Best TV Series List: Finding Your Next Favorite TV Series

Admit it; you’ve been there – you know that ‘one’ time where a TV series sucked you in, and you didn’t see the light of day for the next week. Well, there is no judgment here; in fact, we have compiled a list of the best TV series for you so that you can start your next TV series marathon.
This list of the Best TV Series features shows that are all highly ranked by critics and viewers alike. With everything from comedy to drama to fantasy, the shows on this list have it all. So, take a look, and if you spot a series that you have yet to try, give it a chance – it may just become your new favorite.
You may want to say sorry in advance to your friends and family, though – once you start one of these series, they won’t be seeing much of you.
After this list, make sure to visit our list of the best streaming websites. This list will offer a variety of streaming options for you to watch a TV series from this list that appeals to you. And, if you really want to take advantage of one of these TV series, make sure to visit our lists of the best snack ideas, best cookie recipes, and best mixed-drink recipes. These lists will make sure that you have plenty to snack on and drink as you enjoy your new favorite show.

 

Top 25 TV Series List:

 

1. Dexter

Air Date: 2006

Series Genre: Crime Drama Series

About TV Series: Dexter is a unique take on a crime show, in that one of the crime scene analysts is the serial killer. The show features the lovable Miami-Dade blood spatter analyst Dexter Morgan. Dexter satiates his need to kill by hunting down criminals who slip through the system. Full of twists and turns and memorable guest stars like Colin Hanks, Julia Stiles, and John Lithgow, Dexter is a dramatic series that is not to be missed.

 

2. Seinfeld

Air Date: 1989

Series Genre: Comedy

About TV Series: One of the truly great comedy series, Seinfeld, is a humorous and witty look into the day-to-day lives of Jerry Seinfeld and his New York City friends. The series finished in 1998, and there are a total of nine seasons to binge-watch, with each season, if possible, being better than the one before. Seinfeld is a true classic that is a must-watch for anyone that loves witty comedy.

 

3. Game of Thrones

Air Date: 2011

Series Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

About TV Series: Game of Thrones is a dramatic, fantasy-inspired television series that has captivated viewers. War, intrigue, and mythical creatures factor heavily into each season, keeping viewers guessing. With a variety of different stories all intertwining together, Game of Thrones is masterfully written and one of the best TV series. The author of Game of Thrones is George R. R. Martin, who is one of the best authors to have ever lived. 

 

 

4. Breaking Bad

Air Date: 2008

Series Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

About TV Series: Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, an unassuming, high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of cooking meth after a lung cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately for Walter, his brother-in-law is a DEA agent, making his life a tight balance between family and work. For twists and turns galore, Breaking Bad should not be skipped.

 

 

5. Sherlock

Air Date: 2010

Series Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

About TV Series: Set in present-day London, this BBC series has already amassed a huge following. This TV series consists of a superb blend of both drama and comedy as Sherlock and Dr. Watson are artfully played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. If you want to see Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most memorable character come to life in a new and fresh way, Sherlock is definitely the series for you.

 

 

6. Stranger Things

Air Date: 2016

Series Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

About TV Series: Stranger Things is one of those series that took everyone by storm. And whereas some die off after the first season, Stranger Things continued on stronger than ever. This sci-fi action-thriller is unique, well-written, and the perfect mix of drama, action, and comedy. It also has characters that are easy to fall in love with as the series progresses. So break out Netflix and get ready for some serious binge-watching.

 

 

7. The Americans

Air Date: 2013

Series Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

About TV Series: The Americans is set during the Cold War between the USA and the Soviet Union. In this series, the storyline is going to follow an “ordinary” American family that has a big secret; they are Soviet spies. As the series unfolds, more and more characters are developed, and viewers will continue to be drawn in. If you enjoy a good spy show, this is one of the best TV series for you, as The Americans will be everything you could want and more.

 

 

8. This is Us

Air Date: 2016

Series Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

About TV Series: This is Us is a show that a lot of viewers are able to identify with. The reason why is because the show is real and represents what so many people go through on a daily basis. Full of ups and downs, and real-life challenges, This is Us will grip you as a viewer. Before you know it, you will be drawn into each individual character and their journey through life.

 

 

9. Doctor Who

Air Date: 2005

Series Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family

About TV Series: If you are a fan of sci-fi shows, you are going to be a fan of Doctor Who. The show is going to start with a time-traveling alien known as “The Doctor.” With the help of different companions along the way, The Doctor must handle crises on Earth and other worlds.

With double-digit seasons already, Doctor Who is going to allow for a ton of great watching. Just make sure to space out the binge-watching; we don’t want your friends and family thinking that you time traveled somewhere.

 

 

10. The Crown

Air Date: 2016

Series Genre: Drama, History

About TV Series: If you love all things British Royalty, you are going to love The Crown. And, even if you haven’t ever really considered the subject, the acting and storyline in The Crown will quickly make you a fan. The series is going to start with the period right before Queen Elizabeth came into power.

This fictional history is going to allow you to travel through time as Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Royal Family progress. The fact that many of the characters are still alive today makes this series that much better.

 

 

11. The Wire

Air Date: 2002

Series Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

About TV Series: An older show having finished in 2008, The Wire is an excellent crime drama. The series is set in projects of Baltimore, Maryland, one of the most crime-infested areas in the country. It takes viewers on a journey as it shows the side of law enforcement as well as the drug dealers, and even the addicts. With a ton of great characters on both sides of the law, The Wire is one of the best TV series and will quickly have you hooked.

 

 

12. Prison Break

Air Date: 2005

Series Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

About TV Series: If your brother falsely got sent to prison, what would you do? Well, in Prison Break, Michael Scofield gets himself thrown into the same prison as his brother in order to help him escape. He does this after getting a coded map of his escape plan tattooed all over his body. With excellent characters and a fast-moving storyline, Prison Break is a fan favorite.

 

 

13. Justified

Air Date: 2010

Series Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

About TV Series: Raylan Givens spent his childhood figuring out a way to get out of Kentucky, and he was able to do so by becoming a US Deputy Marshal. When forced to transfer back to Kentucky, he must confront his past. With excellent characters on both sides of the law and some no-nonsense justice, Justified will keep you fully engaged. So if you enjoy a good detective-based show, good action, and a well-written script, give Justified a try.

 

 

14. Lost

Air Date: 2004

Series Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

About TV Series: While on prime time, Lost was must-watch TV. And now, even though it finished in 2010, it can still be binge-watched and enjoyed. The show is going to follow a group of passengers that crash land on an island. While they are doing their best to survive and figure out a way home, the island begins to be more than they thought. For twists and turns, great characters, and excellent storytelling, the Lost series is a must.

 

 

15. Downton Abbey

Air Date: 2010

Series Genre: Drama, Romance

About TV Series: The Downton Abbey series is set in the 1920s and will follow an aristocratic family that lives in the English countryside. As the show progresses, you will be able to see things from the side of royalty and also the help.

Both class systems must adjust as democracy, World War II, and other events take place. With excellent characters and a well-written script, Downton Abbey is one of the best TV series and will take you back to a time of lords and ladies.

 

 

16. The Walking Dead

Air Date: 2010

Series Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

About TV Series: If you have ever thought to yourself about what you would do in a zombie apocalypse, The Walking Dead is for you. In this series, you will be able to follow a group of strangers as they must survive that exact situation. With new characters always being introduced and new obstacles to overcome, The Walking Dead will keep viewers engaged. Also, you may pick up some key tips for if a zombie apocalypse ever does hit.

 

 

17. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Air Date: 2013

Series Genre: Comedy, Crime

About TV Series: If you enjoy goofy comedy, then Brooklyn Nine-Nine is going to be right up your alley. The show follows a group of detectives that are a part of the Brooklyn Nine-Nice police precinct. The characters all have their own unique personalities that will have you laughing and quoting lines with friends and family. So if you are in need of a good laugh, give Brooklyn Nine-Nine a watch.

 

 

18. Parks and Recreation

Air Date: 2009

Series Genre: Comedy

About TV Series: Another excellent side-splitting comedy, the characters on Parks and Recreation are what make the show. And, although the series has already ended, it is now a classic that is enjoyed by a large following on Netflix and other streaming services.

The show is going to follow a local park and rec branch of the government in small-town Pawnee, Indiana, as they deal with the town, local government, and more. With many a quotable line from well-created characters, this series is one laugh after another.

 

 

19. Black Mirror

Air Date: 2011

Series Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

About TV Series: A Netflix original series, Black Mirror is a contemporary reworking of The Twilight Zone. Each episode is going to be a stand-alone episode with its own cast and story. The stories are going to focus on the way technology has infiltrated every part of our lives. This series is sharp, suspenseful, and will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. So if you love suspense and enjoy trying to figure out what is going to happen next, give Black Mirror a try.

 

 

20. Homeland

Air Date: 2011

Series Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

About TV Series: When it comes to spies, lying becomes second nature. When this happens, it almost becomes impossible to tell who is lying and who is telling the truth. Homeland is going to take you deep into the spy world of the CIA, terrorist cells, and some who are both. With excellent characters and an equally stellar storyline, Homeland is an excellent series.

 

21. The Office

Air Date: 2005

Series Genre: Comedy

About TV Series: The Office delivers lovable characters, memorable episodes, and just plain, good fun. In this TV series, you will get a glimpse into the shenanigans of the 9-5 world. Steve Carell is at his best here, and the strong supporting cast makes this a comedic series one of the best TV series and worth watching.

 

 

22. The Sopranos

Air Date: 1999

Series Genre: Crime, Drama

About TV Series: A dark and humorous look into the life of mob boss, Tony Soprano, The Sopranos is a drama that makes for great television viewing. Tony, masterfully played by James Gandolfini, is a deep and complex character, which helps to make this series truly special. A favorite of many, this series will make you wish there were more than six seasons.

 

 

23. Arrested Development

Air Date: 2003

Series Genre: Comedy

About TV Series: Arrested Development is a comedy that has endeared countless viewers over the years. It originally started out as a show on Fox, before being canceled and then picked up by Netflix. The show is going to follow the Bluth family as they ‘run’ a construction company. With every family member having a large personality and a tendency to screw things up, this show provides laugh after laugh.

 

24. Friends

Air Date: 1994

Series Genre: Comedy, Romance

About TV Series: Ten seasons long, this classic comedy series details the lives of six very different NYC friends. Through all their differences, viewers are treated to memorable romances, mayhem, and just plain good times. If you have never seen the whole series of Friends, now is the time to do it!

 

 

25. Mad Men

Air Date: 2007

Series Genre: Drama

About TV Series: The seven seasons of Mad Men explore the 1960s NYC advertising world. Starring Jon Hamm as ad exec Don Draper, this series is a favorite among many and features a stellar supporting cast. If you have ever wanted to feel like you were part of the 1960s, this is the series for you.

 

Best TV Series Conclusion

A great TV series needs to be able to engage viewers with an intriguing storyline, unique characters, witty banter, etc. It also needs to be able to sustain this high level from season to season without a drop-off. With this list of the best TV series, you will get exactly that.
 
So whether you like to binge-watch a series or stretch it out as long as possible, this list is going to have something for you.
 
And, for even more entertainment, check out our lists of the best reality TV shows, best sports movies, and best documentaries. These lists will provide even more excellent viewing options.
 
Have you watched one of these TV series already? If you have, we would love to hear your feedback in the comments below.