TV Shows That Shatter Your World

Updated June 23, 2023 5.8K votes 690 voters

Over 600 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of TV Shows That Shatter Your World

Voting Rules

Vote up the shows that completely shocked you, and changed the way you thought about the world.

Latest additions: The Leftovers, Dopesick, Parenthood

Most divisive: Broadchurch

For many, television is the perfect source of escapism. For 30 minutes to an hour, audiences are allowed to teleport themselves to any story imaginations could fathom. They can be superheroes saving the day, they can be a regular at the bar, they could even be a millionaire who ventures off on daring adventures. The fantasy of these stories knows no bounds, however, sometimes art imitates life a bit too well, and suddenly the fantastical escapism is met with dark, daunting, and world-shattering heartbreaking consequences.

These tv shows shatter your world, and the best tv shows that shatter your world change the audience's perceptions forever. Whether it be heartbreak, anger, disgust, or terror, each and every one of these tv shows will leave audiences a changed person than they were a mere hour ago. They are bonafide works of art, without question, but by the time the credits roll, everything has changed.

Vote up the shows that completely shocked you, and changed the way you thought about the world, and be sure to check out the saddest tv moments that made fans ugly cry!

Ranked by

1
Breaking Bad
January 20, 2008
385 votes
- Actors: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, RJ Mitte, Dean Norris
- Number of Seasons: 5
- 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
Stranger Things
July 15, 2016
318 votes
- Actors: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama,Horror,Science Fiction,Thriller
In a small town shrouded in 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things unravels an enigmatic tale of supernatural occurrences and covert government experiments. The series has garnered numerous accolades for its stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast, including the young telekinetic Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and dedicated police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour). Seamlessly blending elements of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age drama, the show captivates audiences with its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. With each season, viewers are transported to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, where they delve deeper into the mysteries that lie beneath the seemingly ordinary surface.
3
Game of Thrones
April 17, 2011
345 votes
- Actors: Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama,Fantasy
In a realm of political intrigue, mythical creatures, and clashing dynasties, the struggle for power and survival takes center stage. Game of Thrones, an award-winning fantasy drama, transports audiences to the fictional world of Westeros, where noble families vie for the Iron Throne while supernatural threats loom in the shadows. Through its rich storytelling and complex characters such as cunning Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) and fierce Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), the series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the human capacity for both good and evil. With stunning visuals and gripping narratives, Game of Thrones has captured the hearts and minds of millions worldwide.
4
Sons of Anarchy
September 3, 2008
213 votes
- Actors: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, Mark Boone, Tommy Flanagan
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Genres: Crime,Drama
Delving into the complex world of motorcycle clubs, Sons of Anarchy explores themes of loyalty, power struggles, and the pursuit of the American dream. The gritty drama, which has garnered numerous award nominations, follows protagonist Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) as he navigates his role within the outlaw motorcycle club, SAMCRO. Set in the fictional town of Charming, California, the series showcases the intricate relationships between club members, their families, and other criminal organizations, while maintaining a strong focus on character development. Sons of Anarchy delivers a raw, compelling narrative that keeps viewers invested throughout its seven-season run.
5
The X-Files
September 10, 1993
226 votes
- Actors: Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Genres: Drama,Science Fiction
The X-Files, a trailblazing science fiction drama, delves into the unexplained phenomena investigated by FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). With a blend of suspense, intrigue, and occasional humor, the series explores their pursuit of the truth behind extraterrestrial events and government conspiracies. Its compelling narrative and well-developed characters earned The X-Files numerous accolades, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards. Throughout its 11-season run, the show maintained a loyal fanbase, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate audiences and inspire countless other television series in the realm of the paranormal.
6
The Handmaid's Tale
April 26, 2017
203 votes
- Actors: Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Genres: Drama,Science Fiction
In a chilling portrayal of a dystopian society, The Handmaid's Tale invites viewers into the oppressive world of Gilead. This Emmy Award-winning drama series masterfully adapts Margaret Atwood's renowned novel, weaving a tale that exposes the dark underbelly of power and control. Through the eyes of Offred (Elisabeth Moss), a woman forced into sexual servitude, the audience bears witness to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors. Accompanied by a haunting score and vivid cinematography, this gripping show delves into themes of resistance, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of love and family.

Breaking Bad

Stranger Things

Game of Thrones

Sons of Anarchy

The X-Files

The Handmaid's Tale