The 21st century has ushered in a remarkable golden age of television, producing shows that have redefined storytelling, character development, and the way audiences experience entertainment. From gripping dramas and compelling crime series to groundbreaking comedies, fantasy epics, and thought-provoking science fiction, television has delivered an extraordinary range of memorable productions. Many of these shows have not only attracted massive audiences but have also influenced popular culture and set new standards for writing, acting, directing, and production. Whether celebrated for their storytelling, cultural impact, critical acclaim, or enduring popularity, these shows represent some of the most remarkable television of the modern era.
Here is a look of the top 100 best TV shows of the 21st century, highlighting the series that have left a lasting mark on viewers and the television industry.
| Rank | TV show | Years aired |
| 1. | Breaking Bad | 2008-2013 |
| 2. | The Wire | 2002-2008 |
| 3. | Mad Men | 2007-2015 |
| 4. | Succession | 2018-2023 |
| 5. | Fleabag | 2016-2019 |
| 6. | Game of Thrones | 2011-2019 |
| 7. | Veep | 2012-2019 |
| 8. | 30 Rock | 2006-2013 |
| 9. | Curb Your Enthusiasm | 2000-2024 |
| 10. | Atlanta | 2016-2022 |
| 11. | The Office (U.S.) | 2005-2013 |
| 12. | Arrested Development | 2003-2019 |
| 13. | Girls | 2012-2017 |
| 14. | Friday Night Lights | 2006-2011 |
| 15. | Six Feet Under | 2001-2005 |
| 16. | The Office (U.K.) | 2001-2003 |
| 17. | The Americans | 2013-2018 |
| 18. | I May Destroy You | 2020 |
| 19. | Chernobyl | 2019 |
| 20. | The Crown | 2016-2023 |
| 21. | The White Lotus | 2021-present |
| 22. | Lost | 2004-2010 |
| 23. | The Comeback | 2005-2026 |
| 24. | Deadwood | 2004-2006 |
| 25. | The Leftovers | 2014-2017 |
| 26. | Black Mirror | 2011-present |
| 27. | Better Call Saul | 2015-2022 |
| 28. | Band of Brothers | 2001 |
| 29. | Key & Peele | 2012-2015 |
| 30. | Severance | 2022-present |
| 31. | Survivor | 2000-present |
| 32. | Andor | 2022-2025 |
| 33. | Enlightened | 2011-2013 |
| 34. | Schitt’s Creek | 2015-2020 |
| 35. | True Detective (Season 1) | 2014 |
| 36. | The Pitt | 2025-present |
| 37. | Battlestar Galactica | 2005-2009 |
| 38. | Homeland | 2011-2020 |
| 39. | Watchmen | 2019 |
| 40. | Adolescence | 2025 |
| 41. | Louie | 2010-2015 |
| 42. | Hacks | 2021-2026 |
| 43. | Peaky Blinders | 2013-2022 |
| 44. | BoJack Horseman | 2014-2020 |
| 45. | Happy Valley | 2014-2023 |
| 46. | Broad City | 2014-2019 |
| 47. | Twin Peaks: The Return | 2017 |
| 48. | House of Cards | 2013-2018 |
| 49. | Normal People | 2020 |
| 50. | Parks and Recreation | 2009-2015 |
| 51. | The Good Place | 2016-2020 |
| 52. | Downton Abbey | 2010-2015 |
| 53. | Stranger Things | 2016-2025 |
| 54. | The Bureau | 2015-2020 |
| 55. | Insecure | 2016-2021 |
| 56. | Nathan for You | 2013-2017 |
| 57. | I Think You Should Leave | 2019-present |
| 58. | Chappelle’s Show | 2003-2006 |
| 59. | PEN15 | 2019-2021 |
| 60. | Peep Show | 2003-2015 |
| 61. | RuPaul’s Drag Race | 2009-present |
| 62. | Slow Horses | 2022-present |
| 63. | The Thick of It | 2005-2012 |
| 64. | Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown | 2013-2018 |
| 65. | Mare of Easttown | 2021 |
| 66. | The Rehearsal | 2022-present |
| 67. | The Handmaid’s Tale | 2017-2025 |
| 68. | Ozark | 2017-2022 |
| 69. | Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations | 2005-2012 |
| 70. | The Shield | 2002-2008 |
| 71. | Beef | 2023 |
| 72. | Squid Game | 2021-2025 |
| 73. | Barry | 2018-2023 |
| 74. | The Bear | 2022-2026 |
| 75. | Ted Lasso | 2020-present |
| 76. | Somebody Somewhere | 2022-2024 |
| 77. | Modern Family | 2009-2020 |
| 78. | It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia | 2005-present |
| 79. | The Good Wife | 2009-2016 |
| 80. | How To with John Wilson | 2020-2023 |
| 81. | The Queen’s Gambit | 2020 |
| 82. | Better Things | 2016-2022 |
| 83. | Justified | 2010-2015 |
| 84. | Planet Earth | 2006 |
| 85. | The Great British Baking Show | 2010-present |
| 86. | Shogun | 2024-present |
| 87. | Reservation Dogs | 2021-2023 |
| 88. | Dexter | 2006-2013 |
| 89. | Baby Reindeer | 2024 |
| 90. | Eastbound & Down | 2009-2013 |
| 91. | Catastrophe | 2015-2019 |
| 92. | The Night Of | 2016 |
| 93. | Station Eleven | 2021-2022 |
| 94. | The Diplomat | 2023-present |
| 95. | House | 2004-2012 |
| 96. | Halt and Catch Fire | 2014-2017 |
| 97. | Community | 2009-2015 |
| 98. | The OA | 2016-2019 |
| 99. | Gilmore Girls | 2000-2007 |
| 100. | Scandal | 2012-2018 |
