2010s TV Scenes That Defined the Decade
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Garrett Alden
We're counting down the scenes that captured our hearts, broke them, or left us speechless on TV in the 2010s! Our countdown includes moments from "Game of Thrones," "Breaking Bad," "How I Met Your Mother" and more! Which iconic TV scene defined the decade for you? We've included everything from David S. Pumpkins' bizarre elevator ride to Sheldon Cooper's touching Nobel Prize speech, from the devastating Red Wedding to the long-awaited meeting between Ted and the Mother. These scenes didn't just entertain us—they became cultural touchstones that defined an era of television excellence.
Top 10 TV Scenes That Defined the 2010s
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most iconic TV scenes to air during the 2010s.
America’s biggest variety comedy series had several off-the-wall sketches during the second decade of the 21st century we could’ve chosen. Although the bizarre Diner Lobster and gut-busting Close Encounter sketches were certainly contenders, nothing quite matches the appeal of this utterly cursed elevator ride. A couple riding a haunted elevator find themselves more confused than scared when they repeatedly encounter David S. Pumpkins and his two skeleton dancers on multiple floors. He’s not a reference or anything - he’s “his own thing.” Tom Hanks is grinning perfection in the role and the sketch’s popularity is as indescribable as the character himself. Any questions?
Aaron Sorkin may be best known for his movies and “The West Wing,” but he’s done some good TV in the 2010s too. The debut episode of this news drama came out swinging with this impressive monologue. When moderate anchor Will McAvoy is asked what makes the USA the greatest country in the world, he replies that it isn’t. After he’s pressed, McAvoy goes into a lengthy speech, detailing the ways America lags behind its peers and how the nation no longer lives up to its legacy. It’s wonderfully acted and manages to capture the zeitgeist of Americans’ general dissatisfaction with their country during this time - or any time, to be honest.
Some big moments you can see coming. Many fans speculated on patriarch Jack Pearson’s death before this episode. But no one was ready for it when it happened. On the evening of Super Bowl Sunday, a fire starts in the Pearson’s home. Jack heroically helps his family and their dog escape the blaze. However, when being treated at the hospital for inhaling smoke, Jack suffers a fatal heart attack. And sure, a broken crock pot being the cause of the fire did feel a little dumb. But it’s a little hard to nitpick when watching his wife Rebecca’s heart break.
The eponymous Fleabag rarely has her life together, yet her unlikely romance with the equally unnamed hot Priest helps her come out of her shell. The Priest, meanwhile, is torn between his love for her and his devotion to God. It isn’t until the show’s final scene that we see his decision. Despite both of them declaring their love for each other, the Priest still chooses his faith. And while another show might have emphasized the sadness of the moment, it’s still a moment of growth for both of them. Their parting and the show’s conclusion are ultimately optimistic. “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” but this departure is a little more sweet than sorrowful.
There are many memorable scenes in this semi-historical series about Queen Elizabeth II. However, this is perhaps the highlight of the earlier seasons. The long simmering tensions between her and her husband Prince Philip explode in this scene. After a scandal breaks involving Stephen Ward, an osteopath Philip had previously seen, the Queen confronts Philip about whether he was involved with Ward’s “other” activities. Philip denies being involved with Ward or his wild parties or having an affair. And then, Elizabeth reveals the photo of ballerina Galina Ulanova that she’d previously found among Philip’s things. The subtle, yet powerful acting throughout the scene is a true tour de force.
The final seasons of this crime drama are loaded with memorable moments. Although “say my name” or the crawl space scene were in the running, we went with Walt’s “dangerous” speech. Concerned for Walt’s safety, and worried that he’s unwilling to admit to wanting help, Skyler urges her husband to go to the police. She doesn’t want him to open the door and get shot. However, Walt, ever-prideful and unwilling to let go of his life of crime, launches into a speech about his importance. Without him, a massive drug business would disappear. Walt won’t get shot opening his door - he’ll be the one who knocks. It’s superb acting not only from Bryan Cranston, but also Anna Gunn, as her concern seamlessly transforms into terror.
Given how blunt and uncaring he can come across, Dr. Sheldon Cooper often alienates people, particularly his friends. He unfortunately does so in the series finale, right before he’s due to accept his Nobel prize. Although his wife Amy’s speech is also fantastic, Sheldon’s speech hits us harder. For once, he sets aside his ego and thanks his family and friends, expressing what they mean to him, instead of the speech he had prepared. It’s a wonderful moment of growth for Sheldon, and a great way to cap off this long running sitcom.
The first season of this ‘80s throwback show became a cultural phenomenon. However, if there’s one moment that distills the appeal of “Stranger Things,” it’s this one. Joyce Byers is convinced her missing son Will is communicating with her by lighting up some of the Christmas lights in their home. When “yes” and “no” aren’t enough, she rigs up some lights on the wall corresponding next to letters she’s drawn. While their communication works well at first, Will’s message turns dire when he tells her to “run” as the lights begin flickering and a monster rips its way out of the wall. The scene encapsulates the show’s nostalgic vibes, as well as its horror and sci-fi genres all in one tidy package.
After nine seasons, “How I Met Your Mother” finally delivered on the promise in its title in the final episode. Ted Mosby goes up to talk to Tracy McConnell at a rainy train station. Their chemistry is immediate and absolutely adorable. Their banter about an umbrella they’ve both owned through coincidence, or destiny, is rather cute and soon becomes explicitly romantic. While some other parts of the finale proved controversial, this scene is, much like Ted and Tracy together, utterly perfect. Our only complaint is that we didn’t get to see more of their relationship.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
If there’s one show that ruled pop culture in the 2010s, it was “Game of Thrones.” And its most discussed scene is easily this one. At his uncle’s wedding, the young King in the North Robb Stark, his pregnant wife Talisa, and mother Catelyn are all enjoying the festivities. That is, until an ominous choice in song, the door being barred, and a few other hints add up to one conclusion - betrayal. All of them are rapidly stabbed, shot with crossbows, or otherwise killed in rapid succession, along with all of Robb’s men. It’s perhaps the most shocking and brutal thing to grace the small screen during this decade, and we’re still not over it!
Is there a landmark TV moment from the 2010s we forgot? No need to knock - just come on down to the comments with your picks!
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most iconic TV scenes to air during the 2010s.
#10: David S. Pumpkins
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)America’s biggest variety comedy series had several off-the-wall sketches during the second decade of the 21st century we could’ve chosen. Although the bizarre Diner Lobster and gut-busting Close Encounter sketches were certainly contenders, nothing quite matches the appeal of this utterly cursed elevator ride. A couple riding a haunted elevator find themselves more confused than scared when they repeatedly encounter David S. Pumpkins and his two skeleton dancers on multiple floors. He’s not a reference or anything - he’s “his own thing.” Tom Hanks is grinning perfection in the role and the sketch’s popularity is as indescribable as the character himself. Any questions?
#9: “America Is Not the Greatest Country in the World”
“The Newsroom” (2012-14)Aaron Sorkin may be best known for his movies and “The West Wing,” but he’s done some good TV in the 2010s too. The debut episode of this news drama came out swinging with this impressive monologue. When moderate anchor Will McAvoy is asked what makes the USA the greatest country in the world, he replies that it isn’t. After he’s pressed, McAvoy goes into a lengthy speech, detailing the ways America lags behind its peers and how the nation no longer lives up to its legacy. It’s wonderfully acted and manages to capture the zeitgeist of Americans’ general dissatisfaction with their country during this time - or any time, to be honest.
#8: Super Bowl Sunday
“This Is Us” (2016-22)Some big moments you can see coming. Many fans speculated on patriarch Jack Pearson’s death before this episode. But no one was ready for it when it happened. On the evening of Super Bowl Sunday, a fire starts in the Pearson’s home. Jack heroically helps his family and their dog escape the blaze. However, when being treated at the hospital for inhaling smoke, Jack suffers a fatal heart attack. And sure, a broken crock pot being the cause of the fire did feel a little dumb. But it’s a little hard to nitpick when watching his wife Rebecca’s heart break.
#7: The Priest’s Decision
“Fleabag” (2016-19)The eponymous Fleabag rarely has her life together, yet her unlikely romance with the equally unnamed hot Priest helps her come out of her shell. The Priest, meanwhile, is torn between his love for her and his devotion to God. It isn’t until the show’s final scene that we see his decision. Despite both of them declaring their love for each other, the Priest still chooses his faith. And while another show might have emphasized the sadness of the moment, it’s still a moment of growth for both of them. Their parting and the show’s conclusion are ultimately optimistic. “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” but this departure is a little more sweet than sorrowful.
#6: Elizabeth Confronts Philip
“The Crown” (2016-23)There are many memorable scenes in this semi-historical series about Queen Elizabeth II. However, this is perhaps the highlight of the earlier seasons. The long simmering tensions between her and her husband Prince Philip explode in this scene. After a scandal breaks involving Stephen Ward, an osteopath Philip had previously seen, the Queen confronts Philip about whether he was involved with Ward’s “other” activities. Philip denies being involved with Ward or his wild parties or having an affair. And then, Elizabeth reveals the photo of ballerina Galina Ulanova that she’d previously found among Philip’s things. The subtle, yet powerful acting throughout the scene is a true tour de force.
#5: The One Who Knocks
“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)The final seasons of this crime drama are loaded with memorable moments. Although “say my name” or the crawl space scene were in the running, we went with Walt’s “dangerous” speech. Concerned for Walt’s safety, and worried that he’s unwilling to admit to wanting help, Skyler urges her husband to go to the police. She doesn’t want him to open the door and get shot. However, Walt, ever-prideful and unwilling to let go of his life of crime, launches into a speech about his importance. Without him, a massive drug business would disappear. Walt won’t get shot opening his door - he’ll be the one who knocks. It’s superb acting not only from Bryan Cranston, but also Anna Gunn, as her concern seamlessly transforms into terror.
#4: Sheldon’s Nobel Prize Speech
“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)Given how blunt and uncaring he can come across, Dr. Sheldon Cooper often alienates people, particularly his friends. He unfortunately does so in the series finale, right before he’s due to accept his Nobel prize. Although his wife Amy’s speech is also fantastic, Sheldon’s speech hits us harder. For once, he sets aside his ego and thanks his family and friends, expressing what they mean to him, instead of the speech he had prepared. It’s a wonderful moment of growth for Sheldon, and a great way to cap off this long running sitcom.
#3: Christmas Lights
“Stranger Things” (2016-)The first season of this ‘80s throwback show became a cultural phenomenon. However, if there’s one moment that distills the appeal of “Stranger Things,” it’s this one. Joyce Byers is convinced her missing son Will is communicating with her by lighting up some of the Christmas lights in their home. When “yes” and “no” aren’t enough, she rigs up some lights on the wall corresponding next to letters she’s drawn. While their communication works well at first, Will’s message turns dire when he tells her to “run” as the lights begin flickering and a monster rips its way out of the wall. The scene encapsulates the show’s nostalgic vibes, as well as its horror and sci-fi genres all in one tidy package.
#2: Ted Meets the Mother
“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)After nine seasons, “How I Met Your Mother” finally delivered on the promise in its title in the final episode. Ted Mosby goes up to talk to Tracy McConnell at a rainy train station. Their chemistry is immediate and absolutely adorable. Their banter about an umbrella they’ve both owned through coincidence, or destiny, is rather cute and soon becomes explicitly romantic. While some other parts of the finale proved controversial, this scene is, much like Ted and Tracy together, utterly perfect. Our only complaint is that we didn’t get to see more of their relationship.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Matthew’s Death, “Downton Abbey” (2010-15)
THAT’S How You Kill Your Leading Man?!The Proposal Scene, “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)
Just When We Thought Patrick & David Couldn’t Get ANY Cuter!The Twist, “The Good Place” (2016-20)
Ohhhhh, So the Title is Ironic…“I Believe You,” “The Leftovers” (2014-17)
After Everything - Of Course He DoesNegan Takes Some Swings, “The Walking Dead” (2010-22)
Two Major Character Deaths That Left Us Shook#1: The Red Wedding
“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)If there’s one show that ruled pop culture in the 2010s, it was “Game of Thrones.” And its most discussed scene is easily this one. At his uncle’s wedding, the young King in the North Robb Stark, his pregnant wife Talisa, and mother Catelyn are all enjoying the festivities. That is, until an ominous choice in song, the door being barred, and a few other hints add up to one conclusion - betrayal. All of them are rapidly stabbed, shot with crossbows, or otherwise killed in rapid succession, along with all of Robb’s men. It’s perhaps the most shocking and brutal thing to grace the small screen during this decade, and we’re still not over it!
Is there a landmark TV moment from the 2010s we forgot? No need to knock - just come on down to the comments with your picks!
