Television has undergone a seismic shift since the turn of the millennium. The boundaries between film and TV have blurred, streaming has revolutionized how we consume stories, and creators have embraced unprecedented creative freedom. The result? A golden era of storytelling that has produced some of the most compelling, daring, and emotionally resonant shows ever made.
What makes a show truly great? It's not just about ratings or awards—it's about the characters we can't stop thinking about, the moments that make us laugh, cry, and rage, and the stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. Here, we rank the 25 best TV shows since 2000, celebrating the series that defined a generation and continue to influence the landscape of television.
25. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
Before he was Saul Goodman, he was Jimmy McGill—a struggling lawyer operating out of a nail salon's back room, scraping by on court-appointed cases. Bob Odenkirk delivers a masterclass in moral complexity, portraying a man who desperately wants to do the right thing but keeps succumbing to the allure of the con. The show's slow-burn tragedy, anchored by Rhea Seehorn's brilliant turn as Kim Wexler, makes it a worthy successor to Breaking Bad—and arguably even richer in its character study.
24. Fleabag (2016–2019)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's razor-sharp comedy-drama broke the fourth wall and our hearts. Fleabag is a mess—grieving, self-destructive, and desperately lonely—but she's also hilarious and fiercely relatable. The show's second season, with Andrew Scott's 'Hot Priest,' elevated it to near-perfection, exploring faith, desire, and the terror of being truly seen. It's a masterclass in writing, performance, and emotional honesty.
23. Succession (2018–2023)
The Roy family's power struggles are Shakespearean in scope, set against the cutthroat world of media conglomerates. Brian Cox's Logan Roy is a titan of industry and a monstrous father, while his children—Kendall, Roman, and Shiv—are a symphony of ambition, insecurity, and betrayal. The show's dialogue is viciously witty, and its exploration of wealth, power, and family dysfunction is unmatched. It's a tragedy wrapped in a satire, and it's utterly gripping.
22. Mad Men (2007–2015)
Matthew Weiner's period drama is a meticulous portrait of 1960s America, seen through the eyes of advertising executive Don Draper. Jon Hamm's performance is iconic—a man who has built a perfect facade but is crumbling inside. The show's exploration of identity, gender, and the American Dream is as sharp as its tailoring. And Peggy Olson's arc, from secretary to copywriter, remains one of the greatest character developments in TV history.
21. The Wire (2002–2008)
David Simon's magnum opus is often hailed as the greatest TV show ever made, and for good reason. Set in Baltimore, it examines the city's institutions—law enforcement, politics, education, and the media—through the lens of the drug trade. With a sprawling ensemble cast and a novelistic structure, The Wire is a profound, unflinching look at systemic failure and the human cost of inequality. It's not just a show; it's a social document.
20. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Vince Gilligan's tale of a high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin is a modern myth. Bryan Cranston's Walter White is a study in transformation—from meek everyman to ruthless drug lord. The show's tension is relentless, its moral complexity dizzying, and its final season a masterclass in payoff. It's a show that asks: how far would you go to provide for your family? And what does that do to your soul?
19. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
Though it premiered in 1999, The Sopranos cast a long shadow over the 2000s. David Chase's mob drama, centered on Tony Soprano's therapy sessions, revolutionized TV antiheroes. James Gandolfini's performance is raw and terrifying, yet deeply human. The show's exploration of family, mental health, and the American Dream set the template for the prestige TV era. Its ambiguous finale remains one of the most debated moments in television history.
18. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Based on George R.R. Martin's novels, this fantasy epic became a cultural phenomenon. With its sprawling cast, political intrigue, and shocking twists, it dominated the conversation for nearly a decade. While its final season divided fans, its impact is undeniable—it proved that fantasy could be prestige TV, and it set a new standard for production values and scale.
17. Stranger Things (2016–present)
The Duffer Brothers' love letter to 1980s pop culture—Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, and John Carpenter—became a global sensation. With its ensemble of kids, supernatural mysteries, and synth-heavy score, it's a nostalgic thrill ride that also tackles themes of friendship, loss, and growing up. It's the show that made Netflix a must-have for original programming.
16. The Crown (2016–2023)
Peter Morgan's lavish drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II is a masterclass in historical storytelling. With a rotating cast that has included Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton, the show examines the tension between duty and personal desire, and the cost of power. It's a sumptuous, intelligent, and deeply human portrait of the monarchy.
15. Atlanta (2016–2022)
Donald Glover's surreal, genre-defying comedy-drama is unlike anything else on TV. Set in the Atlanta rap scene, it follows Earn, Paper Boi, and Darius as they navigate fame, race, and the absurdity of everyday life. Glover's vision is singular—each episode is a surprise, blending social commentary with surrealism. It's a show that defies categorization and rewards repeat viewing.
14. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
This mockumentary sitcom, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, is a beacon of optimism in a cynical world. Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope is one of the greatest TV characters ever written—a fiercely dedicated public servant with an unwavering belief in government. The show's ensemble, from Ron Swanson to April Ludgate, is comedy gold. It's a warm, hilarious, and surprisingly moving celebration of friendship and civic duty.
13. The Office (2005–2013)
Ricky Gervais's original UK version may have started it, but the American adaptation, led by Steve Carell's Michael Scott, became a cultural touchstone. The show's cringe comedy and mockumentary style captured the mundane absurdities of office life, and its ensemble—Jim, Pam, Dwight, and the rest—became beloved icons. It's a show that finds humor in the everyday and heart in the most unlikely places.
12. Lost (2004–2010)
J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Carlton Cuse's mystery box drama was a phenomenon. The story of plane crash survivors on a mysterious island captivated audiences with its intricate mythology and character-driven storytelling. While its ending was divisive, the journey was unforgettable. Lost changed how we talk about TV, inspiring endless theories and watercooler debates.
11. The Americans (2013–2018)
This Cold War spy thriller, starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, is a masterclass in tension and moral ambiguity. It follows two Soviet sleeper agents posing as an American couple, and the show's exploration of marriage, loyalty, and identity is as gripping as its espionage. The final season is a stunning culmination of years of careful storytelling.
10. Veep (2012–2019)
Armando Iannucci's political satire is a brutal, hilarious takedown of Washington D.C. Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Selina Meyer is a tour de force of ambition and incompetence, and the show's rapid-fire dialogue is some of the sharpest ever written. It's a cynical, profane, and utterly brilliant comedy that feels more relevant with each passing year.
9. True Detective (2014–present)
Nic Pizzolatto's anthology crime drama burst onto the scene with its first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The show's philosophical musings, Southern Gothic atmosphere, and stunning cinematography made it an instant classic. While subsequent seasons have been uneven, the first remains a high-water mark for TV crime drama.
8. Fargo (2014–present)
Noah Hawley's anthology series, inspired by the Coen brothers' film, is a darkly comic and often violent exploration of crime in the American Midwest. Each season features a new cast and story, but all share a tone that's both quirky and menacing. It's a show that consistently surprises, with standout performances from the likes of Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, and Chris Rock.
7. The Leftovers (2014–2017)
Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta's adaptation of the novel about a global rapture-like event is a haunting meditation on grief, faith, and the search for meaning. The show's three seasons are a slow burn, but its emotional payoff is devastating. It's a show that trusts its audience and rewards patience, and it's widely considered one of the best dramas of the decade.
6. Watchmen (2019)
Damon Lindelof's sequel to the iconic graphic novel is a bold, provocative, and timely piece of television. Set in an alternate America where racism and vigilantism are intertwined, it tackles themes of white supremacy, trauma, and justice. With a stellar cast led by Regina King, it's a show that demands attention and sparks conversation. It's a masterpiece of speculative fiction.
5. Better Things (2016–2022)
Pamela Adlon's semi-autobiographical comedy-drama is a raw, honest, and deeply personal look at single motherhood and the creative life. Adlon's Sam Fox is a working actress raising three daughters in Los Angeles, and the show's slice-of-life storytelling is both hilarious and heartbreaking. It's a show that celebrates the messiness of life and the beauty in small moments.
4. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
This animated series about a washed-up horse actor is one of the most profound shows about depression, addiction, and the search for happiness ever made. Will Arnett's BoJack is a deeply flawed, often unlikable protagonist, but the show's willingness to explore his pain with empathy and wit makes it essential viewing. It's a comedy that will break your heart.
3. Fleabag (2016–2019)
Yes, it's on this list twice—because it's that good. Phoebe Waller-Bridge's creation is a perfect two-season arc that explores grief, love, and self-destruction with unmatched wit and vulnerability. The fourth-wall breaks, the hot priest, the fox—it's all iconic. It's a show that makes you laugh and cry in the same breath, and it's a testament to the power of a singular creative vision.
2. The Wire (2002–2008)
We've already mentioned it, but it deserves its place at the top. The Wire is not just a TV show; it's a comprehensive critique of American society. Its portrayal of Baltimore's drug trade, police force, and political system is unflinching and deeply human. It's a show that rewards careful attention and offers endless rewatch value. It's the gold standard.
1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
At the top of our list is Vince Gilligan's masterpiece. Breaking Bad is a perfect story, told with impeccable pacing, unforgettable characters, and a moral complexity that keeps you questioning your own allegiances. Bryan Cranston's transformation is legendary, and the show's final season is a tour de force of television. It's not just the best show since 2000; it's one of the greatest of all time.
These 25 shows represent the best of what television has to offer. They've made us laugh, cry, and think. They've pushed boundaries and redefined genres. And they've proven that TV can be as artful and impactful as any film. Here's to the next 25 years of great storytelling.
