Top 10 Decade Defining Shows of the 2000s

This show’s had a few different spinoffs, set in a few different places, but the Las Vegas-set original has remained our favorite. The procedural cop show follows the lives of forensic criminalists who solve seemingly impossible cases by gathering and examining physical evidence. And, it has seemingly inspired an entire genre of imitators, but nothing beats the original. We love the stories, but it’s the unforgettable characters like Gil Grissom who really make the series memorable, as well as the stylized violence that challenged the acceptable limits of television in the new millennium.

Deep down, most of us wannabe rock stars, and this show played on our desires. It put aspiring vocalists through competitions, where singers were eliminated weekly based on fan voting, until only one remained. That lucky competitor would then get a record deal and be crowned the “American Idol.” It launched the careers of superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood and helped push the reality TV trend even further. However, as we saw in the often hilariously bad auditions, it also helped us realize that not everyone’s cut out for a musical career.

Though this mockumentary started off as a remake of Ricky Gervais’ British comedy of the same name, it quickly forged its own identity – with a single camera and without the help of a laugh-track. The show concerns the lives of the zany employees of Dunder-Mifflin, a Pennsylvania paper company. Bizarre characters like the obnoxious boss Michael and the quirky pencil pusher Dwight gave the show a unique sense of humor. It also tugged at our heartstrings, as we couldn’t wait to see if or when Jim and Pam would hook up.

This show alienated fans with its finale, but the thrilling adventures that led to its conclusion were enough to earn it a spot on our list. Week-after-week, we couldn’t wait to see what would happen to the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, as they tried to survive on the tropical island where they were stranded. Their stories became even more compelling as we learned more about them and the mysterious island they inhabited. Popular in the ratings, popular at awards shows and popular with critics, “Lost” is a cult hit that continues to drive viewers nuts.

This animated sitcom was so beloved by its fans, they convinced Fox to bring it back after its cancellation. It won viewers over with its mix of pop-culture references, slapstick humor, and gross-out gags. But Seth MacFarlane’s brainchild also contained a hilarious satire of the American family with the Griffins at its center; a seemingly normal family composed of quirky and unforgettable characters like the buffoonish dad Peter and the evil child Stewie. “The Simpsons” for a new generation, “Family Guy” reminded us that not all cartoons are for kids.

It’s hard to imagine now, but reality shows once weren’t very popular on broadcast TV – that is, before this series came along and they blew up in the 2000s. Thankfully for us viewers, “Survivor” brought reality to the networks in a big way. It showcased contestants trying to outwit, outplay and outlast each other in desolate locales in order to win a million dollars. Every season introduced a compelling new cast of unpredictable competitors, and we loved watching them interact in gorgeous locales like the Australian outback.

Here’s a romantic sitcom that used quirky humor without letting it get in the way of the show’s dramatic impact. The series uses a unique framing device to tell its story, where protagonist Ted is in the future telling his children about how he met their mother. Of course, the character who really stole our hearts was Neil Patrick Harris’ hilariously foul-mouthed playboy, Barney. Considered “Friends” for millennials, this show and its ensemble cast may’ve disappointed some with the finale, but “HIMYM” was a mainstream success with a cult following.

This show was around before Jon Stewart, but he made it into a pop-culture sensation. After replacing Craig Kilborn in 1999, Stewart upped viewership by a whopping 400% thanks to his biting satire and political commentaries. A launching pad for future stars like Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell, the new-and-improved “Daily Show” received particular attention during the run-up to the 2004 Presidential election, where his Indecision 2004 segments hilariously shed light on the absurdities of American electoral politics. Stewart later became more serious, taking pundits like Jim Cramer to task.

If it’s light entertainment you seek, this is probably not the show for you. If, however, you’re okay with feeling depressed while watching TV, this powerful drama might suit you. This HBO drama portrays decay in the city of Baltimore by focusing on a different organization each season. However, depressing as it may be, it can also be laugh-out loud funny. Labeled the “best show no one watched,” “The Wire” is gritty, dark and realistic. It’s also a favorite of President Barack Obama, so it’s got that going for it, too.

Before we unveil our pick for Decade Defining Show of the 2000s, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “24” (2001-10; 2014-)
- “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2000-)
- “Chappelle’s Show” (2003-06)
- “Scrubs” (2001-10)
- “Criminal Minds” (2005-)
- “Dexter” (2006-13)

As we’ve seen, there were many great shows in the 2000s, but this series easily killed the competition. It took the tired trope of the mob story and made it fresh by focusing on the family life of Mafia don Tony Soprano and humanized him by showing his therapy sessions. James Gandolfini’s incredible performance as Tony anchored the drama, but the rest of the ensemble was equally as strong. Another show that proved premium cable’s supremacy is the scripted show department, “The Sopranos” was well-written, well-acted, and well-loved by many.

Do you agree with our list? What TV show do you think best defined the 2000s? For more memorable top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.