Top 10 Best TV Series (Shows) of the 2000s

The 2000s, the turn of a new millennium, were a treasure trove of compelling, heart-stopping, and laughter-inducing series that forever changed the television landscape.

The decade witnessed an explosion of innovative concepts and genres that pushed the boundaries of what was deemed possible on the small screen. Whether it was the brutal, unapologetic reality of life as a mob boss in New Jersey, the hilariously chaotic lives of a group of office employees, the twists and turns in the lives of survivors on a remote island, or the deeply layered stories from a high school chemistry teacher turned meth dealer, these shows held you captive in their worlds.

Remember how you tuned in every week, eagerly waiting for the next episode? How you laughed, cried, and sometimes even yelled at your screen? Those shows, those characters became a part of your life, didn't they? And that's the power of great television: its ability to reel you in and make you feel as if you're living alongside these characters, experiencing their highs and lows.

1. 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

   I had no idea about this show until my friends introduced me to it. By the fourth episode (you all know), my love for it took off.

   The best show I have ever seen. I don't think it got bad at all. I loved it to the very beginning. For those of you lucky enough to have never seen it, start it today!

   Lost is one of the best shows that will ever be on TV. Great actors, deep plot always keeps you hooked.

   A variety of genres keep the show great. There is no way you can't like Lost.

   Be it drama, comedy, adventure, horror, science fiction, romance... Dude, Lost has it all.

2. Supernatural

   

   This haunting series follows the thrilling and terrifying journeys of Sam and Dean Winchester, two brothers who travel across America to battle supernatural forces. After their mother was killed by a demonic entity, their father raised them to become hunters of mysterious and deadly creatures.... read more

   This is the best show on TV. A good indicator is that it has been on for 15 years and is still on top.

   The only reason it's stopping at this time is that the actors wanted to go out while it's on top and not wait for it to run out of steam.

   It's my favorite show. I've watched it from the first episode. No other show makes me sad, happy, scream, and sometimes grossed out.

   Exciting plots, brilliant character development, and truly emotional scripts with a phenomenal cast. What's not to like?

3. The Office

   

   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

4. Dexter

   

   Dexter is an American crime drama television series that aired from 2006 to 2013. It is based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay and follows Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst who is also a serial killer... read more

5. House

   

   House is an American television medical drama that originally ran on the Fox network for eight seasons, from November 16, 2004, to May 21, 2012. The series stars Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant but misanthropic diagnostician. The show was widely acclaimed for its writing, character development... read more

   The best TV series ever, perfect for people who prefer either comedy or drama. It has the perfect balance between both genres.

   Hugh Laurie is fantastic in this role. No one could have played it as well as he did. He was born for that role.

   A show that follows the same formula for almost every episode but keeps every episode fresh and new thanks to its interesting characters and medical cases.

   An entertaining series with a genius doctor handling life-and-death situations in his "own way" with late brilliant theories.

6. SpongeBob SquarePants

   

   SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It has become one of Nickelodeon's most popular and longest-running shows, attracting both children and adults.... read more

7. The Sopranos

   

   The Sopranos is an American crime drama television series created by David Chase. The story centers on fictional New Jersey-based Italian American mobster Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini. The series explores the difficulties Tony faces as he tries to balance his responsibilities at home with... read more

8. Prison Break

   

   Prison Break is an American crime drama television series created by Paul Scheuring for Fox. It aired for four seasons from August 29, 2005 to May 15, 2009. The series follows brothers Lincoln Burrows and Michael Scofield as they attempt to escape prison and clear Lincoln's name.

   Prison Break is the greatest TV show I have ever watched in my life. It is absolutely thrilling.

   One of the best shows ever made. It's worth watching.

9. 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

   Basically the Simpsons of the 2000s.

10. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

    

    The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (also known simply as Billy & Mandy) is an American animated television series created by Maxwell Atoms for Cartoon Network. It is considered the 14th of the network's Cartoon Cartoons when it was part of Grim & Evil, though it is often regarded as separate from that... read more

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Last of the Summer Wine

12. ?

    Lunar Jim

The Contenders

13. Teen Titans

    

    Teen Titans is an American animated television series created by Glen Murakami, based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name. It originally aired on Cartoon Network from 2003 to 2006 and later on Kids' WB. The series follows a team of young superheroes as they battle villains and navigate growing... read more

14. Six Feet Under

    

    Six Feet Under is an American drama television series created and produced by Alan Ball. It premiered on HBO in the United States on June 3, 2001, and ended on August 21, 2005, spanning five seasons and 63 episodes. The show explores the lives of a family running a funeral home in Los Angeles and is... read more

15. 24

    

    24 is an American action drama television series that aired on the Fox network. It was created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran and stars Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent. The show is known for its real-time storytelling format and high-stakes plots involving national security... read more

    This is action and suspense at its very best on TV. Jack Bauer kicks major ass. No one can ever beat him.

    Old school action, the best main character on a TV show ever. Suspense is golden. Each character, even some you expect to be generic, is diverse and unique. They are always tangled or involved in the plot.

16. Arrested Development

    

    Arrested Development is an American television sitcom created by Mitchell Hurwitz. The series originally aired on Fox for three seasons from November 2, 2003, to February 10, 2006. It was later revived on Netflix for two additional seasons, which aired from May 26, 2013, to March 15, 2019.... read more

    This is the most clever show in the history of existence. You can watch one episode five times, and there are still things you would've missed.

    Arrested Development is by far the funniest show of the decade. It's a shame it got canceled. How is it number 22?

17. Top Gear (U.K.)

    

    Top Gear is a British television series that focuses on motor vehicles, primarily cars. The show is a relaunch of the original 1977 version and began airing in its new format in 2002. It has since become the most widely watched factual television program globally.

    Jeremy, James, and Richard have made amphibious cars, people carriers, Reliant Robin space shuttles, rally cars, cheap police cars, VW Scirocco ads, caravan conkers, caravan trains, and mobility scooters.

    And you guys think that Lost is better than Top Gear?

    The political correctness brigade has damaged many TV programs. However, I'm glad to report that Top Gear is one of the few programs that's unharmed.

    Who needs a would-be drama from some hack called Abrams when you can have a factual entertainment show called Top Gear?

18. Smallville

    

    Smallville is an American television series developed by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, based on the DC Comics character Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The show aired from 2001 to 2011 and follows the young Clark Kent before he becomes Superman. It ran for ten seasons... read more

    A very spectacular and mature series about young Superman.

19. 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

    One of the funniest TV shows ever. Definitely one of the top 15 of the 2000s.

    Adorable show. Breath of fresh air.

    I just love those autistic nerds!

20. American Idol

    

    American Idol is an American reality television singing competition that first aired on June 11, 2002. As of May 2019, it had completed seventeen seasons. Since then, the series has continued to air additional seasons, with more contestants and winners joining its roster. The show has launched the careers... read more

    Kelly Clarkson raised her fame through American Idol. Enough said.

21. Curb your Enthusiasm

    

    Curb Your Enthusiasm is an American comedy television series produced and broadcast by HBO, which premiered on October 15, 2000. The series was created by Larry David, who stars as a fictionalized version of himself. The show is known for its improvisational style and satirical take on social conventions... read more

22. True Blood

    

    True Blood is a fantasy drama series that aired on HBO from 2008 to 2014 and was created by Alan Ball. It is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries novels by Charlaine Harris. The story is set in a fictional Louisiana town where vampires coexist with humans after the invention of synthetic blood. The... read more

23. Mad Men

    

    Mad Men is an American period drama television series created by Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate Television. The series premiered on AMC on July 19, 2007, and concluded on May 17, 2015. Set primarily in the 1960s, it follows the lives of the employees at an advertising agency in New York City... read more

24. 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

25. Lizzie McGuire

    

    Elizabeth Brooke McGuire, famously known as Lizzie, is the main character in the television series Lizzie McGuire. She is portrayed as a caring, rational, and cooperative person, while her animated alter ego expresses her inner thoughts and feelings... read more

26. The Wire

    

    The Wire is an American crime drama television series set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland. Created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon, the series was broadcast by the cable network HBO in the United States. It originally aired from June 2, 2002, to March 9, 2008... read more

    Remember when TV was great? The Wire (absolute top), Dead Like Me, Deadwood, Six Feet Under. There were so many creative, absorbing dramas and humorous shows in the early 2000s.

    What's on now? Mostly trash. Thank God for PBS.

    Arguably the best show ever made, 2 spaces under a Disney sitcom.

27. Heroes

    

    Heroes is an American science fiction television drama that aired from 2006 to 2010. Created by Tim Kring, the show centers on individuals who discover they have superhuman abilities and explores how these powers affect their lives. The series was initially a critical and commercial success, praised... read more

    A promising show, but something is missing from it. Anyway, it's a series that's worth watching.