, and existential crises with dark humor and dreamlike storytelling, mixing chuckles and tears in ways that few shows are willing to try.
3. Atlanta
Donald Glover’s Atlanta is a bold, genre-bending examination of race, celebrity, and the surrealities of contemporary life. Innovative storytelling, social commentary, and pitch-perfect humor render it one of television’s most innovative shows. Glover’s creative vision and commitment to taking risks lend the series a distinctive voice that cannot be overlooked.
2. The Sopranos
Technically a 20th-century debut, but its post-2000 runs cemented The Sopranos as a contemporary classic. Tony Soprano’s battles with family, crime, and therapy established the blueprint for the modern antihero. Its impact can be seen in virtually every significant drama since, from Breaking Bad to Mad Men.
1. The Wire
If you haven’t watched The Wire, you’re missing one of the greatest examinations of society ever filmed. More than a cop show, it’s an exploration of the systems that define city life—police, schools, politics, and beyond. Complex, nuanced, and unapologetically truthful, The Wire is a masterclass in writing and warrants its status as the best TV show of the 21st century.
The 21st century’s TV landscape isn’t just entertainment—it’s boundary-pushing, socially reflective, and emotionally resonant. From animated horse stars to sprawling crime epics, these shows prove that television is still capable of surprising, challenging, and inspiring us. So grab your remote, or your tablet, or whatever device you’re watching on—and dive in. The golden age isn’t over yet.