📺 Top 20 TV Series According to IMDb (Scripted Only)
Television has produced countless iconic series, but some shows rise above the rest thanks to stellar writing, unforgettable characters, and gripping stories. Based on IMDb ratings, here are the top 20 scripted, live-action series — with plots, mini-reviews, fun facts, and “Did You Know?” trivia.
1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013) — ★ 9.5/10
Seasons: 5 | Network: AMC
Plot: High school chemistry teacher Walter White is diagnosed with terminal cancer. To secure his family's future, he partners with former student Jesse Pinkman to produce methamphetamine, descending into the criminal underworld.
Fun Fact: The blue meth crystals were made from rock candy.
Did You Know? The final season’s episode “Ozymandias” has one of the highest episode ratings on IMDb ever.
2. Game of Thrones (2011–2019) — ★ 9.3/10
Seasons: 8 | Network: HBO
Plot: Noble families battle for control of the Iron Throne in the mythical continents of Westeros and Essos, while a forgotten threat rises from the North.
Fun Fact: The Red Wedding remains one of the most shocking TV moments ever.
Did You Know? Later seasons had budgets rivaling Hollywood blockbusters.
3. The Wire (2002–2008) — ★ 9.3/10
Seasons: 5 | Network: HBO
Plot: A crime drama exploring Baltimore’s drug trade through law enforcement, politics, schools, and media institutions.
Fun Fact: Many actors were real police officers or locals.
Did You Know? Critics often hail it as the most realistic portrayal of American cities ever.
4. The Sopranos (1999–2007) — ★ 9.2/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: HBO
Plot: Mob boss Tony Soprano balances family life and criminal operations while seeing a psychiatrist to cope with panic attacks.
Fun Fact: The finale sparked debate for its abrupt ending.
Did You Know? The show is credited with starting the “Golden Age of Television.”
5. Better Call Saul (2015–2022) — ★ 9.0/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: AMC
Plot: Prequel to Breaking Bad, following Jimmy McGill’s transformation into shady lawyer Saul Goodman.
Fun Fact: Many Breaking Bad characters make appearances with expanded backstories.
Did You Know? Critics often argue it equals or surpasses its predecessor in quality.
6. True Detective (2014–present, Season 1 highest rated) — ★ 9.0/10
Seasons: Anthology (Season 1 highest rated) | Network: HBO
Plot: Detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart investigate a ritualistic murder in Louisiana across 17 years. Each season features a new case and cast.
Fun Fact: The six-minute one-shot tracking sequence in Episode 4 is hailed as a technical masterpiece.
Did You Know? Each season features a unique storytelling style and cinematography.
7. Sherlock (2010–2017) — ★ 9.1/10
Seasons: 4 | Network: BBC
Plot: Modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson, solving complex mysteries in London.
Fun Fact: Episodes are feature-length (~90 minutes each).
Did You Know? Production gaps between seasons made each release highly anticipated globally.
8. Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) — ★ 8.8/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: BBC/Netflix
Plot: Post-WWI Birmingham gang led by Tommy Shelby builds a criminal empire while navigating rivals and law enforcement.
Fun Fact: Modern music is used in the period setting for dramatic effect.
Did You Know? The real Peaky Blinders were a violent gang in early 1900s England.
9. Dexter (2006–2013) — ★ 8.6/10
Seasons: 8 | Network: Showtime
Plot: Forensic blood analyst Dexter Morgan leads a secret life as a vigilante serial killer targeting criminals who escape justice.
Fun Fact: The character’s “code” comes from his adoptive father’s rules.
Did You Know? Dexter’s revival in 2021 was highly anticipated by fans worldwide.
10. Lost (2004–2010) — ★ 8.5/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: ABC
Plot: Survivors of a plane crash struggle to survive on a mysterious island with supernatural elements, flashbacks, and complex character arcs.
Fun Fact: The show’s mysteries sparked thousands of fan theories.
Did You Know? The island itself is considered a “character” in storytelling discussions.
11. Fargo (2014–present) — ★ 8.9/10
Seasons: 4 | Network: FX
Plot: Anthology crime series inspired by the 1996 movie, featuring dark humor and unexpected violence in the Midwest.
Fun Fact: Each season is set in a different time period with new characters.
Did You Know? Despite its changing cast, it maintains critical acclaim.
12. Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014) — ★ 8.6/10
Seasons: 5 | Network: HBO
Plot: During Prohibition, Nucky Thompson rises as a political and criminal figure in Atlantic City, navigating mob rivalries and corruption.
Fun Fact: Steve Buscemi’s portrayal of Nucky Thompson earned multiple Emmy nominations.
Did You Know? Historical figures like Al Capone appear throughout the series.
13. House of Cards (2013–2018) — ★ 8.7/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: Netflix
Plot: Politician Frank Underwood manipulates his way to power in Washington, D.C., alongside his wife Claire.
Fun Fact: The show helped solidify Netflix as a streaming powerhouse.
Did You Know? Kevin Spacey won a Golden Globe for his role before controversy led to his departure.
14. The West Wing (1999–2006) — ★ 8.8/10
Seasons: 7 | Network: NBC
Plot: Follows President Josiah Bartlet and his staff navigating political, personal, and ethical dilemmas in the White House.
Fun Fact: Known for “walk and talk” filming style.
Did You Know? Several episodes drew from real political events.
15. Mad Men (2007–2015) — ★ 8.6/10
Seasons: 7 | Network: AMC
Plot: Focused on ad executive Don Draper and colleagues in the 1960s, exploring personal and societal transformations.
Fun Fact: Its visual style and historical accuracy are widely acclaimed.
Did You Know? It won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series four times.
16. The Americans (2013–2018) — ★ 8.6/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: FX
Plot: Two KGB spies pose as a suburban American couple during the Cold War, balancing espionage and family life.
Fun Fact: Inspired by real Cold War spy stories.
Did You Know? Critically acclaimed for writing, acting, and tension-filled plots.
17. Vikings (2013–2020) — ★ 8.5/10
Seasons: 6 | Network: History Channel
Plot: Chronicles the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, his family, and explorations across Europe.
Fun Fact: Norse culture and mythology heavily inspire story arcs.
Did You Know? The series inspired spin-offs, including Vikings: Valhalla.
18. Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014) — ★ 8.5/10
Seasons: 7 | Network: FX
Plot: Follows a motorcycle club in California balancing family loyalty, crime, and personal struggles.
Fun Fact: Kurt Sutter, creator, also played a recurring character.
Did You Know? The show’s biker authenticity won praise from real-life motorcyclists.
19. The Crown (2016–present) — ★ 8.7/10
Seasons: 5+ | Network: Netflix
Plot: Chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, political events, and family life from the 1940s onward.
Fun Fact: Each season recasts the main characters to reflect aging.
Did You Know? Critics often praise the series for historical accuracy and performances.
20. Stranger Things (2016–present) — ★ 8.6/10
Seasons: 5 | Network: Netflix
Plot: Kids in 1980s Indiana encounter a parallel universe, supernatural forces, and government secrets while searching for a missing friend.
Fun Fact: Combines horror, sci-fi, and nostalgic ’80s culture.
Did You Know? Its Dungeons & Dragons-inspired storylines inspired a new generation of fans.
📊 Top 20 Live-Action Series Sorted by IMDb Rating
| Rank | Title | Years | Seasons | Network | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breaking Bad | 2008–2013 | 5 | AMC | 9.5 |
| 2 | Game of Thrones | 2011–2019 | 8 | HBO | 9.3 |
| 3 | The Wire | 2002–2008 | 5 | HBO | 9.3 |
| 4 | The Sopranos | 1999–2007 | 6 | HBO | 9.2 |
| 5 | Better Call Saul | 2015–2022 | 6 | AMC | 9.0 |
| 6 | True Detective (Season 1) | 2014 | 1 | HBO | 9.0 |
| 7 | Sherlock | 2010–2017 | 4 | BBC | 9.1 |
| 8 | Fargo | 2014–present | 4 | FX | 8.9 |
| 9 | House of Cards | 2013–2018 | 6 | Netflix | 8.7 |
| 10 | The Crown | 2016–present | 5+ | Netflix | 8.7 |
| 11 | Dexter | 2006–2013 | 8 | Showtime | 8.6 |
| 12 | Mad Men | 2007–2015 | 7 | AMC | 8.6 |
| 13 | The Americans | 2013–2018 | 6 | FX | 8.6 |
| 14 | Lost | 2004–2010 | 6 | ABC | 8.5 |
| 15 | Vikings | 2013–2020 | 6 | History | 8.5 |
| 16 | Sons of Anarchy | 2008–2014 | 7 | FX | 8.5 |
| 17 | Peaky Blinders | 2013–2022 | 6 | BBC/Netflix | 8.8 |
| 18 | Boardwalk Empire | 2010–2014 | 5 | HBO | 8.6 |
| 19 | Stranger Things | 2016–present | 5 | Netflix | 8.6 |
| 20 | The West Wing | 1999–2006 | 7 | NBC | 8.8 |
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