The Greatest TV Shows of All Time: A Must-Watch List

A Selection of Top-Rated TV Shows

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: September 10, 2009
Genre: Supernatural, drama, romance
Plot: In the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, a young girl named Elena Gilbert falls in love with Stefan Salvatore, a centuries-old vampire. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when Stefan's older brother, Damon, arrives and also becomes infatuated with Elena. As Elena navigates her newfound feelings and the dangerous world of vampires, she must also protect herself and her loved ones from supernatural threats.
Stranger Things (2016-present)

Rating: 8.7/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: July 15, 2016
Genre: Science fiction, horror, drama
Plot: Set in the 1980s, Stranger Things follows a group of friends in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Their lives are turned upside down when one of their friends, Will Byers, mysteriously vanishes. As they search for Will, they encounter a mysterious girl with supernatural powers and uncover a government conspiracy involving a secret laboratory and a terrifying creature from another dimension.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Rating: 9.4/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: January 20, 2008
Genre: Crime drama
Plot: Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer, decides to use his knowledge to manufacture and sell methamphetamine. With the help of his former student, Jesse Pinkman, Walter embarks on a dangerous journey that leads to moral dilemmas, family conflicts, and a descent into the criminal underworld.
The Originals (2013-2018)

Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: October 3, 2013
Genre: Supernatural, drama, romance
Plot: As a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals follows the original vampire family, the Mikaelsons, as they return to their ancestral home in New Orleans. The Mikaelsons must confront their past, deal with a powerful vampire named Marcel Gerard, and protect their family while navigating the dangerous world of supernatural creatures.

Money Heist (2017-2021)

Rating: 8.3/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: May 20, 2017
Genre: Heist crime drama
Plot: A group of criminals, led by a mysterious figure known as "The Professor," plan and execute a series of daring heists in Spain. They target the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain, taking hostages and outsmarting the authorities. The series follows the complex dynamics between the criminals, their relationships with the hostages, and the intense cat-and-mouse game with the police.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Rating: 8.3/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: September 18, 2005
Genre: Sitcom, romantic comedy
Plot: Ted Mosby, a hopeless romantic, tells his children the story of how he met their mother. The series follows Ted's adventures with his friends, Robin Scherbatsky, Lily Aldrin, Marshall Eriksen, and Barney Stinson, as they navigate love, careers, and life in New York City. The show is known for its humour, memorable characters, and intricate storytelling.
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Rating: 9.3/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: April 17, 2011
Genre: Fantasy, drama
Plot: Based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones is set in a fictional world where summer can last for years and winter can last for decades. The series follows the power struggles of noble families as they fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms. The story is filled with political intrigue, violence, and supernatural elements.

Friends (1994-2004)

Rating: 8.9/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: September 22, 1994
Genre: Sitcom
Plot: Friends follows the lives of six friends who live in Manhattan, New York City. The series explores their relationships, careers, and personal struggles as they navigate their twenties and thirties. The show is known for its humour, relatable characters, and iconic catchphrases.

Two Broke Girls (2011-2017)

Rating: 7.3/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: November 17, 2011
Genre: Sitcom
Plot: Two waitresses, Max Black and Caroline Channing, from vastly different backgrounds, become roommates and start a cupcake business. The series follows their adventures as they navigate their friendship, their new business, and the challenges of life in New York City.

Shameless (2011-2021)

Rating: 8.7/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: January 9, 2011
Genre: Comedy-drama
Plot: Shameless follows the dysfunctional Gallagher family as they navigate life in the South Side of Chicago. The series explores themes of poverty, addiction, and family dysfunction, while also offering moments of humour and heart-warming relationships.

Dark (2017-2020)

Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Genre: Science fiction, mystery, thriller
Plot: Dark is a German series set in the small town of Winden. The story revolves around the disappearance of two children and the interconnected lives of three generations of families. As the characters investigate the disappearance, they uncover a series of time-traveling secrets and uncover a complex web of relationships and consequences.

The O.C. (2003-2007)

Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: August 5, 2003
Genre: Teen drama
Plot: The O.C. follows the lives of a group of teenagers growing up in the affluent Orange County, California. The series explores themes of class, family, friendship, and love, as the characters navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Riverdale (2017-2023)

Release Date: January 26, 2017

Genre: Teen drama, mystery

Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)

Characters: Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Veronica Lodge, Cheryl Blossom, Kevin Keller, Toni Topaz

Plot: Riverdale is a dark and twisted take on the classic Archie Comics characters. Set in the fictional town of Riverdale, the series explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and mystery, as the residents of Riverdale uncover a sinister secret beneath the town's seemingly idyllic surface. The show delves into the complexities of teenage life, including bullying, drugs, and violence, while also incorporating supernatural elements and dark humour.

The world of television has evolved dramatically over the years, offering viewers a vast array of content to choose from. From classic dramas to modern comedies, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The shows on this list represent the best TV shows of all time, showcasing exceptional storytelling, memorable characters, and cultural impact.

Whether you're a fan of classic dramas, modern comedies, or genre-bending sci-fi, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your remote, settle in, and enjoy these timeless masterpieces.