The TV Shows With The Best Writing

Updated October 19, 2023 106.1K votes 7.4K voters 102.5K views

Over 7.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Shows with the Best Writing

Voting Rules

Vote up the television series with the most consistently great writing

Latest additions: DAVE, Money Heist, Squid Game

Most divisive: Dexter

What are the best written TV shows of all time? In 2013, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and TV Guide compiled a list of the 101 Best Written TV Shows ever, and the results left things wide open for debate. Plus, there have been so many well-written shows in the nearly decade since. So, do you agree with the choices? Was there a show left off? From the best written dramas to smart comedies and compelling thrillers, these are the TV shows with the best writing.

Many of the television shows listed here are considered among the best TV shows of recent memory, and with good reason: They are wonderfully scripted, featuring diverse characters and compelling storylines that made us want to keep watching, week after week. They are excellent dramas, outstanding comedies and awesome science fiction TV shows. Some of the programs here are older, but they were considered by many to be groundbreaking.

What should be the number one best written TV show ever? Certainly outstanding shows like The Sopranos, Mad Men'and 'reaking Bad could be considered. They are, after all, some of the greatest TV dramas of all time. Vote for the TV programs that you believe featured the strongest writing, and of course, feel free to re-rank this list of TV series with the greatest writing in any order you choose.

Ranked by

1
Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
3,122 votes
- Premiered: January 20, 2008
- Genres: Crime,Drama
Breaking Bad, a critically acclaimed drama series, masterfully unravels the story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Alongside his former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), they navigate the treacherous world of drug production and distribution. The show skillfully balances intense character development with dark humor, contributing to its numerous accolades, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards. As the narrative progresses, viewers are drawn into the complex moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists, leaving them questioning the limits of their own principles. Breaking Bad's gripping storytelling and unforgettable performances make it a standout in television history.
2
The Sopranos
James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
2,207 votes
- Premiered: January 10, 1999
- Genres: Crime,Drama
The Sopranos invites viewers to enter the world of mob life, unraveling the complexities of family dynamics and personal ambitions. Through its six-season run, this critically acclaimed crime drama garnered 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, showcasing the exceptional talents of its ensemble cast. With James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano at the helm, audiences bear witness to his struggle as a New Jersey mob boss navigating the treacherous waters of organized crime while balancing his tumultuous personal life. The show masterfully intertwines dark humor with intense emotional moments, delivering a compelling narrative that keeps fans enthralled until the very end.
3
Better Call Saul
Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael Mando
1,404 votes
- Premiered: February 8, 2015
- Genres: Drama
In the midst of a television landscape filled with antiheroes and morally complex narratives, Better Call Saul emerges as a masterful character study, delving into the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) into the notorious criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman. A prequel to the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad, this drama series weaves intricate storytelling with dark humor, earning numerous award nominations, including 39 Primetime Emmy nods. Throughout its five seasons, viewers are introduced to an ensemble of well-crafted characters, such as the meticulous Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks), while exploring themes of ambition, corruption, and the consequences of one's choices.
4
Chernobyl
Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson
607 votes
- Premiered: May 6, 2019
- Genres: Drama
Exploring the harrowing events of a nuclear disaster, this gripping historical drama delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe. The series intricately weaves together the stories of those affected, highlighting their courage and resilience amidst chaos. Anchored by powerful performances from Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina, and Emily Watson as Ulana Khomyuk, the show has garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple awards, including numerous Emmys. By shedding light on the devastating consequences of human error and political negligence, the show serves as a chilling reminder of the potential cost of ignorance.
5
The Twilight Zone
Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts
1,516 votes
- Premiered: October 2, 1959
- Genres: Fantasy,Science Fiction,Thriller
Venturing into the realm of the unknown, The Twilight Zone presents an anthology series that explores the depths of human imagination and the mysteries of the universe. With each standalone episode, this celebrated classic invites viewers to ponder thought-provoking tales of science fiction, fantasy, and suspense. Boasting multiple Emmy nominations and wins, the show has captured the attention of audiences with its clever storytelling and unforgettable performances, such as William Shatner's portrayal of the tormented Bob Wilson. The Twilight Zone remains a testament to the limitless potential of television as a medium for engaging and stimulating entertainment, leaving viewers both intrigued and inspired.
6
Mindhunter
Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
520 votes
- Premiered: October 13, 2017
- Genres: Crime,Drama,Thriller
A meticulously crafted crime drama, Mindhunter delves into the chilling world of criminal psychology and the birth of modern serial killer profiling. Boasting two seasons garnished with rave reviews, this gripping series presents an unnerving yet fascinating exploration of the darkest recesses of the human mind. Protagonists Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), FBI agents in the Behavioral Science Unit, engage in intense interviews with notorious real-life murderers to understand their motivations and develop techniques to catch future criminals. The show's masterful storytelling, bolstered by its authentic period setting, has earned it widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Breaking Bad

The Sopranos

Better Call Saul

Chernobyl

The Twilight Zone

Mindhunter