50 Best TV Shows Of All Time: ‘GoT’ To ‘Breaking Bad’

(Updated: May 20, 2019) What do people watch more – films or TV shows? Hard pick? There hasn’t been a better time for the small screen than now, particularly with the influx of digital media, devices and platforms. The TV industry is arguably having its best time with a minimum of 400 original shows coming out every year. And there is an audience for every kind of show but what’s common across every genre is an audience that craves good, well-narrated content with unforgettable characters. So, here’s bringing you the best TV shows of all time (in alphabetical order):

1. Agents of Shield

Marvel’s action-adventure series had a bumpy start but it turned into a rollercoaster ride second season onwards. And it has been consistently pleasing both fans and non-fanboys. The strong ensemble, swift pace, neat action & special effects are the reason it’s ready to roll its fifth season next month.

2. American Horror Story

Beginning in 2011, it’s a horror anthology series from Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy that is loved for its craziness and unpredictability. There are heroes, villains, vampires, witches, ghosts, and anything wicked you can imagine. The creepy storytelling and shock elements have made it stand out from its dozens of counterparts.

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3. Band of Brothers

Ranked as one of the best mini-series ever made, Band of Brothers depicts the history of the “Easy Company”, part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Covering the heroics of the 101st airborne division during World War II, the show is relatable to those who fought in the war because of the astute portrayal. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, it’s a gem of a show that excels in intricate detailing and captivating atmosphere.

4. Breaking Bad

High-school chemistry teacher becomes a drug dealer when he realizes he is going to die. This concise plot is knitted beautifully into five seasons that is riveting from the first episode till the last. The assured storytelling, sharp direction and robust performances made it one of the best and the most thrilling TV shows ever!

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5. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The first of its kind TV show to underline that a boy need not only be a Superhero, Buffy the Vampire Slayer left a legacy behind it. Centered on a cheerleader who is chosen to battle the forces of evil, the show is a great blend of smart writing and bang-on performances. Encompassing plethora of metaphors and interesting character arcs, it revolutionized television shows.

6. The Big Bang Theory

A character-oriented show, The Big Bang Theory has been running since a decade and there are multiple reasons that make it special with the audience. Opposite to its title, the show isn’t about science but centered on five scientist friends residing in California. Penny, Leonard, Sheldon — each character has its own fandom that allows this comedy show to keep on thriving.

7. The Blacklist

This crime procedural drama is famous for two reasons. First, for the riveting performance of James Spader and second the fast-paced action. James Spader plays Raymond Reddington, a government agent turned wrongdoer who surrenders himself to the FBI with a promise of helping them capture the world’s most dangerous criminals. The deeply layered characters, compelling storyline, and killer music make it a compelling watch.

8. Castle

A serial killer imitates the plot of a mystery novelist. The novelist then tags along with NYPD and begins investigation. The series is part mystery, part police procedural comedy, and so much more. Whichever genre it switches in, it stays thoroughly fun and engaging. And it’s good to have a protagonist that isn’t Sherlock Holmes but an above average guy with creative prowess. The fine chemistry of the leads and consistency in plot kept people entertained for eight seasons.

9. Daredevil

A Blind man fights criminals as a lawyer by day and as a vigilante by night. One of the most adored comic characters, Daredevil was sure to be a hit. However, its top-notch production, gritty storytelling, gobsmacking action, and uniformly great performances elevated the show, the genre, and Netflix as a whole. Totally binge-worthy!

10. Dexter

Before Daredevil, people had Dexter – a forensic expert who lived a double life as a vigilante serial killer, murdering those who have escaped justice. An artsy thriller bolstered by Michael C. Hall’s central performance as Dexter, the show manifested how a serial killer too can be likable.

11. Doctor Who

It has been 54 years since Doctor Who first aired on Television. With over eight hundred episodes and more than a dozen incarnations of the character, it’s one of the classic shows in the world that people love to celebrate. The protagonist is an alien who is travelling through time and space in TARDIS (a phone booth that has its own Wikipedia page). The show is properly British and the ideas and imagination imbued in it makes it better than you think!

12. Downtown Abbey

A period drama set in the English Countryside, it depicts the story of an aristocratic family and their hierarchy of servants. The witty dialogues, lavish costumes, and an excellent cast made Downtown Abbey a crowd favorite. Watch it for the British sarcasm, the splendid romance, and diplomacy.

13. Elementary

Sherlock Holmes investigates crimes in modern day New York. A completely distinctive Sherlock Holmes program, Elementary was a long-running, fast-paced show that appealed to the young generation. Getting better with each season with improved character dynamics and entertainment quotient, it won the hearts of both the purists and eccentrics.

14. Fargo

Based on Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, Fargo is a dark comedy series. Taking further the legacy of the film, the show offers plenty of weird characters and interesting storylines that are full of great twists and turns. While Noah Hawley’s direction and the sharp writing are the best elements, the eye-popping location & photography is another reason to watch this show.

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15. Friends

Calling F.R.I.E.N.D.S one of the greatest TV shows ever made will be an understatement. This ten-season long TV show is about a group of friends living in New York that serve as an antidote to all the human problems. Had a bad day at school or work? Watch Friends. Broke up with your girlfriend? Watch Friends. Feeling depressed? Watch Friends. Want to spend some quality time with family and friends? Well, you watch Friends. It will cheer you up! Friends is streaming now on Netflix.

16. The Flash

If there is a superhero with his memes spread all over the Internet, it’s Barry Allen. Arguably the strongest comic book show on TV, CW’s The Flash is a funny, fantastic superhero show that targets both the nerds and the novices. Centered on the titular character who acquires super powers through an accident, it’s a fun ride that is still going strong in its fourth season. Catch up with Earth’s Fastest Man Alive if you haven’t yet.

17. Game of Thrones

Just like F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Game of Thrones needs no introduction. The most divisive TV shows of all, GOT has a mega fan base and you can either love it or hate it. Based on George RR Martin’s seven volumes, it’s an epic fantasy show that explains the meaning of being grey-natured through extensively layered characters. Comprising an ensemble cast with the best production values television has ever seen, it’s worth checking out for once at least.

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18. Gotham

Currently in its fourth season, Gotham is an origin story of all the greatest DC Comics’ characters. Beginning with Jim Gordon to the Dark Knight aka Bruce Wayne himself, the show is a must watch for all who are fan of the Bat. There are plenty of characters that didn’t make it to the films made earlier (including Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy) but have a greater significance in comics. Watch it to explore their stories, the impressive production values, and the committed performances.

19. Grey’s Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy is one of the longest running shows on TV. Beginning in year 2005, the show is in its fourteenth season and its longevity is enough to justify its success. Centered on the personal and professional lives of the doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital, it’s an emotional roller coaster of love, heartbreaks, success, failures and more. It’s the daily bread and butter for many across the globe.

20. Hannibal

There is a reason behind Mads Mikkelsen’s great fan following. It’s Hannibal. Offering a far more brooding and disturbing take at the relationship of Doctor Lector and Will Graham than its other cinematic adaptions, the show was a testament to Mikkelsen’s acting prowess. Super stylish and hypnotically beautiful, it’s a show for those who vouch for the smarts.

21. Heroes

NBC’s Heroes was about several lonely and disconnected people who realize they are destined to become superheroes. The moody tone and the unorthodox writing helped the show in subverting the superhero genre. Ditching the tropes of wearing mockish costumes, it focused on doing better things — be it exploring the genesis of the characters, or their purpose. It remains one of the finest and most popular TV shows ever made!

22. How I Met Your Mother

From the perspective of the audience, the title of this show could have been “How I Came to Know Barney Stinson!”. A secondary character that plays the friend of the protagonist who narrates to his kid how he met his mother, Barney Stinson was the real standout. He was a character that is considered to be perfect by the majority – rich, handsome, and quirky. Just give a Barney reference to someone to find out whether the person has seen HIMYM or not.

23. Lost

Forty-eight passengers survive a plane crash only to be stranded on a spooky island that has predators to scare the daylights out of them. As thrilling it sounds, Lost was a great show that entertained people to the hilt up till the fourth season after which it started dwindling. Co-created by the Star Wars, Mission Impossible III director J.J.Abrams, Lost was full of twists and thrills.

24. Narcos

Remember the drug mafia Tom Cruise was working for in American Made? Well, Narcos is all about him and other drug kingpins that ruled the late 80s. Featuring Wagner Moura in the central character of Pablo Escobar, Narcos features solid acting and razor-sharp editing that holds the interest of the viewer. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but whoever’s it is, it’s the best one.

25. One Tree Hill

Steve Jobs once said that simple is harder than complex. The selling factor of One Tree Hill is its simplicity. The way everything is depicted — be it winning, losing, love, hatred, life, death, it’s absolutely wonderful. Centered on the lives of five characters who reside in a small town called Tree Hill, this is one helluva addictive series which renders a new perspective towards love, friendship and life.

26. The Originals

Making a spin-off of a popular show isn’t always the smartest move. However, The Originals proves this wrong as it was one of the rarest shows to become as famous and successful as its source. Focusing on the original vampire family from The Vampire Diaries, the show featured intricate storytelling and multiple twists and turns to satisfy the fans of the original as well as create some new ones.

27. Parks and Recreation

One of the few shows to properly acknowledge the leadership skills of a woman, Parks and Recreation represents that men can still be manly if they agree to work under a female superior. Created by the makers of The Office, the show is filmed in documentary style that has ample amount of humor peppered throughout its seven seasons with characters that are very real and relatable.

28. Pretty Little Liars

A relationship drama centered on four best friends that are reunited after an year to find their missing friend, Pretty Little Liars is a fun watch filled with mystery and suspense. The curiosity to find ‘A’ (someone who plays with the characters) compels you to follow the interesting plot that has been stretched to seven seasons.

29. Prison Break

Creating impossible circumstances for the characters to overcome and then, getting them out of everything is what the show has been doing since its very first season. And it isn’t yet ready to give up. A compelling thriller revolving around two brothers – first, who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and second, who tries to clear his sibling’s name, Prison Break is unpredictable (often unbelievable), taut, and suspenseful. It’s a show meant for the thrill seekers.

30. Seinfeld

Numerous TV shows have tried and failed to capture the real essence of New York City. Seinfeld is an exception. It follows the psychopathic adventures of Jerry Seinfeld and his neighbour in NY. A very daring show to come in the early 90s, it comprised use of strong language and adult themes. It was perhaps the only television program in which adults sounded like adults. A great escapist fiction!

31. Shameless

Shameless is a family drama about the life of six kids led by the eldest sibling, who tries to keep their home afloat while their dad is out on a pub crawl. It’s both interesting and disturbing to see how a dysfunctional family stricken by poverty lives and survives together. A plethora of shock elements keep the viewers engaged but the uniformly robust acting and on-point script are the real draw.

32. Sherlock

There are millions of Cumberbitches on Earth who love this show. Re-imagining world’s most profound detective in a modern era, Benedict Cumberbatch nailed his portrayal of Sherlock. Encompassing the arrogance, wit, and ingeniousness required to play the character, he earned millions of fans worldwide. Martin Freeman did equally well as Sherlock’s sidekick and their chemistry along with the terrific writing made it one of the most loved shows of all time!

33. Six Feet Under

A recipient of numerous awards, Six Feet Under was a fantastic drama that focused on the fundamental thing of life: Death. From the characters to the various noteworthy dialogues, everything was remarkable about this show. Quoting Nate Fisher, “Love isn’t something you feel, it’s something you do. If the person you are with doesn’t want it, you know, do yourself a favor and save it for someone who does.”

34. Smallville

Want to know how Clark Kent became Superman? Experience a detailed and delightful journey of the World’s greatest superhero in this modern retelling of the Kryptonian born that is full of realism and geekiness. The superbly depicted relationship of Superman and Lex Luthor, and involvement of various DC pantheon makes Smallville an unmissable show for fans of the DC Universe and others who idolise the beacon of hope.

35. Small Wonder

Small Wonder was one of the few American television shows that were widely popular even in India during the 90s. It was a fun comedy show that kids loved watching after getting back from school. The peppy characters (Vicki, Harriet, Jamie – all awesome), amusing storylines, and clean humor made it a perfect escapist entertainer.

36. South Park

Anyone who enjoys social satires will find South Park interesting. Centred on four trash-talking grade schoolers, this animated adult series is now in its 21st season. While there is a great amount of hatred for this show considering it expresses libertarian views i.e. everyone is open to ridicule, it enjoys a huge following for the very same reason. The show has had many guest appearances which include voice-overs by George Clooney and Michael Buffler.

37. Stranger Things

Netflix’s crown-jewel is a homage to the storytelling of the 80s, a decade that was dominated by Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. Stranger Things packs in plenty of nostalgia. It represents the joy and adventure of childhood along with the burden of adulthood. Comprising a supernatural plot, it is weird, emotional, and exciting. Go Upside Down if you haven’t yet! Watch Stranger Things on Netflix.

38. Suits

Modernising the corporate life, Suits is a great blend of learning and entertainment. Dialogues (by Harvey Spector) are wise and witty. If you are in a mood to watch a drama that balances thrill and humour, Suits should be your pick! Watch Suits on Netflix.

39. Supernatural

Two brothers lose their mother to a demonic supernatural force when they are young. Their father teaches them how to fight it. The concept of two monster-hunting brothers going places to help people was very unique at the time the show premiered. With the help of some solid character development and intriguing storylines, the show became a crowd favourite and has been running ever since.

40. Teen Wolf

As the title goes, this show is about the adventures of a teen who becomes a werewolf. Dylan O’Brien (The Maze Runner) portrays the titular character with great finesse. The deep-rooted character development and wonderfully encapsulated themes of love, friendship, and humanitarianism make it rank a cut above its counterparts.

41. The Simpsons

This infamous animated satire is a complete package of delightful stories, amusing antics, great jokes, running gags, incredible characterization, and delectable characters. Surfacing on TV in 1989 with ‘Simpsons roasting on an Open Fire’, the show became an instant classic. It’s currently in its 29th season and is still as charming.

42. True Detective

What do you expect from a TV show that has Matthew Mcconaughey and Woody Harrelson in the lead roles? It should be bonkers. True Detective is a gem of a show that features sublime storytelling and excellent performances. Circled on two homicide detectives from Louisiana, it’s a journey that encompasses murder, mayhem, and mystery spanning seventeen years.

43. Twin Peaks

Who killed Laura Palmer? This is the one, big question that will linger in your mind while watching Twin Peaks. Focused on an FBI agent who investigates the murder of the aforementioned girl, this is one helluva intense show. A blend of several different genres, Twin Peaks is unlike anything you’ve seen before. A trailblazer!

44. Two and a Half Men

An adult comedy show around two brothers and a child, Two and a Half Men is the first choice of any sitcom lover. Depicting the recurring dream of a man to have fun with endless women throughout his lifetime, the show was brimful of comedy about sex, dating, divorce, parenthood, and friendship. Watch Two And a Half Men on Amazon Prime.

45. The Vampire Diaries

While the show is basically a love story, it has a horde of mythical creatures that satisfy the craving of those obsessed with vampirism. The self-referential cheekiness and the great chemistry of the leads made the show overcome its lack of originality. Targeted for the young adults, the show remained consistent in delivering the thrills and had a successful run for eight seasons.

46. Vikings

Chronicling the medieval adventures of a band of Norsemen, Vikings is a great show that has striking visuals and captivating characters. Although lacking historical accuracy, the show makes up with engrossing action that features epic battle scenes. Overshadowed by Game of Thrones, the fifth season is about to premiere next week promising same thrills and killer writing.

47. West Wing

With dialogues that warrant your attention, West Wing is one of the classic shows that gave people umpteen optimism. As an original Washington D.C. drama series, it had Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe play the lead characters of the President of United States and deputy communications director with great expertise. Watch it for the writing, performances, and an A-grade production.

48. White Collar

From shiny to cheap suits, greasy con men to intricate heists, the show follows a con-men and an FBI agent collaborate to solve white collar crimes. Clever plotting, brisk pacing, and an outstanding chemistry between the leads bolster the show, which spans 6 seasons. Slight suspension of disbelief makes it even more enjoyable.

49. The Walking Dead

Adapted from the greatest horror comics ever written, The Walking Dead follows survivors of an apocalyptic holocaust who are looking for a safe place while the zombies hunt them. The high production values and solid casting aid its superficial plot and makes it compelling for both the fans and non-fans of the zombie universe.

50. The X-Files

Running for nine seasons, Chris Carter’s The X-Files had FBI agents Scully and Mulder seek the unexplainable. This is a classic Sci-Fi show that had viewership from all across the globe. With sheer coolness and cinematic appeal, this one’s a universal favourite. Watch if you haven’t yet!

By Mayank Nailwal