20 Best TV Shows Of All Time: Gen Z’s Selections!

Picture this: you've just completed another round of exams, and now it's time to escape the boredom of your textbooks and dive right into the ultimate study break – TV Shows. From the mind-bending mysteries that'll have you questioning everything (including your weekend plans) to the sitcoms that feel like a warm embrace between classes, we're about to tell you everything there is to know about the absolute best TV shows of all time. But here's the catch – we're counting down from 20 to 1, so keep reading until the end to uncover the absolute top pick.

20 Best TV Shows Of All Time

Everybody loves a good TV show. The best TV dramas of all time have one thing in common - they give viewers a chance to live the lives of the characters. Additionally, students also find themselves involved in TV shows more often than not because, let's face it, sometimes the best education happens on the small screen! So, it's finally time to know more about the 20 best series of all time:

#20. Seinfeld

Genre: Comedy
Years: 1989–1998
Creators: Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld
Main Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander

The last show on our list of the best TV shows of all time is Seinfeld. Similar to Friends, this show also involves a group of friends who navigate through the absurdities of daily life in New York City, finding humour in the mundane. This is the best series ever if you're looking for a light-hearted comedy show to watch before bed. You can find this show on Netflix!

#19. Fleabag

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Years: 2016–2019
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Main Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Olivia Colman

Hilarious, witty, and poignant "Fleabag" is one of the most entertaining shows at the moment. When discussing the 20 best TV shows ever, Fleabag is definitely a great addition to the list, which you can watch on Amazon Prime. The show depicts the life of a chaotic and witty young woman who navigates through life, love, loss, and friendship with her charm. Also, did you know that "Fleabag," the nickname of the central character, is also the nickname given to actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge by her family. An absolute must-watch for those who find themselves relating to the main character!

#18. M*A*S*H

Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
Years: 1972–1983
Creator: Larry Gelbart
Main Cast: Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr

If you like the entertaining combination of comedy, drama, and war, then this is one of the best shows of all time for you. M*A*S*H is set during the Korean War, with the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Unit providing viewers with a hilarious twist to the challenges they face in the medical unit. Even though this is one of the oldest and best shows of all time, M*A*S*H continues to entertain fans all over the world with its witty charm. Catch all 11 seasons of this show on Hulu!

#17. Better Call Saul

Genre: Crime, Drama
Years: 2015–present
Creators: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
Main Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad and primarily revolves around Saul Goodman, a small-time lawyer hustling for success who transforms into a morally challenged lawyer. The show is so good that we find it hard to believe that Better Call Saul started out as a joke in the 'Breaking Bad' writer's room. If you enjoyed watching Breaking Bad, then Better Call Saul is certainly the next show for you. It is definitely the all time best series to watch on Netflix. 

#16. Star Trek

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Years: Various series from 1966–preset
Creator: Gene Roddenberry (Original Series)
Main Cast (varies depending on the series)

Star Trek is an oldie but goodie. This show explores the final frontier as diverse crews embark on interstellar adventures, in which they encounter new civilizations and go places where nobody has gone before. This one is our favourite addition to the best 20 TV series of all time due to its huge fan following and craze. We're sure you must've come across a few Star Trek references now and then, if not, watch this show on Netflix and find out! 

#15. The West Wing

Genre: Drama
Years: 1999–2006
Creator: Aaron Sorkin
Main Cast: Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford

The West Wing, created by Aaron Sorkin, is one of the most well-known and best TV shows of all time. As viewers, you will get the chance to immerse yourself in the daily workings of the White House as President Josiah Bartlet and his staff navigate the political maze. This is regarded as one of the best series ever in the political drama genre, and can be watched on Amazon Prime!

#14. The Crown

Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Years: 2016–present
Creator: Peter Morgan
Main Cast: Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter

If there's one person to learn about, it's Queen Elizabeth II. A timeless icon, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most well-known personalities. As such, having a TV show based on her was something everybody absolutely adored! The Crown is one of the best shows of all time to watch on Netflix if you want to learn more about her reign and the personal and political challenges she faced. Watching this best TV series of all time will also give you incredible insights into the British Monarchy. 

#13. How I Met Your Mother

Genre: Comedy, Romance
Years: 2005–2014
Creators: Carter Bays, Craig Thomas
Main Cast: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders. Neil Patrick Harris

There are two kinds of people in this world - those who prefer the TV show Friends and those who prefer How I Met Your Mother. If you belong to the latter category, we understand! How I Met Your Mother is another excellent addition to the list of the 20 best TV shows ever. The premise of this best TV series of all time involves the main protagonist - Ted Mosby - as he recalls his romantic relationships and friendships with his children, leading up to the revelation of how he met their mother. It is one of the most wholesome TV shows and perfect for those who like the blend of romance with comedy! You can start binge-watching this show on Amazon Prime and Hulu! 

#12. True Detective

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Years: 2014–present
Creator: Nic Pizzolatto
Main Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell

This one's for those who enjoy being a detective. If you're somebody who enjoys uncovering mysteries yourself, you'll surely enjoy True Detective, which is considered one of the best TV shows of all time in the mystery genre. Each season of this show unveils a new crime investigation and encapsulates viewers into many dark and mysterious tales, so head to Amazon Prime now and start bingeing!. 

#11. Chernobyl

Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Years: 2019
Creator: Craig Mazin
Main Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Jessie Buckley

Chernobyl is truly one of the greatest TV shows of all time. This drama miniseries recounts the 1986 nuclear disaster with the explosion of the No. 4 reactor of the nuclear power plant. The show delves into the aftermath, political cover-ups, and the heroism of those who face the catastrophic events. If you're somebody who enjoys this genre, Chernobyl is definitely a great option to start and is considered the best HBO series of all time, found on Amazon Prime. 

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#10. Band of Brothers

Genre: Action, Drama, History
Years: 2001
Creators: Erik Jendresen, Tom Hanks
Main Cast: Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, David Schwimmer

Band of Brothers takes viewers through a heroic journey of the Easy Company, part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, as they fight through World War II. Those who prefer watching docuseries can watch Band of Brothers on Amazon Prime and get deep insights. Want to know something interesting about this show? It had more explosions than "Saving Private Ryan”. The excellent cast, production, sets, and plot are what make this show one of the top TV shows of all time. Immerse yourself by checking out our virtual guide on the best TV shows of all time!

#9. Succession

Genre: Drama
Years: 2018–present
Creator: Jesse Armstrong
Main Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook

Speaking of all-time best series to binge-watch, we have Succession. The plot for this all-time best drama series revolves around the Roy Family, who are media magnates and how they indulge in ruthless power struggles and betrayal. Surprisingly, Jeremy Strong originally auditioned for the role of Roman on Succession. The show, which can be found on Amazon Prime, also explores family dynamics and corporate greed, which is why it's a great option for those who enjoy this particular genre. 

#8. The Office

Genre: Comedy
Years: 2005–2013
Creator: Greg Daniels
Main Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski

Ask anybody from the ages of 18-25 what their favourite TV show is, and they're going to tell you it's The Office. The Office is one of the best shows of all time in the comedy genre. The show wonderfully captures the absurdities of office culture through the quirky employees, along with the show's most lovable character - Michael Scott. It is definitely a top choice for all time best series to binge watch! Wondering where to watch The Office? Head over to Amazon Prime! 

#7. Mad Men

Genre: Drama
Years: 2007–2015
Creator: Matthew Weiner
Main Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser

Mad Men is surely one of the greatest additions to our list of the best TV shows of all time. Set in the 1960s, this all-time best drama series stars Emmy Award winner John Hamm, who plays the role of Don Draper, working in the world of advertising. It may even shock you to know that John Hamm almost didn't get the role of Don Draper in Mad Men! Navigating the complexities of work and personal relationships, this is one of the top TV shows of all time that gives viewers a glimpse into the era's societal shift. You can watch this show from the comfort of your own home on Amazon Prime! 

#6. The Sopranos

Genre: Crime, Drama
Years: 1999–2007
Creator: David Chase
Main Cast: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco

The Sopranos is one of the best TV shows of all time, and people would never fail to recommend it. Mob Boss Tony Soprano seeks therapy in this show to balance the demands of his crime family and personal issues. Many watch and love The Sopranos for its nuanced exploration of morality and family dynamics, which is enough to keep crime enthusiasts hooked! STart binge watching this iconic show on Amazon Prime and HBO.com!

#5. Twin Peaks

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Years: 1990–1991, 2017
Creators: David Lynch, Mark Frost
Main Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick

Twin Peaks is an excellent mix of crime and mystery. This show is considered one of the best TV series of all time as it involves uncovering supernatural elements and dark secrets. The reason Twin Peaks is considered one of the top TV shows of all time is because back in 1990, the show combined multiple elements of different genres into one show, including nighttime soap, supernatural horror, and absurdist humour. If that genre is something that interests you, then you should definitely watch this one on Amazon Prime!

#4. The Wire

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Years: 2002–2008
Creator: David Simon
Main Cast: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn

The Wire offers viewers with an excellent premise, star cast, and plot. This addition to our list of the best TV shows of all time explores the interconnected lives of law enforcement, drug dealers, and residents. Though a bit intense, this is one of the greatest TV shows of all time that sheds light on the city's social and political challenges. A fact that might interest you about The Wire is that creator David Simon received a Macarthur Genius Grant for his work in this show. You definitely HAVE to watch this one now, which can be found across various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO.com!

#3. Friends

Genre: Comedy, Romance
Years: 1994–2004
Creators: David Crane, Marta Kauffman
Main Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow

Who can forget about one of the most iconic shows of all time - Friends? Created in 1994, this show quickly gained popularity because of its excellent cast members and feel-good vibe. This is considered as one of the best TV shows of all time and is about six friends who navigate through love, careers, friendships, and the quirks of living in New York City. If you're ever having a tough day, just sit back and enjoy one episode of this best series ever. We're sure you'll feel a lot better. You can find this show on Netflix and Amazon Prime!

#2. Game of Thrones

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Years: 2011–2019
Creators: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
Main Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey

Another excellent addition to our list of the best TV shows of all time is Game of Thrones. Based on the book called The Song Of Ice And Fire, Game of Thrones was written by George R R Martin and has set the benchmark for contemporary epic fantasy. The plot revolves around a bunch of different houses fighting for the Iron Throne, the ultimate power in Westeros. This show is considered as one of the best HBO series of all time and is all about epic battles, political intrigue, and dragons! Because who doesn't love dragons? And surprisingly, Peter Dinklage almost turned down the role of Tyrion Lannister! If you haven't seen this show yet, then you know nothing, Jon Snow!

Have you figured out which show tops our list of the 20 best shows of all time yet? You’re about to!

#1. Scroll To Find Out

Breaking Bad

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Years: 2008–2013
Creator: Vince Gilligan
Main Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn

Yes, you guessed it right! Created by Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad is one of the most-watched and best TV shows. The premise of this best TV series of all time involves a chemistry teacher called Walter White, who turns into a methamphetamine producer along with a student of his - Jesse Pinkman. Did you also know that AMC's "Breaking Bad" was originally supposed to be set in California, not New Mexico. This intense drama is regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time due to the thrilling adventure in the criminal world, along with moral deterioration. Start binge-watching the ultimate winner of our list on Netflix and Amazon Prime. 

This was our list of the 20 best TV shows ever. Now that you know about the shows well enough, you can start binge-watching some of these 20 best TV shows of all time at ease with all the information you need. These 20 shows serve as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on both the small screen and our collective memories. We are reminded that each episode is more than just a show as we enjoy the finest that television has to offer; it is a journey, a cultural icon, and a piece of the dynamic story of our shared entertainment heritage. Happy binge-watching!