Top 100 TV Shows Of All Time

It’s fascinating how much the entertainment landscape changed between 2003’s disappointing “Daredevil” film and the TV series that set a new standard for gritty superhero shows. Back in the early 2000s when Netflix was still a mail-based rental business, nobody could foresee a live-action series of this quality existing. Dripping in brooding visuals, “Daredevil” not only works as a superhero drama, but a crime drama as well. Supernatural elements are kept to a minimum with hard-hitting fight choreography that feels real. It’s the casting that gives the show an authentic touch with defining portrayals of Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk, and Bullseye. Cut down during its prime, the initial series ended amid Netflix’s falling out with Disney, but Daredevil would live to fight another day.

#99: “Charlie’s Angels” (1976-81)

Also in:

Good Luck Charlie Cast: Where Are They Now?

“Charlie’s Angels” has seen reboots on both the big and small screens. However, the original drama remains the most timeless. “Timeless” may sound like an odd word choice, as the show is clearly a product of the 70s. However, that’s part of what keeps audiences coming back years later. For anyone who ever wants to revisit the 70s or get their first taste of this shimmering decade, “Charlie’s Angels” is an explosively fun time capsule. Despite only being a regular for the first season, the late Farrah Fawcett delivered her most iconic performance as Jill Munroe. The other angels held their own throughout the five-season run, but few had a stronger presence than John Forsythe’s Charlie, one of pop culture’s greatest unseen characters.

#98: “House” (2004-12)

Also in:

Top 10 Dragons From Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon

There are countless medical dramas, but “House” stood out from others by emphasizing the mystery angle. Virtually every week brought us a new medical mystery with Dr. Gregory House serving as the medicine equivalent to Sherlock Holmes. Like Holmes, House is a brilliant yet complicated mind whose knack for diagnosing patients isn’t matched by his nonexistent bedside manner. We wouldn’t say that actor Hugh Laurie made the character “likable,” but his layered portrayal made House one of TV’s most absorbing presences for eight seasons. Laurie picked up the most acclaim on the awards trail, which included two Golden Globes and two SAG Awards, but “House” owes just as much of its success to the inventive mysteries, dark humor, and a medical staff of character actors.

#97: “Community” (2009-15)

Also in:

Top 10 Funniest Community Running Gags

While not a ratings hit during its run, “Community” gained a passionate critical and fan following. This is reflected through the MojoMeter with the series being suggested 886 times. Bringing an unlikely study group together, the series started with a “Breakfast Club” sentiment, even dedicating its pilot to the late John Hughes. As the series found its distinct voice, though, “Community” matured into a meta-commentary on pop culture as we know it. The series touched upon every subject imaginable, from conspiracy theories, to Claymation Christmas specials, to war movies with a paintball twist. “Community” found new ways to innovate the sitcom for six seasons, but until we get that movie, we’re still in the darkest timeline. Did we mention how quotable the show is?

Most crime dramas put the audience in a cop’s shoes, allowing us to unravel the mystery beside them. Instead of a “whodunit,” “Columbo” helped popularize the “howcatchem.” Episodes identified the culprit upfront, revealing how they committed the crime. You’d think this would suck out the suspense as Lieutenant Columbo pieces the clues together. What makes each game of cat and mouse so absorbing is Columbo himself. Before the first TV movie, a few actors played Columbo in precursor projects, including Oscar winner Thomas Mitchell. Peter Falk became Columbo, though, supplying the blue-collar cop’s mannerisms and even his signature raincoat. Watching Columbo solve a case is like giving someone a wrapped gift. We know what’s inside, but we can’t wait to see the recipient open it.

#95: “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

Also in:

Top 10 Best Schitt's Creek Music Moments

“Schitt’s Creek” crept up on viewers in more ways than one. Premiering on the Pop network, the series started with a small following that would grow thanks in part to its later presence on Netflix. Positive word of mouth would turn “Schitt’s Creek” into a cultural phenomenon, sweeping the Primetime Emmys by its final season. What caught us off guard, however, was its sincerity. The show starts on such a cynical note with four seemingly shallow characters at the forefront. While the series never loses its edge, audiences are taken to surprisingly heartfelt and even life-affirming places that challenge every expectation. You wouldn’t think a show called “Schitt’s Creek” would touch you, but that’s the central theme: finding love, warmth, and acceptance in unexpected places.

#90: “Ozark” (2017-22)

Also in:

Top 10 Best Characters on Ozark

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one money launderer who had no choice but to keep them all together. Although Jason Bateman specializes in playing the voice of reason, Marty Byrde is his most complex role to date. A white-collar criminal mixed up with the Mexican drug cartel, Marty struggles to balance work and home life while attempting to preserve his public image, marriage, and life. Laura Linney is equally phenomenal as his high-strung wife Wendy, but it’s Julia Garner’s Emmy-winning performance as Ruth that gives “Ozark” its wild card factor. Listed over 100 times in WatchMojo’s suggestions, this crime drama may be draped in a calming blue color, but it’ll leave you paranoid around every twisted turn.

#85: “The Brady Bunch” (1969-74)

Also in:

Top 10 E! Shows of All Time

Every generation has a comfort food show that might not tackle the most serious issues, but help us escape our real-life problems for one reassuring half-hour. While “The Brady Bunch” is visibly grounded in the late-60s and early-70s, it’s a comfort food show that’s spanned multiple generations, proving even more popular in syndication. The theme song alone is guaranteed to fill you with tranquil vibes. Although the definition of lighthearted, “The Brady Bunch” captured a turning point in society with blended families becoming part of the new norm. Whether hitting someone’s nose with a footfall, taking a Hawaiian vacation, or feeling envious of “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,” the Bradys will always hold a special place in TV history… even additions like Cousin Oliver.

#80: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-96)

Also in:

Top 10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rip-Offs

When Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird released the first “Ninja Turtles” comic, they didn’t expect to create a perennial franchise. “TMNT” has never left the pop culture bubble, though, being listed over 3,000 times in WatchMojo’s suggestions. “Turtlemania” was at its peak with the five-part animated miniseries and the ensuing show that ran for nearly a decade. The series introduced several mainstays like the turtles’ defining colored masks and pizza obsession. Although initially conceived to sell toys (and boy it did), the show evolved into something more with its mix of action, comedy, and imaginative worldbuilding. It’d also showcase several emerging talents with Rob Paulsen as Raph, James Avery as the Shredder, and Chuck Lorre co-writing that infinitely catchy theme song. Cowabunga, indeed!

#75: “The Carol Burnett Show” (1967-78)

Also in:

Top 10 Most Awkward Talk Show Moments of All Time

Following in Lucille Ball’s footsteps, Carol Burnett wasn’t the first funny woman to headline a TV series. Beyond sitcoms, though, the idea of a female-led variety show was virtually unheard of in the late-60s. CBS green-lit “The Carol Burnett Show” because of a contract obligation to its star, but the result was an Emmy favorite and all-around game-changer. While the host was female, the cast was gender-balanced with career-best work from Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway. From one-offs like “The Dentist” to recurring sketches like “The Family,” this team unearthed a comedic goldmine. Just as memorable as the comedy bits were Bob Mackie’s eccentric costumes, most notably the Charwoman’s ensemble and the curtain dress from the show’s masterpiece, “Went with the Wind!”

#70: “The Fugitive” (1963-67)

Also in:

Top 10 Most Watched Kids Shows of All Time

Before the Best Picture-nominated Harrison Ford blockbuster, there was the Emmy-winning TV series starring David Janssen as the wrongfully convicted Dr. Richard Kimble. This crime drama was a gripping game of cat and mouse… and dog. As Lt. Philip Gerard relentlessly pursued Kimble, our hero attempted to track down his wife’s true killer, the illusive One-Armed Man. While the overarching mystery drove the plot forward, the show was mostly episodic as Kimble raced across the U.S., dodging the authorities and encountering other colorful characters. Unlike some other dramas of this era, “The Fugitive” would receive a proper finale with a satisfying payoff. It’s the journey that matters most, however, and “The Fugitive” kept audiences hooked for four suspenseful seasons.

#65: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

Also in:

Top 10 Most 90s TV Shows Of All Time

The 80s and 90s gave us several innovative African-American sitcoms, such as “Family Matters.” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” not only stands out as one of the funniest examples, but also the most poignant. While we remember the show for The Carlton, we remember it just as much for tackling issues like racial profiling and being perceived as quote-unquote “not Black enough.” The series also explored problems not exclusive to people of color, such as gun violence and parental abandonment. Speaking of which, the latter delivered arguably the saddest episode in sitcom history and - we’re just gonna say - Will Smith’s best performance to date. For all the tears, “Fresh Prince” balanced things with plenty of laughs, fourth wall breaks, and creative scenarios.

#60: “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

Also in:

Top 10 Monty Python’s Flying Circus Moments

When it comes to British humor, it’s hard to top the loony brilliance of Monty Python. Outside of the comedy troupe’s movies, their funniest bits derived from this revolutionary show. The six Pythons sought to create a sketch series unlike any other with the end product initially defying conventional categorization. “Flying Circus” was ingenious while also being unapologetically silly. The routines were masterfully written, but could be random to the point that they sometimes felt improvised. Even Terry Gilliam’s signature cut-out animation was distinctly “Pythonesque,” and that’s the word fans have come to describe the series as. Not many shows can inspire their own adjective, but “Pythonesque” is the only word that sums up sketches like “The Spanish Inquisition” and “Spam.” Well, that and “hilarious.”

#55: “24” (2001-10, 2014)

Also in:

Top 20 Best Fantasy Shows Of All Time

“24” didn’t invent serial dramas, but it helped popularize this storytelling format for primetime when procedurals were still seen as the norm. This wasn’t a drama you could watch out of order or jump into mid-season. To get the full effect of each story, you needed to start and end every day beside Jack Bauer. Each hour encompassed the suspense of defusing a bomb… sometimes literally. With most episodes ending on cliffhangers, waiting for the next one proved invigorating and frustrating. Of course, that’s what DVD sets and streaming are for. “24” was tailor-made for binge-watching before binge-watching was commonplace. Despite criticism for Bauer’s overreliance on torture as a crime-fighting tool, the series’ success overall led to other serialized nail-biters like “Prison Break,” but “24” had us at the edge of our seats down to the last minute.

#50: “Law & Order” (1990-)

Also in:

Top 10 Shows You Wont Believe Were Aired Out of Order

In the primetime drama system, there are two separate yet equally important shows: the serialized drama, which has overarching storylines, and the procedural, which is usually episodic. Some have argued that procedurals are too “formulaic,” but when a formula works, it really works. Through spinoffs, revivals, and creator Dick Wolf’s original classic that started it all, “Law & Order” has kept a familiar formula fresh for over thirty years. With episodes divided between detectives and the D.A.’s Office, “Law & Order” still engages audiences with relevant crimes often ripped from the headlines. Rewatching these stories in syndication, we’re reminded of numerous real-world crimes that define “​​stranger than fiction.” You’re also sure to come across some prominent guest stars on the verge of a big break.

There are some shows that any generation can look to and safely say, “That’s childhood.” These shows usually didn’t have the biggest budgets, which only further encouraged youngsters to use their imaginations. They also usually had a charming host who made audiences feel welcomed and secure, much like a trustworthy family member or teacher. “Reading Rainbow” is one example with LeVar Burton shaping our love of literature. However, there will never be another host like Fred Rogers. This isn’t only because of his unyielding sincerity, but because Rogers was such an unlikely star. Rogers didn’t come from an entertainment background, but he saw TV’s potential to nurture viewers. Even when addressing difficult subjects like death and prejudice, Rogers’ calming delivery could resonate with any age.

Although it initially only lasted two seasons, “Twin Peaks” couldn’t have been further ahead of the curve. With director and co-creator David Lynch at the center, this mystery series had an atmospheric, even otherworldly aesthetic typically reserved only for theatrical film. The serialized drama surrounding the murder of Laura Palmer made “Twin Peaks” a must-watch event every week. The show lost viewers as the story became more complex, but with over 400 MojoMeter listings, its cult following remains huge. Decades later, numerous shows attempt to recapture its cinematic and surreal quality. Its impact would pave the way for Lynch to cotinue the story in 2017, giving that “see you again in 25 years” line an almost precognitive sentiment. That’s a damn fine cup of foreshadowing.

#35: “The Dick Van Dyke Show” (1961-66)

Also in:

Top 20 Biggest Game Show Fails of All Time

Carl Reiner based this sitcom on his experiences as a comedy writer, having previously worked on “Your Show of Shows.” With the material so close to his real life, Reiner originally intended to play the lead, but when that didn’t work out, the role was recast along with a title change. This move turned Dick Van Dyke into a household name. He’s not the only one, as the show paved the way for talents like Mary Tyler Moore, Garry Marshall, and many others. The show’s equal exploration of home and work life was innovative for the time. Just as innovative was Moore’s modern take on the American housewife. “The Dick Van Dyke Show” truly marked a turning point for society, not to mention TV comedy.

#30: “The Cosby Show” (1984-92)

Also in:

Top 10 Worst Final Seasons of TV Shows

It’s impossible to discuss this sitcom without addressing its once beloved star/co-creator. Many can no longer watch “The Cosby Show” the same way given its namesake’s fall to infamy. While this should never be excused or forgotten, we shouldn’t ignore the show’s impact either. Reigning as the top-rated show for five seasons, “The Cosby Show” proved that the sitcom wasn’t a dying breed at a time when the genre was struggling to bring in audiences. It was also a major step forward for African-American-led sitcoms, breaking down stereotypes and opening the door to others that followed. We might not want to remember the show for its star, but we should remember it for Phylicia Rashad, Raven Symoné, and its place in the history books.

#25: “Lost” (2004-10)

Also in:

Top 10 Times TV Hosts LOST IT on Live TV

People dwell on the divisive ending, but “Lost” deserves to be judged as a whole. And as a whole, we remember why this was the definitive water cooler show for six seasons. “Lost” took the serialized drama a step beyond with a mystery and mythology that turned each viewing experience into an obsession. While the show usually offered more questions than answers, the vast cast of endearing characters added a human element that kept us invested even when the plot was at its most complicated. From the diverse ensemble, to the nonlinear narrative, to the high concept, almost every serialized drama today borrows from “Lost” to an extent. Without the series, it’s safe to say the entertainment landscape as we know it would be lost.

#20: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)

Also in:

Top 10 Times The Mary Tyler Moore Show Tackled Serious Issues

If “The Dick Van Dyke Show” presented the American housewife in a new light, then “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” introduced TV audiences to the single working woman. This trailblazing sitcom explored topics that were once considered taboo but have since become more commonplace, such as divorce and women prioritizing work over marriage. Moore’s Mary Richards notably never settles down with anyone, which is rare even by modern standards. The show also touched upon issues that remain relevant like equal pay and workplace discrimination. For all the serious discussions, the show could find humor in just about anything, even a clown’s death. Aside from Moore, Ed Asner, Cloris Leachman, and Betty White might’ve had radically different careers if it weren’t for this TV landmark.

#19: “The Office” (2005-13)

Also in:

Top 10 Times The Office Cast Couldn't Keep a Straight Face

As influential and hysterical as the original UK series remains, the US version of “The Office” took things further, not just on a comedic level, not just on a dramatic level, but thematically. Typically, people watch sitcoms to escape the mundane nature of their stressful work lives. However, we always wanted to spend more time at Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, an unlikely stomping ground for comedic possibilities and forming relationships. The show has been featured in nearly 100 WatchMojo videos, exploring its most romantic moments, awkward moments, and characters. Even at their most flawed, every “Office” character wins you over. The office itself also serves as a character that we come to care about, finding beauty in the most ordinary of places.

#18: “The West Wing” (1999-2006)

Also in:

Top 10 Food Network Shows of All Time

This political drama was praised for accurately portraying what it feels like to be in the West Wing. Taking modern politics into account, though, watching it today can feel like staring into a parallel universe. It’s a reality where the politicians running the show are well-spoken, competent, and willing to put personal agendas aside for the good of the people. Some even look past party affiliations to make progress. We know, insanity, right? You may call it naive, but we like to see “The West Wing” as a beacon of hope, representing what could be if enough people strive towards a better tomorrow. In any case, the series is masterfully written, exceptionally acted, and remains tied for the most Emmy wins in Outstanding Drama Series.

#17: “The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)

Also in:

Top 10 Real-Life Pregnancies That Were Written Into TV Shows

As far as eerie cult shows go, we guess you could say that “The X-Files” picked up where “Twin Peaks” left off. Somewhere down the line, though, “The X-Files” transitioned from being a “cult show” to being a mainstream facet of pop culture. Even if you’ve somehow never seen the show, we all know that Mulder is the believer, Scully is the skeptic, and that theme song makes the opening of every episode feel like a gateway into the unknown. If the mystery and atmosphere don't draw you in, the dynamic between the central characters will. “The X-Files” also brought some prestige to the then-relatively new Fox Network, becoming their first drama to receive an Outstanding Drama Series nomination at the Emmys.

#16: “The Wire” (2002-06)

Also in:

Top 20 Best TV Shows of the Century (So Far)

Not every acclaimed show wins an Emmy, “The Wire” being arguably the most notorious oversight. Although somewhat underappreciated during its five-season run, “The Wire” is now regarded as one of the best crime dramas of all time. Where most crime dramas stick to the familiar, creator David Simon took a wholly original approach with each season centering on a different Baltimore organization. Although they all share a connection to law enforcement, every chapter feels like a slightly different show, commentating on politics, the press, and the school system. As a former police reporter, Simon brought a sense of realism to “The Wire” rarely seen in crime dramas and the cast of character actors only added to the authenticity.

#15: “Cheers” (1982-93)

Also in:

Cheers Television Retrospective

Virtually every sitcom is about family. This not only applies to immediate families, but also work families. Then when you want to escape home and work, you form another family at a friendly place where everybody knows your name. “Cheers” brought together a group of misfits sharing a mutual need to drink, laugh, and forget about their worries at the end of the day. In many respects, that’s what sitcoms are designed for, which might be why “Cheers” left such an impression, popping up on almost 40 WatchMojo lists. Although initially not a ratings hit, viewership picked up after the first season won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. The little show that could lasted 11 seasons with the finale becoming the 90s’ most-watched episode.

#14: “Looney Tunes” (1930-69)

Also in:

Top 10 Most Iconic Looney Tunes Catchphrases

You could argue that we’re cheating since the classic “Looney Tunes” debuted as theatrical short films, many predating television. For generations, though, TV was our gateway to Bugs, Daffy, Porky, and the rest. Be it through “The Bugs Bunny Show,” reruns on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, or streaming on HBO Max, TV keeps us coming back to the Looney Tunes. It’s hard to think of a franchise from animation’s Golden Age that produced funnier characters and comedy routines. That’s because it assembled an unparalleled team of talent that included Tex Avery, Friz Freleng, Bob Clampett, and Chuck Jones, to name a few. While new “Looney Tune” content will be produced for eons, Termite Terrace captured lightning in a bottle that may never be topped.

#13: “The Twilight Zone” (1959-64)

Also in:

Top 10 Times Twilight Zone Was Ripped off

Addiction, bigotry, mass hysteria, most shows from the 50s and 60s wouldn’t touch these subjects. “The Twilight Zone” addressed all of the above under the guise of science fiction, demonstrating the genre’s potential to be more than campy escapism. It’s amazing how many episodes still mirror society. “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” reflected the Red Scare, but it can just as easily be applied to a politically divided pandemic era. “The Twilight Zone” inspired revivals and other anthology shows, but in more than 50 years, nothing has compared with what Rod Serling created. Mentioned in almost 20 WatchMojo videos, “The Twilight Zone” remains a masterstroke of storytelling, style, and real-world commentary. This dimension of imagination is closer to reality than you might think.

#12: “Friends” (1994-2004)

Also in:

Top 20 Small Details in Friends You Never Noticed

“Friends” may be the definitive “hangout sitcom.” This isn’t merely because it was about a group of friends who hung out. It created characters that we wanted to hang out with. As the series aired, friends hung out at each other’s apartments and houses to watch the latest episode. People hung out around the water cooler, talking about when Ross and Rachel would finally get together. Even today as we hang out with our friends, we can quote certain lines out of context and the rest of the gang will catch on. In that sense, the show strengthened friendships in the real world, uniting people in their love for the characters, one-liners, and dynamics. Appearing on 361 WatchMojo lists, it’s been a friend to many.

#11: “All in the Family” (1971-79)

Also in:

Top 10 Best First Seasons of TV Shows

Few individuals created more classic sitcoms than Norman Lear, but “All in the Family” is his crowning achievement. For years, TV promoted the “idyllic family.” Lear took a more honest approach with this sitcom, revealing that “idyllic” and “family” are two words that don’t always go together. Families rarely see eye to eye, resulting in serious conversations that snowball into serious arguments. Although the series centered on the gap between the G.I. Generation and Baby Boomers, the debates at the Bunker household echo the modern clash between Boomers and Millennials. Except now, Boomers fill the G.I. role and eventually, Millennials will sing about the good old days. Generational warfare never changes, but neither do the bonds of family that kept the Bunkers together.

#10: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

Also in:

Top 10 Shows That Could Be the Next Game of Thrones

Even with its controversial finale, “Game of Thrones” will go down as a legendary series. When winter first came in April 2011, we were already smack dab in the middle of peak TV with most premium channel shows having cinematic direction, writing, and performances. “Game of Thrones” took everything to the next level with each episode having the quality of a “Lord of the Rings” movie. Where Middle-earth was divided between good and evil, Westeros brought nuance with characters we shifted between loathing and rooting for. Of course, there were some figures we could always rally behind or against. Making it onto almost 200 WatchMojo lists, “Game of Thrones” reached beyond fantasy fans, also serving as a political drama, an epic, and a Shakespearan tragedy.

#9: “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)

Also in:

Top 10 Saturday Night Live Cast Members of All Time

Most sketch shows come and go, but “SNL” has been making audiences laugh, cringe, gasp, think, and occasionally even get emotional for almost 50 years. Whenever there’s a controversy in the news or a world-changing event, we’re always curious to see how “SNL” will tackle it. Whether “SNL’s” response is spot-on, divisive, or completely unexpected, there are bound to be people talking about it on Sunday morning and beyond. Timely writing aside, a revolving door of comedians has kept the series alive with numerous members going on to have prominent careers. For even some of the most successful former cast members, though, their best work was at Studio 8H. Few shows have attracted more talent or Emmys.

#8: “Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)

Also in:

Rick Sanchez vs The Doctor

Watching every episode of every show on this list is easier said than done. Part of that has to do with this generation-spanning British sci-fi phenomenon. Between the classic series and the modern revival that’s been going strong since 2005, “Doctor Who” has produced over 850 episodes, nearly 100 of which are hard to come by. While you might need a TARDIS to track every episode down, its Guinness World Record as the longest-running sci-fi show is a testament to its legion of dedicated fans. With thousands of suggestions on WatchMojo, the show’s fanbase continues to debate the best era, the best series, and even the best Doctor. The debates will likely endure until the end of time itself, much but the show.

#7: “Sesame Street” (1969-)

Also in:

Top 10 Times Sesame Street Tackled Serious Issues

From one long-lasting series to another, “Sesame Street” has been teaching the fundamentals of numbers and letters for over 50 years, but it’s done so much more. It’s made every young viewer feel included, regardless of their background. This has always been one of the show’s main missions, and “Sesame Street” has only grown more inclusive, introducing characters with autism, divorced parents, and HIV. Any child can connect with Big Bird’s naivety, Oscar’s grouchiness, and Cookie Monster’s love of, well… cookies, making for one of TV most identifiable ensembles for all ages. Although he wasn’t a co-creator, we can all agree that “Sesame Street” wouldn’t have been the same without the puppetry of Jim Henson, who’d mature his craft with another muppetational show.

#6: “I Love Lucy” (1951-57)

Also in:

Top 10 Animated Kids Shows Adults Secretly Love

Even in a lot of contemporary sitcoms, there’s a mentality that women need to be the responsible ones while the guys get into all the shenanigans. Lucy Ricardo will forever be an inspiration to any woman who’s dreamed of being a clown. In addition to breaking down gender barriers, “I Love Lucy” helped normalize seeing interracial couples on the airwaves. While Lucille Ball was behind most of the show’s physical comedy, then-real-life husband Desi Arnaz made equally essential contributions like insisting on using the multiple-camera setup. Although Arnaz didn’t pioneer this method per se, Desilu Productions definitely pushed sitcom production in this new direction. After all, when you attract record-breaking ratings, other shows will take notice. Others replicated the setup, but there’s only one Lucy.

#5: “The Simpsons” (1989-)

Also in:

Top 10 Times The Simpsons Infiltrated Invaded Other Shows

“The Simpsons” was far from the first animated series to arrive in primetime or the first animated project to be primarily tailored for adults. Once Simpsonmania hit, however, primetime and adult animation were no longer niche. Animation had officially arrived at a new frontier. Virtually every animated show from the past thirty years owes something to “The Simpsons,” inspiring generations with its razor-sharp writing, roster of unforgettable characters, and jokes that’ve taken on lives of their own. Whether “predicting” the future, inspiring a new Steamed Hams meme, or invading one of nearly 200 WatchMojo lists, the show is a perpetual pop culture staple. They may be animated, but the Simpsons are more relatable than most of the live-action families that we see on TV.

#4: “M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

Also in:

Top 10 Mistakes Caught Live at Award Shows

Almost every popular movie that’s turned into a TV series is dead on arrival. Although “M*A*S*H” technically started as a Richard Hooker novel, the 1970 Best Picture nominee served as the introduction for most. With a mostly new cast, there was no reason to believe that the 1972 TV adaptation would last beyond a season. “M*A*S*H” ultimately thrived for 11 seasons, arguably surpassing what its film counterpart accomplished. While the film had its serious moments, it was a comedy at its core. The show became progressively more dramatic over the years, demonstrating how war changes people. Yet, the show never entirely abandoned its comedy roots, as humor is among the few sources of humanity during our darkest hours.

#3: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

Also in:

Top 10 Darkest Seinfeld Moments

Some say “Seinfeld” is about nothing. Others say it’s about four self-centered people. We’d argue that neither description is entirely accurate. The topics covered in “Seinfeld” aren’t “important,” but little things have a way of becoming big problems. Much of the time, it’s the littlest things we dwell on the most. Countless “very special episodes” fade into obscurity, but we’ll always remember what “Seinfeld’s” shrinkage lesson. While the four principal characters are self-centered, so is virtually every character. Even those you’d expect to be sympathetic, like a Bubble Boy, are deeply flawed. “Seinfeld” held a mirror up to society to expose how shallow we all are. Some may see this as an issue. “Seinfeld” saw it as a laughing matter… and we laughed along.

#2: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

Also in:

Top 10 Dumbest Mistakes on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul

“Breaking Bad” has broken into 77 WatchMojo lists, topping more than a few. Even the best shows typically overstay their welcome. This wasn’t the case for Vince Gilligan’s magnum opus. “Breaking Bad” is a tour de force of pacing, suspense, and visual storytelling, knowing precisely what its audience needs and how much to give them. Walter White went through one of TV’s most satisfying character evolutions with Bryan Cranston winning the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Emmy four times, tying for the all-time record. Even two-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins called Cranston’s performance “the best acting [he has] seen – ever.” We’re not sure what’s more impressive, that “Breaking Bad” never ran out of steam or that “Better Call Saul” was almost as strong.

#1: “The Sopranos” (1999-2007)

Also in:

Top 20 HBO Characters of All Time

Considering that “The Godfather” topped our list of the 100 greatest movies of all time, it’s only fitting that the TV equivalent takes our #1 spot here. Like “The Godfather,” “The Sopranos” is about a man dedicated to two families, attempting to keep them at arm’s length. This common thread aside, Tony Soprano isn’t Vito or Michael Corleone. He’s a modern crime boss who stands alone. While “The Godfather” was the high point of the New Hollywood movement, “The Sopranos” defined the current Golden Age of Television. From its emphasis on the antihero, to its auteur-driven storytelling, to the silver screen-worthy production values, “The Sopranos” set the standard as we now know it. With over 1,000 WatchMojo suggestion listings, its influence will never stop.