The Best 2000s NBC Dramas

Updated October 29, 2023 1.0K votes 209 voters

Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 2000s NBC Dramas

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite NBC dramas that aired in the 2000s

Latest additions: Boomtown

Most divisive: Freaks and Geeks

These are the best 2000s NBC dramas, ranked from best to worst by your votes. Some good 2000s NBC drama shows follow crime-fighting detectives and others explore the personal lives of tightly knit families. A few of the greatest 2000s NBC drama shows are groundbreaking political masterpieces that perfectly balanced drama with storylines ripped from the headlines.

What shows will you find on this best 2000s NBC dramas list? Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing combined clever writing with current headlines to create big drama. Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Jimmy Smits and more all were members of the series' talented cast. Heroes is another good drama show that aired on NBC in the 2000s.

Supernatural talents helped Allison DuBois (Patricia Arquette) solve crimes on the hit NBC drama show Medium. Other great series featured on this top 2000s NBC dramas list include Law & Order, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Third Watch.

Which 2000s drama program do you think is the best? Give your favorite shows a thumbs up!

Ranked by

1
ER
Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Julianna Margulies
39 votes
- Premiered: September 19, 1994
In a groundbreaking medical drama that has captured the hearts of audiences for over a decade, ER delves into the high-stakes world of emergency medicine, where life and death decisions are made within seconds. The show's ensemble cast, led by the dedicated Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle), navigates the chaotic corridors of Chicago's County General Hospital, showcasing their resilience, courage, and compassion. With 23 Primetime Emmy Awards under its belt, this critically acclaimed series effortlessly blends emotion, tension, and humor, offering viewers a gripping glimpse into the lives of healthcare heroes as they face both professional and personal challenges.
2
Chuck
Zachary Levi, Adam Baldwin, Yvonne Strahovski
38 votes
- Premiered: September 24, 2007
In a world where government secrets and espionage run rampant, one unassuming man becomes the unlikely hero. Chuck, an action-comedy series, follows the life of Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi), a computer geek who unwittingly finds himself in possession of a top-secret database embedded in his brain. As he navigates his new reality, the show expertly weaves humor, romance, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences to create a truly engaging experience for viewers. With a talented ensemble cast, including Yvonne Strahovski as CIA Agent Sarah Walker and Adam Baldwin as NSA Agent John Casey, Chuck has garnered a devoted fanbase and earned multiple Emmy nominations throughout its five-season run.
3
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish
44 votes
- Premiered: September 20, 1999
Though it's amassed over 20 seasons, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit consistently delivers gripping storylines centered around the harrowing world of crime investigation. This acclaimed drama series has earned numerous accolades, including an impressive 91 wins and 214 nominations of various awards, lauding its thought-provoking narratives and powerful performances. Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) leads a skilled team of investigators as they navigate complex cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. The show's deft balance between character-driven subplots and procedural storytelling ensures a riveting viewing experience while shedding light on pressing societal issues.
4
Law & Order
Hugh Dancy, Jeffrey Donovan, Odelya Halevi
34 votes
- Premiered: September 13, 1990
A long-running crime drama, Law & Order delves into the intricate workings of the criminal justice system, masterfully weaving together the narratives of police officers and district attorneys as they work tirelessly to solve cases and prosecute criminals. The series, which has garnered numerous accolades including multiple Emmy nominations, showcases a dynamic ensemble cast featuring characters such as Detective Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston). Each episode presents a fresh case, inspired by real-life events, that keeps viewers engaged to the very end. Law & Order's impactful storytelling and compelling portrayals have solidified its place as a classic in the television landscape.
5
Crossing Jordan
Jill Hennessy, Miguel Ferrer, Ravi Kapoor
26 votes
- Premiered: September 24, 2001
A medical examiner works with the Massachusetts State Coroner's Office.
- #168 of 356
  TV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #352 of 557
  The 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #76 of 107
  The 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
6
Heroes
Jack Coleman, Greg Grunberg, Robert Knepper
31 votes
- Premiered: September 25, 2006
In a world where ordinary individuals grapple with newfound extraordinary abilities, Heroes presents an engaging narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and the timeless struggle between good and evil. The ensemble cast, featuring characters such as Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) and Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka), masterfully navigates through gripping storylines that keep audiences hooked. Garnering critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, this thought-provoking drama expertly weaves elements of science fiction, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. As the characters' powers evolve, so do their relationships and personal journeys, providing a captivating viewing experience that resonates with fans of all ages.

ER

Chuck

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Law & Order

Crossing Jordan

Heroes