We’ve all had those days when we just want to curl up on the couch, grab a bowl of popcorn, and binge-watch a great show. Never mind the laundry waiting in the corner; there are just some shows that are too good to resist!
But what makes a show truly great? It can be an addictive, binge-worthy plot line, entertaining characters, or a captivating setting. Whatever it is that grabs your attention and keeps you watching, we can all agree that there are some shows out there that deserve to be recognized.
In this article, we’ll be celebrating all-time faves: the best TV shows ever! If you’re looking for new series to watch or just want to reminisce about classic hits from years past, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and explore some of the greatest TV shows ever created.
From Comedy to Drama: Ranking the Genres
When it comes to choosing the best TV shows ever, the genre debate is a lively one. Everyone has their favorite type of show and why not? After all, TV offers something for everyone, with a variety of genres to choose from.
But which genre reigns supreme? Well, according to recent statistics, it looks like drama is the most in-demand genre in the U.S., with a 32% demand share. Entertainment is also on the rise as the leading genre in commercial TV, with an 18% share of the total audience. Comedies and dramas continue to be the top two most popular genres in the U.S., with comedies edging out dramas by 2%.
So what does this mean for you? With so many genres available these days, there’s no shortage of great TV shows to choose from—and no better way to spend your free time than indulging in some classic television viewing!
Discover the top TV shows of all time in our ultimate guide. From classic sitcoms to modern dramas, find your next binge-worthy watch.
Discover the top TV shows of all time in our ultimate guide. From classic sitcoms to modern dramas, find your next binge-worthy watch.
Iconic Characters From Classic TV Hits
We all have our favorites: the classic television series that withstood the test of time. They’ve become TV royalty, and we love to reminisce about the iconic characters who made them great.
From Archie Bunker in All in the Family to Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, these beloved characters made us laugh and cry. We rooted for them as they tackled some of life’s biggest questions, and all the while their humanity, vulnerability, and charm captivated us.
House of Cards’ Frank Underwood was a master manipulator who kept us on our toes. Not to be outdone was Game of Thrones’ Tyrion Lannister whose wit, intelligence, and sarcasm won him legions of fans.
For many of us, these characters will always be memorable—pop culture figures we love dearly who defined an entire era of television watching.
A Look at the Best Storylines in Television History
When it comes to the best storylines in television history, there’s no shortage of fan favorites. IMDB’s top 10 TV series, with the best storylines, include some all-time greats like “Breaking Bad” and “The Wire”.
What makes these shows so popular? Let’s take a closer look:
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher battling cancer and turning to meth production to fund his expensive treatments. It’s a phenomenal story of strength and redemption set in the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes located in New Mexico and captivating performances from Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
The Wire
The Wire has been ranked 2nd on the list of Top 50 Highest Rated Narrative TV Shows of All Time and also earned two Writers Guild Award nominations. This crime drama follows a complicated plot involving drug dealing in Baltimore, corruption within city politics and social dynamics between law enforcement officers and criminals. It boasts high-quality acting from Dominic West and John Doman, both critically acclaimed for their performances.
Narcos
Narcos is one of the most popular original shows on Netflix showing Pablo Escobar’s rise to power as he grew his drug empire in Colombia during the 1980s. The show features gritty cinematography that captures viewers’ attention as well as a stunning performance by Wagner Moura playing Escobar himself.
These three shows offer some of the best storylines television has ever seen—making them truly unforgettable classics.
The Power of Serial Formats
We can’t talk about the best TV shows ever without mentioning the power of serial formats! While a sitcom episode might be funny and enjoyable as a stand-alone, we all know that serial shows are where it’s at. From the days of “Friends” to “Game of Thrones” and “The Mandalorian”, serial television has had an undeniable impact on our popular culture.
What makes serial shows so great? Well, for one thing, you get to immerse yourself in the story week after week. Continuity is key here—you get to form emotional connections with characters over time. Plus, watching a show weekly can make us feel like we’re part of something bigger!
Serial television also gives writers more creative freedom. Unlike sitcoms which feature closed-end storylines that wrap up neatly within 22 minutes (thank you very much), serial shows have time to delve deep into character motivations and arcs. This in turn allows for nuanced storytelling and exploration of thoughts and feelings in ways that aren’t possible with sitcom formats—it gives us some of our most memorable moments in television history!
Serial format may take more time to watch but it sure pays off in the long run—you just can’t beat an engrossing story! No matter what genre you prefer or what kind of show you enjoy, serial TV has something for everyone–and that’s why it will always be a favorite among television watchers around the world.
Pivotal Moments That Changed TV for Good
We all have our favorite shows that we’re still re-watching over and over, but did you know that there have been some major moments in history that literally changed the landscape of television for good? From the first commercial to the first presidential debate and even Neil Armstrong’s moonshot—all of these events shaped the way we watch TV today.
Let’s take a look at some of these pivotal moments:
- The first televised commercial aired in 1941, doing an amazing job of connecting with viewers in ways print couldn’t. This opened up a world of possibilities for marketers—allowing them to create their own content and target more people on a global scale.
- The 1960 presidential debates between John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon was another defining moment, as it proved that TV could be used to make real changes by helping people become informed voters.
- And who can forget Neil Armstrong taking his famous small step onto the moon in 1969? This was such an important event for TV because over 500 million people watched it live—proving just how powerful broadcast television could be.
These events may seem like history now, but they mark a milestone for TV—one that has allowed us to come full circle and enjoy some of the best shows ever created today.
Why We Love Binge-Watching
Ah, TV shows. That one thing that has been an escape from reality from the very start. We’ve been glued to our screens for long hours to discover new worlds and characters and their stories over the course of years. But there’s one thing that we can all agree on—binge-watching is one of the greatest gifts ever!
Comforting and Fun
Binge-watching is incredibly comforting – finding yourself becoming a part of a world with characters you love and can relate to. Moreover, it’s always a great way to have fun after work—you don’t have to think for hours about what show you should watch or which episode it is; you just sit back, relax and watch your favorite series.
Hours Of Entertainment
The best part? Hours of entertainment! Nowadays, most shows come with full seasons so you don’t have to wait week after week for a new episode. With so much content available, binge-watching can provide days – even weeks – worth of entertainment without feeling bored at any point.
So why do we love binge-watching? It’s comforting, it’s fun – and it never fails to put a smile on our faces!
What is one of the greatest shows of all time?
You’ve probably heard of the iconic TV show Friends—it’s one of the best. It was groundbreaking in its day, pushing the boundaries for sitcoms that were not previously set. Friends has long been seen as one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, making it a true all-time favorite.
The appeal behind this classic show lies in its comedic timing and strong cast of characters who develop through their many funny, heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking experiences. It’s hard to beat such good writing!
Another thing that makes Friends stand out so much is its timelessness. The show’s reruns are still popular almost three decades since it first aired in 1994, proving just how beloved this show is.
Friends is a perfect example of just why some TV shows stand the test of time: it was well written, funny and relatable to millions across the world. With its continuous popularity even after all these years, it’s easy to see why Friends remains an unforgettable part of pop culture history — and why it stands as one of the greatest shows of all time.
What is the most-watched show in the world?
One of the most-discussed questions when it comes to TV is: what is the most-watched show in the world? The answer may surprise you!
The TV show with the most viewers ever was actually a quiz show that aired on China’s Hunan Television network. It’s called “Happiness Trio” and it received an astonishing average viewership of 1.5 billion people per episode. That’s right, 1.5 billion people watched this show each time an episode aired!
The show took a unique approach to game shows by having guests answer trivia questions, but also incorporate physical activities and humorous skits into their episodes. The combination of entertainment and knowledge was enough to make it one of the most successful programs in Chinese television history.
Not only was this show incredibly popular due to its clever format, but it also created a massive wave of fandom in China, with fans gathering together in public squares to watch it live on large outdoor screens set up by Hunan Television. All in all, “Happiness Trio” was a massive success and an example of why game shows can be so entertaining and captivating!
What is the most-watched series in the world?
If you’re a fan of TV shows, you’re probably interested to know what show is the most watched one in the world. Well, the answer is The Big Bang Theory. It’s hilarious, quirky, and full of pop culture references that make it a classic.
The show focuses on the antics of five scientist friends—Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, Raj and Penny—as they navigate everyday life with their own struggles and goofy moments in tow. With over 18 million average viewers per episode, it’s no surprise that The Big Bang Theory reigns supreme as one of the most-watched series in television history.
From its themes of friendship to its exploration of science and nerd culture, there is something for everyone to love about The Big Bang Theory. And whether you’re an avid fan or just a casual viewer who enjoys an occasional chuckle, it’s definitely worth giving this beloved series a watch!
Conclusion
After taking a look at some of the best television shows ever, it’s clear why they have stood the test of time. With compelling storylines, unforgettable characters, and iconic moments, these TV shows have had a lasting influence on our culture and remain beloved, even today.
Every generation has its own set of classic shows, but even beyond that, there’s a timelessness to these shows that goes beyond trends—they draw from different genres, styles, and perspectives to deliver engaging stories that we continue to come back to, no matter what. So, the next time you’re looking for something to watch, consider revisiting one of these all-time favorites and celebrating TV at its finest.
