The 50 Best TV Dramas Of All Time

If you’re looking for the best TV dramas of all time, you’re in the right place. From bone-chilling supernatural shows such as “Twin Peaks,” to binge-worthy mysteries such as “True Detective,” television is full of great drama series that entertain us every day.

In this Golden Age of television, we have gotten to enjoy numerous great dramas that span multiple genres such as science-fiction, mystery, and crime. However, many of the world’s best drama series such as “Pride and Prejudice,” premiered long before this time period, and shaped the modern landscape of drama TV that we enjoy today. If you’re looking for the next great drama series to binge-on, look no further.

Here is a list of the top 50 TV dramas ever to air on television.

1. Game Of Thrones

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

Based on a famous novel written by George R. R. Marin, Game of Thrones premiered on television in 2011 and ran for 8 action-packed seasons until 2019. This series brought a level of grandeur to television that had never been exhibited by a show before and reeled viewers in with its realistic battle sequences and bewildering twists in every season. The story followed the journey of 7 houses and their struggle for power in the fictional land of Westeros. Game of Thrones is considered to be one of the most popular and critically acclaimed television shows to ever exist and garnered 59 Primetime Emmys during its 8-year run.

This binge-watch worthy show starts off with the Stark family leaving their home and heading towards the capital of King’s Landing. There, they meet the Lannisters, who are currently ruling the city alongside King Baratheon; until one fateful accident has the King falling sick. The Stark family must then fight for their lives and in doing so, are thrust into a war that will determine the fate of the land. Game of Thrones follows the members of House Stark, Lannisters, Baratheons, Tyrells, Martells, and Targaryens as they battle each other for supremacy in the Seven Kingdoms.

2. The Sopranos

IMDb Rating: 9.2/10

Another one of the best TV shows out there is The Sopranos. Following the story of mob boss Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini), this crime drama ran on television for 6 seasons between 1999 and 2007. Breaking the conventional landscape of television back then, The Sopranos showcased the titular character’s attempts of balancing his family-work life through a number of therapy sessions. The Sopranos is considered to have heavily inspired the conventions of drama TV today and was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Drama Series category every year it was eligible, winning the award two times.

This show starts off with Tony Soprano living a seemingly normal life living with Livia, his mother, with whom he has a troubled relationship with. After the passing of the boss of his crime family, Tony get thrown into a vicious fight for the throne. He is also seen struggling with his role as a father and husband. Throughout the show, Tony’s actions and actions of his family members will leave you on the edge of your seat as they go through their lives while in pursuit of money, power, and respect.

3. The Wire

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

Launching the careers of Michael B. Jordan and Idris Elba, The Wire was a crime drama that is widely considered to be one of the best shows to ever premiere on television. Created by David Simon, the series spanned 5 seasons from 2002 until 2008, showcasing the police department in Baltimore and their experiences with a different institution such as the drug trade, bureaucracy, and the print media in each season. The series was commended for its realistic portrayal of issues and themes it introduced every season. The Wire won 1 Peabody, 1 WGA award, and many other accolades during its run.

4. Mad Men

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Set in the midst of New York’s Madison Avenue in the 60s, Mad Men was a period drama that ran on television for 7 seasons between 2007 and 2015. The series showcased the interpersonal relationships and journey of Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm), a womanizer who works as the creative director at the fictional advertising agency, Sterling Cooper. Mad Men received praise for its authenticity in showcasing the cultural and social landscape of the United States during the 60s and 70s. It was nominated for 43 Primetime Emmys and won the best drama series for each of its first four seasons.

5. Breaking Bad

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

Neo-Western crime drama Breaking Bad premiered on television in 2008 and ran for 5 seasons until 2013. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Breaking Bad showcases the life of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school Chemistry teacher, who upon being diagnosed with stage-three lung cancer, starts to produce and sell crystal meth in order to provide for his family’s financial future. During its 5-year run on television, the series won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series both in 2013 and 2014.

6. Boardwalk Empire

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Set in Atlantic City, during the 1920s, Boardwalk Empire was a crime period drama that made its debut on television in 2010 and ran for 5 seasons until 2014. Inspired by a 2002 novel by the same name, the pilot of Boardwalk Empire was directed by Martin Scorsese for a whopping $18 million. The series followed politician Enoch Thompson (played by Steve Buscemi) who rose to power during the Prohibition era. Boardwalk Empire was applauded for its visual style and acting, winning 20 Primetime Emmys and 2 Golden Globes over the years.

7. The Shield

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Loosely based on the Rampart Division police scandal of the late 90s, The Shield was a crime drama series that debuted on television in 2002 and ran for 7 seasons until 2008. The series showcased a morally corrupt strike team working in the fictional district, Farmington, in Los Angeles. Michael Chiklis was highly applauded by critics nationwide for his portrayal of lead detective Victor Mackey and won many awards for his performance including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe in 2002.

8. The Twilight Zone

IMDb Rating: 9/10

The first installment of The Twilight Zone debuted on television back in 1959 and instantly gained recognition as one of the best sci-fi horror series on TV and a groundbreaking piece of pop culture classic. The success of the first season led to three other installments of the series that launched over the next few decades. Each episode of The Twilight Zone introduces the viewers to a reality filled with elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, or suspense, along with a twist ending and a moral lesson to tie up the episode in the end. The creator of the series, Rod Sterling, has won two Primetime Emmys and one Golden Globe for outstanding writing and direction.

9. Battlestar Galactica

IMDb Rating: 8.6 /10

A reboot of the 1978 original science-fiction television series, the new and improved Battlestar Galactica ran on television for 4 seasons between 2004 and 2009. The series took place in a faraway galaxy, set on a group of planets known as the 12 colonies. After the culmination of a war between humans and androids known as Cylons, the show follows the journey of the remaining survivors, as they make their way to the 13th colony, also known as Earth. Battlestar Galactica was applauded for its introduction of profound themes through its action-packed episodes.

10. Better Call Saul

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Better Call Saul, a spin-off and a prequel to the famous TV show Breaking Bad is a crime drama series that debuted in 2015 and is currently in its 5th season, originally released through AMC. This series revolves around the character of Saul Goodman and shows his journey from being a conman named Jimmy McGill, to transforming into a legitimate defense attorney today. Better Call Saul has been applauded for its writing, cinematography, and acting, leading to a Primetime Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Drama Series for each of its 5 seasons.

11. Firefly

IMDb Rating: 9.0 /10

Set in the year 2517, Firefly is a space drama that premiered on our screens in 2002. The show follows the voyage of a spaceship named Serenity, along with its 9 crew members, as they journey through a new star system. The series was canceled after just one season, but later gained a cult following and the success of the show even led to a film titled “Serenity.” Firefly won many accolades including 5 SyFy Genre Awards, 2 Saturn Awards, and 1 Emmy.

12. Friday Night Lights

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Friday Night Lights was a sports drama that debuted on TV in 2006 and ran for 5 years until 2011. Inspired by a 1990 non-fiction book, this series follows the story of a high school football team located in a small fictional town in rural Texas. Friday Night Lights received praise for its breakout performances by actors Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton who starred as a husband-and-wife football coaching team. Through its 5 years run on TV, the series won 2 Primetime Emmys, 1 Peabody, and 3 American Film Institute Awards, along with many other accolades.

13. The Crown

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

The Crown is a historical drama that began streaming on Netflix in 2016 and is currently in its 4th season. The series creator Peter Morgan was inspired by his 2006 film titled ‘The Queen,’ as well as his 2013 stage play, ‘The Audience.’ The series follows the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, showcasing all the monumental moments in her life, while the fourth season also showcases Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spenser’s budding relationship. The Crown has won 7 Golden Globes and 3 Primetime Emmy awards so far. Many have declared it as one of the best TV shows of all time.

14. The Americans

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

A period spy-thriller set during the Cold War, The Americans debuted on television in 2013 and ran for 6 seasons until 2018. The series exhibited the lives of two KGB agents, living in Virginia with their children, impersonating a typical American family. The Americans was widely applauded for its brilliant writing and characterization, winning several accolades including 4 Primetime Emmys, 2 Peabody Awards, and one Golden Globe through the course of its 5-year run.

15. Chernobyl

IMDb Rating: 9.4 /10

Chernobyl was a highly acclaimed historical drama miniseries that premiered on HBO in 2019 and was centered around the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. The series showcases the story of the people who caused the disaster, as well as those who were involved in the cleanup after. The success of this series led to many accolades including 2 Primetime Emmys, 1 Peabody Award, and 2 Golden Globes.

16. Westworld

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Inspired by a 1973 film by the same name, Westworld is a Western science-fiction drama series set in a dystopian world that premiered in 2016 and is currently in its 3rd season on television. The show revolves around a technologically advanced amusement park filled with android hosts that cater to your every need. Praised for its writing, visuals, and themes, Westworld has won many accolades over the years including 1 Primetime Emmy and 3 Critic’s Choice Awards.

17. Downton Abbey

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey was a historical drama series that debuted on television in 2010 and ran for 6 seasons until 2015. The show revolves around the lives of an aristocratic family and their house help in the fictional Yorkshire County Estate while showcasing the effects of many important events that took place during that time, including the sinking of the Titanic and the outbreak of the Spanish Influenza pandemic. Downtown Abbey gained mass popularity worldwide and won many awards including 16 Primetime Emmys, and 4 Golden Globes.

18. The Handmaid’s Tale

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Based on a 1985 novel by the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian tragedy television show that premiered in 2017 and is currently in its 3rd season. Set in a dystopian world after the culmination of the second American civil war, the show showcases a dictatorial society where fertile women are subjected to a life of child-bearing enslavement. Over the course of its 3-year run, The Handmaid’s Tale has garnered 5 Primetime Emmy wins, 2 Golden Globes, and many other awards.

19. Twin Peaks

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

The original installment of Twin Peaks ran on television for 3 seasons between 1990 and 1991 and gained a cult following before being revived for a short period of time in 2017. This horror-drama series featured a murder investigation headed by an FBI agent and a sheriff who often ran into supernatural elements and unconventional characters while inspecting the murder of Laura Palmer, the homecoming queen. Twin Peaks was highly applauded for its surreal humor, use of peculiar characters, and its cinematography.

20. Oz

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Set in a fictional level 4 maximum-security men’s prison, Oz was a drama series that ran on television for 6 seasons from 1997 and 2003. The show exhibited an extremely controlled and highly irregular penitentiary environment set in a prison wing called Emerald City. Oz was praised for being brutal but exceedingly engaging and has come to be recognized as one of the best shows in television history.

21. Dexter

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Dexter was a crime mystery drama that ran on television for 8 seasons between 2006 and 2013. The show revolves around Dexter, a bloodstain specialist who works for the Miami Metro Police Department but also secretly operates in secret as a vigilante serial killer. After being orphaned at the age of 3 at the hands of drug dealers who brutally murder his mother, Dexter strives to find and bring justice to killers who slip through the legal system and skip punishment. Over the years, the show won 2 Primetime Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, and various other accolades.

22. Fargo

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

Inspired by a 1996 film by the same name, Fargo was a black comedy-drama series that premiered on television in 2014 and is currently in its 4th season. Each season of this anthology series features a new story, a new location, a new crime, and a completely new ensemble cast. All 4 seasons of Fargo have received widespread critical acclaim, leading to 2 Primetime Emmy wins, 3 Golden Globes, and many other awards.

23. Peaky Blinders

IMDb Rating: 8.8 /10

Peaky Blinders is a British period drama series that debuted on television in 2013 and is currently in its 5th season. Set in England during the aftermath of the First World War, this series showcases the adventures and wrongdoings of the Shelby crime family. Peaky Blinders has received praise for its smart cinematography, powerful performances, and writing, leading to many accolades including 2 BAFTA wins and 2 TV Choice Awards.

24. House of Cards

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

House of Cards was a political thriller that began streaming on Netflix in 2013 and ran for 6 seasons until 2018. The show revolved around Congressman Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire as they employ great means of manipulation and duplicity to attain political power in Washington. House of Cards received critical acclaim for its engrossing direction and power packed performances, taking home 2 Golden Globes, 1 Primetime Emmy, and various other awards.

25. Sons of Anarchy

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Sons of Anarchy was an action crime drama series that ran on television for 7 seasons between 2008 and 2014. Set in a fictional town known as Charming in California, this series followed the lives of the members of an outlaw motorcycle club and dealt with themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption through the show. Sons of Anarchy was widely praised for its portrayal of certain issues such as racism and corruption, and the success of the show led to a spin-off named Mayans M.C., as well as many accolades.

26. Shameless

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Shameless is a comedy-drama series that premiered on television in 2011 and is currently in its 11th season. Adapted from a British series by the same name, Shameless showcases a dysfunctional family where the father’s alcoholism and drug abuse lead to his six children fending for themselves. The series has received generally favorable reviews from critics nationwide and has managed to remain compelling through its 11 seasons, winning 3 Primetime Emmys.

27. True Detective

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

True Detective was a crime drama show that ran for 3 seasons between 2014 and 2019. The anthology series featured a new setting, a new plot, and a new cast in each season. A number of famous actors such as Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Colin Farrell were a part of the star cast and were greatly applauded for their performances. Through the course of its 3 seasons, True Detective won 1 Primetime Emmy, 2 Writer’s Guild of America Awards, and many other accolades.

28. Sherlock

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10

Placing the brilliant team of Sherlock and Dr. Watson in present-day London, Netflix’s drama series (originally released exclusively on BBC), Sherlock, gave a modern spin to the famous detective and his cryptic adventures. The series debuted in 2010 and ran for 4 seasons until 2017, exhibiting some of Sherlock’s greatest mysteries. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular role, the show was widely praised for its strong performances, writing, and directing and won multiple awards including 9 Primetime Emmy wins.

29. Big Little Lies

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Based on a 2014 novel by the same name, Big Little Lies is a mystery drama series that debuted on TV in 2017 and ran for 2 seasons until 2019. The story involves the investigation of a gruesome murder and stars some great actresses such as Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, and Nicole Kidman. Applauded for its thrilling twists, great performances, and brilliant writing, Big Little Lies won many awards including 5 Primetime Emmy wins and 4 Golden Globes.

30. Ozark

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Ozark is a crime drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2017 and is currently in its 3rd season. The show revolves around a married couple (played by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney) who move to the Ozarks with their family in order to start laundering money. The series has been praised for its gripping plot and Bateman’s performance, winning 3 Primetime Emmys and numerous other awards over the years.

31. Mr. Robot

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Mr. Robot was a thriller drama series that premiered in 2015 and ran for 4 seasons until 2019. The show followed the life of Elliot Alderson (played by Rami Malik), a hacker and cybersecurity engineer who suffers from social anxiety and depression. Mr. Robot quickly gained success and received acclaim for its musical score, direction, and brilliant performances. Over the years, the series won 3 Primetime Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, and many other awards.

32. Narcos

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Narcos was a Netflix crime-drama series that premiered in 2015 and ran for 3 seasons until 2017. The show featured the life of Pablo Escobar, Columbia’s most notorious drug lord, and showcased the snowballing cocaine drug trade in the country. Narcos was recognized for its fast-paced storyline and powerful acting performances. The success of the show led to a spin-off titled ‘Narcos: Mexico’ after the culmination of its 3rd season.

33. Anne with an E

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Anne with an E was a Canadian episodic drama series that debuted on Netflix in 2017 and concluded in 2019 after the culmination of its 3rd season. Set in the early 20th century, the show exhibits the story of an elderly brother and sister who were out to adopt a young boy to help out with their farm, but accidentally end up adopting Anne, an imaginative, cheerful and talkative young girl instead. Anne with an E was praised for its depiction of many important issues such as gender inequality, child abandonment, religion, and racism.

34. Homeland

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Homeland was a political thriller that premiered on television in 2011 and ran for 8 seasons until 2020. The series revolves around a CIA officer with bipolar disorder (played by Claire Danes), who believes that a Marine sniper previously held by the al-Quaeda, has been brainwashed and now poses a threat to the United States of America. Homeland received wide critical acclaim from its very first season and won many awards including 6 Primetime Emmys and 5 Golden Globes.

35. The X-Files

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

The first installment of X-Files ran on television from 1993 to 2002. This science-fiction drama series was later revived for a short while between 2016 and 2018. The show follows the journey of two FBI agents as they endeavor to solve previously unsolved and overlooked cases known as the ‘X-Files,’ often uncovering supernatural elements along the way. Known for being the longest-running American science-fiction television series, The X-Files has won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards.

36. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Buffy The Vampire Slayer was a supernatural drama that premiered in 1997 and ran for 7 seasons until 2003. Inspired by a 1992 film by the same name, the show follows the life of Buffy Summers (played by Sarah Michelle Geller), the youngest descendent of a long line of female vampire slayers, as she discovers and finally embraces her destiny with the help of her friends. Buffy The Vampire Slayer won many accolades during its run and is noted to inspire many other TV series during the golden age of television.

37. Lost

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Lost was a science-fiction supernatural drama that premiered on television in 2004 and ran for 6 seasons until 2010. The show followed the aftermath of a plane crash, where a group of survivors land on an unknown island full of mystical and paranormal elements. Lost won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for its very first season and went on to win many other accolades including a Golden Globe award over the course of its 6 seasons.

38. Pride and Prejudice

IMDb Rating: 8.9 /10

Pride and Prejudice was British drama series that premiered on television for 1 season in 1995. Based on the famous 1813 Jane Austen novel by the same name, this series showcases the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s 5 daughters. The show touches on the themes of pride and classism in society through the complicated love story of the second eldest Bennet daughter and the wealthy and eligible Mr. Darcy who moves into their neighborhood. Colin Firth was highly applauded for his portrayal of Mr. Darcy and the series took home 1 Primetime Emmy, 1 BAFTA, and multiple other awards.

39. Band of Brothers

IMDb Rating: 9.4/10

Inspired by a 1992 non-fiction book by the same name, Band of Brothers was a war drama miniseries that debuted in 2001. The series follows the exploits of the Easy Company, who were a part of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Set during World War 2, the show exhibits the team’s journey from training in Georgia in 1942 to Japan’s surrender in 1945. Band of Brothers won many accolades including 7 Primetime Emmys and 1 Golden Globe award.

40. Daredevil

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Daredevil premiered on Netflix in 2016 and ran for 3 seasons until 2019. The show follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer by day who embraces his alter-ego as Daredevil, a masked vigilante, by night. The series received great reviews from its very first season taking home many awards, and the success of the show led to a spin-off titled ‘The Punisher.’

Though a Daredevil (2003) movie existed years before the launch of this series, the TV show of Daredevil is not a remake. Instead, it is a retelling of the comic series of the same name, which follows the events of a young lawyer named Matt Murdock who is blinded by an accident and later takes on the identity of Daredevil. Daredevil is widely considered to be one of the best superhero TV show ever made, and is endlessly praised for its grittiness and refusal to shy away from darker tones.

41. 24

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

The first installment of 24 debuted on television in 2001 and ran for 9 seasons until 2010. This crime drama series was later revived for a short period of time in 2014. Each season of the show exhibits 24 consecutive hours in counterterrorist agent Jack Bauer’s (played by Kiefer Sutherland) life, as he races through a day filled with peril and threatening situations. The success of this show led to a spin-off titled 24: Legacy, and many accolades for the series over the years including 20 Primetime Emmy wins, 2 Golden Globes, and 4 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.

42. Fringe

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Fringe was a science-fiction drama series that premiered on television in 2008 and ran for 5 seasons until 2013. Set in Boston, the show followed the story of a fictional division of the FBI known as the Fringe, which was responsible for investigating unknown and often mystical occurrences that came from a parallel universe. The success of the show led to a comic book series, 3 novels, and even a video game, as well as many accolades including 8 Primetime Emmy Awards.

43. ER

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

ER debuted on NBC in 1994 and ran for 15 seasons until 2009, becoming one of the most famous medical drama series to ever hit television. The show exhibited the lives of the staff and physicians working in the emergency room of the fictional County General Hospital located in Chicago, Illinois. The show was applauded for its ensemble cast, featuring many big talents such as George Clooney and John Stamos. Through its 15-year run, ER won 23 Primetime Emmys, one Peabody Award, and various other accolades.

44. American Crime Story

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

American Crime Story is a true crime anthology series that debuted on television in 2016 and is currently in its 2nd season. The first season of the show featured the famous trial of OJ Simpson who was accused of the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. The season was applauded for stellar performances by its ensemble cast including Sterling K. Brown, John Travolta, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Sarah Paulson. The second season unfolded the story of serial killer Andrew Cunanan (played by Darren Criss), who also assassinated famous fashion designer Gianni Versace. American Crime Story has won many accolades including 11 Primetime Emmy wins and 4 Golden Globes.

45. House

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

House was a medical drama series that premiered on television in 2004 and ran for 8 seasons until 2012. Set in the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey, House follows the story of Dr. Gregory House, who despite his addiction to pain medication, employs his medical genius to lead a team of diagnosticians in solving varied medical mysteries. The show quickly received critical acclaim and won many awards including 2 Primetime Emmys, and 2 Golden Globes.

46. Black Mirror

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Black Mirror was a dystopian science-fictional anthology series that began streaming on Netflix in 2011 and concluded in 2019. Each episode showcased the future or an alternate present where novel technologies often cause perilous situations and unanticipated consequences. Over the course of its 5 seasons, Black Mirror featured some great talents such as Jon Hamm, Letitia Wright, Daniel Kaluuya, and Miley Cyrus. The success of this series led to 8 Primetime Emmy wins and several other awards.

The Black Mirror showcases a different plot each episode, making each one able to stand on its own. Some of its best episodes include the award-winning episode “San Junipero” which featured two elderly people who meet each other in a virtual reality world. Another is “15 Million Merits” which depicts a world where the people are addicted to watching a singing competition. Each Black Mirror episode includes themes of social commentary and issues that affect modern society, such as human nature, consumerism, and technology. This show focuses on how extremely advanced technology can lead to a dark future, and prompts its audience to question the direction that technology is taking us.

47. Stranger Things

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Currently in its 4th season, Stranger Things is a science-fiction series that has been streaming on Netflix since 2016. Set in the 80s, the show features the adventures of four young friends in the fictional town of Hawkins, who often find themselves amidst mystical and supernatural circumstances. The show has received praise and recognition worldwide and garnered multiple accolades including 1 Screen Actors Guild Award and 4 Saturn Awards.

Stranger Things became widely popular upon release due to its amazing plot, unique storyline, and nostalgic appeal. The show is set in the 1980s where the main characters go through various supernatural events while they try to unravel the mystery of a supernatural entity called ‘The Upside Down.’ The show received praise for its thrilling and exciting second season which continued to follow the lives of Will Byers, Lucas, Mike, Dustin, Eleven, Joyce Byers and Hopper as they try to solve the mystery of Will’s disappearance.

48. Normal People

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Based on a 2018 novel by the same name, Normal People is an Irish drama series that ran for 1 season in 2020. The show features the complex relationship shared between Marianne and Connell, two teenagers, as they navigate adulthood and life, through their journey from secondary school to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. Applauded for its excellent writing, direction, and great performances, Normal People received critical acclaim especially for its depiction of mature and intimate content on television.

This show is based on a novel under the same name, which is written by British author Sally Rooney. Though this is only her second novel, it has received great praise for its realistic portrayal of modern life and its emotional depth. Sally Rooney also had a hand in the screenwriting and directing process of this show to ensure it remained true to the source material. Recently, her first novel, Conversations With Friends, has also been announced that it’s being adapted to a TV series, starring Joe Alwyn and Allison Oliver, among others.

49. Suits

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Suits was a legal drama series that premiered on television in 2011 and ran for 9 seasons until 2019. The show features Harvey Specter, a partner in a fictional law firm in New York City, who hires a talented young law associate named Patrick Adams, despite him never having graduated law school. The series follows this duo’s journey as they close multiple cases while hiding Patrick’s secret from everyone else. Suits was admired for its characterization and writing, with the success of the show leading to a spin-off titled ‘Pearson.’

50. Succession

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Succession is a black comedy drama series that debuted on television in 2018 and is currently in its 3rd season. This satirical drama follows the dysfunctional Roy family as they fight for power and control in their business Waystar RoyCo, the world’s biggest media and hospitality enterprise. Since its premiere in 2018, Succession has received admiration for its production value, acting, and witty writing, winning many accolades including 9 Primetime Emmys and 1 Peabody Award.

This TV series is lauded for its highly realistic screenwriting and dialogue, making it feel as if viewers are watching real-life examples of a family dynasty and the struggles that come with it. Each season of Succession is split into about 10 episodes, each covering a specific event in the Roy family’s history. These events showcases the different sides and issues that each Roy family member is dealing with.

The Most Favored TV Show Genres

In order to choose one of these top TV shows, we have to look at their genres. What is the best genre of TV shows? Is it drama? Horror? Sci-fi? Everyone has different tastes, and each genre has its selection of excellent shows. Let’s take a look at what the most popular genres are.

1. Drama

Of course, drama is the most popular genre of TV shows. The best drama series on television right now include shows such as Game of Thrones, House of Cards, The Walking Dead, and Stranger Things. The great thing about a drama series is that it’s usually accompanied by other subgenres, be it horror, mystery, or science fiction. As a whole, this genre is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good story and character development.

2. Comedy

This genre can be pretty fun, and a lot of the best comedies are either on Netflix or Hulu. Some of the best comedies include Bojack Horseman, Big Mouth, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Friends, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. All of these shows are very different from each other in terms of story but share one thing in common: great comedy.

3. Science Fiction

Another great genre that deserves some recognition is sci-fi. Shows like Westworld, Stranger Things, and Black Mirror all fall under this category because they are not only full of science fiction but also have some sort of political or social commentary in each episode that makes them stand out from other shows out there. These types of shows bring us into a whole new world that we may not be familiar with but we can easily relate to because it mirrors our own lives and fears.

4. Historical or Period

A popular genre that I’ve recently come to love is historical drama. Shows like Vikings, The Tudors, and The Crown are all great examples of this genre. Historical dramas allow us to learn about the past and gain a better understanding of our own time period. The Crown, for example, follows the lives of Queen Elizabeth II and her family throughout the years. This is a great show for anyone who wants to learn more about the royal family, or just watch a well-made series.

Period dramas, on the other hand, aren’t always based on real life people. Instead, they simply show the different eras of history and how the human race has evolved. Shows like The Gilded Age, Bridgerton, and Kingdom are all period dramas that have been nominated for awards and have won a lot of them.

5. Mystery

A lot of mysteries have a detective character at the center who solves the case with help from their assistant or another character. A popular example is Sherlock. However, some mysteries are set in a fantasy world like Game of Thrones or Stranger Things where it’s possible to suspend disbelief and enjoy the show without having to worry about whether they can solve all the mysteries or not. Many mystery shows are also set in high school like Riverdale or Elite where they follow teens going through life while trying to solve crimes at school.

There are so many TV shows out there, and each of them have their own different ways of captivating its audience. Whether you’re into sitcoms like “Seinfeld” and “The Office”, something more sci-fi like “Star Trek” and “Freaks!”, or something with a more serious tone like “The West Wing”, you’ll be able to find a show that fits your taste in this list. Tune in any of these shows from Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Fox, ABC, CBS, or another of your preferred streaming services!