Top 10 Best Decades for TV Shows
As TV has evolved, so have the themes, genres, and characters that keep us glued to the screen. From black-and-white classics that pushed the boundaries of storytelling to the binge-worthy series of recent years, each decade brought its own flavor and vibe.
Some were all about innovation and new technology, others thrived on cultural revolutions, while a few combined nostalgia with modern sensibilities.
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1990s
The 1990s saw the rise of serialized television dramas and the continued success of sitcoms. Notable shows from this era include Friends, The X-Files, and ER. Networks also expanded programming aimed at younger audiences, leading to the growth of animated and teen-focused series.
Heh, no doubt the '90s had the greatest TV shows. Yeah man, the home of the greatest of all time for TV shows.
The golden age of television is here to stay, of course.
Boy Meets World, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Clarissa Explains It All... Those are some I still watch!
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2000s
In the 2000s, reality TV gained immense popularity alongside groundbreaking dramas like The Sopranos and Lost. The decade also saw the advent of streaming platforms, changing how viewers consumed television. Shows increasingly embraced serialized formats that encouraged long-term audience engagement.
SpongeBob, Family Guy, South Park, The Fairly OddParents. This should definitely stay in the top 5!
This should stay at number 1.
Hannah Montana, That's So Raven.
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2010s
The 2010s were marked by the dominance of streaming services, leading to a boom in original content from platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Prestige dramas such as Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad defined the era. Peak TV contributed to a surge in critically acclaimed series across dozens of networks and services.
They should have stayed at number 2.
They are so good, I feel good.
Game of Thrones, Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead, Revenge, Teen Wolf... They are so great.
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1980s
The 1980s were known for action-packed dramas and family-oriented sitcoms like Magnum, P.I. and The Cosby Show. Cable television began to expand its influence, offering more varied programming. Music television also rose to prominence, changing how audiences interacted with pop culture.
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1960s
Television in the 1960s was defined by a mix of science fiction, westerns, and comedies, with shows like Star Trek, Gunsmoke, and The Andy Griffith Show gaining prominence. The decade also saw the rise of color broadcasting. Networks continued expanding their national reach, bringing more consistent programming to households across the United States.
Gilligan's Island, The Animated Beatles, Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and cowboy movies! One of my favorite decades for sure!
The Flintstones.
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1970s
The 1970s introduced socially conscious programming with shows like All in the Family and MA*S*H. Additionally, variety shows and detective series such as The Carol Burnett Show and Columbo were popular. Networks also continued experimenting with genre blends, leading to more character-driven storytelling.
Good sitcoms! Those were the days without the internet.
Girls were girls, and men were men.
Those were the days.
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1950s
The 1950s marked the golden age of television, with live broadcasts and anthology series such as I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone. This period also saw the proliferation of television ownership across the United States. Networks expanded their programming across genres, helping establish television as a central part of daily life.
Didn't you forget that I Love Lucy was from the 1950s?! Why so low?!
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1940s
Television was in its infancy during the 1940s, with experimental broadcasts and limited programming. It wasn't until the late 1940s that regular network schedules began, with shows like Texaco Star Theater emerging. Early adoption was slow due to World War II, but the industry grew quickly as manufacturing resumed.
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1920s
Television technology was still under development in the 1920s, with no regular programming available to the public. Experiments in mechanical television set the groundwork for future broadcasting. These early efforts paved the way for electronic television systems that emerged in the following decade.
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1930s
The 1930s saw the first public television broadcasts, but programming was still in its early stages. Limited broadcasts featured experimental content and occasional live performances. Television remained a niche technology, with regular schedules and widespread adoption still years away.
Vintage cartoons!
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2020s
The 2020s have seen a continued rise in streaming platforms, with shows like The Mandalorian and Bridgerton gaining massive popularity. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted production schedules and viewing habits, accelerating the shift toward on-demand content. The decade has also featured major hits across multiple services, including globally streamed series that helped solidify streaming as the dominant form of television.