The New York Times recently conducted an extensive survey, polling over 500 individuals from the acting, writing, showrunning, and producing sectors of the television industry. Each participant was invited to nominate up to 10 of their most highly regarded television series that premiered on or after January 1, 2000. These collective votes were then compiled to establish a definitive ranking, with 'Breaking Bad' ultimately securing the top position. This comprehensive list, featuring all 100 ranked series, is now being published, followed by our own brief analysis.
1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013): This series chronicles the transformation of a chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine kingpin.
2. The Wire (2002–2008): A multifaceted exploration of Baltimore, examining the perspectives of police, criminal organizations, and governmental bodies.
3. Mad Men (2007–2015): Set in the 1960s advertising world, it delves into themes of fashion, ambition, and existential crises.
4. Succession (2018–2023): Focuses on a wealthy, dysfunctional family locked in a perpetual battle for control.
5. Fleabag (2016–2019): Features a woman who directly addresses the camera, offering candid and often uncomfortable truths.
6. Game of Thrones (2011–2019): An epic saga filled with power struggles, dragons, and betrayals.
7. Veep (2012–2019): A sharp political satire characterized by its cynical portrayal of ambition and animosity.
8. 30 Rock (2006–2013): Offers a behind-the-scenes look at a late-night sketch show, highlighting the comedic genius of Tina Fey.
9. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024): Larry David plays an exaggerated version of himself, navigating social awkwardness with often infuriating results.
10. Atlanta (2016–2022): A surreal comedy that blends elements of rap culture with the unique atmosphere of the American South.
11. The Office (US) (2005–2013): This mockumentary about mundane office life unexpectedly became a cultural phenomenon.
12. Arrested Development (2003–2019): Follows a family of wealthy eccentrics through a series of continuous, elaborate gags.
13. Girls (2012–2017): Explores the lives and self-discovery journeys of young women navigating New York City.
14. Friday Night Lights (2006–2011): Combines the drama of high school football with deeply human and resonant storytelling.
15. Six Feet Under (2001–2005): Set within the funeral business, it offers profound conversations about life and death.
16. The Office (UK) (2001–2003): The original, more biting iteration of the workplace comedy.
17. The Americans (2013–2018): Centers on Soviet spies operating undercover in the United States.
18. I May Destroy You (2020): A powerful and unflinching narrative addressing trauma and consent.
19. Chernobyl (2019): Depicts the catastrophic nuclear disaster that nearly devastated Europe.
20. The Crown (2016–2023): Provides an unvarnished look at the British royal family.
21. The White Lotus (2021–): Set at a luxurious resort where guests and staff endure each other with thinly veiled disdain.
22. Lost (2004–2010): A mysterious island setting serves as the backdrop for a narrative filled with endless enigmas.
23. Entourage (2005–2014/2026): Follows an actress attempting to reignite her television career.
24. Deadwood (2004–2006): A gritty, violent, and brilliantly written Western.
25. The Leftovers (2014–2017): Explores the lives of those who remain after a mysterious global event.
26. Black Mirror (2011–): An anthology series that examines the darker implications of technology.
27. Better Call Saul (2015–2022): A prequel exploring the backstory of the lawyer from 'Breaking Bad'.
28. Band of Brothers (2001): An epic account of one company's experiences during World War II.
29. Key & Peele (2012–2015): A sketch comedy show renowned for its sharp commentary on race and absurdity.
30. Severance (2022–): Set in an office where work and personal lives are surgically separated.
31. Survivor (2000–): A reality competition series that fundamentally altered the television landscape.
32. Andor (2022–): A more mature and politically charged entry into the Star Wars universe.
33. Enlightened (2011–2013): Laura Dern stars as a woman undergoing a personal crisis and subsequent self-improvement journey.
34. Schitt's Creek (2015–2020): A wealthy family loses everything and must learn to adapt to a simpler life.
35. True Detective (Season 1, 2014): Two detectives, a 17-year span, and a descent into philosophical horror.
36. The Pitt (2025–): A next-generation medical drama.
37. Battlestar Galactica (2003–2009): A reboot that arguably surpassed the original series.
38. Homeland (2011–2020): A gripping spy thriller starring Claire Danes.
39. Watchmen (2019): A continuation of the comic book series, exploring themes of superheroes and racism.
40. Teenage Wasteland (2024): A stark drama about the challenges of modern adolescence.
41. Louie (2010–2015): Louis C.K. portrays a semi-fictionalized version of himself.
42. Hacks (2021–): Centers on a stand-up comedian and her difficult agent.
43. Peaky Blinders (2013–2022): Follows a notorious gang in 1920s England led by Tommy Shelby.
44. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020): An animated tragedy examining depression and the pitfalls of fame.
45. Happy Valley (2014–2023): A British crime drama featuring a formidable female detective.
46. Broad City (2014–2019): Chronicles the misadventures of two best friends in New York City.
47. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017): David Lynch revisits his surreal world, making it even more enigmatic.
48. House of Cards (2013–2018): Frank Underwood's ruthless ascent to power.
49. Normal People (2020): A tender exploration of love, class, and awkwardness in Ireland.
50. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015): An optimistic comedy about local government.
51. The Good Place (2016–2020): A philosophical comedy delving into ethics and the afterlife.
52. Downton Abbey (2010–2015): Chronicles the lives of an aristocratic English family and their staff.
53. Stranger Things (2016–2025): A blend of supernatural elements, childhood adventure, and 1980s nostalgia.
54. The Bureau (2015–2020): A sophisticated French espionage series.
55. Insecure (2016–2021): Issa Rae's series about life, friendship, and identity.
56. Nathan for You (2013–2017): Features some of the most bizarre business advice ever seen on television.
57. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019–): A collection of surreal and often absurd sketch comedy.
58. Chappelle's Show (2003–2006): Legendary sketch comedy from Dave Chappelle.
59. PEN15 (2019–2021): Adult actresses portray middle school students navigating adolescence.
60. Peep Show (2003–2015): A British sitcom about two socially awkward protagonists.
61. RuPaul's Drag Race (2009–): The premier competition for drag performers globally.
62. Slow Horses (2022–): Follows a group of disgraced British intelligence agents.
63. The Thick of It (2005–2012): A biting political satire from the UK.
64. Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain (2013–2018): Unfiltered explorations of travel and cuisine.
65. Mare of Easttown (2021): Kate Winslet stars as a detective in a small town.
66. The Rehearsal (2022–): Nathan Fielder pushes the boundaries of reality and social experimentation.
67. The Handmaid's Tale (2017–2025): An dystopian series that has become disturbingly relevant.
68. Ozark (2017–2022): A family launders money, becoming increasingly entangled in criminal activity.
69. No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain (2005–2012): Early travelogues from the renowned chef.
70. The Shield (2002–2008): Explores the morally ambiguous world of corrupt police officers.
71. Beef (2023): A road rage incident escalates into an all-out war.
72. Squid Game (2021–): A global phenomenon from Korea featuring deadly games.
73. Barry (2018–2023): A hitman pursues his dream of becoming an actor.
74. The Bear (2022–): A high-pressure kitchen environment clashes with family trauma.
75. Ted Lasso (2020–): An optimistic coach who brings positivity and healing.
76. Somebody Somewhere (2022–): A quiet, heartfelt comedy celebrating small joys.
77. Modern Family (2009–2020): A large, diverse family navigates its many absurd challenges.
78. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–): Features a group of exceptionally dysfunctional friends.
79. The Good Wife (2009–2016): A lawyer re-enters the workforce after her husband's political scandal.
80. How to with John Wilson (2020–): Observational documentary journeys through New York City.
81. The Queen's Gambit (2020): A chess prodigy battles her inner demons.
82. Better Things (2016–2022): An actress navigates the complexities of raising her children.
83. Justified (2010–2015): A modern-day U.S. Marshal operates in Kentucky.
84. Planet Earth (2006–): Showcases the breathtaking beauty of the natural world.
85. The Great British Bake Off (2010–): A beloved and cozy baking competition.
86. Shōgun (2024): An epic samurai drama set in feudal Japan.
87. Reservation Dogs (2021–2023): Follows teenagers living on an Indigenous reservation.
88. Dexter (2006–2013): A serial killer who targets other criminals.
89. The Deer (2024): A true story of stalking and trauma.
90. Eastbound & Down (2009–2013): Danny McBride plays a washed-up baseball player.
91. Catastrophe (2015–2019): A British romantic comedy about an unexpected pregnancy.
92. That Night (2016): A single, difficult evening irrevocably alters a life.
93. Station Eleven (2021–2022): A post-apocalyptic story emphasizing the enduring power of art.
94. The Diplomat (2023–): Keri Russell portrays the U.S. Ambassador.
95. House M.D. (2004–2012): A brilliant diagnostician with a misanthropic outlook.
96. Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017): Chronicles the rise of personal computing and the ambitions it fueled.
97. Community (2009–2015): A highly intelligent and hilariously meta sitcom parody.
98. The OA (2016–2019): A mysterious narrative about return and belief.
99. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007): A mother and daughter duo known for their rapid-fire dialogue.
100. Scandal (2012–2018): Olivia Pope navigates the complex political landscape of Washington D.C.
The resulting list is notably eclectic, encompassing heavy dramas, absurd comedies, reality programs, and animation. It is particularly gratifying that several series from this ranking have previously appeared on our own lists, such as 'The Good Wife,' 'Gilmore Girls,' 'Ted Lasso,' and 'Enlightened.' However, we might contest the specific placement of certain shows. For instance, 'The Queen's Gambit' at 81st position strikes us as remarkably low. This miniseries garnered widespread critical acclaim, numerous major awards including Emmys, and stood out as one of its era's most impactful productions. In our view, it would comfortably fit within the top twenty. The ranking, however, was primarily shaped by the actors and industry professionals interviewed, meaning personal tastes and professional allegiances played a significant role. Consequently, the list presents a diverse array of genres, from intense dramas and spy thrillers to sitcoms, reality shows, and even culinary programs. Therefore, we would advise against viewing the order as an absolute measure of quality.
Nevertheless, we wholeheartedly agree with the inclusion of undeniable masterpieces like 'Homeland' (38th), 'Game of Thrones' (6th), 'Lost' (22nd), 'Black Mirror' (26th), and, of course, 'Breaking Bad,' which claimed the top spot. The entire top ten comprises truly powerful and significant series, though not all would necessarily make our personal top ten. Overall, a considerable number of projects in this ranking meet with our full approval.
It is crucial to remember the methodology behind this compilation: it is not a mathematical evaluation of quality nor a singular editorial decision. The New York Times aggregated the opinions of hundreds of industry insiders, each contributing their personal favorites. This approach inevitably led to a somewhat varied outcome, with some individuals prioritizing childhood favorites, others the work of colleagues, and still others projects that had a profound personal impact. Therefore, this collection of one hundred series is best appreciated not as a definitive answer to 'what is the best series?' but rather as an extensive, collective set of recommendations.
