Top 10 TV Shows That Were So Good They United the Internet

Jeremy Allen White wonderfully portrays the young Chicago chef Carmy, who comes under ownership of a struggling sandwich shop. You wouldn’t expect this premise to become a massive hit, but its complex characters made it an instant classic. It’s funny, awkward, heartfelt and, most of all, intense. Some say this combination makes “The Bear” one of the greatest shows of the decade. It's now become one of the most streamed shows ever, capturing the internet’s attention. Phrases like “yes, Chef” and “corner!” even inspired countless memes and created a shared language between fans.

“Succession” is a black comedy-drama centering on the ruthless, wealthy, and dysfunctional Roy family. They compete for control of their media empire after their family patriarch becomes increasingly unwell. The result is a highly volatile struggle between four competing children, which fueled endless memes and discussions online. It features an unforgettable cast, all portrayed by their magnificent actors, quickly creating a passionate fanbase. Its clever dialogue is also a treasure trove for quotes, helping it become adored by almost everyone on the internet. It's become one of the most dissected shows of all time, with fans coming together to witness the unraveling of one of television’s most dysfunctional families.

Baby Yoda almost immediately became an icon for “Star Wars” fans, with merchandise for the adorable character appearing around the entire world. He wasn’t the only successful thing about “The Mandalorian”. Its blend of amazing storytelling, epic visuals, and beloved characters turned it into the most successful “Star Wars” show of all time. Featuring the great Pedro Pascal in the lead role, the show united old and new fans that could be found on all social media platforms. Not only did it greatly expand lore for the universe, but it also became a cultural phenomenon and a defining show for the era of streaming.

The show “Schitt’s Creek” was surprisingly much better than its name. It focuses on the Rose family, who were once wealthy but lost their money after being defrauded. Their only remaining asset is Schitts Creek, a town in the Canadian countryside they bought as a joke. The writing is wonderfully witty, and the main characters undergo a transformative journey, showcasing some of the greatest character writing in contemporary TV. “Schitt’s Creek” garnered a massive online following, which heavily memed and discussed the show. By the end, it had become more than a comedy, and was a testament to family love.

NBC’s adaptation of the British sitcom “The Office” redefined the genre. The mockumentary-style series chronicles the daily lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, led by their incompetent boss Michael Scott. The show earned the entire internet’s praise for its relatable characters and awkward, but heartfelt humor. Its hilarious format and loveable cast allow for a relatable exploration of the mundanities of work life, which developed into one of the internet’s most loved series. Many memes and gifs have been inspired by “The Office”. And the countless quotable one-liners which are now ingrained into fans' vocabulary. There’s no doubt about it: “The Office” is a timeless classic.

“Fleabag” catapulted lead actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge into stardom. The show follows the life of a young woman in London, and covers her struggles with loss, guilt, and self-discovery. You get a unique look into the protagonist's mind, who frequently breaks the fourth wall by using the camera as her own personal confidant. Only the Priest notices this. “Fleabag” was a groundbreaking series with captivating humor, emotional depth, and phenomenal storytelling. It became a sensation, sparking widespread online discussion and quickly earning itself a dedicated fanbase. Its wit and memorable characters led it to achieve numerous awards, such as multiple Emmys and BAFTAs.

We all remember how quickly “Squid Game” took over the world when it debuted back in 2021. South Korean dramas have slowly been developing a larger audience in the West, but this one did it most successfully. Its gripping storytelling, intense character development, and creative premises for survival challenges led to discussions across the web. It sparked a cultural movement, inspiring memes, Halloween costumes, fan art, and conversations about wealth inequality and the difficulties of debt. It is also one of the most-watched and discussed shows Netflix has ever produced.

To say “Breaking Bad” changed TV forever is a statement that no one will refute. Many consider it to be the greatest series of all time, following the gripping tale of Walter White transitioning from a high school science teacher into a meth lord. Iconic characters like Jesse Pinkman, Gus Fring, and Mike Ehrmantraut are also global cultural touchstones. Its gradual increase in intensity is like a car crash you can’t take your eyes off, and Walter’s character undergoes one of the most engrossing developments in television history. “Breaking Bad” and its worthy spin-off “Better Call Saul” are landmarks in TV storytelling.

In 2016, “Stranger Things” was immediately adored, uniting fans from all generations with its nostalgic homage to ‘80s pop culture. It follows a group of kids battling supernatural forces, secret government experiments, and the mysterious vanishing of their friend Will. It does a masterful job of combining horror, comedy, adventure, and heartfelt drama into one show. This resonated with millions of fans. It helped revitalize the sci-fi genre, with one of the most memorable main casts of characters on television. All the successes of “Stranger Things” have made it a modern television classic and a cultural juggernaut.

No show has been quite a phenomenon like “Game of Thrones”. By its eight and final season, it had an insane average of 46 million viewers per episode. It was so famous you couldn’t avoid it when a new season was airing. Particularly memorable episodes like “The Red Wedding” and “Battle of the Bastards” dominated conversations for years. There was, however, a rift between fans on the quality of the later seasons. But during its peak, the entire internet was united in their admiration of the show. For better or worse, few series have had the cultural impact of “Game of Thrones”.


Were there any shows so good you wish they united the internet? Let us know in the comments section.