Top 40 Best TV Series of All Time (IMDb Countdown)
IMDb user ratings have shaped modern TV culture. From groundbreaking dramas to legendary animated series, this countdown ranks the 40 greatest TV shows ever, based on popularity, critical acclaim, and lasting impact.
40. South Park (1997– )
IMDb Rating: 8.7
A brutally honest animated satire following four foul-mouthed kids as they tackle politics, religion, celebrities, and society’s hypocrisies with fearless, offensive, and often shockingly insightful humor.
39. The Simpsons (1989– )
IMDb Rating: 8.7
A yellow animated family becomes a mirror of American life. The Simpsons blends satire, absurdity, and emotional storytelling while shaping pop culture for over three decades.
38. Westworld (2016–2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.5
In a futuristic theme park populated by AI “hosts,” consciousness awakens, blurring the line between humans and machines while questioning free will, identity, and morality.
37. Mr. Robot (2015–2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.6
A socially anxious hacker with dissociative identity disorder joins a cyber-revolution to take down corporate power, blending psychological drama, paranoia, and real-world hacking realism.
36. The Mandalorian (2019– )
IMDb Rating: 8.7
A lone bounty hunter navigates the outer edges of the Star Wars universe, delivering classic Western storytelling, rich world-building, and one of TV’s most beloved characters.
35. The Boys (2019– )
IMDb Rating: 8.7
A savage deconstruction of superhero culture, where corrupt “heroes” exploit fame and power while vigilantes fight back in a violent, satirical, and disturbingly relevant world.
34. Lost (2004–2010)
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Plane crash survivors struggle to survive on a mysterious island filled with supernatural elements, secret organizations, time shifts, and philosophical questions about fate and faith.
33. Dexter (2006–2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.7
A Miami forensic expert leads a secret life as a serial killer who targets criminals that escaped justice, blending psychological tension with dark moral dilemmas.
32. Narcos (2015–2017)
IMDb Rating: 8.8
The rise and fall of powerful drug cartels is explored through gritty realism, focusing on Pablo Escobar and the violent cocaine trade in Colombia.
31. Black Mirror (2011– )
IMDb Rating: 8.8
An anthology series exploring the dark side of technology, human obsession, and social media, delivering disturbing “what if” scenarios that feel increasingly prophetic.
30. House M.D. (2004–2012)
IMDb Rating: 8.7
A brilliant yet misanthropic doctor solves medical mysteries while battling addiction, ethical conflicts, and emotional isolation in this sharp medical drama.
29. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
IMDb Rating: 8.9
A “show about nothing” that became everything, redefining sitcoms with observational humor, awkward social situations, and endlessly quotable moments.
28. The Office (US) (2005–2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.9
A mockumentary capturing the painfully awkward everyday lives of office workers, led by one of television’s most iconic characters, Michael Scott.
27. Friends (1994–2004)
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Six friends navigate adulthood, relationships, and careers in New York City, creating one of the most beloved and rewatchable sitcoms ever made.
26. Dark (2017–2020)
IMDb Rating: 8.8
A German sci-fi thriller that explores time travel, determinism, and family secrets through an intricate, mind-bending narrative spanning multiple generations.
25. Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.8
A post-World War I crime saga following the ruthless Shelby family as they rise through Britain’s underworld with style, ambition, and violence.
24. Fargo (2014– )
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film, this anthology series mixes dark humor, bizarre crimes, and unforgettable characters across interconnected crime stories.
23. Stranger Things (2016– )
IMDb Rating: 8.9
A group of kids face supernatural horrors tied to secret government experiments, blending 1980s nostalgia, friendship, and sci-fi horror.
22. True Detective (Season 1 – 2014)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Two detectives hunt a ritualistic killer across decades in a haunting, philosophical crime story filled with existential dread and unforgettable performances.
21. Death Note (2006–2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
A gifted student gains the power to kill using a supernatural notebook, sparking a brilliant psychological duel with a mysterious detective.
20. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Two brothers use forbidden alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies, uncovering corruption, war crimes, and deep philosophical questions about sacrifice.
19. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
A tragic character study chronicling Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman, exploring morality, ambition, and the consequences of small compromises.
18. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Humanity battles giant humanoid creatures while uncovering shocking truths about freedom, war, and identity in this intense and emotionally devastating anime.
17. Arcane (2021– )
IMDb Rating: 9.0
A visually stunning animated series that delivers complex characters, political conflict, and emotional depth within a beautifully crafted fantasy world.
16. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
IMDb Rating: 9.1
A genre-defining anthology blending science fiction, horror, and social commentary with iconic twist endings that remain influential today.
15. Sherlock (2010–2017)
IMDb Rating: 9.1
A modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, featuring rapid dialogue, stylish visuals, and clever mysteries driven by brilliant performances.
14. The Last of Us (2023– )
IMDb Rating: 9.1
In a post-apocalyptic world, two survivors form a fragile bond while navigating moral dilemmas, loss, and hope in a brutally realistic setting.
13. Rick and Morty (2013– )
IMDb Rating: 9.1
A dark sci-fi comedy following a genius scientist and his grandson through chaotic multiverse adventures filled with absurd humor and existential themes.
12. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
Noble families fight for power in a brutal fantasy world defined by political intrigue, shocking deaths, dragons, and unforgettable moments.
11. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
A visually stunning science series exploring the universe, evolution, and humanity’s place in the cosmos with awe and accessibility.
10. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
A mafia boss balances organized crime and therapy, redefining television storytelling with psychological depth and moral complexity.
9. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
IMDb Rating: 9.3
A young hero must master four elements to restore balance to a war-torn world, blending humor, philosophy, and epic storytelling.
8. Blue Planet II (2017)
IMDb Rating: 9.3
A breathtaking exploration of Earth’s oceans, revealing stunning marine life and the fragile ecosystems beneath the surface.
7. The Wire (2002–2008)
IMDb Rating: 9.3
An unfiltered portrait of Baltimore’s institutions, crime, and society, praised for its realism and sociopolitical insight.
6. Chernobyl (2019)
IMDb Rating: 9.4
A chilling dramatization of the 1986 nuclear disaster, exposing human error, political lies, and the devastating cost of denial.
5. Band of Brothers (2001)
IMDb Rating: 9.4
A World War II epic following Easy Company, showcasing brotherhood, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of war.
4. Planet Earth (2006)
IMDb Rating: 9.4
A landmark nature documentary that redefined wildlife filmmaking with unprecedented visuals and global exploration.
3. Planet Earth II (2016)
IMDb Rating: 9.5
An even more ambitious sequel, capturing extraordinary animal behavior using cutting-edge technology.
2. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
IMDb Rating: 9.5
A chemistry teacher’s transformation into a drug kingpin becomes one of the greatest character arcs in TV history.
🏆 1. Breaking Bad
IMDb Rating: 9.5
Widely considered the greatest television series ever made, Breaking Bad set new standards for storytelling, acting, and narrative payoff.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Breaking Bad was nearly canceled after Season 1.
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The Wire used real criminals and police officers as actors.
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Friends cast earned $1 million per episode.
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Chernobyl was filmed mainly in Lithuania.
Did You Know?
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Avatar: The Last Airbender draws heavily from Asian philosophy.
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Game of Thrones killed over 1,200 named characters.
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The Office reused jokes from the UK pilot.
Goofs & Mistakes
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A coffee cup appears in Game of Thrones.
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Breaking Bad chemistry isn’t always accurate.
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Friends geography mistakes are frequent.
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