Top 20 Most Important TV Shows in History
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the the most influential and groundbreaking television programs throughout history. Which TV show do you think has been the most influential? Let us know in the comments below!
#20: “Lost” (2004-10)
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This was one of the biggest cultural phenomena of the new millennium. With a large ensemble cast and ever-expanding lore, it was ambitious and unafraid to take risks. Centered around a crew of survivors deserted on an island after a plane crash, it was dark from the very beginning. The continuous and gripping storyline kept viewers hooked for over half a decade that became a mass sensation. It was also heavily discussed online, with theories constantly being bandied about. While the finale left many people frustrated and disappointed, there’s no doubt that it kept people hooked until the very end.
#19: “South Park” (1997-)
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Not every program has to be serious to be important. Irreverent and intentionally provocative, “South Park” is in a league of its own. The animated show focuses on a group of friends and their shenanigans in their less-than-normal hometown. It quickly became known for tackling current issues – and for making fun of everybody in the process. The fact that no one is off limits made it accessible to a wider audience. While it's undeniably raunchy, there is also a strong heart that keeps it from becoming too offputting. It has defined the humor of a generation; with jokes that are still fresh after a quarter century. It opened doors for other mature shows and helped reshape comedy within the form.
#18: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)
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It’s hard to imagine now, but at one point, women on TV were primarily portrayed as being married with children. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” changed that. Mary Richards was one of the first female characters to be portrayed as having a job while being single – which was unheard of at the time. The fact that she never had to rely on a man was groundbreaking, and coincided with the peak of second wave feminism. The series tackled other real world issues, such as antisemitism, as well, keeping people invested for several seasons. It was a trailblazing movement wrapped up in an episodic show, and helped change the way women were viewed in entertainment.
#17: “The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)
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While many TV shows are bright and cheery, others are less afraid of showing how dark they could be. Featuring two agents who investigate extra-terrestrial creatures and paranormal events, it started out as a cult favorite before exploding in popularity. “The X-Files” changed the way people perceived conspiracy theories, leading to a wider belief in the unknown. Viewers also intensely shipped the two leads, which kept people even more interested. “The X-Files” continues to thrive in pop culture, having been parodied and referenced countless times. It has also inspired other modern projects, from “Supernatural” to “Gravity Falls.” It’s one of the defining pieces of the science fiction genre and helped shape it into what it is today.
#16: “The Wire” (2002-08)
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Helping popularize the notion that TV characters don’t have to be picture perfect or comically evil, this show trusted audiences to accept nuance. “The Wire” wasn’t afraid to show the harsh realities of Baltimore, while also exposing some of the deeper reasons why the city was going through a rough patch. Though other crime programs depicted criminals as simply being evil, “The Wire” showed them as layered, multi-faceted people who made both good and bad choices. It was a new concept to many viewers, and the dichotomy kept them hooked. It didn’t pull a single punch, leading to an intense, yet compelling experience. Presenting a fresh perspective on a complicated subject, it was undoubtedly ambitious, but the execution was near flawless.
#15: “Cheers” (1982-93)
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Comfort shows are an underrated gem of the television industry. Light and unapologetically positive, “Cheers” has become the standard for non-family-oriented sitcoms. The humor, coupled with the fact that the episodes almost always took place in a bar, made it more relatable to adults of all ages. It was a marvel in character development, showing how people across different social classes and experiences could come together and form friendships. “Cheers” ended up being so successful that it spawned a couple of spin-offs, including the effortlessly witty “Frasier.” It was an endearing exploration of how a bar could become home away from home and help you connect with people who ultimately become your chosen family.
#14: “Looney Tunes” Franchise (1930-69)
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While they first popped up as theatrical shorts, they’re most known for their antics on smaller screens. The premier animated show of the 20th century, it offered an edgier look on talking animals than their Disney counterparts. This show wasn’t afraid to show cartoonish violence and crude jokes, creating an experience that both children and adults could enjoy. The slapstick comedy and sardonic humor still hold up to this day. Even after it ended, many of the characters went on to become cultural mainstays. From spin-offs to merchandise, they’ve become some of the most prominent cartoon icons From Bugs Bunny to Tweety Bird, each character has impacted pop culture in their own way, permanently leaving their mark on society.
#13: “The Twilight Zone” (1959-64)
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This show helped popularize not only cosmic horror, but anthology programming as well. “The Twilight Zone” was like scary stories in television form, haunting audiences of the early 1960s. While the episodes were often frightful, they usually had an underlying message of a deeper human issue at play. Tackling subjects like mob mentality and paranoia, “The Twilight Zone” had a way of teaching lessons in the most twisted way possible. Despite being made over half a century ago, many of the episodes still hold up today and are just as creepy as they were when they first aired. While several revivals have been made since then, none have been able to capture the magic of the original.
#12: “Friends” (1994-2004)
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Perfectly capturing the essence of the 1990s, “Friends” became one of the most significant shows of the 20th century, despite only coming to fruition at the very end of it. The show focused on a group of friends and their attempts at navigating life and love in New York City. While this was very much an ensemble show, each character was beloved in their own way. Their unique personalities, from Chandler’s sarcasm to Phoebe’s quirkiness, became instantly recognizable. Purely a feel-good experience, it supplied classic sitcom shenanigans with realistic love stories between the group. As a comforting watch to millions of people, it continues to make people laugh almost twenty years after ending.
#11: “All in the Family” (1971-79)
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While many classic sitcoms sugar coated their stories, this landmark wasn’t afraid to show the cracks in American society. It discussed several important topics that other shows wouldn’t dare touch, from racism to menopause. This comedy proved that the format could handle some darkness instead of the usual saccharine storylines. While many of the characters, particularly Archie Bunker, were anything but politically correct, “All in the Family” became one of the most forward thinking shows of its time. Its unique progressivism even translated into a successful spin-off for “The Jeffersons,” a program centered around the Bunkers’ neighbors. Combining comedy and relevance, “All in the Family” redefined the landscape for years to come.
#10: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
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Based on a popular book series by George R.R Martin, this series completely turned the fantasy genre on its head. While other fantasies focused on the more whimsical aspects of the genre, “Game of Thrones” showed that it could be just as gritty and dark as the real world. It was a grandiose experience, with immense world-building and character development that stretched across seasons. While the pacing was deliberate, it never felt slow or stretched out. Every detail was integral to the plot, and it trusted that its audience would be able to keep up. While it has an undoubtedly contentious ending, it has gone down as one of the most culturally significant shows in modern television.
#9: “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
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While many of the shows on this list are episodic in nature, shows with other formats have also altered the zeitgeist. Both a variety and sketch show, “Saturday Night Live” has become one of the most popular productions in American television. Featuring an ever-revolving cast of comedians, it has captured several vital pop culture moments, from political debates to Internet memes. It has always been cutting edge and unafraid to tackle serious issues. It also jump started the careers of several iconic entertainers, from actors like Adam Sandler to late night hosts like Jimmy Fallon. One of the most long-lasting programs in American broadcast history, each era of the show has defined a generation.
#8: “Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)
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It’s a risk to constantly have your protagonist portrayed by different actors, but this show pulls it off without a hitch. Centered around a time-traveling, universe-saving being, “Doctor Who” has become synonymous with science fiction. The evolution is unparalleled, showing the immense changes in special effects across the 20th century and into the 21st. The lore is vast and seemingly unending, making for an ambitious experience that satisfies on all levels and has inspired a vast fanbase that is still prevalent today. No matter who’s portraying the Doctor, they always have a certain charm about them that unites their diverse characterizations. The lead constantly changing and incorporating new personalities helped keep the concept fresh for over half a century.
#7: “Sesame Street” (1969-)
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A show being made for children doesn’t negate its importance. Using brightly colored puppets and whimsical music, “Sesame Street” doesn’t just teach children – it truly loves them. Determined to teach children to see the world in a brighter way, this has become one of the most positive programs airing today. The use of the Muppets became its calling card, leading to the immense popularization of characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster. The Muppets became so successful amongst adults that “The Muppet Show” was created in response, giving older demographics more mature jokes with similar characters. There’s no doubt that “Sesame Street” is one of the most vital TV shows in history, and has continues to influence new generations.
#6: “I Love Lucy” (1951-57)
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It’s hard to overstate how pivotal “I Love Lucy” was, not just for comedy, but for the television landscape as a whole. While women were normally expected to play “straight man” to their husbands, “I Love Lucy” flipped that concept, allowing Lucy to be silly yet headstrong. The stories were gold, and many have continued to be referenced in contemporary media. It also demonstrated the importance of the ensemble cast, creating a trend that is still popular today. Besides the creative aspects, it’s also a technological marvel. The show pioneered the use of multiple cameras, a practice that would become prevalent for decades to come. It also popularized reruns, and became the program that set syndication in motion, changing the industry forever.
#5: “The Simpsons” (1989-)
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They may be cartoons, but they’re one of the most recognizable and well loved families on television. “The Simpsons”is the longest-running American animated program, creating trends and characters that are still loved to this day. There have even been several phrases adopted into common vernacular, such as Homer’s catchphrase. The series completely changed the industry, helping popularize animated shows made for adults. It ushered in a tidal wave of cartoon sitcoms, such as “Family Guy” and “King of the Hill,” and became one of the pillars of a subgenre. It continues to remain relevant today, keeping its finger on the pulse of culture. With a litany of classic and modern episodes, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.
#4: “M*A*S*H” (1972-83)
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When done right, interjecting humor into serious storylines can take a show from good to superb. “M*A*S*H” managed to find light amid the darkness of the Korean War. It was an instant hit in the United States, showcasing the complexities of war and what it can do to one’s psyche. Lasting over a decade on the air, it became one of the defining shows of the country, perfectly capturing the anti-war mindset of the time. Its expertise in incorporating both intense tragedy and lighthearted comedy made it one of the deepest and most affecting shows ever aired. It was so iconic that its’ finale episode became one of the most watched scripted broadcasts in history.
#3: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
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Among the optimistic and love-filled sitcoms of the 1990s was this sardonic alternative, focusing on an inherently unlikable yet charming group of friends. “Seinfeld” is unlike any other show that existed before or after it, exhibiting a sense of sarcasm that hasn’t been replicated since. The stories weren’t as adventurous as those on some other shows, but they were wickedly funny and had a sense of realism that others didn’t have. The friends all being flawed only made them more loved, and they served as examples of how characters didn’t have to be picture-perfect to be well written. It was a fresh take on the form, and it was popular with viewers and advertisers alike..
#2: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
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One of the most ambitious shows in history, it challenged viewers' conceptions of good and evil. While “Breaking Bad” is superficially a show about a meth-dealing kingpin, its deeper messages about the healthcare system and crime in America give it extra layers. The deterioration of Walter’s character is breathtaking and tragic, as you see a broken man morph into a dangerous and uncaring drug lord who is at odds with everyone from the DEA to his own family. While exciting, it also had moments of genuine emotion that created a multifaceted experience for people everywhere. The show furthered the popularity of non-perfect protagonists in television, and became the defining drama of the 2010s.
#1: “The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
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When discussing iconic television, this show is bound to come up. Focused on a mob leader and his complicated life, “The Sopranos” became one of the defining touchstones of the new millennium. It popularized the anti-hero, someone the audience couldn’t help rooting for despite his horrible deeds. Tony Soprano is one of the most well-developed characters in media, a powerful man who also struggles with his own mind. The cinematography remains breathtaking, with powerful shots that are still impactful. The writing is unparalleled, and can make you love or hate a character in just one second. It wasn’t just an entertaining show – it helped bring legitimacy to the artform, completely changing people’s ideas of what TV could be.
