The American magazine Variety has published a list of the top 100 TV series of all time. Based on this list, here are the top 10 series that have made a lasting impact on television history.
1. I Love Lucy
Topping the list is the classic American sitcom I Love Lucy, aired on CBS from 1951 to 1957. The show follows Lucy Ricardo, a young housewife in New York who dreams of becoming a star. Lucille Ball, who plays the lead, became a household name. The show also features her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz. Directed by Marc Daniels, William Asher, and James Kern, it ran for six seasons and 180 episodes, cementing its place in TV history.
2. Mad Men
Taking the second spot is Mad Men, a period drama set in the 1960s that explores the world of a prominent American advertising agency and its enigmatic boss, Don Draper. Jon Hamm’s portrayal of Draper garnered widespread acclaim. Created by Matthew Weiner, the series aired from 2007 to 2015 on AMC, spanning seven seasons and becoming one of the most celebrated dramas of its time.
3. The Sopranos
At number three is The Sopranos, a groundbreaking crime and psychological drama series that follows the complex life of Tony Soprano, a mafia boss played by James Gandolfini. The series, created by David Chase, aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007 and remains one of the most influential TV shows ever made.
4. The Simpsons
The Simpsons, the animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, takes the fourth spot. Since its debut in 1989, the show has become a staple of American culture, providing satirical commentary on family life, pop culture, and politics through the Simpson family. The series continues to air on Fox, making it the longest-running American sitcom.
5. Breaking Bad
In fifth place is the iconic crime drama Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan. The show, which aired from 2008 to 2013 on AMC, follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamine after a cancer diagnosis. With stellar performances from Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn, the series is regarded as one of the best TV dramas of all time.
6. Sex and the City
Sex and the City, a show about four women navigating life and love in New York City, ranks sixth. Airing on HBO from 1998 to 2004, the series, created by Darren Star, became a cultural phenomenon. The four lead characters—Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Miranda Hobbes, and Samantha Jones—are played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, and Kim Cattrall, respectively.
7. The Wire
Airing from 2002 to 2008 on HBO, The Wire comes in at number seven. Created by David Simon, the crime drama is set in Baltimore and offers a detailed portrayal of urban life, focusing on both the police and the drug trade. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Dominic West, Lance Reddick, and John Doman, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made.
8. Seinfeld
In eighth place is Seinfeld, the hit sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The series, which aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998, is famously known as “a show about nothing.” With Jerry Seinfeld playing a fictionalised version of himself, the series’ unique observational humour made it one of the most iconic shows in TV history.
9. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show ranks ninth on the list. Aired from 1970 to 1977 on CBS, this sitcom follows the life of Mary Richards, a single woman who works as a TV news producer. Created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns, the series broke new ground in its portrayal of women in the workplace and is considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
10. Roots
Finally, Roots takes the tenth spot. Based on Alex Haley’s novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, the 1977 miniseries, directed by Marvin Chomsky, John Erman, David Greene, and Gilbert Moses, chronicles the history of an African-American family from slavery to freedom. Featuring performances by LeVar Burton and Robert Reed, Roots became a cultural landmark and is often regarded as one of the most important series in TV history.
These ten TV series have stood the test of time, each leaving a unique imprint on both viewers and the entertainment industry, making them some of the most memorable shows ever produced.