The 10 Best TV Series Of All Time, Ranked

Tens of thousands of TV fans voted on the best TV series of all time. Which show, from cartoons to sitcoms to dramas, is the best of all time? In the past few years, there have been a lot of great shows on TV, and now that streaming is so popular, it's easier to watch even better performances. People who binge-watch until they feel like they've seen everything should think about which shows fans think are the best.
If you're looking for something new to watch or know which shows are worth watching again, we list all-time classics that go back to 1951 with I Love Lucy. The race for first place is fierce, with tens of thousands of fans voting on dozens of shows.

10. South Park (1997)

This 1997 animated sitcom depicts four elementary-school boys in South Park, Colorado. Stan, Kyle, Eric, and Kenny deal with friends and family in a peaceful town. Despite many crazy and otherworldly incidents, including the repeated death of a prominent character, the show's satire is sometimes insightful. South Park's ability to deliver moral lessons without being preachy has helped salvage the show's inappropriate moments.

9. Looney Tunes (1930-1969)

This 1930 animated series features Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote, and more. Early episodes had little to no dialogue, but remakes have added color and audio to the funny cast. The exploits of Bugs, Tweety, and the Road Runner have amused fans for nearly a century. Their old-school slapstick comedy has helped Looney Tunes' success.

8. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

This 1989 sitcom depicts a stand-up comedian and his NYC friends. This "program about nothing" provides material for Jerry's comedy routines. Since the show's debut, viewers have quoted and referenced many Seinfeld moments. The show almost has too many iconic moments, from the "domain master" competition to the "Soup Nazi" and "these pretzels are making me thirsty." While the main characters are flawed and self-centered, heartwarming scenes show their redeeming characteristics.

7. Friends (1994-2004)

This 1994 sitcom follows six New York City pals. Rachel, Monica, Pheobe, Ross, Chandler, and Joey seek marriage and financial success amidst humorous scenarios. It was a witty, engaging sitcom with inspiring, caring relationships and friendships. As Cheers did with Sam and Diane, Friends had a will-they-won't-they storyline with Ross and Rachel.

6. Sherlock (2010-2017)

This 2010 drama features Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in modern-day London. In this retelling of classic Sherlock Holmes adventures, Holmes and Watson solve riddles and catch villains.
Holmes and Watson's professional relationship swiftly turned amorous, and many fans ship them as a pair. Sherlock's witty dialogue, great acting, and reworked plots from Sir Doyle's timeless stories make it a standout.

5. The Office (2005-2013)

This 2005 mockumentary sitcom follows office workers at a Pennsylvania paper manufacturer. Steve Carrell plays Michael Scott, a buddy, boss, and entertainer in the American rendition of The Office.
The American version of The Office helped popularize cringe comedy, and seven additional seasons allowed fans to identify with the characters. Jim and Pam are possibly the most famous TV couple of a generation, but they still have many secrets.

4. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

This 1959 anthology series comprises horror, fantasy, and sci-fi short stories. Rod Serling opens the episodes with a spooky, menacing tone, and they typically include unexpected twists and frightening allegories.
Great dramatic performances and superb narrative pacing may have been the true pillars of The Twilight Zone. Each episode included compelling characters in exciting situations; topics were explored and concluded efficiently. This helped give the show's best episodes an "all killer, no filler" feel.

3. Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

This 2011 fantasy drama follows aristocratic families striving for supremacy in Westeros. Exiled offspring of a past emperor plot an invasion from across the sea, and a mythological undead power returns to wreak terrible catastrophe.
Impressively, Game of Thrones appeals to individuals who don't appreciate fantasy because its characters care about each other. More than fire-breathing dragons and mammoth-riding giants, it was about interpersonal difficulties. The best side plots expanded the show's realm.

2. The Sopranos (1999-2007)

This 1999 crime drama follows a New Jersey-based Italian-American mob boss. Tony Soprano balances his career and personal life with a psychiatric therapist.
Outstanding performances and writing helped The Sopranos receive seven Emmy nominations for the Outstanding Drama Series. The protagonist's portrayal as a vulnerable, likable crime boss helped viewers become immersed in the story. The show has many poignant moments despite its wrath and violence.

1. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

In this 2008 crime drama, a high school science teacher with cancer makes and sells crystal meth. Former pupil Jesse Pinkman helps Walter White adjust to drug peddling.
Breaking Bad captivated fans from the first episode to the last. Walter White's transition from mild-mannered working parent to vicious drug lord is one of television's greatest. Despite the transition, every step is believable, relatable, and engaging.