With the increase in screen time for the average person credited to the changing landscape of how we consume our media, it can be difficult to identify the TV series beloved by large numbers of viewers in history. This article provides an overview of some of the most beloved TV series of all time, highlighting the lasting impact they have had on viewers.
From the classics to the more recent entries in pop culture, we have compiled a list of popular and beloved shows that have earned their right to be ranked among the best of all time. Read on to find out which TV series deserve a place in history as the most beloved of all time.
- I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy was one of the first television shows to gain a widespread following, airing between 1951 and 1957. The show starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as a married couple living in the suburbs of New York City. It showcased the comedic talents of Lucille Ball, as well as her husband, as the couple navigated the obstacles of everyday life. The show gained immense popularity during its six year run, and continues to provide laughs and entertainment to this day.
- The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show aired from 1960 to 1968 on CBS. The show centers around the life of Sheriff Andy Taylor, who lives with his aunt and son in the fictional small town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Sheriff Andy Taylor has a unique way of solving crime and disputes while living a simple life amongst a collection of interesting townsfolk. The show features some of the most iconic characters in television history, ranging from the beloved Barney Fife to the annoying but lovable Otis Campbell. The show presented an entertaining show with a charming tone and often did so with a subtle underlying message.
- The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show, a popular show that aired from 1984 to 1992, starred Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad and a host of other talented actors. The show follows the lives of a large, upper class African-American family living in New York City. The show provided an honest and thoughtful look into the everyday lives and challenges of an average family. It managed to portray complex topics such as racism, sexism, and poverty in an entertaining and humorous way, while still taking the time to discuss issues relevant to the African-American community.
- Seinfeld
Seinfeld was a sitcom that aired from 1989 to 1998 on NBC. The show stars Jerry Seinfeld, a fictionalized version of the real-life comedian, and fellow actors playing his close friends. The show focuses on the mundane, often ridiculous, everyday activities of a group of friends living in New York City. Seinfeld was a highly successful show and is often credited with breaking the boundaries of traditional sitcoms, thanks to its unique style of humor and groundbreaking plot devices. The show received numerous awards during its nine-year run, and it is still enjoyed by viewers to this day.
- Friends
Friends aired from 1994 to 2004 on NBC, and has since become one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The show follows a group of six friends living in New York City as they navigate through the everyday challenges and comic exploits of their social lives. The show stars an ensemble cast featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. The show provides an honest look into the lives of young adults while still providing lighthearted entertainment. The show gained immense popularity during its ten year run, and it is still remembered and enjoyed to this day.
The shows listed above have made lasting impacts on television and continue to entertain viewers today. Their iconic characters, innovative storylines, and relatable characters have all earned them a place in the heart of TV fans. They have set the standard for generations of shows to come, and each deserves to be recognized as one of the most beloved TV series of all time.
