20 Best Shows of All Time

Some TV shows don’t just entertain—they shape culture, redefine storytelling, and stay with us long after the final episode. Whether you’re discovering timeless classics for the first time or revisiting fan favorites, this curated list highlights the best shows of all time across genres. From groundbreaking dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and unforgettable fantasy epics, these series represent the top-tier television that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

1. Breaking Bad

A masterful character-driven drama that follows a chemistry teacher’s descent into the criminal underworld. The show’s tension, emotional depth, and moral complexity make it one of the most powerful narratives ever put on television.
IMDb Rating: 9.5
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Where to Watch: Netflix

2. The Sopranos

A groundbreaking exploration of mob life through the troubled psyche of Tony Soprano. The show blends crime, family drama, therapy sessions, and dark humor into a deeply layered portrait of power and vulnerability.
IMDb Rating: 9.2
Cast: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Where to Watch: Max

3. Game of Thrones

A sweeping fantasy series known for its complex politics, shocking twists, and sprawling world filled with warring kingdoms and mystical forces. Its early seasons set a new standard for epic TV storytelling and production scale.
IMDb Rating: 9.2
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage
Where to Watch: Max

4. Friends

A heartwarming and hilarious sitcom following six friends navigating love, career, and adulthood in New York City. Its chemistry, iconic moments, and evergreen humor make it endlessly rewatchable across generations.
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry
Where to Watch: Netflix

5. The Wire

A gritty, realistic crime drama highlighting the interconnected institutions of Baltimore—police, schools, politics, and media. Its honest portrayal of systemic issues makes it one of the most important shows ever created.
IMDb Rating: 9.3
Cast: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams
Where to Watch: Max

6. Stranger Things

A nostalgic sci-fi adventure blending supernatural elements with heartfelt friendships. The show balances mystery, horror, and coming-of-age emotion, creating a binge-worthy world viewers instantly connect with.
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour
Where to Watch: Netflix

7. The Office (US)

A workplace comedy shot documentary-style, filled with awkward humor, relatable characters, and unexpected heart. Its unique tone and unforgettable moments have made it a permanent comfort show for millions.
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Cast: Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
Where to Watch: Peacock

8. The Crown

A visually stunning historical drama exploring Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. With remarkable performances and lush production, the show captures the personal and political challenges behind public royalty.
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton
Where to Watch: Netflix

9. The Simpsons

A cultural juggernaut that shaped animated comedy with its sharp satire and lovable characters. Even decades into its run, its early seasons remain some of the smartest TV writing ever produced.
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
Where to Watch: Disney+

10. Sherlock

A modern, stylish reimagining of the classic detective stories, filled with clever mysteries and electric chemistry between its leads. Each episode feels cinematic, with twists that keep viewers guessing.
IMDb Rating: 9.1
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott
Where to Watch: Prime Video / PBS Masterpiece

11. The Mandalorian

A beautifully crafted Star Wars series that blends western themes with touching character relationships. Its episodic adventures deliver heart, action, and some of the franchise’s best storytelling.
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito
Where to Watch: Disney+

12. Lost

A mysterious drama that captivated the world with its island secrets, emotional backstories, and philosophical themes. It pioneered the era of deeply serialized, puzzle-driven TV.
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Cast: Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O’Quinn
Where to Watch: Hulu

13. Better Call Saul

A slow-burn masterpiece exploring how struggling lawyer Jimmy McGill becomes the morally compromised Saul Goodman. Rich with character depth and tension, it stands proudly alongside Breaking Bad.
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks
Where to Watch: Netflix

14. Peaky Blinders

A stylish British crime drama about the ruthless Shelby family rising through power after WWI. Its sharp writing, atmospheric visuals, and charismatic lead performance make it addictive and unforgettable.
IMDb Rating: 8.8
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson
Where to Watch: Netflix

15. The Last of Us

A visually stunning and emotionally driven post-apocalyptic series that pairs survival action with intimate storytelling. Its character moments resonate deeply, making it one of the most impactful modern dramas.
IMDb Rating: 8.8
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv
Where to Watch: Max

16. Succession

A razor-sharp drama centered on a wealthy, dysfunctional family fighting for control of a global media empire. Known for its biting dialogue and intense family politics, it’s one of the most acclaimed shows of the decade.
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook
Where to Watch: Max

17. Seinfeld

A legendary sitcom built on observational humor and quirky characters. With its unique approach to everyday situations, it reshaped the sitcom genre and remains endlessly influential.
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander
Where to Watch: Netflix

18. Westworld (Season 1)

A mind-bending sci-fi thriller exploring artificial intelligence, morality, and consciousness. The first season’s tension, world-building, and philosophical questions make it stand out as a modern genre classic.
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Wright
Where to Watch: Max

19. Chernobyl

A harrowing dramatization of the nuclear disaster, told with haunting detail and emotional resonance. Its storytelling and performances deliver a powerful reflection on truth, sacrifice, and human error.
IMDb Rating: 9.3
Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson
Where to Watch: Max

20. Avatar: The Last Airbender

A beautifully crafted animated epic exploring destiny, war, friendship, and growth. Its storytelling depth, humor, and emotional themes make it beloved across all ages and universally regarded as one of the best animated series ever created.
IMDb Rating: 9.3
Cast: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Dante Basco
Where to Watch: Netflix

Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, or dive into a world of imagination, these series represent the best television has to offer—and they’re always worth watching again.