The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

Updated October 27, 2023 2.4M votes 130.8K voters 1.3M views

Over 130.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest TV Series of the Past 20 Years

Voting Rules

Vote up the best series that have aired new episodes since 2003.

Latest additions: Wallander, Man v. Food, CSI: Vegas

Most divisive: How I Met Your Mother

This list of the best TV shows of the past 20 years represents the combined opinions of thousands of TV fans on what series have been the standouts of the past two decades. Anyone can vote on this list of the best TV shows of recent memory, making this list a truly trustworthy way to find the best recent(ish) TV show.

Including recent big-name shows like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad, the best TV shows ever in the past 20 years feature the latest and greatest television series. Even older shows like Friends and That '70s Show have episodes that aired in the past two decades so there really is a wonderfully wide selection of great shows in recent memory. From sitcoms to dramas and animations to miniseries, this list has got them all.

What are the best TV shows of recent memory? Whether you're looking for the best TV shows to add to your Netflix queue or you just want to share your picks for the best TV series of the last two decades, this is the place to tune in to the tastes of TV fans around the world. Figure out what must-see TV you have to catch up on, find where your favorites rank, and cast your votes for the best television in recent history.

Ranked by

1
Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
68,590 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
Game of Thrones
Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey
71,047 votes
- Premiered: April 17, 2011
- 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.
3
The Sopranos
James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
38,502 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.
4
Stranger Things
Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown
37,904 votes
- Premiered: July 15, 2016
- 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.
5
The Office
Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski
46,783 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.
6
The Mandalorian
Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito
19,584 votes
- Premiered: November 12, 2019
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Drama,Science Fiction
In a galaxy far, far away, The Mandalorian takes viewers on an exhilarating adventure through the uncharted territories of the Star Wars galaxy. This critically acclaimed series, nominated for multiple awards including 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, masterfully combines elements of sci-fi, action, and drama, creating a riveting narrative that keeps fans hooked. With Pedro Pascal in the lead role as Din Djarin, a skilled bounty hunter, the show delves into the complexities of his character while introducing new faces and revisiting some familiar ones. As the story unfolds, audiences become immersed in the captivating world-building and compelling storytelling that has come to define this enthralling series.

Breaking Bad

Game of Thrones

The Sopranos

Stranger Things

The Office

The Mandalorian