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With nearly a quarter of the 21st century behind us and the television landscape undergoing dramatic transformations, BBC Culture embarked on a mission to identify the most exceptional shows as determined by industry experts.
By gathering input from “critics, journalists, academics, and industry professionals” worldwide, who ranked their top 10 series released since 2000, the publication compiled a definitive list of the 100 best ones. The top 25 features a diverse array of genres, including fantasy epics like Game of Thrones, dark comedies such as Fleabag and Six Feet Under, and period dramas like The Crown and Deadwood. Leading the pack are three universally acclaimed dramas: The Wire, Mad Men, and another iconic series.
While The Sopranos is absent from the list, it's not due to a lack of critical acclaim—rather, the list only includes series that debuted in 2000 or later. This also explains why Friends is missing. The U.S. adaptation of The Office did secure a spot in the top 100, ranking 39th, which is 30 places below its UK predecessor.
Additional Insights on TV Series:
Explore the top 25 selections below and check where your personal favorites rank on the complete list of 100 here.
- The Wire // 2002-2008
- Mad Men // 2007-2015
- Breaking Bad // 2008-2013
- Fleabag // 2016-2019
- Game of Thrones // 2011-2019
- I May Destroy You // 2020
- The Leftovers // 2014-2017
- The Americans // 2013-2018
- The Office (UK) // 2001-2003
- Succession // 2018-Present
- BoJack Horseman // 2014-2020
- Six Feet Under // 2001-2005
- Twin Peaks: The Return // 2017
- Atlanta // 2016-Present
- Chernobyl // 2019
- The Crown // 2016-Present
- 30 Rock // 2006-2013
- Deadwood // 2004-2006
- Lost // 2004-2010
- The Thick of It // 2005-2012
- Curb Your Enthusiasm // 2000-Present
- Black Mirror // 2011-Present
- Better Call Saul // 2015-2022
- Veep // 2012-2019
- Sherlock // 2010-2017
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