Top 20 TV Shows Everyone Should Watch at Least Once
Script written by Nathan Sharp
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 TV Shows Everyone Should Watch at Least Once. For this list, we’ll be looking at scripted and narrative programs that are universally agreed to be essential viewing. If you haven’t seen all of these great stories, watch out for minor spoilers ahead. Have you missed out on any of these shows? Let us know in the comments below!
#20: “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)
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‘90s kids everywhere know the joy of watching “Batman: The Animated Series.” Made after the success of Tim Burton’s “Batman,” it aired 85 episodes between 1992 and 1995. Like Burton’s film, “The Animated Series” employed a moody and grim tone. It’s also full of gorgeous animation and comes equipped with a stellar soundtrack. In fact, the main theme was composed by the legendary Danny Elfman. Despite airing on Fox Kids, “Batman” attracted an older audience through its mature storytelling. It also went on to win Emmys for Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program and Outstanding Animated Program. Plus, how cool are Mark Hamill’s Joker and Kevin Conroy’s Batman? Their performances alone are worth watching the show for.
#19: “The Leftovers” (2014-17)
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Many fans and critics compare “The Leftovers” to “Lost”, both for the involvement of showrunner Damon Lindelof and for the unique mystery at the heart of the story. “The Leftovers” doesn’t concern a magic island, but the random disappearance of 2% of the world’s population. Unlike “Lost”, the mystery of “The Leftovers” isn’t really the point - it’s merely a vehicle to explore the characters and the themes. The show never really took off owing to a somewhat rickety first season, but the second and third seasons were so beautiful and well made that critics began regarding “The Leftovers” as one of the greatest shows ever made. It only lasts 28 episodes, so there’s no good excuse for ignoring it.
#18: “The Twilight Zone” (1959-64)
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Although it mainly aired in the 60s, the original run of “The Twilight Zone” is still relevant today. This classic piece of television famously featured a collection of surreal or unsettling stories. Each week, viewers were treated to cautionary episodes about everything from science fiction to paranoia. Horror stories such as “Eye of the Beholder,” “To Serve Man,” and “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” have all become iconic tales within the genre. The show was also fortunate enough to feature Rod Serling’s incredible narration. And its anthology format makes it incredibly easy to jump into. Whether you see it more as a piece of still-relevant social commentary or straightforward horror, “The Twilight Zone” delivers.
#17: “I Love Lucy” (1951-57)
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This sitcom holds a strong place in the history of television. Throughout this comedy, we saw the wacky title character navigate life with her husband while trying to make it as a star. While the setup sounds straightforward, the show popularized several major tv staples. “I Love Lucy’s” live studio audience, ensemble cast and incorporation of reruns all revolutionized the industry. And the humor is so timeless that longtime fans still might fall out of their chairs laughing at some of the bits. Lucille Ball got a Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for her work on the series. Since “I Love Lucy” still makes lists for top programs of all time, we think that award was definitely deserved.
#16: “Rick and Morty” (2013-)
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Few animated shows captured the zeitgeist of the 2010s quite like “Rick and Morty.” The program excelled at parodying contemporary pop culture trends, movies and celebrities. At the same time, it also has complex writing, enjoyable character relationships, and even some philosophical musings. The show’s unique animation style often makes it a visual treat for the eyes too. Plus, all the dimension and reality-hopping is a ton of fun to watch! It was fascinating to watch this experimental show become a popular and beloved comedy in just a few years. Whether you’re looking for a laugh or want to contemplate the universe’s biggest questions, “Rick and Morty” is the schwifty show for you.
#15: “Stranger Things” (2016-)
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Standing as the Netflix show that could, “Stranger Things” was an instant hit that’s arguably the service’s defining program. What started as a show about a group of kids looking for their missing friend became a series about demonic creatures, dangerous dimensions and delicious waffles. The first thing that viewers took note of was its beautifully recreated ‘80s setting and Spielbergian flair. However, what ultimately kept people engrossed was the brilliant cast of characters. David Harbour’s Hopper, Sadie Sink’s Max and Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven each became pop culture icons. They helped the show dominate streaming charts and reminded us how much fun TV can be when everyone watches together.
#14: “Band of Brothers” (2001)
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This war themed drama may be one of greatest miniseries ever created. “Band of Brothers” recounts the true story of Easy Company and the challenges they encountered in occupied Europe. At the time, the show stood out across the tv landscape for its incredible and cinematic production values. It still looks stunning to revisit today. The show’s epic scope and distinct characters also make it easy to get engrossed in. At the heart of it all, lies a deeply moving story that feels more urgent because of the presence of real Easy Company veterans. This brilliant “Band of Brothers” is one of the best depictions of war you’ll find on television.
#13: “Friends” (1994-2004)
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There are sitcoms, and then there is “Friends.” This show defied its constraints as a network sitcom and became one of the biggest cultural events…well, ever. The program dominated the public discourse of the ‘90s and early 2000s. Along the way, it gave rise to still-popular actors, classic hairstyles, and iconic catchphrases. Who amongst us hasn’t jokingly yelled “Pivot!” while moving a heavy piece of furniture? A ratings behemoth, there was simply no stopping “Friends” at the height of its power. It gave voice to a generation, legitimized the characters’ untraditional domestic lives, and popularized the “hangout sitcom.” The modern TV landscape simply wouldn’t be the same without “Friends.”
#12: “Six Feet Under” (2001-05)
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This HBO drama follows the Fisher family as they run a funeral home and help their clients process their recent losses. It contains a slew of talented performers and some of the best writing ever seen on television. “Six Feet Under” is complex, touching, thematic, and very hard-hitting, with ruminations on grief and sorrow often at the forefront. Throughout its historic run, it was a heavy Emmy favorite. It ended up earning three nominations for Outstanding Drama Series. “Six Feet Under” was also a rare show that kept its quality consistent from the first episode to its spectacular series finale. Never has a show about death been so enjoyable to watch.
#11: “Mad Men” (2007-15)
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“Mad Men” is a deeply humane character study that explores concepts of loneliness, identity, and the elusive nature of happiness. And it somehow does all of this within the walls of an advertising agency. At times, “Mad Men” can come off as a hilarious workplace comedy. It helps that the show is full of memorable characters that spout some of the sharpest dialogue in TV history. But it can also dive deep into drama and the various social obstacles of the time period. When it’s not serving an academic study into the culture-shattering movements and advances of the 1960s, it’s an unbelievably stylish show filled with slick styles, great music and mesmerizing performances. Whatever you want it to be, “Mad Men” excels at it.
#10: “The Office” (2005-13)
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This mockumentary remains incredibly popular, and for good reason. It’s both very funny and very comforting. Set in the office of a Pennsylvania paper company, “The Office” became enormously successful thanks to its sharp writing, relatable setting, and brilliant performances - particularly that of Steve Carell as the bumbling, offensive, but ultimately well-meaning Michael Scott. Unlike the more abrasive UK original, this American remake makes for a relatively warm and cheerful watch; watching each episode is like revisiting family. Various shows of this mockumentary style popped up throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, but none were as good as “The Office.”
#9: “M*A*S*H” (1972-83)
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This landmark show is considered to be one of the best mash-ups of comedy and drama ever seen on television. The story takes place during the Korean War and follows a group of characters who work in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. While events could certainly get dramatic, the show could also effortlessly shift to lighter tones on a dime. This allowed the story to tackle hard-hitting issues without always seeming bleak. Its all-star cast is also legendary. Characters like Hawkeye, Radar, and Henry Blake all felt like old friends to viewers by the time the series ended. We also have to address the iconic final episode “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” which remains the most-watched episode of scripted television with 106 million viewers.
#8: “Lost” (2004-10)
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Regardless of its infamous ending, “Lost” is required TV viewing. Following survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious island, it managed to keep viewers guessing throughout its six season run. Unfortunately, something is “lost” (sorry) while streaming the show today. A huge part of the allure was going online and discussing the endless theories and studiously analyzing every last pixel of a given screenshot. But even without the real-time excitement of online discussions, “Lost” makes for stellar viewing thanks to its standout cast and character writing, cinematic production values, and of course the sense of adventure at its heart. “Lost” may have infamously fumbled the landing, but there’s still nothing else like it on TV. When “Lost” is on top of its game, it’s spectacular.
#7: “The Simpsons” (1989-)
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“The Simpsons” is so great and so institutionalized in the pop culture consciousness that it cannot possibly be ignored. It may be the most important and influential TV show of all time - especially regarding the explosion of animated sitcoms that followed - and its lovable cast of characters have become iconic. Bart has been included on the Time 100 list, and The Simpsons have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Add in the wider cast of Springfield and some of the smartest and funniest writing on TV, and you have the greatest animated sitcom ever made.
#6: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
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The great thing about Nickelodeon’s “Avatar” is that anyone can enjoy it. Yes, it aired on Nickelodeon and was made primarily for children, but it contains so many great themes, characters, and stories that adults can enjoy it as well. While each episode typically portrays a self-contained story of its own, there is also an overarching plot that sees Avatar Aang learning to control the elements so he can defeat the Fire Nation. Aside from the remarkable storytelling, the show is also rife with humor and fantastic production values, which includes gorgeous animation and epic music.
#5: “The Wire” (2002-08)
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This expansive crime drama was created and primarily written by David Simon, who worked at The Baltimore Sun for thirteen years. He spent most of that time covering crime, and it’s there that he learned the inner workings of a typical American city. He used his knowledge to write “The Wire.” Unlike most crime dramas, “The Wire” isn’t really concerned with telling an exciting story (although it does certainly do that). Rather, it’s more interested in exploring how disparate parts of a city - like the police force, politics, streets, schools, and media - come together to form a whole. The show has garnered immense acclaim for its realism and literary ambitions, and watching it at least once is an absolute must.
#4: “Twin Peaks” (1990-91; 2017)
Most things from David Lynch are worth experiencing - even if they leave you feeling confused and kinda icky. Following a string of classics like “Eraserhead”, “The Elephant Man”, and “Blue Velvet”, Lynch turned to television and released “Twin Peaks” through ABC. It was unlike anything seen on TV at the time, and it’s still unlike anything seen on TV. Like most of Lynch’s work, “Twin Peaks” is bizarre and nightmarishly surreal, and while it begins as an offbeat detective story about a recently-murdered teenager, it soon spirals into outright insanity. It’s hard to define “Twin Peaks” because “Twin Peaks” can’t really be compared to anything. It’s “Twin Peaks”, and that’s what makes it so memorable.
#3: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
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Based on George R. R. Martin’s fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire”, “Game of Thrones” changed television forever. Chronicling a war for control of the fictional Seven Kingdoms, the show was filled with fantastic storytelling, rich world building, and a stellar cast of unforgettable characters. It also featured unbelievable production values. “Game of Thrones” effectively bridged the divide between “television” and “film” with its sets, visual effects, and epic scope, and sequences like Hardhome and The Battle of the Bastards will remain firmly ingrained in our collective pop culture consciousness. At a time when streaming was fragmenting TV, “Game of Thrones” got everyone talking and tuning in week-after-week.
#2: “The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
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Most of the dramas mentioned on this list wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for “The Sopranos.” On the surface, this show details the criminal and personal lives of a specific Italian-American mob family - particularly that of its leader, Tony Soprano. But while the mob stuff is obviously great, “The Sopranos” was always more interested in exploring more mundane yet universal themes around psychology, generational divides, and family. Like a Great American Novel, it tells one specific story while also touching on a wide range of concepts relating back to the human condition. It also helps that the show is very funny, and it could even be considered a workplace comedy of sorts. It has a little bit of everything, and it does everything masterfully.
#1: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
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No other TV show has ever matched the sheer intensity of “Breaking Bad” - (xref) except maybe its surprisingly excellent prequel, “Better Call Saul!” Like a great crime novel, “Breaking Bad” is a true page-turner - or at least the TV equivalent - thanks to absolutely relentless cliffhangers. Telling the story of a high school chemistry teacher with terminal cancer who starts producing meth to provide for his family, “Breaking Bad” is a tale of intrigue and suspense. Its ambitious narrative succeeds thanks to stellar character development, award-winning acting, gorgeous and inventive cinematography, a unique setting in Albuquerque, and some gut-busting humor. Every aspect of its production is masterful, and it can be regarded as the prime example of how a television show should be made.
