Best TV Shows of the 21st Century

This is a list of the best TV shows from 2000 up until the present day. Enjoy.

The Top Ten

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is an American crime drama television series created and produced by Vince Gilligan. The show originally aired on AMC for five seasons, from January 20, 2008, to September 29, 2013. It stars Bryan Cranston as a chemistry teacher who turns to methamphetamine production after a cancer diagnosis... read more

One of the most masterfully produced shows I've ever seen. The feelings this show elicits in its audience rival the emotions Citizen Kane must've produced in its audience back in the 1940s. It's just that damn good, a true testimony to honesty and purity in an art form.

I'm not much of a TV person, so I was skeptical I would even enjoy this show. However, I truly believe this is the best television show I have ever seen. I don't think anyone will ever make TV this good again. It's a shame it's over.

Breaking Bad is the only drama I have ever felt like I was living. The story made me want to start another episode when the one I was watching ended. A masterpiece that will be remembered as one of the greatest.
Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama television series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. The show is based on George R. R. Martin's book series A Song of Ice and Fire. The first book in the series is titled A Game of Thrones.

It's layer after layer of entertainment.
Stories about the human condition. Very morally grey people living in a very morally grey world.
The most real fantasy ever. Literally a wealth of characters, each enjoyable in his or her own way.
This show will require so much emotional commitment from you that you will literally throw fits of rage at the slightest thing happening.
In what they call the golden age of television, GoT is the best BY FAR.

What the hell? How is the greatest show of all time only number 29? Family Guy is a hilarious comedy, but I haven't even heard of some of the shows placed in the top 20.
Someone needs to order HBO premium to appreciate great entertainment.
Amphibia

Amphibia is an American animated television series created by Matt Braly. It originally aired on Disney Channel from June 17, 2019, to May 14, 2022. The show follows a young girl named Anne Boonchuy who is magically transported to a fantastical world inhabited by anthropomorphic amphibians.
Top Gear

Top Gear is a British television series focused on motor vehicles, primarily cars. A revival of the original 1977 program, it began airing in its new format in 2002. It became the world's most widely broadcast factual television program, although the BBC placed it on indefinite hiatus after production... read more

It's essential Sunday night viewing. It's fun seeing Jeremy, James, and Richard doing the challenges. For example, in one episode, they tried to find the best cheap car to use as a police car, with humorous results.

Top Gear is quite literally a top program. Who needs fictional twists and turns from some hack called Abrams when you can have three middle-aged men having a laugh and sharing car stories?

Such a funny car program. This should be #1 because it's always entertaining, which is more than I can say for Lost. When it comes to TV, forget J.J. Abrams and stick with Jeremy Clarkson.
Family Guy

Family Guy is an American adult animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a family consisting of Peter, Lois, their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie, and their anthropomorphic dog, Brian. The show is set in the fictional city of Quahog... read more

One of the funniest shows to have ever broadcasted on planet Earth. Hands down, the humor, the dialogue timing, the punches. Flawlessly and fabulously done.

By far the funniest show I've ever seen. Although it declined in season 10, it has millions upon millions of Facebook fans and is broadcast more on TV than any other show probably.
How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 19, 2005, to March 31, 2014. The series follows Ted Mosby as he recounts to his children the events leading up to how he met their mother. The show is set in Manhattan and features an ensemble cast including Josh... read more

This show is hilarious, with a unique format and incredibly interesting characters. It's the only show with a laugh track I like, for both its comedy and its incredible amount of heart.

One of the greatest love stories of all time. Unique and incredibly written, with a cast of characters you watch and can't help but fall in love with.

Definitely one of the best of all time, if not the best. Such an incredible 9-year journey. You will forever be in our hearts, How I Met Your Mother.
Prison Break

Prison Break is an American crime drama television series created by Paul Scheuring for Fox. Its original four-season run aired from August 29, 2005, to May 15, 2009, followed by a fifth season in 2017. The series follows brothers Lincoln Burrows and Michael Scofield as they attempt to escape prison... read more

Prison Break is the best show. You have great characters and a great plot. Congratulations to all the people behind the show. It's returning in 2016. This and Lost.

This show is so well produced and played that the fans want more. After 8 years, they are returning to make a 5th season. That's how good the show is.

This should be number one. The most engaging TV show I have ever watched. Makes Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones look rubbish.
The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, who also served as executive producers alongside Steven Molaro. The show follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with friends and romantic partners. It featured several notable guest stars throughout... read more

The only TV show that I feel understands the daily life of a nerd. Myself being one, this is my favorite show of all time, and it should be higher.

This show is a breath of fresh air in comedy. And Penny, I hate to sound shallow, but gah, she is so hot.

The best show ever. Complete entertainer.
Lost

Lost is an American television drama series that originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company from September 22, 2004, to May 23, 2010, over six seasons, comprising a total of 121 episodes. Created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber, the series follows the survivors of a commercial... read more

Without doubt, Lost is the greatest TV series of all time. Don't believe the "unanswered questions" myth.

I've seen most of these series, and I can tell that Lost is definitely the best.

It's just amazing, thrilling, full of action, and a whole lot of mystery.
The Simpsons

The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening. It originally aired as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show starting April 19, 1987, and debuted as a standalone series on December 17, 1989.
As of 2026, it remains the longest-running animated sitcom. The show follows Homer Simpson... read more

The Newcomers

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Hailey's On It!
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Sydney to the Max

Sydney to the Max is an American comedy television series created by Mark Reisman. The show aired on Disney Channel from January 25, 2019, to November 26, 2021. It followed the life of a middle school girl named Sydney and featured flashbacks to her father's experiences growing up in the 1990s.

The Contenders

Friends

Friends is an American television sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman. It originally aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, spanning ten seasons. As of April 2026, the series continues to be popular through syndication and streaming platforms, though it is no longer part of... read more

Man, oh man! What should be at number one is at eleven! Apocalypse...

A dismal 32? What a sham! Really, the comedy is so original, you'll be literally gasping.
The Office (U.S.)

The Office is an American television comedy series that aired on NBC from March 24, 2005, to May 16, 2013. The show is an adaptation of the British series of the same name created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. It became a cultural phenomenon and is especially known for its mockumentary style... read more

The Office is the best show since Seinfeld. Always leaves me smiling and satisfied... That's what she said. (Just had to squeeze that in there... That's what she said)

This is on the list for all of the episodes with Steve Carell. The post-Michael Scott era is not as funny, but it is still a hilarious show.
The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television series developed by Frank Darabont. It's based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. Andrew Lincoln plays Rick Grimes, a sheriff's deputy who awakens from a coma to discover... read more

Best TV show I have seen in ages! This action thriller will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
With both emotional and comedic moments, this TV show will carry you through every episode laughing and crying. Definitely deserves top ten!

I'll take it to the top 5. It certainly doesn't deserve to be 19th. Best TV show ever. Rick, Daryl, and Glenn have done a great job. But I get angry at Carl. I don't know why. It deserves to be in the top 5.

I've seen all the other top 10s in this list, and The Walking Dead should most definitely be number 1. Andrew Lincoln's performance as Rick Grimes is one of the best you will ever encounter on television.
8 Out of 10 Cats
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway

The only show on telly that says don't just watch the adverts, win them.
With segments such as Beat the Boys, Win the Ads, Little Ant & Dec, Ant Vs. Dec, I'm a Celebrity, Get Out of My Ear, and Ant & Dec Go Undercover, Saturday Night Takeaway is perfect Saturday night entertainment.
Dexter

Dexter is an American crime drama television series that originally aired from 2006 to 2013. Its first season is based on Jeff Lindsay's novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and the series follows Dexter Morgan, a forensic bloodstain pattern analyst who is also a vigilante serial killer.... read more
NCIS

NCIS is an American military police procedural television series revolving around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The show premiered in 2003 and has become one of the longest-running scripted primetime television series in the United States. It has also... read more
Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an American animated television series that aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons from 2005 to 2008. It is set in an Asian-inspired world where some people can manipulate the classical elements through psychokinetic techniques based on Chinese martial arts known as "bending."... read more

Just an incredibly well-made storyline. It may be a kids' show, but I would recommend this to any age group. A masterpiece.
Star Wars Rebels

Star Wars Rebels is an American 3D CGI animated television series produced by Lucasfilm Animation. It begins fourteen years after Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and five years before Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. The series follows a small group of rebels as they fight back against... read more
Pokemon

Pokémon, abbreviated from the Japanese title Pocket Monsters and branded in English as Pokémon the Series, is a Japanese anime television series adapted for international audiences. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 8, 1998.... read more
Bad Lads' Army

Bad Lad's Army is a British reality show in which young men volunteer to undergo a period of National Service-style military training based on practices from the 1950s. The program features billet inspections, strict discipline, and physically demanding routines referred to as beastings. It also includes... read more
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is an animated children's television series based on the fourth incarnation of Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise. The show follows a studious unicorn who later becomes an alicorn, Twilight Sparkle (voiced by Tara Strong), and her friends Applejack (Ashleigh Ball),... read more

This show is surprisingly adult, with dark themes and good character development. I highly recommend it.

YES! Of course. A groundbreaking TV show of 2010 started a great decade. What else should I think of?
iCarly

iCarly is an American teen sitcom that ran on Nickelodeon from September 8, 2007, until November 23, 2012. The series was created by Dan Schneider and focuses on teenager Carly Shay, who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam Puckett and Freddie Benson. The show was a major... read more
American Horror Story

American Horror Story is an American anthology horror television series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Most seasons operate as largely self-contained miniseries, though some share characters and continuity. The series generally follows a different set of characters and settings each season... read more
I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Originating in the United Kingdom in 2002, this reality television program places celebrities in uncomfortable outdoor camp conditions, primarily in Australia. Contestants complete various challenges to win food and other comforts. The series has grown into a global franchise and is known for blending... read more