Television has been an integral part of popular culture for decades and series that have made an impact on television viewers’ lives are forever embedded in our memories and imagination. Throughout the years, we have seen a remarkable variety of series from various genres like comedy, drama, fantasy, and crime-thriller with some nearly becoming cultural phenomena that have transcended time and will go down in the annals of history as revolutionary and iconic. When it comes to ranking the most iconic TV series of all time, there are some that clearly stand out above the rest.
I. MAS*H
MAS*H is one of the most iconic TV series of all time. It aired from 1972-1983 and was based on the movie of the same name released in 1970. It follows a US Army mobile surgical hospital unit set in the Korean War. Despite the grim and intense war setting, the series featured black comedy and hilarious dialogue as it dealt with issues like racism, sexism, and loss that would still be relevant today. The series finale is widely celebrated and even holds the record for the most-watched TV episode of all time.
II. Friends
Friends was a 10-season long series that ran from 1994 to 2004 and follows a group of friends from New York City in their twenties to thirties. It has become one of the staples of the ‘90s and beyond for its comedic take on relationships, friendships, and life struggles. In many ways, Friends’s characters are the “bridge” of generations that passed during its 10-year run, connecting everyone’s own experiences of growing up, falling in love, and/or facing heartbreak. Even to this day, the show is still widely watched and has been streamed millions of times over in more recent years.
III. I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy, a CBS comedy-sitcom, is a classic and still deemed as one of the best TV sitcoms ever created. It follows Lucy and her husband, Ricky, as they try to navigate modern life in a post-World War II America. The show’s immense popularity and influence knows no bounds and was a result of the chemistry between stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. More than half a century later, the series is fondly remembered for its clever script and brilliant cast that entertained viewers of various age groups.
IV. The Sopranos
The Sopranos is arguably one of the greatest and most influential television series of all time. It follows the life of fictional Mob boss Tony Soprano and centers around themes such as choices, consequences, and family. There were plenty of dark twists and intricate pieces of detail that enthralled viewers from all walks of life. The series was acclaimed by critics and audience, with some even calling it one of the greatest television series of all time.
V. Seinfeld
Seinfeld ran from 1989 to 1998, following the everyday lives of four main characters living in Manhattan. It’s often regarded as one of the most beloved TV series of all time. It delved into everything from relationships, work, and daily life. It gained a cult following of millions of fans due to its unique blend of irreverence, humor, and wit. Despite being an iconic and widely acclaimed series, its mix of dark satire and lack of sentimentality can actually come across as quite shocking and startling even to this day.
VI. The X-Files
The X-Files is a sci-fi mystery-thriller series starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. It aired from 1993 to 2018 and followed the agents as they investigate unsolved cases related to paranormal and supernatural phenomena. The series was praised by both viewers and critics alike and was nominated for hundreds of awards. It’s still considered to be one of the most influential television series of all time and is credited for creating a sustained interest in supernatural drama for other series such as Supernatural, Stranger Things, and Fringe.
VII. The Simpsons
The Simpsons is to this day the longest-running animated series in American television history. It has been on the air since 1989 and continues to air new episodes. It follows the Simpson family and its inhabitants of the fictional town of Springfield and centers around themes such as society, family life, and human nature. With its irreverent humor, witty satire, and memorable characters, The Simpsons is considered one of the greatest and most iconic television series of all time and still has a significant level of viewership today.
VIII. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks, created by the iconic director David Lynch, aired from 1990-1991. It follows an investigation by FBI agent Dale Cooper into the murder of a teenager named Laura Palmer, while also focusing on the mysterious mysterious happenings in the small, sleepy town of Twin Peaks. Its unique blend of thriller and fantasy elements, as well as its impact on television as a whole, have made it one of the most iconic and celebrated TV series of all time.
IX. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is one of the most successful and iconic TV series of all time. It aired from 2011 to 2019 and is based on the books of George R.R. Martin. It follows various characters from the fictional lands of Westeros and Essos as they battle for the Iron Throne. It was praised for its intricate plot lines, diverse characters, and its epic storytelling. Game of Thrones has been both critically and commercially acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best television series of all time.
X. The Office
The Office is a mockumentary series that ran for 9 seasons, from 2005-2013, and follows the lives of office employees at a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It’s known for its offbeat, unique humor and its characters that have become beloved by fans all around the world. It’s become one of the most popular TV series of all time and has spawned plenty of memorable quotes and one-liners that people still say today.
Television series have been around since the very early days of television and we have seen some truly amazing series come and go throughout the years. The iconic TV series we have discussed go to show that television is still just as powerful and influential as it ever was. From comedies such as Friends and Seinfeld to thrilling crime-drama like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, these iconic shows have all left an indelible mark on popular culture.
