Arguably, the best TV shows of this century. Have you seen them?

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

With the emergence of streaming, the 21st century has been marked by a boom in TV shows. So choosing the best shows since Y2K was no easy task. But the critics at Hollywood Reporter hashed this list out after months of intense debate. Here are their favorites to have come out so far in descending order from best to very good.

Photo: AMC

Mad Men

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Matt Weiner's dark drama about professional men and women in the 1960s.
AMC (2007-2015)

Photo: AMC

The Sopranos

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

The psychological masterpiece about the New York mafia.

HBO (1999-2007)

Succession

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A biting satire on the depressing world of the 0.001%.

HBO (2018-2023)

30 Rock

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A hilarious take on a sketch comedy series, from people who really lived it.

NBC (2006-2013)

The Wire

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A devastating look at how crime interacts with different areas of society.

HBO (2002-2008)

Photo: HBO

Reservation Dogs

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An experimental glimpse into the lives of some unique Indigenous teens.

FX/Hulu (2021-2023)

Photo: FX Network

Better Call Saul

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

The 'Breaking Bad' spinoff following the origin story of the lawyer "Saul Goodman."

AMC (2015-2022)

Girls

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Love it or hate it, but this captured a generation of non-adults like no other.

HBO (2012-2017)

Freaks and Geeks

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Just barely making the 21st-century cut, this teen sitcom was a launching pad for talent that would dominate Hollywood in the years to come.

NBC (1999-2000)

BoJack Horseman

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A soulful animated show about the rocky comeback of a sitcom star, who is a horse.

Netflix (2014-2020)

Photo: Netflix

The Daily Show

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Hollywood Reporter particularly praises John Stewart's run as host.

Comedy Central (1996-present)

The Americans

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A spy thriller that may have been overlooked by many who would love it.

FX (2013-2018)

30 for 30

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A documentary franchise that gives filmmakers the chance to tell some of sport's most interesting stories.

ESPN (2009-)

Enlightened

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

'White Lotus' creator Mike White first charmed audiences with this poignant but hilarious show.

HBO (2011-2013)

Atlanta

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Donald Glover's experimental TV show that blurs the lines between great TV and music.

FX (2016-2022)

Photo: FX Networks

Breaking Bad

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Walter White showed the world the dangers of drugs.

AMC (2008-2013)

Photo: AMC

Halt and Catch Fire

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A show that focuses on the birth of America's corporate world betwen the 80s and 90s.

AMC (2014-2017)

Friday Night Lights

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Much more than a high school football drama.

NBC and The 101 Network (2006-2011)

Rectify

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A unique anti-hero story and a leading contender for "the best show most people have never heard of," according to Hollywood Reporter.

SundanceTV (2013-2016)

Peep Show

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

You never realized how much you literally wanted to be in the head of these two weirdos.

Channel 4 (2003-2015)

Deadwood

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A witty look at America's wild west.

HBO (2004-2006)

Better Things

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

What started as a sitcom grew into a thoughtful satire.

FX (2016-2022)

Survivor

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

The first, the best.

CBS (2000-)

I May Destroy You

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An uncomfortable but gorgeously done look into the grey areas of assault against women.

BBC One and HBO (2020)

Photo: HBO

Review

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

This comedy follows around a man whose job is to review experiences.

Comedy Central (2014-2017)

Battlestar Galactica

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

This dystopian thriller is the top sci-fi on the list.

Sci-Fi/SyFy (2003-2009)

How To With John Wilson

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Be delighted by following this strange man down some bizarre rabbit holes in this one-of-a-kind documentary series.

HBO (2020-2023)

Broad City

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Like 'Girls,' but way funnier.

Comedy Central (2014-2019)

Game of Thrones

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

This epic fantasy had everyone talking... right up to its very disappointing end.

HBO (2011-2019)

Photo: HBO

Fleabag

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Phoebe Waller-Bridge stuns the audience with this complicated look into the life of a woman.

BBC Three and Amazon Prime Video (2016-2019)

Photo: Amazon Prime

Veep

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Probably the most accurate glimpse into the world of American politics.

HBO (2012-2019)

Orange Is The New Black

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

The prison drama that kicked off the streaming revolution.

Netflix (2013-2019)

Jane The Virgin

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Bringing the juicy world of Telenovelas to an English-speaking audience.

The CW (2014-2019)

Chernobyl

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An incredibly dark drama that traces what happened in the nuclear disaster.

HBO (2019)

Photo: HBO

The Shield

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A fictionalized look at an American police scandal.

FX (2002-2008)

Crazy Ex- Girfriend

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An unexpected musical comedy on TV.

The CW (2015-2018)

Band of Brothers

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An epic look at the horrors of war.

HBO (2001)

Photo: HBO

The Deuce

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A dazzling glimpse into the adult movie industry in the 70s and 80s.

HBO (2017-2019)

Photo: HBO

Insecure

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An honest comedy centering on the existential angst of late 20-somethings.

HBO (2016-2021)

Photo: HBO

Beef

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

An incredible look at what happens after two strangers get into a road rage incident.

Netflix (2023)

Photo: Netflix

Station Eleven

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A post-apocalyptic literary adaptation focusing on humanity and art.

HBO Max (2021)

Photo: HBO

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

The only food and travel show on the list.

CNN (2013-2018)

The Leftovers

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A heartbreaking and sometimes surreal show that deals with death head on.

HBO (2014-2017)

Photo: HBO

The Crown

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A historical epic tracing the British monarchy.

Netflix (2016-)

Photo: Netflix

The Underground Railroad

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A fantastical telling of a dark and bright part of history.

Amazon Prime Video (2021)

Photo: Amazon Prime Video

Vida

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

This LA-based sitcom focuses on the city's Mexican American community.

Starz (2018-2020)

Photo: Starz

South Side

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Hollywood Reporter says this is the best show to be made in the absurd style of '30 Rock.'

Comedy Central y Max (2019-2022)

Photo: Starz

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Critics chose the best 50 TV shows of the 21st century, The Sopranos, Succession, The Wire, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul, Freaks and Geeks, BoJack Horseman, The Daily Show, The Americans, 30 for 30, Enlightened, Breaking Bad, Halt and Catch Fire, Friday Night Lights, Peep Show, Deadwood, Better Things, Survivor, I May Destroy You, Battlestar Galactica, How To With John Wilson, Broad City, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black, Jane The Virgin, Chernobyl, The Shield, Crazy Ex- Girfriend, Band of Brothers, The Deuce, Insecure, Station Eleven, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Leftovers, The Crown, The Underground Railroad, South Side, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A children's show with a sophisticated message.

Nickelodeon (2005-2008)

Photo: Nickelodeon

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