Many argue that we’re currently in a golden age of television, and I’m inclined to agree.
While the classics will always have a special place in our hearts, plenty of modern shows rank among the best pieces of entertainment ever made.
The best TV shows offer a mix from all eras of television, combining dramas, comedies, and classic sitcoms.
Breaking Bad
Vince Gilligan’s crime drama about a high-school chemistry teacher turned drug lord is widely regarded as one of the best shows in television history.
Every scene is perfectly executed, headlined by Bryan Cranston’s superb performance as Walter White. The rest of the cast (Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Giancarlo Esposito) is equally impressive.
Better Call Saul
It’s hard to say that a Breaking Bad spin-off centered around fast-talking lawyer Saul Goodman may be better than its predecessor, but that’s exactly what I’m saying.
Better Call Saul knows how to build tension and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It redefines the term “slow burn” and is one of the most unforgettable TV-watching experiences I’ve ever had.
The fact that Rhea Seehorn never won an Emmy for her role as Kim Wexler is a travesty.
MASH
The idea of a military sitcom wasn’t new, but MASH stands out by mixing its humor with a dose of realism.
Yes, some of its writing, jokes, and themes are a bit dated today, but most of what makes MASH an excellent show is timeless: talented actors giving life to incredible characters backed by stellar writing.
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The Sopranos
When asked about their favorite HBO series, The Sopranos is likely to be the most popular answer.
Yes, these characters are deeply flawed, but that’s what we love about them. They’re human; for better or worse, they are who they are, and on Sunday nights, we tuned in to watch them, laugh with them, and cry with them.
The Wire
As great as The Sopranos, a loud, devoted following will always stand up for The Wire.
Despite widespread critical acclaim and being regarded today as one of the best television shows ever, The Wire never found a widespread audience while airing.
The show is one of the few examples of a series that gets better the longer it goes, with the fourth and fifth seasons being some of its best and most successful.
Game of Thrones
Look, if you end Game of Thrones with season 6, it’s the perfect series. Sadly, it had two more seasons after that; the less we talk about them, the better.
It’s a testament to how good the original run of Game of Thrones was that the show still deserves a spot on this list. There was nothing like it on television, using well-thought-out twists and turns to move the plot forward and keep viewers in shock.
The Shield
TV has come a long way since The Shield aired from 2002 to 2008. Still, you can’t deny its impact on television. The way the series portrays its characters, blending the lines between moral and corrupt, delivers some of the most dramatic moments ever seen on basic cable. The show also helped FX become a big name in television, paving the way for other shows.
The series premiere was, at the time, the most viewed debut for a basic cable drama.
Seinfeld
The “Show About Nothing” is one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Yes, modern technology solved many of the “conflicts” that led to its humor, but its comedy remains just as funny today.
For the record, I’m typing this list up while wearing a Jerry Seinfeld hoodie. The show is infinitely better than Friends. I will die on this hill.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Sunny takes the “Show About Nothing” concept and runs wild with it, adding brilliant touches of commentary when appropriate.
As the show has progressed, the writing has evolved to stay sharp and relevant, making sure the show never feels dated.
Not that it was in any danger of that; the original seasons still hold up extremely well today.
30 Rock
No show, comedy, drama, or otherwise, has writing as impressive as 3o Rock.
Its characters are the opposite of grounded, leaning into over-the-top tropes of their personalities, but the writing is so sharp and clever that it just adds to the humor.
Nathan For You
One of the best reviewed comedies of all time, Nathan For You comes from the brilliant mind of comedian Nathan Fielder, who attempts to help struggling business owners with some of the most awkward, sometimes cringey, solutions.
Some of his ideas have also become mainstream, such as Dumb Starbucks and The Movement, a fitness program where participants work for moving companies.
The West Wing
I’ve brought up the quality of writing on several of these shows on the list for a good reason: excellent writing helps make a great TV series.
When it comes to the gold standard of television writing, the conversion begins with The West Wing. Yes, the ensemble cast is one of the best in history, but Aaron Sorkin’s political drama elevates the series to an all-time great.
Twin Peaks
David Lynch‘s masterpiece starts strong with an incredible pilot episode, followed by a dark, mysterious, and intriguing first season.
Yes, the second season feels like a slog thanks to network meddling to reveal Laura Palmer’s killer, but it rebounds in fantastic fashion.
Its third season, Twin Peaks: The Return, is some of the best television I’ve ever seen.
All in the Family
Just like MASH, All in the Family revolutionized the TV sitcom. Its sharp writing and memorable characters are just as beloved today as in the 1970s. A lot of the things we know and love about our favorite sitcoms airing today showcase clear inspiration from All in the Family.
As great as the entire cast was, Carroll O’Connor proves there is only one Archie Bunker.
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