The television landscape has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 1900s. Nowadays, there are countless shows that captivate audiences around the world. But which TV shows stand out as the best of the best? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 10 highest-rated TV shows of all time. From sitcoms to dramas, these shows have earned their place in the pantheon of the greatest television ever made. So let’s get started and explore the world of the most beloved TV shows of all time!
The Sopranos
One of the most critically acclaimed shows of all time, The Sopranos is an iconic series that follows the story of mob boss Tony Soprano and his family. It is renowned for its writing, performances, and complex characters. It ran for six seasons and won numerous awards.
Breaking Bad
The iconic AMC drama tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling meth in order to secure his family’s financial future. The series earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including 16 Emmys and two Golden Globes. Its popularity continues to this day.
Game of Thrones
Epic fantasy drama based on George R.R. Martin’s novels. Follows the lives of several noble families as they fight for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros. Won 47 Primetime Emmy Awards and was one of the most watched television series of all time.
The Wire
An American crime drama set in Baltimore, Maryland, The Wire is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Featuring compelling storylines and intense performances, this show is a must-watch for any serious TV fan.
Mad Men
Critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, Mad Men follows the life of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) as he navigates a turbulent 1960s New York advertising agency. The series explores themes of power, identity, and consumerism, as well as gender and race roles in America. It won 15 Emmys and 4 Golden Globes, and is regarded as one of the greatest shows of all time.
The Shield
A western drama set in the late 1800s, Deadwood was praised for its richly detailed world and superb performances. The show follows a cast of colorful characters, each with their own story to tell. It’s an emotionally powerful series that doesn’t shy away from its dark side. But it’s The Shield that takes the top spot for highest rated TV show of all time, with a whopping 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The cop drama tells the story of a corrupt detective who goes to great lengths to protect his squad from the consequences of their bad decisions. It was praised for its tight writing and excellent performances, and is sure to remain an iconic show for years to come.
Deadwood
This western drama aired for three seasons from 2004 to 2006. It follows the residents of a small South Dakota mining camp in the late 1800s, dealing with issues of justice, morality, and community. The show was praised for its writing, acting, and well-developed characters. It was nominated for 35 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 8, including Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
Battlestar Galactica
This classic science fiction series aired from 2004 to 2009 and earned high praise for its intense storytelling and intricate plot. Battlestar Galactica follows the crew of a spacecraft as they battle against robotic Cylons in order to survive. The show earned critical acclaim for its thought-provoking storylines, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. Battlestar Galactica is considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
The Twilight Zone
The classic sci-fi series, The Twilight Zone, is known for its eerie and thought-provoking stories. Created by Rod Serling, this groundbreaking show follows characters as they experience the unexpected, unusual and often terrifying events of the mysterious “Twilight Zone.” From time travel to alien encounters, the show pushed boundaries and opened up the genre of science fiction to a whole new audience. With its iconic opening music, innovative writing and gripping stories, The Twilight Zone remains one of the most popular and highly rated television shows of all time.
Hill Street Blues
Police drama series that follows the lives of the officers and detectives of an inner city police station in an unnamed major city. It was created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll. The series ran from 1981 to 1987, and was nominated for over 80 awards, winning 26. It is widely credited with pioneering a more realistic and sophisticated approach to television drama, paving the way for later shows like NYPD Blue and Law & Order.