Selecting the very best TV shows is a topic that always sparks a lot of discussion. Everyone seems to have their own favorites and personal picks. This year is a special one for Rotten Tomatoes because they are celebrating their 25th anniversary. And to make it even more special, instead of relying on professional critics, they decided to ask the real fans – the everyday people who watch and love these shows – to share their favorites.
So, with great excitement, we are about to explore the top 10 television shows of the last 25 years, as selected by true fans just like you and me, and not by the critics.
1. Breaking Bad (AMC)
Breaking Bad stands out not just among critics, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers. Fans from all over the world regard it as the best show on television, setting it on a pedestal above all others. Bryan Cranston, with his outstanding acting skills, brought the character of Walter White to life in a way that will be remembered for generations. He transformed from a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher into a formidable drug lord, and the journey was absolutely riveting to watch.
The entire series had a dark and powerful tone, with each episode leaving the audience with strong feelings, as if they’d been hit hard. However, what really set Breaking Bad apart was the deep and intricate personalities of its characters. Walter White, especially, was not a simple villain or hero; he was a mix of both, which made the show all the more captivating and a true work of art.
2. Game of Thrones (HBO)
In the world of television, there was a special show that combined the magic of high fantasy with the twists and turns of political intrigue. This show was based on the incredible novels written by George R.R. Martin. Fans from all over the world, forming a huge and dedicated fanbase, eagerly awaited each episode. Every week, and throughout each season, they were hooked by the suspenseful battles, shocking betrayals, and majestic dragons that graced their screens.
There were the haunting White Walkers, creatures of ice and death, and intense, heart-stopping fights for control of the Iron Throne. Game of Thrones wasn’t just another TV show; it was a massive phenomenon that changed the way we looked at television forever.
3. The Sopranos (HBO)
Tony Soprano is a memorable character that many people know and recognize. Played by the talented James Gandolfini, who sadly is no longer with us, this character showcased the complicated life of someone involved in the mob while also trying to care for his family. The Sopranos, the TV show where Tony is the main character, gives us an inside look at the mind of a person who does bad things but also has personal struggles like everyone else. Tony even goes to therapy to try and understand himself better.
The show doesn’t just focus on the tough and dangerous parts of mob life. It also shows the deep feelings and emotions of the characters. This mix of hard-hitting action and deep feelings made The Sopranos a show that many people loved to watch.
4. The Office (NBC)
Who could have ever imagined that a simple office located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, would serve as the setting for one of the most popular and cherished comedy shows on TV? This show wasn’t just about the day-to-day of working in an office. It was filled with unforgettable one-liners that people still quote today. The everyday office antics—like birthday celebrations, office pranks, and coffee breaks—made viewers laugh and see a bit of their own workplaces in the episodes.
The characters, each unique and quirky in their own way, made the show even more special. With their distinct personalities and the relationships they built with each other, they brought the world of The Office to life. Together, all these elements combined to make The Office is not just a comedy, but an iconic representation of American humor that has left a lasting mark on its audience.
5. Stranger Things (Netflix)
Nostalgia, wrapped in the mystique of the supernatural, found a home in the colossal success that Netflix brought forth. Stranger Things didn’t just tiptoe its way into the limelight; it burst forth with vigor, becoming an overnight sensation that few could ignore. The series brilliantly juxtaposed an ’80s backdrop with eerie elements of a parallel world, aptly named the “Upside Down.”
But beyond the chilling adventures and mysterious entities, what truly anchored the show were its characters, especially a group of kids from Hawkins. With their unyielding courage, quirky personalities, and genuine friendships, they didn’t just navigate through otherworldly dangers – they etched their way into our hearts, making us root for them with every twist and turn of their journey.
6. Better Call Saul (AMC)
In a rather unexpected turn of events, the prequel to Breaking Bad, instead of merely riding on the coattails of its legendary predecessor, often eclipsed it by delving deeper into character arcs and layered storylines. This prequel didn’t merely serve as a supplementary narrative or a mere backstory to the original series. Instead, it expanded upon the Breaking Bad universe, enriching it with complexities and nuances that were both fresh and engrossing.
This evolution is indicative of the creators’ commitment to not just repeat the success formula of Breaking Bad but to reimagine and redefine it. As a result, this prequel emerged not just as a mere shadow or continuation of Breaking Bad, but as an exceptional piece of television that confidently stood its ground, captivating audiences in its own distinctive manner.
7. The Wire (HBO)
Set against the raw backdrop of Baltimore, The Wire offers an unvarnished and uncompromising portrayal of urban life in America. The show meticulously peels back layers, providing viewers with a riveting exploration of the city’s diverse sectors. From the drug-riddled corners and alleyways where hope often seems lost, to the embattled police precincts struggling to uphold law and order, each scene is infused with authenticity and nuance.
Beyond the immediate and visceral criminal narratives, The Wire dives into the intricate web of political maneuvering, showcasing the inner workings of a system rife with corruption and inefficiency. It’s not just a crime drama; it’s an intricate examination of a city’s ecosystem, revealing the profound interconnectedness of its inhabitants and institutions. In its storytelling, The Wire brilliantly juxtaposes the personal ambitions, frailties, and hopes of its characters against the broader social and economic forces that shape their destinies.
8. Succession (HBO)
Money and power have always been captivating subjects, drawing people into tales of ambition, betrayal, and drama. At the heart of Succession was a dysfunctional family that seemed to epitomize these themes, reminiscent of the great tragedies penned by Shakespeare in a bygone era. Set against the backdrop of modern society, the show masterfully weaved a narrative that spotlighted the lives of the ultra-wealthy, not just showcasing their opulence but also their inherent vulnerabilities and flaws.
The writing was razor-sharp, juxtaposing dark humor with moments of profound tension, ensuring that each episode was a riveting watch. What made Succession truly unforgettable was its ensemble of characters. They were deeply flawed, yet compelling, forcing viewers to grapple with their own feelings of sympathy, disdain, and sometimes, outright bewilderment. It wasn’t just a show; it was an insightful window into the world of the uber-rich, revealing that beneath the glitz and glamour, they too, had their share of human fallibilities.
9. Lost (ABC)
Lost was more than just a television show; it was a cultural phenomenon that spanned six gripping seasons, capturing the hearts and minds of millions of viewers across the globe. The series presented a rich tapestry of diverse characters, each with their unique backstories, secrets, and emotional arcs, all of whom found themselves thrust into a world full of intrigue and the unexplained.
The intricacies of the storylines, combined with the depth of the characters, transformed Lost into a game-changer, redefining the way audiences perceived and consumed the mystery genre on the small screen. Its enigmatic narrative, filled with unexpected twists, shadowy figures, and unanswered questions, ensured that viewers remained hooked, week after week, eager to unravel the show’s countless mysteries. The show’s impact resonated far beyond its air dates, sparking widespread debates, theories, and discussions among fans and critics alike.
10. Dark (Netflix)
A hidden gem on Netflix, Dark is a masterclass in storytelling that seamlessly weaves together themes of time travel, family secrets, and supernatural elements. Hailing from Germany, this series not only shattered preconceived notions about international programming, but it also managed to carve out a dedicated global fanbase, proving that great stories are universal in their appeal. The creators skillfully intertwined generations of characters in a multi-layered narrative that demanded the viewer’s attention and analysis, drawing them deeper into its enigmatic universe with each passing episode.
Every twist and turn in Dark left audiences questioning the nature of time, fate, and the intricate connections that bind us. Its mesmerizing storytelling, combined with stellar performances and atmospheric cinematography, solidified its status as a cult favorite among discerning viewers around the world.
As we celebrate the gems that have graced our screens over the past 25 years, it’s clear that television is more than just entertainment. It’s a reflection of society, culture, and the ever-evolving human experience. Whether you’re a critic with a trained eye or a fan binge-watching over the weekend, there’s no denying the impact these shows have had on our collective psyche.
