Whether these TV shows aired on a network or a streaming service, they made an impact on the cultural conversations of their time. When a massive number of people tune in for a series every time a new episode drops, it doesn't take long for the show to become part of the zeitgeist, even with audiences who aren't watching. Within this list, there's a lot of overlap with the best TV shows of all time since popularity plays into a series' longevity. There's a reason why these projects are well ed today, even if they stopped airing decades ago.
Television has changed a lot over the years, and while the way that media is consumed might have changed, this doesn't mean people have stopped watching TV. There are many popular and underrated TV shows returning in 2025, and some might even have the staying power to be ed as a highlight of the decade in the coming years. Plenty of TV series still on the air today have kept up their momentum and sway since they first premiered. It's hard to say what makes a show connect with so many people, but these series share that same quality.
10 Game Of Thrones (2011–2019)
One of HBO's most recent grounding-breaking hits
Game Of Thrones
- Release Date
- 2011 - 2019-00-00
- Showrunner
- David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
- Directors
- David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
Cast
Jon Snow
Isaac Hempstead WrightBrandon Bran Stark
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on George R. R. Martin's ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
- Writers
- D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
- Franchise(s)
- Game of Thrones
- Creator(s)
- David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
- Seasons
- 8
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
There's no question that HBO has been at the top of its game in the television landscape since the network first broke ground in the early 1970s. HBO is well known for pioneering many of the series that established the concept of prestige television, and the network/streaming service still delivers many iconic projects. However, it's impossible to talk about the contemporary era of HBO without mentioning Game of Thrones. As one of the most popular TV shows of the 2010s, it's undeniably memorable.
20 Most Popular HBO Shows Of All Time Ranked
From shows like Game Of Thrones to Euphoria, HBO has a plethora of wildly successful series under its belt, and they're so popular.
Based on the beloved fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones not only sparked a major high fantasy revival on television, but it proved that there was an audience base for these types of stories. While rewatching Game of Thrones today might not spark the same reaction when it first premiered, there was significant discourse about the violence, nudity, and graphic nature of the show. Though the series didn't skimp on the quality of drama, it didn't shy away from provoking intrigue and outrage at its programming, making it a vibrant talking point.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Game of Thrones (2011–2019) |
89% |
85% |
9 Seinfeld (1989–1998)
A show about nothing became a television phenomenon
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Seinfeld
- Release Date
- 1989 - 1998-00-00
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Larry David
WHERE TO WATCH
Seinfeld stars Jerry Seinfeld as a stand-up comedian whose life in New York City is made even more chaotic by his quirky group of friends who him in wrestling with life's most perplexing yet often trivial questions. Often described as "a show about nothing," Seinfeld mines the humor in life's mundane situations like waiting in line, searching for a lost item, or the trials and tribulations of dating. Co-starring is Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Jerry's ex-girlfriend and current platonic pal, Elaine Benes; Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Jerry's neurotic hard-luck best friend; and Michael Richards as Jerry's eccentric neighbor, Kramer.
- Directors
- Jason Alexander
- Writers
- Larry David
- Franchise
- Seinfeld
- Seasons
- 9
- Story By
- Jerry Seinfeld
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
Seinfeld made its four stars and co-creators some of the most famous comedians of the 1990s, and they remain recognizable figures. Though its format and premise are similar to a traditional sitcom, Seinfeld was revolutionary because it took life's most mundane situations and mined them for comedy that left audiences rolling on the floor. Where other series created their drama and conflict from romantic tension and will-they-won't-they dynamics, Seinfeld mined the hilarious of everyday life and its pitfalls.
There are dated elements of the series, but when tuning into reruns of Seinfeld today, it still feels remarkably fresh and inspired. The writing is one of the most iconic parts of Seinfeld, as a viewer can jump into any episode of the show and instantly understand the character's motivations and relationships. Slightly edgier and more provocative than its contemporaries, Seinfeld found its audience and maintained it for many years, even if the pilot doesn't hold up, as the series found its footing in season 2.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Seinfeld (1989–1998) |
89% |
92% |
8 M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
This dramedy changed the face of television forever
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M*A*S*H is a drama-comedy series set during the Korean War, centering on the lives of the staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as they navigate the challenges of wartime medical service with humor and resilience.
- Directors
- Larry Gelbart
- Writers
- Larry Gelbart, Richard Hooker
- Seasons
- 11
- Story By
- richard hooker
- Streaming Service(s)
- AppleTV+
Setting a comedy in the middle of a war might seem like a strange idea, but MASH took the concept from the original 1970 movie and created something even more culturally relevant. Not only was MASH in conversation with contemporary issues, like the U.S.'s involvement in the Vietnam War, but it also spoke to a generation of people who wanted to see television grapple with serious subject matter. It might have started as a comedy, but MASH turned into a lot more than that.
Playing with form and style and directly commenting on the cost and tragedy of war made viewers just as likely to tune into MASH for the drama as the hilarity.
Alan Alda's leading role as Hawkeye might have drawn audiences in, but it was ultimately Alda's work behind the camera that helped shape MASH into a sensation. Many MASH episodes were historically relevant and were unlike anything audiences had seen on TV before. Playing with form and style and directly commenting on the cost and tragedy of war made viewers just as likely to tune into MASH for the drama as the hilarity.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
M*A*S*H (1972–1983) |
N/A |
88% |
7 The Sopranos (1999–2007)
HBO was never the same after The Sopranos started airing
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The Sopranos
- Release Date
- 1999 - 2007-00-00
- Network
- HBO Max
- Showrunner
- David Chase
Cast
James Gandolfini
Lorraine Bracco
WHERE TO WATCH
Considered to be a quintessential drama series to watch, The Sopranos is a crime-drama series that follows Tony Soprano, who tries to manage the expectations of an Italian-American patriarch while acting as the head of a prolific New Jersey crime family. Burdened by the stress of the expectations thrust upon him, Tony regularly visits a therapist throughout the series run. This helps give context to Tony's actions as a ruthless boss with violent tendencies.
- Writers
- David Chase
- Seasons
- 6
- Streaming Service(s)
- M
Widely considered the best TV show in history, The Sopranos has been off the air since 2007, but that hasn't diminished its impact or the number of audiences who are familiar with the show. Starring James Gandolfini as the iconic Tony Soprano, The Sopranos helped foster the popularity of the antihero on television and has lost none of its cultural cache or name recognition. While the mob and mafia genres had already been well worn by 1999, the creator, David Chase, found a way to make their concept new.
For a long time, The Sopranos series finale was the most-watched series finale in HBO history, with 11.9 million viewers in 2007, until it was unseated by Game of Thrones (via The Hollywood Reporter). Though HBO had been producing plenty of great TV before The Sopranos came along, it's unlikely that the network would have the reputation it does today without this revolutionary series. For a network to attract the number of viewers that The Sopranos did in the later '90s and early 2000s is impressive by any standards.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
The Sopranos (1999–2007) |
92% |
96% |
6 Friends (1994–2004)
This sitcom has maintained its hold on comedy and popular culture
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Friends is the popular sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, released back in 1994 and ran for ten seasons. The show follows a group of six twentysomethings through their lives in New York City and their time spent between their two apartments and their local coffee shop. The show features the group navigating tricky relationships with one another and comical misadventures.
- Directors
- David Crane, Marta Kauffman
- Writers
- David Crane, Marta Kauffman
- Franchise(s)
- Friends
- Seasons
- 10
A group of six twenty-somethings living in New York City sounds like the premise of many major TV shows, but Friends was something entirely its own. It's hard to say exactly why Friends was so popular for all ten of its seasons, though the cast's chemistry and the relatable humor have something to do with it. However, a large part of its continued popularity and devoted fanbase is because it's so easy to care about the characters, and the emotional scenes are just as impactful as the comedy.
While Friends is unquestionably an episodic series, its serialized storylines kept audiences engaged, as so many revolved around the romantic entanglements of the core characters.
While Friends is unquestionably an episodic series, its serialized storylines kept audiences engaged, as so many revolved around the romantic entanglements of the core characters. As one of the best TV shows set in New York City, Friends is simultaneously relatable and aspirational. This is a fine line to walk, but when done right, it's the perfect formula for making a show seem fresh and contemporary while paving the way for it to age well with time.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Friends (1994–2004) |
78% |
93% |
5 Succession (2018–2023)
For several seasons, Succession Sundays were an exciting pop culture event
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Succession
- Release Date
- 2018 - 2023
- Network
- HBO Max
- Showrunner
- Jesse Armstrong
Cast
Hiam Abbass
Alan Ruck
WHERE TO WATCH
Succession is a Black Comedy and Satire television show created by Jesse Armstrong. It stars Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, and Kieran Culkin and follows the story of an aging conglomerate owner as he deals with his declining health and the sudden realization that one of his children will soon inherit his position and run his company.
- Directors
- Mark Mylod
- Writers
- Jesse Armstrong
- Creator(s)
- Jesse Armstrong
- Seasons
- 4
- Story By
- jesse armstrong
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
Like many other HBO shows, Succession was wisely distributed weekly, with new episodes premiering on Sundays for its final season. This built anticipation and made viewers question what new bombshell would be dropped the following week when the next episode finally dropped. From the series pilot, it was clear that Succession was more than just an indictment of the rich and powerful ruling class and had an intense streak of dark humor at its core that made even the most unbearable moments enjoyable.
There aren't any likable characters in Succession, as the Roy family is a group of awful, manipulative people who use their privilege to overwhelmingly hurt the world and hurt others. However, there's something seductive about watching them fight for the approval of a father who will never give it and witnessing them do terrible things to each other with every new installment. Saying goodbye to Succession in 2023 marked the end of an era for HBO.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Succession (2018–2023) |
95% |
88% |
4 The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
Zombie shows got an explosive makeover thanks to The Walking Dead
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The Walking Dead
- Release Date
- 2010 - 2022
- Network
- AMC
- Showrunner
- Frank Darabont, Angela Kang, Scott M. Gimple, Glen Mazzara
Cast
Andrew Lincoln
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on one of the most successful and popular comic books of all time, AMC’s The Walking Dead captures the ongoing human drama following a zombie apocalypse. The series, developed for television by Frank Darabont, follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who are traveling in search of a safe and secure home. However, instead of the zombies, it is the living who remain that truly become the walking dead. The Walking Dead lasted for eleven seasons and spawned several spinoff shows, such as Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.
- Directors
- Greg Nicotero
- Franchise(s)
- The Walking Dead
- Seasons
- 11
- Story By
- Tony Moore, Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix, AMC+
Though The Walking Dead had its ups and downs throughout its seasons, the number of spinoff shows alone is enough to indicate how much of a cultural touchstone the franchise has become. Based on the beloved comic book series of the same name, The Walking Dead ran for eleven seasons and managed to surprise critics and audiences with each successive story. Though zombie narratives aren't new in film and television, The Walking Dead wasn't a typical tale of the undead.
As the characters and universe of The Walking Dead live on in the new series, it's unlikely that the original show will be forgotten anytime soon.
Like all great survival and post-apocalyptic TV shows, The Walking Dead was well aware that the Walkers weren't the biggest villains in the story; the humans were. When put in a life-or-death situation like the world of The Walking Dead, each character demonstrates what kind of a person they truly are, and many lose their humanity. As the characters and universe of The Walking Dead live on in the new series, it's unlikely that the original show will be forgotten anytime soon.
TItle |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
The Walking Dead (2010–2022) |
79% |
78% |
3 Grey's Anatomy (2005–Present)
After 20 years, Grey's Anatomy is still going strong
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Grey's Anatomy
- Release Date
- March 27, 2005
- Network
- ABC
- Directors
- Rob Corn, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, Allison Liddi-Brown, Jeannot Szwarc, Tony Phelan
Cast
Ellen PompeoDr. Meredith Grey
Chandra WilsonDr. Miranda Bailey
WHERE TO WATCH
Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama series revolving around surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show features the professional and personal lives of these medical professionals, led initially by Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series highlights the complexities of medical cases while delving into the interpersonal relationships among the hospital staff.
- Writers
- Shonda Rhimes, Julie Wong, Jen Klein, Tameson Duffy, Meg Marinis
- Creator(s)
- Shonda Rhimes, Michelle Lirtzman
- Seasons
- 21
The Shonda Rhimes universe has come a long way since Grey's Anatomy first premiered in 2005, but this medical drama is still the heart and soul of the prolific TV creator's oeuvre. For twenty years, Grey's Anatomy has been a hallmark of the network TV landscape, and though it looks a little different today, the series is still going strong. Though many actors have come and gone in Grey's Anatomy, resulting in many tragic deaths and exits, some actors and viewers have been with the show since the beginning.
5 Most Exciting Things To Expect From Grey's Anatomy Season 21 When It Returns In 2025
Grey’s Anatomy season 21 dropped some hints about the storylines it will need to focus on going forward, and some are particularly intriguing.
It's hard to imagine what the network TV schedule would look like without Grey's Anatomy drawing in millions of audience every year. Though Grey's Anatomy season 2 was the peak of the series' viewership, with an average of 20.07 million viewers per episode, the show is still a significant draw for ABC (via Comic Book Resources). When the show finally does come to an end, it will be regarded as one of the most successful series of the 21st century.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Grey's Anatomy (2005–Present) |
84% |
71% |
2 Lost (2004–2010)
Lost didn't lose steam after its incredible pilot episode
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Lost is a mystery drama series created for TV that follows a group of survivors of a plane crash and tells its story between the past, present, and future via flashbacks. When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crashes and lands on a mysterious island in the pacific ocean, the castaways discover their new temporary home may have a mind of its own, as strange supernatural events keep them locked to the island. From an unknown black smoke creature to dangerous islanders, the engers must work together to survive the island's seemingly deadly intentions.
- Directors
- Jack Bender, Stephen Williams
- Writers
- Jeffrey Lieber, J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof
- Creator(s)
- J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Jeffrey Lieber
- Seasons
- 6
For all its uncanny mysteries and unexpected plot twists, Lost was a phenomenon, and the many risks the series took paid off in the long run. Though the last few seasons of Lost did see a decline in quality, it remained an engaging and exciting show until the very end, centering on its iconic characters. The Lost pilot episode is one of the most famous in TV history, and for good reason, but there's a lot more to the show than the pilot.
There was a need for a great show like Lost on television, and the series quickly stepped up to fulfill this niche and give audiences an unforgettable mystery that built on itself with every season.
Seamlessly blending sci-fi and supernatural elements into its story, Lost had something for everyone and used its ensemble cast to the best of its abilities. There was a need for a great show like Lost on television, and the series quickly stepped up to fulfill this niche and give audiences an unforgettable mystery that built on itself with every season. Even at its most convoluted, Lost never stopped entertaining its viewers.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Lost (2004–2010) |
86% |
89% |
1 The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
This anthology series is the best of its kind
Often imitated but never duplicated, The Twilight Zone has inspired countless copycats and revolutionized the anthology format, but few shows have ever lived up to its legacy. Premiering during a critical time in history, as science fiction grabbed hold of the cultural conversation, The Twilight Zone delved into the underbelly of the idyllic nuclear family life that had been promoted by television during this period. It may be over sixty years old, but The Twilight Zone is just as sharp today as it was many years ago.
While every episode of The Twilight Zone holds a unique insight into social rules and the folly of modern society, there are some unforgettable installments that are widely discussed today. With incredible guest stars who brought each brilliantly written episode to life and stories that tackled every kind of cultural issue viewers could think of, The Twilight Zone left no stone unturned. Though a revival was attempted in 2019, nothing compares to the iconic nature of the original.
Series |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
The Twilight Zone (1959–1964) |
92% |
96% |
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