Home | Entertainment | Top 5 Best TV Shows of All Time According to Critics
Television has undergone a dramatic evolution over the past few decades. What was once seen as a secondary medium for entertainment has now firmly established itself as a storytelling powerhouse, with many TV shows rivaling, and even surpassing, films in terms of artistic achievement. Critics and audiences alike have lauded various series for their complex characters, intricate plots, and bold experimentation with the medium. While opinions vary, a few shows have consistently topped critics’ lists of the greatest TV series ever made.
Here are the Top 5 Best TV Shows of All Time according to critics:
1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
Creator: David Chase
Genre: Crime, Drama
Awards: 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, 5 Golden Globes
Widely regarded as the show that changed the landscape of television, The Sopranos set a new standard for what TV could achieve. David Chase’s masterpiece broke away from traditional mobster tropes by presenting its protagonist, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), as a deeply conflicted antihero. Tony's struggle to balance his criminal empire with his family life—and his therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco)—provided a nuanced portrayal of modern masculinity, mental health, and the American dream.
The show’s blend of dark humor, psychological depth, and complex character arcs made it a cultural touchstone. Critics lauded its sophisticated writing, exceptional performances, and its exploration of themes such as identity, power, and morality. The Sopranos not only revolutionized the crime genre but also helped to establish the "Golden Age of Television," inspiring countless shows that followed.
2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Creator: Vince Gilligan
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Awards: 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, 2 Golden Globes
Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad is often hailed as the epitome of character-driven storytelling. The series chronicles the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin, "Heisenberg." What started as a small-time venture to secure his family’s financial future spirals into a tale of moral decay, ambition, and hubris.
Breaking Bad's writing, direction, and performances were universally praised, with particular emphasis on the moral complexity of its central character. Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White, coupled with Aaron Paul's equally compelling performance as Jesse Pinkman, earned both actors widespread acclaim. The series' ability to balance intense action with moments of quiet introspection, all while maintaining a high level of suspense, made it a critical darling. Few TV shows have matched its combination of emotional depth and narrative tension.
3. The Wire (2002-2008)
Creator: David Simon
Genre: Crime, Drama, Social Commentary
Awards: 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, 1 Golden Globe
Often cited by critics as the greatest TV show of all time, The Wire is a sprawling, nuanced examination of the urban American experience, particularly in Baltimore. Created by David Simon, the series explores various facets of society, including the drug trade, politics, education, and the media, each through the lens of its deeply human characters. Rather than focusing solely on the cops-and-robbers dynamic, The Wire’s strength lies in its ability to present an unflinching, multi-faceted view of institutional dysfunction and systemic failure.
With its richly developed characters and meticulous storytelling, The Wire transcends the typical crime drama format. It is a social commentary that tackles issues like inequality, corruption, and the erosion of community. The show’s ability to be both gripping and thought-provoking while offering an authentic portrayal of inner-city life earned it widespread acclaim from critics, even though it was often overlooked during its original broadcast. Today, it is considered one of the most important and influential television series ever made.
4. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Awards: 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, 2 Golden Globes
Adapted from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones became a global phenomenon, attracting viewers from all over the world with its epic scope, intricate political intrigue, and unexpected twists. The show masterfully blends high fantasy with complex character dynamics, offering a world where the fight for the Iron Throne is as much about power, loyalty, and survival as it is about magic and dragons.
While the final season left many fans and critics divided, the early seasons of Game of Thrones were universally praised for their storytelling, world-building, and ensemble cast. The show’s groundbreaking production values—epic battle scenes, jaw-dropping visuals, and intricate set designs—pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on television. More importantly, Game of Thrones became a cultural touchstone, spawning countless theories, discussions, and memes.
5. Friends (1994-2004)
Creators: David Crane, Marta Kauffman
Genre: Sitcom
Awards: 6 Primetime Emmy Awards, 1 Golden Globe
While critics may traditionally reserve the title of “best show” for dramas, Friends holds a special place in the hearts of both viewers and critics. This beloved sitcom about a group of six friends living in New York City defined an era of television with its memorable characters, quotable lines, and heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) moments. The chemistry between Jennifer Aniston (Rachel), Courteney Cox (Monica), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), Matt LeBlanc (Joey), Matthew Perry (Chandler), and David Schwimmer (Ross) became a pop culture phenomenon that transcended television.
Critics have lauded Friends for its sharp wit, enduring relevance, and the way it captured the zeitgeist of the 1990s and early 2000s. The show’s exploration of friendship, relationships, and personal growth struck a chord with audiences, making it one of the most successful TV shows of all time. Though it has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and outdated elements in recent years, Friends remains a beloved classic that continues to draw new viewers thanks to its widespread availability on streaming platforms.
Honorable Mentions:
While these five shows often top critics’ lists, there are several others that have left an indelible mark on the television landscape. Shows like Mad Men (2007-2015), The Twilight Zone (1959-1964), The Simpsons (1989-present), and The West Wing (1999-2006) are also frequently cited as some of the best TV series ever made, each contributing in unique ways to the medium's artistic evolution.
Conclusion
Television as a medium has never been more diverse or more ambitious. The shows that have been recognized as the best of all time offer something for everyone—from the character complexity of The Sopranos to the sweeping fantasy of Game of Thrones, or the hard-hitting realism of The Wire. They have redefined what television can be, elevating it to a form of art that rivals the best of film and literature.
While opinions on the "best" TV show may differ, these five series stand as monumental achievements in television history. Each has shaped the medium in profound ways, and their legacy will likely endure for generations to come.