TV Fans Rerank The Hollywood Reporter's List Of The 50 Best Television Shows Of The 21st Century

1.5K votes 152 voters

Voting Rules

Vote up the TV shows that made a mark on pop culture; vote down the shows you feel are overrated.

Reporting from Hollywood, The Hollywood Reporter rallied their best and brightest to assemble a list of the very best shows and limited series to ever grace the small screen since 2000. Polling their TV critics, the Tinseltown trade publication offered their take on the Top 50 TV shows of all time.

But are they? Are their picks really the greatest TV shows of the young century? And are they ranked in a sensible order?

Do you think that Lena Dunham and her Girls is better than Game of Thrones? Did Better Call Saul surpass its predecessor Breaking Bad in terms of entertainment and quality? Did Battlestar Galactica leave a bigger pop culture footprint than Parks & Recreation or Sex and the City? If you disagree with these choices, now is your chance to have your say. Vote up the shows that made an impact on pop culture; vote down the shows that just don't deserve to be thought of quite so highly.

Ranked by

1
The Sopranos
James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
105 votes
- Premiered: January 10, 1999
#2 according to Rolling Stone
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.
2
Band of Brothers
Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Rick Gomez
89 votes
- Premiered: September 9, 2001
#38 according to Rolling Stone
Band of Brothers, a gripping World War II miniseries, delves into the harrowing experiences and unwavering camaraderie of Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. With masterful storytelling, the show garnered critical acclaim, earning numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries. The ensemble cast skillfully portrays real-life soldiers, such as Major Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) and Captain Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston), capturing the essence of their valiant struggles and sacrifices. From the treacherous airborne landings in Normandy to the war's bitter end, Band of Brothers remains a poignant tribute to the Greatest Generation's heroism.
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3
Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
114 votes
- Premiered: January 20, 2008
#16 according to Rolling Stone
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.
4
Deadwood
Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker
70 votes
- Premiered: March 21, 2004
#21 according to Rolling Stone
Set amidst the rugged, lawless backdrop of a 19th-century South Dakota mining town, this groundbreaking television series masterfully delves into the complex lives of its diverse inhabitants. Boasting an ensemble cast led by Ian McShane's riveting portrayal of saloon owner Al Swearengen, the show skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of power, morality, and survival. Lauded for its gritty realism and sharp dialogue, Deadwood has garnered numerous accolades, including eight Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. With its rich character development and meticulously crafted narrative, audiences are transported to a time when civilization teetered on the edge of chaos.
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5
Game of Thrones
Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey
112 votes
- Premiered: April 17, 2011
#30 according to Rolling Stone
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.
6
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Zachery Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena
88 votes
- Premiered: February 21, 2005
#49 according to Rolling Stone
In a world divided into four nations, each representing an elemental force - Water, Earth, Fire, and Air - Avatar: The Last Airbender weaves a tale of harmony disrupted by the ambitious Fire Nation. Engaging viewers with its rich narrative and striking visuals, this animated series follows Aang (voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen), a young Avatar burdened with the responsibility of restoring balance to the world. With a diverse ensemble of characters, including Katara (Mae Whitman) and Sokka (Jack De Sena), the show delves into themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption. Garnering critical acclaim and numerous accolades, Avatar: The Last Airbender transcends age barriers, offering a compelling viewing experience for all.

The Sopranos

Band of Brothers

Breaking Bad

Deadwood

Game of Thrones

Avatar: The Last Airbender