55 Of The Best Shows Ever!
This is the golden era of the silver screen!
TV shows have become increasingly popular, and some argue that they are better than movies for a variety of reasons.
Longer storytelling: TV shows allow for more in-depth and complex stories to be told over multiple seasons, whereas movies typically have a shorter runtime and less room for character development and plot twists.
Character development: TV shows often have a large ensemble cast, which allows for a more detailed exploration of each character’s backstory, motivations, and relationships.
Variety: TV shows come in many different genres, styles, and formats, from comedies and dramas to crime shows and sci-fi. This allows for a wider range of stories to be told and for audiences to find a show that suits their specific interests.
Convenience: With streaming platforms, it’s easy to watch TV shows anytime, anywhere, and binge-watch multiple episodes in one sitting.
Budget: TV shows often have a larger budget than movies, which allows for more elaborate special effects, better-known actors, and more accurate representation of the subject matter.
Here’s a list of the 55 best shows I've ever seen in no particular order.
If your favorite tv show was not listed, leave a comment, I’m always looking for more binge-worthy shows!
1. The Wire (5 Seasons)
Summary: Widely considered one of the best shows to ever hit the silver screen.
The show is set in Baltimore, Maryland, and examines the city’s drug trade, the criminal justice system, and the political corruption that surrounds them. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of the city and its inhabitants, as well as its complex, multi-layered storytelling.
Each season of the show focuses on a different aspect of the city, beginning with the drug trade in the inner-city neighborhoods in the first season and later exploring the political and media aspects of the city in later seasons.
If you’ve never seen it, what are you waiting for???
2. The Sopranos (6 Seasons)
Summary: Here is another show that is in the mix for arguably one of the greatest shows ever.
The show follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster, who struggles to balance his family life with his role as the leader of a criminal organization. The show explores the internal power struggles, personal and professional relationships, and mental health struggles of Tony and his crime family.
It has also been credited with helping to establish the popularity of television dramas and the rise of the “Golden Age of Television.”
3. Peaky Blinders (5 Seasons)
Summary: The show is set in Birmingham, England, in the aftermath of World War I, and follows the Shelby crime family, led by Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), as they navigate their way through the world of organized crime in the city.
The series also explores the social and political changes of the time, such as the rise of fascism and the labor movement, and how they affect the Shelby family and their criminal enterprise.
“Peaky Blinders” has been critically acclaimed for its writing, acting, and historical accuracy. They are currently working on a full-feature film that should be released sometime in 2024.
4. Fleishman Is In Trouble (1 season so far)
Summary: This is a new show with only one season in the books so it's a bit hard to judge how good it will be in the future.
The show centers around New York City-based doctor whose wife, Rachel, has recently left him. Toby has to navigate the challenges of being a single parent and dealing with the aftermath of his divorce. It also explores the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic, and the ways in which societal expectations can affect them.
5. Ozark (4 seasons)
Summary: The show stars Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial advisor and family man who suddenly relocates his family from the Chicago suburbs to a summer resort community in the Ozarks. Marty’s relocation is in order to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong.
The Byrde family quickly become embroiled in the criminal underworld of the Ozarks and must navigate the dangerous waters of both the cartel and the local community in order to survive.
Lookout for Julia Garner (Ruth Langmore) who does a phenomenal job on this show.
6. White Lotus (2 seasons so far)
Summary: HBO keeps putting out bangers! White Lotus was an immediate hit and season 2 did not disappoint!
The series is known for its satirical take on the high-end hotel industry and the excesses of its guests, as well as its sharp wit and dark humor. Each season is a different story with a different cast but one thing is for sure every season (so far) has been highly entertaining.
7. Breaking Bad (5 seasons)
Summary: A high school chemistry teacher who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, turns to a life of crime by producing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future. The show follows Walter’s descent into the criminal underworld and the impact it has on his relationships with his family and friends.
The series also stars Aaron Paul as White’s former student and business partner, Jesse Pinkman, who wasn't originally supposed to be on for the entirety of the show but was such a great character that the director decided to leave him in.
8. The Dropout (1 season)
Summary: “The Dropout” is a podcast and later a limited television series based on the true story of Elizabeth Holmes, the CEO of Theranos, a company she founded in 2003, which was once valued at $9 billion dollars but collapsed in 2018 amidst fraud allegations.
The Dropout is a chilling story of ambition, deception, and greed, and a cautionary tale of what can happen when the drive to be successful overrides ethics and integrity.
9. Lost (6 seasons)
Summary: The original cliffhanger, back when I first watched this I binged the entire first season in 2 days. Every episode ended in such a way that you HAD to watch the next one.
The show follows the survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious island, where they must survive against the island’s supernatural elements, as well as other threats such as rival groups of survivors. The series also explores the backstories and motivations of the characters, and features a complex narrative with multiple flashbacks and flash-forwards.
10. Inventing Anna (1 season)
Summary: Anna Delvey, the “German heiress” who stole the hearts of New York’s social scene — and stole their money as well. Julia Garner is truly a fantastic actress, and this whole story is pure insanity. If you think you know the full story just wait til you watch this.
11. Stranger Things (5 seasons so far)
Summary: The show that brought the 80’s back. I’m not usually into this type of genre but the creators of the show together with the cast and the music make this highly binge-worthy.
A group of friends uncovers supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies related to the disappearance of one of their own. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious girl with psychic abilities who helps them in their quest.
12. Suburra: Blood On Rome (3 seasons)
Summary: The show is based on the novel “Suburra” by Carlo Bonini and Giancarlo De Cataldo and is set in the world of organized crime and politics in the city. The series follows a group of characters, including a young criminal, a corrupt politician, and a powerful businessman, as they navigate the dangerous and complex world of the Roman underworld. This is one of the best shows I've seen in recent years.
13. Fauda (4 seasons so far)
Summary: Probably the most popular show to come out of Israel, ever. Fauda is a political thriller, which focuses on the Israel-Palestine conflict and follows a team of undercover Israeli agents as they infiltrate Palestinian militant groups in order to stop terrorist attacks. The series explores the personal and professional lives of the agents, as well as the perspectives of the Palestinian characters, and delves into the complexities of the conflict and the moral dilemmas faced by both sides. The show was created by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, both of whom have served in the Israeli Defense Forces.
14. Formula 1: Drive To Survive (5 seasons so far)
Summary: If you are looking for action, drama, comedy, and an appreciation of just how difficult it is to be an F1 driver, this is the show for you. I purposefully only added a few documentary-like shows to this list. However, if you're looking for documentary recommendations I added a few lists at the end (linked at the bottom).
The show provides an in-depth look at the world of Formula One racing, following the teams and drivers as they compete in the F1 World Championship. The series covers the behind-the-scenes drama, the intense rivalries, and the high-stakes races that take place throughout the season.
This show made me an F1 fan!
15. Chernobyl (1 season)
Summary: Based on the true events of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine, which is considered to be one of the worst man-made disasters in history. The series explores the causes of the disaster, the initial response to the crisis, and the long-term aftermath, both on the people living in the area and on the Soviet government. The show also examines the human cost of the disaster and its impact on the lives of those affected by it.
16. Friends (10 seasons)
Summary: A classic, which is still funny all these years later. If you are nostalgic for the 90’s or just want to watch some good ol’ sitcoms from back in the day, it doesn't get any better than Friends.
17. Curb Your Enthusiasm (11 seasons so far)
Summary: If Larry David is involved, I’m in. The show is a single-camera series shot in a cinéma vérité style and follows Larry as he navigates the daily life and social interactions of a semi-retired television writer/producer, with his characteristic misanthropy, caustic wit, and stubborn refusal to compromise. The show is known for its improvisational style and features a mix of slapstick and satirical wit, often depicting cringe-worthy scenarios, and has been praised for its sharp humor and David’s portrayal of his character.
Larry David is a comedic national treasure, no one does observational humor, or social commentary, better. He has also been credited with pioneering the “show about nothing” style of comedy, where the humor comes from the characters’ everyday lives and interactions, rather than a traditional plot.
18. Black Mirror (5 seasons so far)
Summary: Welcome to our dystopian future. The show explores the potential consequences of advanced technology, particularly in relation to the darker aspects of human nature. Each episode tells a standalone story, with a different cast and a different setting, but all are united by the theme of technology and its impact on society and individuals. The show is known for its dark, often satirical tone and for raising thought-provoking questions about the future of technology and its effects on human behavior. From what I understand they are currently working on a 6th season.
19. Narcos (3 seasons)
Summary: Wagner Moura (Pablo) didn't know Spanish before the show, which watching the show you would never ever know that. Based on the true story of the rise and fall of the Medellín Cartel, a powerful criminal organization that controlled much of the illegal drug trade in Colombia in the 1980s and early 1990s. The series follows the DEA agents and Colombian law enforcement officials as they attempt to bring down the cartel and its notorious leader, Pablo Escobar.
The show also explores the political and social context of the drug war in Colombia, as well as the complex moral issues involved in the fight against the cartels.
20. House (8 seasons)
Summary: I’m not a massive fan of hospital shows but House was different. House, a brilliant but unorthodox medical diagnostician who leads a team of doctors at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. The series focuses on the team’s efforts to diagnose and treat patients with complex and unusual medical conditions, with House using his unconventional approach to medicine and his deep understanding of the human body to solve medical mysteries.
21. True Detective (3 seasons so far)
Summary: The show is created and written by Nic Pizzolatto, and each season features a different cast and story. The series follows detectives as they investigate criminal cases, often involving murder and corruption, and the personal and professional lives of the detectives.
22. Silicon Valley (6 seasons)
Summary: Silicon Valley is a television series that satirizes the tech industry and startup culture in the Silicon Valley region of California. The show follows a group of friends and colleagues as they attempt to launch a successful startup company while navigating the cutthroat and often ridiculous world of Silicon Valley.
23. Chef’s Table (6 seasons)
Summary: The show features renowned chefs from around the world, and delves into their personal and professional lives, exploring their culinary philosophies and the sources of their inspiration. Each episode focuses on a different chef and their unique story. The storytelling and beautiful cinematography really stand out, not to mention the absolutely ridiculous food by some of the best chefs alive.
24. The Inbetweeners (3 seasons)
Summary: A British coming-of-age sitcom that follows the lives of four socially awkward and sexually inexperienced friends, Will, Simon, Neil, and Jay, as they navigate their teenage years in a suburban London town. The series is known for its crude and often controversial humor, as well as its relatable portrayal of adolescence. The show was critically acclaimed, and it also had a spin-off movie released in 2011 and a sequel in 2014. Both movies weren’t very good in my opinion but the show was brilliantly written and masterfully performed.
25. Succession (3 seasons so far)
Summary: A wealthy and powerful media mogul family, and the business and personal conflicts they face as they struggle to maintain control of their empire. The show centers around the patriarch of the family, Logan Roy, and his four adult children, who are constantly vying for power and position within the company. The show is known for its dark humor, sharp writing, and complex characters.
26. OZ (6 seasons)
Summary: A prison drama set in the Oswald State Correctional Facility, a fictional maximum-security prison. The series explores the lives of the prison’s inmates and staff, delving into their personal stories, relationships, and conflicts. Oz is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of prison life, as well as its diverse and multi-dimensional characters. I haven’t rewatched this but I remember watching this as a teenager and I couldn't wait for the next episode each and every week.
27. Squid Game (1 season so far)
Summary: This show was a massive hit so we are sure to hear of a season 2 release sometime in the near future. The show follows a group of people who are chosen to participate in a mysterious game known as “Squid Game.” The game involves a series of tasks and challenges that the players must complete in order to win a large sum of money. However, as the game progresses, it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just the prize money. The players soon find themselves in a life-or-death situation, as they must uncover the truth behind the game and its creators.
28. Entourage (8 seasons)
Summary: The fella's version of Sex & the City. The 5 main characters in the show are Vincent Chase and his close group of friends, including his older half-brother Johnny “Drama” Chase, and his entourage of Eric, Turtle, and Ari Gold, his agent. The show follows Vincent’s rise to fame in Hollywood and the personal and professional challenges that he and his friends face along the way.
29. Boardwalk Empire (5 seasons)
Summary: Based out of Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the prohibition era of the 1920s and early 1930s. The series follows the life of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a political figure and racketeer who controls the city’s illegal alcohol trade and political machine. The show also explores the lives of other characters involved in the city’s criminal underworld, including gangsters, politicians, and law enforcement officials.
30. Fargo (4 seasons so far)
Summary: The show is an adaptation of the 1996 film of the same name, and takes place in the same universe as the film. Each season of the show follows a new case and new characters, although some characters from previous seasons may make appearances. The show is set in the Midwestern United States, primarily in the fictional town of Fargo, North Dakota. The series has a distinctive blend of dark humor, crime, and violence, and is so uniquely different and fun to watch.
31. Homeland (8 seasons)
Summary: The show follows the story of Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer who becomes convinced that a U.S. Marine, who was held captive by Al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war, has been turned by the enemy and now poses a significant threat to national security. The series explores themes of espionage, counterterrorism, and the personal and professional lives of intelligence officers. Throughout the series, Carrie’s actions and decisions have significant consequences for both herself and those around her.
32. The Romanoffs (1 season)
Summary: The show was created, written, directed, and produced by Matthew Weiner, who is best known for creating the critically acclaimed series Mad Men. Each episode of The Romanoffs tells a standalone story, all of which revolve around people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family, the Romanovs. Each episode takes place in a different location and features a different cast and story.
33. Kingdom (5 seasons)
Summary: The show is set in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and follows the story of Alvey Kulina, a retired MMA fighter who runs a gym in Venice, California. The series explores the personal and professional lives of the fighters at the gym, including Alvey’s relationships with his family and the challenges they face as they try to navigate the cutthroat world of MMA.
34. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (4 seasons so far)
Summary: The show takes place in the 1950s in New York City and follows the story of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife and mother who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. The series explores themes of women’s empowerment, the changing social and cultural landscape of the 1950s, and the world of stand-up comedy.
35. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (12 seasons)
Summary: The show is hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain, a well-known chef, author, and television personality. The show features Bourdain traveling to various locations around the world, exploring the local culture, food and customs through in-depth conversations with locals and chefs.
Throughout the series, Bourdain engages with people from all walks of life and provides a unique perspective on the world, highlighting the diversity and commonality of the human experience. While what Anthony did was extremely sad, I prefer to celebrate his life through who he was on the show and the stories he told that transported the viewer if even for a second to a distant land.
36. Somebody Feed Phil (6 seasons so far)
Summary: The new Anthony Bourdain? Not at all!
Phil is his own person, persona, and character. This is why this show is so endearing, Phil is just authentically himself, a goofy guy that loves food and making people laugh. Phil Rosenthal is the creator and executive producer of the hit sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
The show follows Phil as he travels to different cities around the world, sampling local cuisine and culture. Each episode features Phil exploring the city’s food scene, trying new dishes, and visiting local landmarks and attractions.
37. The Bear (1 season so far)
Summary: if you sense a food theme, you're right, however, this is the last food show on this list, I promise.
A young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in his family.
38. Seinfeld (9 seasons)
Summary: The show was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, and stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself. The show is often considered one of the greatest television series of all time and it follows the life of Jerry Seinfeld, a New York City stand-up comedian, and his group of eccentric friends. The show is known for its use of observational humor, clever writing, and memorable characters. The show is also known for its ability to take everyday situations and turn them into comedic gold.
39. Shameless (11 seasons)
Summary: To be completely honest once Emmy Rossum left the show in season 9, I stopped watching, it just didn’t feel the same. However, those 9 seasons were amazing and well worth the watch. Like many other American shows, this too was an adaptation of the British series of the same name.
The show follows the lives of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, led by the alcoholic father Frank, and his six children, who are left to fend for themselves after their mother leaves the family. The show is known for its dark humor, strong performances, and its ability to tackle serious issues such as poverty, drug addiction, and mental health while also dealing with the daily struggles of the Gallagher family.
40. Unorthodox (1 season)
Summary: A unique and rare look into an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic community in Brooklyn, New York. This is a German-American television miniseries based on the memoir of Deborah Feldman. Esty (the main character) feels trapped in her community and decides to leave her arranged marriage and her life in Brooklyn to pursue her dreams of studying music in Berlin. The show explores Esty’s journey of self-discovery, as she struggles to navigate life outside of her community and grapples with her identity and sense of belonging. The show is praised for its performances, particularly by the lead actress Shira Haas.
41. Your Honor (2 seasons so far)
Summary: The show is set in New Orleans and is based on the Israeli series “Kvodo.” The show follows the story of Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston), a respected judge whose life is turned upside down when his teenage son Adam (Hunter Doohan) becomes embroiled in a hit-and-run accident. In order to protect his son, Michael becomes embroiled in a web of lies and corruption, as he tries to keep the truth from coming out.
42. The Night Of (1 season)
Summary: Based on the British series “Criminal Justice.” The show follows the story of Nasir “Naz” Khan (Riz Ahmed), a college student from Queens, New York, who is arrested and charged with murder. The show explores the legal system and its flaws, as well as the personal toll that the crime and the trial take on Naz and his family.
Riz Ahmed, received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Naz. The show was praised for its suspenseful storytelling and its ability to keep the audience guessing until the end.
43. Severance (1 season so far)
Summary: One of the best new shows of 2022 without a doubt. The show follows the story of Mark Hill (Adam Scott), an employee of Lumen Industries, a company that specializes in developing cutting-edge technologies.
Lumon Industries uses a mindwipe medical procedure called “severance” to separate the consciousness of their employees between their lives at work and outside of it.
44. The Righteous Gemstones (2 seasons so far)
Summary: Follow the lives of a wealthy and powerful family, the Gemstones, who are also megachurch pastors. The series centers around the family’s conflicts, both internal and external, as they struggle to maintain their power and image in the face of scandals, rivalries, and other challenges.
The show satirizes the greed, hypocrisy, and excess often associated with televangelism and the mega-church industry.
45. WeCrashed (1 season)
Summary: I have never heard an American actor do a better Israeli accent than Jered Leto, I thought he absolutely nailed this role. The show covers the rise and fall of WeWork, its charismatic co-founder Adam Neumann and the culture that led to its downfall. It also explores the role of venture capital, investment banking, and Wall Street in the company’s demise.
46. Tehran (2 seasons so far)
Summary: Tehran is an Israeli show, it is a political thriller that follows Tamar Rabinyan, a young Iranian-born Mossad agent who is sent on a covert mission to infiltrate the Iranian capital and sabotage a high-profile nuclear weapons program. The show explores the complex and nuanced relationships between the characters, as well as the themes of identity, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of espionage. The show also highlights the cultural and political differences between Iran and Israel, as well as the personal toll that Tamar’s mission takes on her.
47. The Shrink Next Door (1 season)
Summary: This show is based on a popular podcast of the same name. It tells the story of a psychiatrist named Isaac Herschkopf and his patient, Marty Markowitz. The show tells the story of how Herschkopf gradually took over Marty’s life and his business, and how Marty’s family, friends, and colleagues were unable to intervene or get him out of the situation.
I remember listening to the podcast many years ago and thinking to myself “wow what an insane story, they'll definitely make a movie or a show about this soon” and a couple of years later, they did.
48. City On A Hill (3 seasons so far)
Summary: Kevin Bacon absolutely steals the show here. The show is set in the 1990s in Boston and tells the story of Jackie Rohr (played by Kevin Bacon), a corrupt yet charismatic FBI agent, and Assistant District Attorney Decourcy Ward (played by Aldis Hodge), who forms an unlikely alliance to take on a family of armored car robbers from Charlestown in a case that ultimately upends the city’s criminal justice system.
49. Master Of None (3 seasons)
Summary: Master of None is a Netflix comedy series created by Aziz Ansari that follows the personal and professional experiences of a 30-something actor named Dev. It explores themes such as modern romance, career aspirations, and cultural identity through humor and relatable storytelling. It’s quirky and funny and different, just like Aziz is.
50. Arrested Development (5 seasons)
Summary: The show follows the dysfunctional Bluth family, who were once wealthy but have fallen on hard times. The main character, Michael Bluth, tries to keep his family together while also managing the family business. Every character is weirder than the next and the beauty of how all the stories eventually connect is what makes this show so hilariously great.
51. High Maintenance (4 seasons)
Summary: High Maintenance is a comedy-drama television series that first premiered on Vimeo in 2012 and later on HBO in 2016. The show revolves around a nameless cannabis delivery person known as “The Guy” and the diverse cast of clients he encounters in New York City. Each episode focuses on a different client, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing the city’s vibrant culture.
52. Jack Ryan (3 seasons so far)
Summary: Based on the character Jack Ryan, a former Marine and CIA analyst, who is sent on a mission to stop a terrorist attack. The series follows Ryan as he navigates a dangerous and unpredictable world of espionage and global threat, while also balancing his personal and professional life. The show is a fast-paced action-thriller with a mix of politics, international intrigue, and character development.
53. An Idiot Abroad (3 seasons)
Summary: An Idiot Abroad is a British television series that originally aired on Sky One from 2010 to 2012. The show stars comedian Karl Pilkington, who is sent by his friends, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, on a journey to visit various wonders of the world. Pilkington’s sarcastic and clueless demeanor creates humor as he experiences new cultures and challenges, often to his discomfort.
54. After Life (3 seasons)
Summary: I’m a big Ricky Gervais fan, so I was very excited when he announced this show. The show follows Tony, a local newspaper reporter who becomes depressed after the loss of his wife, and decides to say and do whatever he wants without any consequences.
55. Modern Love (2 seasons)
Summary: Modern Love is a romantic comedy-drama television series based on the New York Times column of the same name. The show explores love and relationships in contemporary society and features an ensemble cast. Each episode is based on a different article from the column, and covers a wide range of themes, including dating, marriage, family, and self-discovery.
If you want more recommendations, check these out:
55 Documentaries You Have To Watch
55 Documentaries You Have To Watch (Part 2)
