Cinopsys
Ask ten people for the best TV show of all time and you'll get ten answers — but a handful of series show up on almost every list. Here are the ones worth your time, across drama, comedy and limited series.
This is a curated mix of the most acclaimed and rewatchable series — not a strict ranking. Save the ones that catch your eye to a Cinopsys list and tick them off as you go.
The best TV shows of all time
Breaking Bad2008A chemistry teacher turns meth kingpin in one of TV's most acclaimed dramas.
The Sopranos1999The mob drama that launched the prestige-TV era.
The Wire2002A novelistic portrait of crime and institutions in Baltimore.
Game of Thrones2011The epic fantasy phenomenon that defined event television.
Better Call Saul2015A Breaking Bad prequel that arguably surpassed the original.
Chernobyl2019A devastating, near-perfect limited series about the 1986 disaster.
Band of Brothers2001The definitive WWII miniseries following Easy Company.
The Office2005The mockumentary sitcom that became endlessly rewatchable.
Succession2018A savage, funny drama about a media dynasty at war with itself.
Fleabag2016Phoebe Waller-Bridge's sharp, fourth-wall-breaking tragicomedy.
True Detective2014A haunting first season anchored by two career-best performances.
Sherlock2010A stylish modern reinvention of Conan Doyle's detective.
Stranger Things2016An '80s-soaked sci-fi adventure that became a global hit.
The Last of Us2023A moving post-apocalyptic drama adapted from the game.
Track your watchlist in Cinopsys
The best way to work through a list this good is to save it. In Cinopsys you can add every series here to a watchlist, mark episodes as you watch, and see your progress and ratings. It's free, with no ads.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best TV show of all time?
There's no single answer, but Breaking Bad, The Sopranos and The Wire top almost every critics' list, with Game of Thrones and Better Call Saul close behind.
What should I watch if I want a short, complete series?
Limited series are perfect for that. Chernobyl, Band of Brothers and the first season of True Detective each tell a complete story in just a handful of episodes.
How can I track the shows I've watched?
Use Cinopsys: add any series to a watchlist, mark episodes as watched, and see your progress and stats. It's 100% free with no ads.