Top 100 TV Shows of ALL TIME!!!
by livingston50074 | created - 11 Apr 2012 | updated - 30 Sep 2013 | PublicI often find myself coming across "lists" (whether it's for tv, movies, or music) which claim to be "All Time Lists", but are filled mostly with current material. So I thought it would be fun to come up with my own list. This one will be about Television. What makes this list a little different is that there are some shows that I don't particularly care for, and some that I've never even seen. I am ranking them from Historical, Social, and Cultural relevance, and yes... There is a personal bias mixed in (starting with #1). So enjoy, and feel free to comment, but please keep it clean. Everyone won't be happy, but hopefully you will find that all generations are pretty well represented. After all it's an ALL-TIME list.
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1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Votes: 2,133,706
I had to put this one up so high because it's so different. Breaking Bad is the story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with advanced lung cancer at the beginning of the series. He turns to a life of crime, producing and selling methamphetamine with a former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), with the aim of securing his family's financial future before he dies.
2. The Wire (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce
Votes: 377,039
Despite only receiving modest ratings and never winning major television awards, The Wire has been described by many critics as the greatest television series ever made and one of the most accomplished works of fiction of the 2000s
3. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
TV-Y | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The wife of a band leader constantly tries to become a star - in spite of her having no talent, and gets herself (along with her best friend) into the funniest predicaments.
Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley
Votes: 28,900
4. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
The continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.
Stars: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
Votes: 351,152
Seinfeld broke several conventions of mainstream television. The show, often described as being about "nothing. A critical favorite, commercial blockbuster and cultural phenomenon, the show led the Nielsen ratings in its sixth and ninth seasons and finished among the top two (along with NBC's ER) every year from 1994 to 1998
5. The West Wing (1999–2006)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama
Inside the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House.
Stars: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, John Spencer
Votes: 85,503
I know that people won't be crazy about this selection, but hey........ It's my list.
6. The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986–2011)
TV-PG | 60 min | News, Talk-Show
Oprah Winfrey hosts a live audience talk-show with celebrity guests and discusses daily stories.
Stars: Oprah Winfrey, Nate Berkus, Gayle King, Chris Rock
Votes: 5,429
A Talk show in the top 10? Yes!!! An American syndicated talk show hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey. It ran nationally for 25 seasons beginning in 1986, before concluding in 2011. It is the highest-rated talk show in American television history. I accused it of being very Anti- men, but in it's last season I began to realize how far reaching it was
7. The Cosby Show (1984–1992)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Romance
The goings-on in the life of a successful African-American family.
Stars: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe
Votes: 36,338
According to TV Guide, the show "was TV's biggest hit in the 1980s, and almost single-handedly revived the sitcom genre and NBC's ratings fortunes. The show changed tv forever, because everyone of all races, could ralate to this family
8. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.
Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Votes: 470,419
The Sopranos is the most financially successful series in the history of cable television, and has frequently been acclaimed as the greatest television series of all-time. Bring on the Prequel
9. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992)
TV-14 | 105 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
Host Johnny Carson performs comedy routines and chats with various celebrities.
Stars: Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, Doc Severinsen, Skitch Henderson
Votes: 4,241
Anyone "fortunately old enough" to have seen Johnny Carson knows that he was the best to ever do it! With his dry humor and keen wit, he litterally opened doors for other comedians to follow in his footsteps. Leno, Letterman, and Conan continue to use his jokes, and bits to this day. Heeeeeere's Johnny!!!
10. 60 Minutes (1968– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, News
The classic long-running prime time TV investigative news magazine.
Stars: Andrew Rooney, Lesley Stahl, Steve Kroft, Morley Safer
Votes: 4,336
Okay I know, it's a news program, but it's one of the most watched television shows of all time. As recent as 2002, TV Guide was ranked the #6 Greatest television show ever. 10 years later, the show is still going strong in it's 44th season
11. Dexter (2006–2013)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
He's smart. He's lovable. He's Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer, who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them.
Stars: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar
Votes: 765,092
Another very original subject matter. Dexter, a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who moonlights as a serial killer. Set in Miami, the show's first season was largely based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
12. Entourage (2004–2011)
TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy, Drama
Film star, Vince Chase, navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty agent.
Stars: Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara
Votes: 176,775
This show made me wish that I was 5 years younger, and a celeb in Hollywood. Based on the life of Mark Wahlberg The series deals with themes of male friendship and real-life situations in modern-day Hollywood. The show is known for its array of guest stars, usually featuring at least two celebrities per episode.
13. Star Trek (1966–1969)
TV-PG | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.
Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols
Votes: 92,847
The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. The show fascinates me because for a Science Fiction series in the 1960's and 70's it broke down many racial barriers. Not only was it the first tv show with an interracial kiss, but Capt Kirk also got busy with a green chick. WOW!!!
14. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
TV-PG | 25 min | Comedy, Drama, War
The staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.
Stars: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr
Votes: 63,743
adapted from the 1970 feature film MASH (which was itself based on the 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, by Richard Hooker). The series is a medical drama/black comedy. the finale became the most watched television episode in U.S. television history at the time, with a record breaking 125 million viewers,
15. Lost (2004–2010)
TV-14 | 5,445 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
The survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.
Stars: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly
Votes: 594,709
A critically acclaimed and popular success, Lost was consistently ranked by critics on their lists of top ten series of all time. The first season garnered an average of 15.69 million viewers per episode on ABC
16. Boston Public (2000–2006)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
The lives of 10 faculty members at a high school in Boston weave in and out of dealing with trouble-makers, having a personal life, and keeping sanity.
Stars: Loretta Devine, Anthony Heald, Fyvush Finkel, Chi McBride
Votes: 6,298
My favorite of the David E Kelley shows, Boston Public centered on a fictional public school in Boston Mass. It featured a large ensemble cast and focused on the work and private lives of the various teachers, students, and administrators at the school. I taught for almost three years, and it's uncanny how accurate it was.
17. The Practice (1997–2004)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
We follow the exploits and cases of defense attorneys of a Boston law firm. Bobby Donnell is the senior defense attorney and founder of the firm.
Stars: Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Steve Harris
Votes: 10,418
Great show!!! The Practice focused on the law firm of Robert Donnell and Associates (later becoming Donnell, Young, Dole, & Frutt, and ultimately Young, Frutt, & Berluti). Plots typically featured the firm's involvement in various high-profile criminal and civil cases that often mirror current events. I always loved that "Plan B" strategy!
18. ER (1994–2009)
TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Romance
The doctors who work in the ER at the County General Hospital in Chicago grapple with ups and downs in their personal and professional lives while trying to give apt medical care to their patients.
Stars: Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Eriq La Salle
Votes: 67,677
Mostly known as the vehichle that launched the career of George Clooney. The show ran for 15 seasons, becoming the longest-running primetime medical drama in American television history. It won 23 Emmy Awards, including the 1996 Outstanding Drama Series award, and received 124 Emmy nominations, which makes it the most nominated drama program in history.
19. All in the Family (1971–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
A working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.
Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers
Votes: 18,645
This is the part of the list where the 30, and younger crowd will get very frustrated. Sorry, everything can't be current. This show is several years older than me, but it's subject matter is still cutting edge. Despite being considerably softer in its approach than its BBC predecessor, the show broke ground in its depiction of issues previously considered unsuitable for U.S. network television comedy, such as racism, homosexuality, women's liberation, rape, miscarriage, abortion, breast cancer, the Vietnam War, menopause, and impotence
20. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.
Stars: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman
Votes: 146,912
I'm the younger (and black) version of Larry David. Everything I seem to do or say ends up coming off the wrong way. The Seinfeld co-creator took his act to HBO and continues his world of nothingness
21. Saturday Night Live (1975– )
TV-14 | 90 min | Comedy, Music
A famous guest host stars in parodies and sketches created by the cast of this witty show.
Stars: The Saturday Night Live Band, Don Pardo, Darrell Hammond, Kenan Thompson
Votes: 52,687
I can barely watch this show nowadays, but that doesn't diminish the shows importance. Throughout its more than three decades on air, (making it one of the longest-running network television programs in the United States as of 2012) the show format has been developed and recreated in several countries including Spain, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, each meeting with different levels of success. The alumni of cast members is too lengthy to list
22. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The lives and trials of a young single woman and her friends, both at work and at home.
Stars: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper
Votes: 10,164
one of the most acclaimed television programs ever produced" in US television history. It received high praise from critics, including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row (1975–77), and continued to be honored long after the final episode aired.
23. Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The lives and work of the staff of an inner city police precinct.
Stars: Daniel J. Travanti, Michael Warren, Bruce Weitz, James Sikking
Votes: 10,548
Hill Street Blues received rave reviews from critics. The groundbreaking choice to include African-Americans as mainstays in the core ensemble cast and to feature several inter-racial and inter-ethnic cop partnerships drew notice and praise, as did the overlapping plots and examinations of moral conundrums such as police corruption, racism, alcoholism, and both interpersonal and institutional forgiveness.
24. Good Times (1974–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
A poor family make the best of things in the Chicago housing projects.
Stars: Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Jimmie 'JJ' Walker
Votes: 8,105
As was the case on other Norman Lear sitcoms, the characters and subject matter in Good Times were a breakthrough for American television. Episodes of Good Times dealt with the characters' attempts to "get by" in a high rise project building in Chicago, despite all the odds stacked against them. Thelma Thelma Thelma!!!
25. Sesame Street (1969– )
TV-Y | 55 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
On a special inner city street, the inhabitants, human and muppet, teach preschool subjects with comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.
Stars: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney, Jerry Nelson
Votes: 15,370
That's right... Sesame Street, What??? Who among us didn't start our day by watching this? Not only did the show teach us basic learning skills, such as math and reading, but it introduced us to the some of the muppets. The show is still going strong, and they're still making Muppets movies
26. Bonanza (1959–1973)
TV-PG | 49 min | Western
The Wild West adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their Nevada ranch while helping the surrounding community.
Stars: Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts
Votes: 10,988
Never saw it, but any show that ran hour long episodes for fourteen seasons has to be on the list.
27. The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy, Family
Television show featuring skits by Carol Burnett and her comedy troupe.
Stars: Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, The Ernie Flatt Dancers, Harvey Korman
Votes: 7,293
The series won 25 prime time Emmy Awards, was ranked #16 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2002 and in 2007 was listed as one of Time magazine's "100 Best TV Shows of All Time."
28. Cheers (1982–1993)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama
The regulars of the Boston bar "Cheers" share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name.
Stars: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
Votes: 61,989
One of the the rare shows that got better every year. it was nearly canceled during its first season when it ranked last in ratings for its premiere (77th out of 77 shows). Cheers, however, eventually became a highly rated television show in the United States, earning a top-ten rating during 8 of its 11 seasons, including one season at #1.
29. The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
Four previously married women live together in Miami, sharing their various experiences together and enjoying themselves despite hard times.
Stars: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty
Votes: 47,161
My best friend would kill me if this show didn't make the top 30. All four stars each received an Emmy Award throughout the series' run and had multiple nominations. The series also ranked among the top ten highest-rated programs for six out of its seven seasons
30. Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
TV-PG | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Professional writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher uses her intellect, charm, and persistence to get to the bottom of every crime she encounters.
Stars: Angela Lansbury, William Windom, Ron Masak, Louis Herthum
Votes: 29,207
The series aired for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996. It is one of the most successful and longest-running television shows in history, with close to 23 million viewers in its prime, and was a staple of its Sunday night lineup for a decade. The series is also successful around the world.
31. Maude (1972–1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
"All In The Family" spin-off centered around Edith's cousin, Maude Findlay, a liberal, independent woman living in Tuckahoe, New York.
Stars: Bea Arthur, Bill Macy, Conrad Bain, Adrienne Barbeau
Votes: 4,699
The program was a spin-off of All in the Family, on which Beatrice Arthur had first played the character of Maude, Edith Bunker's cousin; like All in the Family, Maude was a sitcom with topical storylines created by producer Norman Lear. They were dealing with topics such as abortion back in the early 70's "Cutting Edge"
32. Boston Legal (2004–2008)
TV-14 | 44 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Boston Legal is a spin-off of the long-running David E. Kelley series The Practice (1997), following the exploits of former Practice character Alan Shore (James Spader) at the legal firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt.
Stars: James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen, Rene Auberjonois
Votes: 49,980
The spinoff of the practice, Boston Legal follows the exploits of former Practice character Alan Shore (James Spader) at the legal firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. More comical than its predecessor, the show continued to deal with modern day cases in a more upscale environment. Denny Crane!!!
33. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
A nouveau riche, African-American family who move into a luxury apartment building develop close, if occasionally fractious, relationships with other tenants.
Stars: Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover
Votes: 10,606
Norman Lear churned out successful tv shows and spinoffs like they were reality shows. However, unlike some of his other shows, it was less sharply political in tone and The Jeffersons evolved into more of a traditional sitcom, relying more on the characters' interactions with one another rather than explicitly political dialog or storylines. It did, however, tackle a few serious topics including racism, suicide, gun control and adult illiteracy. Also, the words *beep* and "honky" were used occasionally, especially during the earlier seasons.
34. House M.D. (2004–2012)
TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Mystery
Using a crack team of doctors and his wits, an antisocial maverick doctor specializing in diagnostic medicine does whatever it takes to solve puzzling cases that come his way.
Stars: Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer
Votes: 512,778
Critically acclaimed for much of its run, House was among the top-ten rated shows in the United States from its second through its fourth season. Distributed to 66 countries, House was the most watched television program in the world in 2008.[1] The show has received several awards, including five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Peabody Award, and nine People's Choice Awards. I
35. Friends (1994–2004)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
Follows the personal and professional lives of six twenty to thirty year-old friends living in the Manhattan borough of New York City.
Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc
Votes: 1,087,340
I had a hard time ranking this show because I just couldn't relate, but I simply can't ignore the show's popularity and significance. Friends received positive reviews throughout its run, becoming one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. The series won many awards and was nominated for 63 Primetime Emmy Awards. The series, an instant hit from its debut, was also very successful in the ratings, consistently ranking in the top ten in the final primetime ratings. Many critics now regard it as one of the finest shows in television history, including TV Guide, which ranked it #21 on their list of the 50 greatest TV shows of all time.
36. Mad Men (2007–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama
A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.
Stars: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones
Votes: 260,357
I keep waiting for this show to overwhelm me, but it just hasn't yet. You simply can't ignore the critical acclaim, particularly for its historical authenticity and visual style. The show has won fifteen Emmys and four Golden Globes. It is the first basic cable series to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, winning it in each of its first four seasons in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
37. Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
A hedonistic jingle writer's free-wheeling life comes to an abrupt halt when his brother and 10-year-old nephew move into his beach-front house.
Stars: Jon Cryer, Ashton Kutcher, Angus T. Jones, Conchata Ferrell
Votes: 280,411
Honestly, I've never been a fan of this show. For some reason, I simply can't relate. But the show has been hugely successful. Although, I understand that it's really fallen off since Charlie Sheen was fired
38. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
TV-14 | 4,576 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A father recounts to his children - through a series of flashbacks - the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.
Stars: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris
Votes: 728,096
How I Met Your Mother has been a critical success, and has received consistently positive reviews throughout its run. It has won five Emmy Awards, including a nomination for "Outstanding Comedy Series" in 2009.
39. Miami Vice (1984–1989)
TV-14 | 48 min | Action, Crime, Drama
-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.
Stars: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown
Votes: 30,158
Unlike standard police procedurals, the show drew heavily upon 1980s New Wave culture and music. The show became noted for its heavy integration of music and visual effects to tell a story. It is recognized as one of the most influential television series of all time.
40. Sanford and Son (1972–1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley
Votes: 10,793
Another Norman Lear joint. Fred G Sanford was the black answer to Archie Bunker. Sanford and Son has long been hailed as the precursor to many African American sitcoms, such as The Cosby Show. Although sometimes gregarious in its humor, Sanford and Son was groundbreaking for African Americans on television.
41. The Real World (1992– )
TV-14 | 30 min | Drama, Reality-TV
A new version of the long-running MTV reality show, which looks to unite people from different backgrounds and find a common ground.
Stars: Janelle Casanave, Alton Williams II, Arissa Hill, Brynn Smith
Votes: 4,282
Although not the first, (American Family) The Real World is considered by many to be the mother of all reality shows. The series was hailed in its early years for depicting issues of contemporary young-adulthood relevant to its core audience, such as prejudice, sexuality, AIDS and substance abuse, but later garnered a reputation as a showcase for immature and irresponsible behavior
42. L.A. Law (1986–1994)
TV-PG | 46 min | Drama
The lives and work of the staff of a major Los Angeles law firm.
Stars: Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins, Michael Tucker
Votes: 6,456
If not for the last three seasons, this show would hav been a lot higher. The features including a large number of parallel storylines, social drama and off the wall humor. It reflected the social and cultural ideologies of the 1980s and early 1990s and many of the cases featured on the show deal with hot topic issues such as abortion, racism, gay rights, homophobia, sexual harassment, AIDS, and domestic violence. The series often also reflected social tensions between the wealthy senior lawyer protagonists and their less well-paid junior staff. The show was popular with audiences and critics, and won 15 Emmy Awards throughout its run, four of which were for Outstanding Drama Series.
43. Law & Order (1990– )
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
New York's finest police detectives and prosecutors fight to make the city a safer place. With integrity as the guiding force from investigation to verdict, the teams weigh every perspective in their commitment to finding justice.
Stars: Jerry Orbach, Jesse L. Martin, Dennis Farina, Sam Waterston
Votes: 44,519
In 2002, Law & Order was ranked #24 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. The show also placed #27 on Entertainment Weekly's "New TV Classics" list. The show has been so good, it just won't go away. It keeps coming back with with a revolving door ensemble cast, and several spinoffs
44. The Shield (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller