TV shows have a way of dictating the narrative of the culture around us. They become such an integral part of our daily lives that more often than not they become a part of a set routine.
Earlier being broadcasted by cable and now through OTT platforms like Netflix, decade after decade, the charm of TV shows continues.
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Here is a list of the 20 greatest TV shows of all time that defined Television History.
20) Suits
Suits was a drama that aired from 2011 - 2019. It was based on a top-tier legal firm in New York that only recruited its employees from Harvard. Things take a turn when they hire an associate with a photographic memory. The new hire has a dark secret. He hasn’t been to Harvard. In fact, he hasn’t been to any law school. With its witty banter and high-stakes cases, this show engages you in the day-to-day functioning of legal corporations. Moreover, it gained popularity for starring - Meghan Markle, now wife of Prince Harry of Britain.
19) Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul is the backstory of the now-infamous show- Breaking Bad. The show features the transformation of a struggling lawyer trying to make it in the industry, into Saul Goodman, a great criminal lawyer. With glimpses into the criminal underworld and themes of betrayal, loyalty, and deciding where the line is between good and bad, Better Call Saul continues to be a much-loved show.
18) House of Cards
A Netflix original, House of Cards was set amidst a political crisis. It is the story of an ambitious and manipulative couple who are hungry for power. Using every means possible, from betrayal to blackmail, it follows the couple’s path toward becoming the president and first lady of the United States of America.
17) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has been a very successful endeavor for the actor Will Smith. Credited not only for promoting his career, the audition of this show is where Will Smith met his wife, Jada Pinkett. It is the study of a clever boy from Philadelphia who is sent to live with his rich extended family in Bel-Air, Los Angeles. It is a humorous show that follows issues of racism, classism, self-identity, and family dynamics.
16) Brooklyn Nine Nine
Starring Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta, Brooklyn nine nine was a show about a team of detectives working in the New York City Police Department. Known for its humor and clever way of dealing with deeper issues of lgbtq+, racism, and hierarchies, this show is one of the most loved shows. It has gone on to win a Golden Globe and has a very dedicated set of audience.
15) Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is a very touching show about the relationship between three generations of mother and daughter. Especially focusing on Lorelei Gilmore who is sarcastic, fun, and easygoing, and her daughter, Rory Gilmore, who is reserved and career-driven and studies in an Ivy League college. The show follows them as they navigate their love life, future, ambitions, and relationships. This show is known mostly for its pop culture references and for the vibrant fall environment it depicts.
14) The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory which aired from 2007 - 2019 was another very loved TV show. It portrayed the story of a bunch of scientists who are socially awkward, academically smart, and street stupid. Their life completely changes when an outgoing, charismatic girl moves next door to them. The show then depicts the give-and-take relationship between them as the scientists provide intellectual growth to the girl, while she helps them navigate social situations. This unique idea was much loved and instantly became a hit show.
13) How i met your mother
Another humorous and entertaining show, How I Met Your Mother, through flashbacks follows the life of Ted Mosby as he tells his kids the story of how he met their mother. He reminisces about his time with his friends' group, the fun and adventure they had, and their ups and downs.
The show takes a mysterious approach with every episode claiming to reveal the identity of who the mother of the kids is and then dodging it. It is finally in the last season that the identity of the mother is revealed.
12) Stranger Things
Another Netflix Original show, Stranger Things was released in 2016. This hit show, set in the 1980s follows the life of a young friends group who after the disappearance of their friend- Will Byers, set out on an adventure to save him. During this journey, they meet Eleven, a girl who has psychokinetic abilities and is somehow involved in this mystery. This classic thriller show has gained much popularity and is loved by people of all age groups.
11) Seinfeld
Seinfeld was a renowned show of the 90s. With no particular focus, the show in a simple manner, quite humorously, follows the life of a stand-up comedian, and his friends' group living in New York City. It is much acclaimed for its unique method of focusing on trivial things in life that usually go unnoticed. Running for almost a decade, this show garnered a mass following.
10) Sherlock
Based on the famous detective novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock is an adaptation of the book series starring the legendary actor - Benedict Cumberbatch. The show follows the same stories as the books but with a modern twist. It has gained a lot of appreciation for its script, casting, set, and acting. With equal focus on the psychologies of the hero and the villain, BBC’s adaptation of Sherlock has found a special place in the hearts of its viewers.
9) Prison Break
Prison Break is the story of a brilliant engineer who gets himself arrested to help his convicted brother escape. Hiding the prison’s map in his tattoos, the brothers set out on a mission to break out of the prison but instead find themselves trapped in a much larger controversy. With a lot of plot twists and cliffhangers, this show is regarded widely as a brilliant portrayal of the corrupt justice system.
8) Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is a historical period drama of a British Family. The series navigates the vast and apparent differences in the lives of the aristocrats and their servants. It deals with issues of feminism and the prevalence of patriarchy in the society. The story portrays the aftermath of the family falling in jeopardy as its only male heir dies aboard the Titanic and they are left with no heirs.
7) Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders starring Cillian Murphy is another popular British Period Drama. It follows Thomas Shelby, who is expanding his criminal empire. It is based on his influential gang as they navigate the underground under themes of post-war depression and class struggles in Britain.
6) Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones based on George R. R. Martin’s famous book - A Song of Ice and Fire, is a fantasy political drama that has become immensely popular. It shows the political struggle for power between the noble families of the kingdom of Westeros for the iron throne. It has a lot of character arcs and is filled with themes of loyalty and betrayal. Filled with shocking plot twists that are loved by the audience, the plot and cast of the show have successfully contributed to making it the cultural phenomenon that it has become.
5) The Office
The Office is another show that has become a massive hit, particularly due to the mockumentary style it follows. It is a humorous take into the cooperate life of a firm - Dunder Mifflin. It shows how the intrinsic relationships of employees influence their behavior at their workplace. It uses interviews and other means to show the inner mindset of employees and their day-to-day mundane life problems.
4) Sopranos
Sopranos is a crime show following Tony Sopranos, leader of a mob as he tries to balance his criminal and family life. Psychological issues like - anxiety and depression clutch Tony Sopranos and lead him to Dr. Jennifer.
The show portrays the struggles of living a double life and employs dark humor to enrich its plot. It has won several Emmys and Golden Globes and has successfully become a cultural phenomenon.
3) Breaking Bad
If you go out and ask 10 people what their favorite TV show is, half of them will answer - Breaking Bad. Rightly so, because upon release Breaking Bad became an instant hit. It follows Walter White, a chemistry teacher who gets involved in a drug manufacturing business. From being a noble citizen, his life takes a 180 turn and pushes him into the dark side of the drug industry. It broke records, winning 16 Emmys and since then has become a top-notch series.
2) Friends
Friends has gained so much popularity that oftentimes people call it overrated. But quite contrary to this notion, it is indeed a show very close to the heart of its audience. Following the lives of 6 friends living in New York City, it is a heartwarming portrayal of the ups and downs of their lives as they navigate love, work, friendship, and family. With witty and realistic humor, this show has had an impact on the TV show landscape like no other.
1) Modern Family
Modern Family has gained the top place in greatest TV shows because of its relevance and clever writing. Relatively newer than most of the shows on the list, released in 2009, this show has gained a large amount of popularity in a short period. Another mockumentary style show, it follows the life of 3 families closely interwoven with each other. Hilariously the show depicts trivial family issues faced by everyone and has managed to resonate with audiences of all generations. It has a diverse cast and tackles not only societal issues but also mundane day-to-day problems.
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