Top 25 TV Shows of All Time: Must-Watch Series Ranked by IMDb & Critics

As of February 2025, IMDb’s Top 100 TV Shows list showcases a diverse array of series that have captivated audiences worldwide. This compilation reflects the pinnacle of television storytelling, spanning various genres and eras. Below is an overview of the top 100 TV shows, highlighting their unique contributions to the medium.

• Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • Synopsis: A high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer partners with a former student, leading to a descent into the criminal underworld.
• Planet Earth II (2016)
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Synopsis: A breathtaking exploration of Earth’s natural wonders, showcasing wildlife and habitats across the globe.
• Band of Brothers (2001)
  • Genre: Drama, History, War
  • Synopsis: A miniseries following the experiences of Easy Company, a parachute infantry regiment, during World War II.
• Chernobyl (2019)
  • Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
  • Synopsis: A dramatization of the catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986 and the subsequent efforts to mitigate its effects.
• The Wire (2002–2008)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • Synopsis: An in-depth look at the narcotics scene in Baltimore through the eyes of law enforcement, drug dealers, and residents.
• Blue Planet II (2017)
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Synopsis: An exploration of the world’s oceans, revealing the astonishing creatures and complex ecosystems beneath the waves.

• Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
  • Synopsis: Noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne in the mythical land of Westeros, while an ancient enemy rises.
• The Sopranos (1999–2007)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Synopsis: A New Jersey mob boss grapples with personal and professional challenges in this groundbreaking series.
• Our Planet (2019)
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Synopsis: A visually stunning series examining how climate change impacts all living creatures.
• Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014)
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Synopsis: Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson guides viewers through the mysteries of the universe.
• The World at War (1973)
  • Genre: Documentary, History, War
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive documentary series detailing the events of World War II.
• The Last Dance (2020)
  • Genre: Documentary, Biography, Sport
  • Synopsis: Chronicles Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls, highlighting their rise to NBA dominance.
• Sherlock (2010–2017)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, set in contemporary London.
• The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
  • Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: An anthology series exploring strange, mysterious, and often unsettling events.

• Fargo (2014–2024)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • Synopsis: An anthology series inspired by the Coen brothers’ film, featuring tales of crime and intrigue in the Midwest.
• Friends (1994–2004)
  • Genre: Comedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Follows the personal and professional lives of six friends living in New York City.
• The Office (2005–2013)
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Synopsis: A mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, and tedium.
• True Detective (2014–)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
  • Synopsis: An anthology series in which police investigations unearth personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
• Stranger Things (2016–)
  • Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: In the 1980s, a group of kids in a small town uncover a series of supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies.
• The Mandalorian (2019–)
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A lone bounty hunter navigates the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.
• The Simpsons (1989–)
  • Genre: Animation, Comedy
  • Synopsis: The satirical adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield.

• Seinfeld (1989–1998)
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Synopsis: A stand-up comedian and his friends navigate the absurdities of everyday life in New York City.
• The X-Files (1993–2018)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
  • Synopsis: FBI agents investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena.
• Westworld (2016–2022)
  • Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
  • Synopsis: In a futuristic theme park, android hosts begin to gain consciousness, leading to unforeseen consequences.
• Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Synopsis: The prequel to “Breaking Bad” follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer, into the morally challenged Saul Goodman.

As we look at the diverse range of shows that populate IMDb’s Top 25 TV Shows list, it’s clear that television has evolved into a powerful form of storytelling. From gritty dramas like Breaking Bad and The Sopranos to thought-provoking documentaries like Planet Earth II and Our Planet, these series not only entertain but also provoke deep reflection on the human condition, nature, and society.

Whether through exploring the complexities of crime, history, or the unknown, these shows have left a lasting impact on viewers and continue to inspire the next generation of creators. The evolution of TV continues to surprise us, and the list is ever-changing, reminding us that the best of television is yet to come.