Let’s be real—rankings of TV shows are essentially a sport for pop culture enthusiasts. We all have our go-tos, no one’s ever completely pleased with the top list, and really, that’s the beauty of it. You’re a weekend binge-watching fiend, a flipper of channels on a Friday night, or that person who can’t help but mutter, “The book was better.” These lists ignite arguments, put friendships to the test, and sometimes leave you in a week-long rewatch cycle.
So, in the spirit of fervent debates and all-night streaming binges, here’s a recap of the 10 best TV shows ever produced—according to fans, critics, and the omnipotent algorithms that determine our watch lists.
10. The West Wing – Walking, Talking, and Winning Our Hearts
Aaron Sorkin’s political drama gave us quick-fire dialogue, idealistic speeches, and the kind of behind-the-scenes White House moments that felt both inspiring and deeply human. A favorite among Rotten Tomatoes critics, The West Wing proved that sharp writing and lovable characters could make politics downright addictive. Bonus: you’ll feel smarter just watching it.
9. The Office – Awkward Silence as an Art Form
Who’d have thought a flailing paper firm in Scranton would end up becoming comedy royalty? With its deadpan wit, cringe-inducingly awkward humor, and quotes that never get old, The Office is one of the most re-watched shows in history. Critics adore it, fans are obsessed, and somewhere, Michael Scott is still cringing at us in the best possible way.
8. Stranger Things – The ’80s, But Supernatural
Half nostalgia excursion, half supernatural thriller, Stranger Things combines small-town charm and monster-tracking adventure—and that synth-heavy soundtrack doesn’t hurt. The Duffer Brothers’ show became a pop culture phenomenon, adored by both sci-fi nerds and mainstream viewers alike, bringing them together in one glorious binge fest.
7. Atlanta – Funny, Strange, Brilliant
Donald Glover’s Atlanta will not be cornered. Comedy? Drama? Soothing hallucination social commentary? Oh, all of that—possibly within the same scene. With nearly universal critical adoration, the show repays repeated viewings, unbeknownst to the viewer, each time revealing concealed layers. It’s fearless, it’s surprising, and it’s unlike anything else on television.
6. Fleabag – Breaking the Fourth Wall and Your Soul
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is not only witty—it’s honest to the gut. Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a spotless 100% rating. The show combines knife-sharp dialogue with naked vulnerability, dishing out the laughs and the heartbreak in equal portions. If you haven’t watched it yet, get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with side-eye to the camera.
5. Game of Thrones – Dragons, Intrigue, and a Divisive Finale
Yes, the final season sparked more arguments than the Red Wedding, but Game of Thrones still reshaped television. With sprawling political drama, jaw-dropping twists, and cinematic battle scenes, it was appointment viewing for nearly a decade. Even if you’re still salty about the ending, its impact is undeniable.
4. Mad Men – Whiskey, Advertising, and Existential Crisis
Enter the world of 1960s advertising with Don Draper and colleagues—a world where ambition, identity, and mid-century aesthetics collide. Mad Men balanced painstaking period detail with rich character development, solidifying its place as one of TV’s greats. Warning: might inspire sudden cravings for vintage barware.
3. The Wire – The Cop Show That Wasn’t Just a Cop Show
Ask anyone who has watched The Wire, and they’ll likely say it’s the greatest TV show of all time. Taking place in Baltimore, it’s a layered deconstruction of crime, politics, schools, and the media—each season stripping away another layer of the city. Critics have it high on their lists for a reason: it’s storytelling at its most ambitious.
2. The Sopranos – Mob Boss Meets Midlife Crisis
Tony Soprano is television’s greatest character—a man balancing organized crime, family conflict, and therapy appointments. The Sopranos redefined the TV drama formula, combining psychic depth with moments of dark humor and violence. Almost every subsequent prestige series in some way owes it one.
1. Breaking Bad – The Perfect Transformation
Walter White’s transformation from high school chemistry teacher to cold-blooded drug lord is one of the most compelling arcs in TV history. With tightly wound plotting, tour-de-force performances, and moral complexity that keeps you guessing, Breaking Bad takes its place at the top. Critics, fans, and streaming services all concur—it’s as near perfection as television can manage.
These are lists not based on popularity. As IMDb describes, their Top 250 equation considers vote numbers, minimums, and averages, so the list represents both affection and reliability. And with IMDb’s “Mark as Watched” option, you can see where you’re at—but the real test is choosing what to begin next… and preparing yourself for the inevitable argument on why your favorite wasn’t included. Because ultimately, TV is gloriously sloppy, boundlessly contentious, and utterly addictive. And for real? We wouldn’t have it otherwise.