Every person has a different perspective on what makes a TV show good. For some, it’s the thrill of a cliffhanger at the end of every episode. For others it’s the in-depth character development that unfolds over seasons. But universally, good TV shows share a common thread of gripping storylines, stellar performances, and high-quality production. They are the ones that draw you in, making you laugh, cry, and scream at your screen. They leave you eagerly awaiting the next episode or even the next season. The classic TV shows have this down to a science, having kept audiences hooked for years, even decades!
Check out the list of the Top 10 Most Popular TV Shows Around and decide for yourself!
10 – Legion: An Exhilarating Dive Into the Marvel Universe
Legion, a part of the expansive Marvel universe, offers viewers a unique, mind-bending perspective on superheroes. It’s a psychological thriller that follows the story of David Haller (Dan Stevens), diagnosed as schizophrenic since childhood, but soon discovers he might be the most powerful mutant the world has ever seen.
Unraveling the puzzle of David’s mind is a wild ride filled with unexpected turns, surreal visuals, and emotional depth. The stellar performances, especially by Stevens, alongside the innovative storytelling and daring visuals, make this TV series a standout in the Marvel pantheon.
09 – Preacher: A Darkly Comic Supernatural Odyssey
Preacher sits at the intersection of supernatural, dark comedy, and the Western genre. This adaptation of the cult comic series follows Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), a small-town preacher with a criminal past who becomes possessed by a celestial entity.
With its wild plot twists, quirky characters, and a perfect blend of irreverence and profundity, Preacher is unlike anything else on TV. It’s a testament to what happens when bold storytelling meets comic book eccentricity.
08 – NCIS: Unraveling Mysteries with the Navy’s Finest
Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has held a firm spot in the list of most popular TV shows. This long-running procedural drama chronicles the cases of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s Major Case Response Team, led by Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon).
With its gripping storylines, balanced mix of crime-solving and humor, and an endearing ensemble cast, NCIS continues to draw in millions of viewers worldwide, proving that a well-executed procedural drama never goes out of style.
07 – Vikings: An Epic Journey Through the Dark Ages
Vikings transports viewers back to the brutal yet fascinating world of the Norsemen. It’s a historical drama series that follows the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), his descendants. And their adventures in England and around the Scandinavian lands.
The high-quality production, intricate plot, and dynamic characters make Vikings a must-watch for history enthusiasts and fans of gritty, action-packed dramas. From the blood-soaked battlefields to the political intrigue of the Viking society, the show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, episode after episode.
06 – Stranger Things: A Nostalgic Trip to the Supernatural 80s
Stranger Things is a love letter to the 80s, filled with pop culture references, iconic synth music, and a captivating supernatural plot. The series is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, where a group of kids encounters strange phenomena connected to a parallel dimension called the “Upside Down.”
With its compelling mix of adventure, mystery, and horror, along with an endearing ensemble cast, Stranger Things has captivated viewers worldwide, reaffirming its place as one of the most popular TV shows around.
05 – The Big Bang Theory: Science, Laughs, and Friendship
The Big Bang Theory is a comedic look at the lives of four nerdy, socially awkward scientists. And their adventures in love, work, and friendship. This sitcom, with its sharp writing, humor, and affectionate portrayal of geek culture, became a cultural phenomenon.
The excellent chemistry among the cast, particularly Jim Parsons’ performance as Sheldon Cooper, has made the show one of television’s most beloved comedy series. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of characters who celebrate their intellectual curiosity and quirkiness.
04 – Suits: Legal Battles and Quick-Witted Banter
Suits dives into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of a top-tier Manhattan corporate law firm. The show follows talented college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who starts working as a law associate for Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), despite never having attended law school.
The show’s strength lies in its intriguing legal cases, charismatic characters, and the quick-witted banter between Harvey and Mike. Suits stands out as a smart, stylish, and sophisticated legal drama, making it a must-watch in the realm of law-related TV series.
03 – The Strain: A Horrifying Tale of Vampiric Invasion
The Strain is a horror series that puts a unique, biological spin on the classic vampire mythology. The show follows Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City, as he and his team investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism.
With its chilling narrative, unforgettable villains, and apocalyptic undertones, The Strain offers a refreshing take on the vampire genre, marking its place among the memorable horror TV shows.
02 – The Walking Dead: A Gritty Journey Through a Zombie Apocalypse
The Walking Dead is an apocalyptic series that follows the journey of a group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies, known in the show as “walkers”. With its focus on the human struggle for survival and the tension between different factions of survivors, this apocalyptic drama paints a bleak yet compelling picture of humanity.
The series, based on the comic book of the same name, has become a cultural phenomenon. Its combination of intense action, complex characters, and an ever-evolving plotline keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The Walking Dead remains a cornerstone of post-apocalyptic television, capturing the essence of a zombie-infested world.
01 – Game of Thrones: Epic Battles and Power Struggles in a Fantasy World
Game of Thrones is a behemoth of a series, unparalleled in its narrative scale, complexity, and world-building. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series weaves multiple plotlines around a battle for the Seven Kingdoms’ throne.
Known for its unpredictable storylines, the series is filled with epic battles, power struggles, intricate political maneuvers, and iconic characters. The fantasy drama brought a new level of sophistication and maturity to the fantasy genre. Despite its controversial final season, Game of Thrones remains a defining series of the 21st century, continually reigniting conversations about power, honor, and destiny.
TV shows are not just a form of entertainment; they play an integral role in our society. They provide us with an avenue for relaxation and escapism, and they can even shape our perceptions of the world. A great TV show has the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and even influence cultural norms and values. Moreover, through diverse storytelling, they can shed light on different experiences, promoting empathy and understanding. In a world where we’re more connected than ever, TV shows serve as a cultural touchstone, something that can unify people from all walks of life.
Small Screen, Big Impact: Why TV Shows Are Now Outshining Movies
TV shows have often been regarded as the lesser counterpart to the glitz and glamour of the film industry. But in recent years, there’s been a major shift. Thanks to video streaming services, the golden era of TV series is upon us, where compelling narratives, dynamic characters, and high production values reign supreme.
The extended format of a TV series allows for more nuanced storytelling, enabling us to delve deep into complex characters and their evolving relationships over time. With movies, the constraints of a 2-hour runtime often limit the depth of character development and plot progression. But with TV shows, we get to spend hours – often spanning years – with characters, seeing them evolve, learning their quirks, and experiencing their highs and lows. This depth of immersion cultivates a deeper bond between viewers and characters, making the eventual plot twists and emotional payoffs even more impactful.
The rise of video streaming services has also played a major role in the proliferation of high-quality TV shows. The traditional boundaries of network TV – time slots, ratings, commercial breaks – are all but gone, allowing creators the freedom to experiment with narratives and storytelling techniques.
Moreover, the convenience of streaming lets viewers watch at their own pace. Want to binge an entire season over a weekend? Go ahead. Prefer to savor each episode week by week? That works too. This flexibility, coupled with the ability to watch anytime, anywhere, makes TV shows a more accessible and enjoyable experience for many.
In summary, while movies will always hold a special place in the realm of entertainment, the current golden age of TV shows is indeed something to be celebrated. The small screen is proving to be mighty, and it’s not showing signs of stopping anytime soon.