What TV Shows Best Represent American Life Today?
Photo: user uploaded image

What TV Shows Best Represent American Life Today?

Ryleigh Nucilli
Updated August 12, 2023 11.1K votes 997 voters
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of What TV Shows Best Represent American Life Today?
Voting Rules
Vote up the television shows that most accurately portray contemporary American life; vote down the ones that don't.
Latest additions: Easy, Queen Sugar, All American
Most divisive: Fresh Off the Boat

Is there such a thing as "the" American experience? If so, where can a person see it? In novels? Films? Television? If it's the last of these, which television shows come the closest to portraying real life as it exists for Americans now? 

The television shows on this list, none of which qualify as "reality TV" and all of which ran sometime within the last decade, depict contemporary American life, both comedically and dramatically. But how close do they come to representing the real thing? Do any of the following offer quintessential, lifelike windows into what day-to-day life in America looks in the present moment?

Vote up the shows that do the best job of representing real American life as real Americans live it day to day.

Ranked by
  • Modern Family
    1

    Modern Family

    Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell
    345 votes
    • Premiered: September 23, 2009
    • Genres: Comedy
    Modern Family, a multi-Emmy-Award-winning sitcom, brings humor and heart to the small screen as it chronicles the lives of Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) and his diverse, extended family. With a talented ensemble cast featuring Sofia Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Julie Bowen, viewers are treated to a delightful mix of personalities navigating the complexities of contemporary family dynamics. The show's innovative mockumentary format provides a refreshing perspective on poignant themes, such as love, parenthood, and acceptance. Over the course of eleven seasons, Modern Family has skillfully balanced comedy and drama, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.
  • The Office
    2

    The Office

    Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski
    356 votes
    • Premiered: March 24, 2005
    • Genres: Comedy
    Set within the mundane confines of a Scranton-based paper company, this mockumentary-style sitcom delivers a humorous take on the daily grind. The Office boasts an ensemble cast, including the bumbling yet endearing regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell), and the quirky sales representative Jim Halpert (John Krasinski). Throughout its nine-season run, the show garnered numerous accolades, including five Primetime Emmy Awards. The series masterfully balances cringe-worthy moments with heartfelt character development, making it a beloved staple in television history. As viewers become invested in the employees' lives, the show's charm lies in finding humor and warmth in the most ordinary situations.
  • This Is Us
    3

    This Is Us

    Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown
    254 votes
    • Premiered: September 20, 2016
    • Genres: Drama
    Exploring the intricacies of family dynamics and the passage of time, This Is Us masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions through its multi-generational narrative. The series, which has garnered numerous awards and nominations, delves into the lives of the Pearson family, unearthing their joys, struggles, and heartaches. As viewers follow the journey of characters like Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore), they are treated to an honest portrayal of complex relationships, with each episode revealing new layers of depth. With its rich storytelling and nuanced performances, This Is Us stands as a testament to the power of human connection.
  • Shameless
    4

    Shameless

    William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, Cameron Monaghan
    240 votes
    • Premiered: December 12, 2010
    • Genres: Comedy,Drama
    Shameless, a darkly comedic drama, masterfully delves into the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family. Led by the endearingly dysfunctional patriarch, Frank (William H. Macy), this close-knit clan navigates the trials and tribulations of life in their rough-and-tumble Chicago neighborhood. A recipient of numerous award nominations, including Emmy nods for Macy and co-star Emmy Rossum (Fiona), the series expertly balances humor and heartbreak while addressing complex social issues. Shameless invites viewers to embrace the chaos, as they witness the Gallaghers' unwavering resilience and loyalty to one another in spite of their far-from-perfect circumstances.
  • Atlanta
    5

    Atlanta

    Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield
    192 votes
    • Premiered: September 6, 2016
    • Genres: Comedy,Drama
    Venturing into the realm of dark comedy and drama, Atlanta masterfully explores the life of aspiring rapper Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) and his cousin-turned-manager, Earn Marks (Donald Glover). With its raw portrayal of the music industry, the series delves into themes of race, relationships, and the pursuit of success. Garnering numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards, Atlanta has cemented itself as a must-watch show. The distinctive storytelling, combined with Glover's multifaceted talents and a strong supporting cast, creates an unforgettable journey through the city's vibrant and challenging landscape.
  • Black-ish
    6

    Black-ish

    Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi
    242 votes
    • Premiered: September 24, 2014
    • Genres: Comedy
    In an era where television strives to reflect the diverse and complex realities of modern society, Black-ish emerges as a thought-provoking yet lighthearted exploration of a middle-class African-American family navigating their cultural identity. With its impressive ensemble cast led by the endearing patriarch, Dre (Anthony Anderson), and his level-headed wife, Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), the show has garnered numerous accolades, including Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win for Ross's outstanding performance. Through relatable humor and earnest storytelling, Black-ish tackles pressing topics such as race, gender, and socio-economic disparities, all while providing a heartwarming and entertaining viewing experience.