How Many of These 14 Must-Watch, Genre-Defining TV Shows Have You *Actually* Seen?

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Ever wondered how your TV-watching resume stacks up against the best of the best? We’re about to dive deep into the absolute legends of the small screen, the shows that didn’t just entertain us, but genuinely changed the game. Get ready to reminisce about old favorites and maybe even discover your next binge-watch obsession!

Television isn’t just about escaping reality; it’s about building worlds, creating characters we adore, and challenging our perspectives. From groundbreaking comedies that made us laugh until our sides hurt, to dramas that kept us on the edge of our seats, the impact of these series is undeniable. They truly become a part of us!

The amazing minds at Variety have meticulously curated a list of the 100 greatest TV shows of all time, considering both their quality and their monumental cultural impact. We’ve hand-picked a fantastic selection from that esteemed roster to kick off our journey, inviting you to see how many of these unforgettable gems you’ve had the pleasure of watching! Let’s get started.

1. **Community**

Oh, “Community.” This half-hour comedy was built around comfort and familiarity, much like your favorite blanket. It had all those classic sitcom trappings we love: a quirky ensemble cast, a relatable college setting, and even a ‘will-they-won’t-they’ storyline that kept us guessing. But let’s be real, it was at its absolute best when it decided to get wonderfully, gloriously weird.

Seriously, Greendale Community College was more than just a place to get a degree! The show would routinely ditch its conventional setting to explore difficult family memories in a stop-motion Christmas wonderland. Or, it would let ual tension unravel in an epic paintball-driven war zone that felt more like a movie than a sitcom.

This series was incredibly ambitious, pushing the boundaries of what a comedy could be. Yet, like any truly great sitcom, it always knew how to hit the reset button. The characters would return from their endless alternate universes back to Greendale, acting as though nothing unusual had happened at all. It was pure genius, if you ask us!

Hannibal Lecter (The Silence Of The Lambs) — Hannibal (TV Series 2013-2015) – Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB), Photo by themoviedb.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2. **Hannibal**

Now, get this: showrunner Bryan Fuller somehow managed to trick NBC into airing what the context calls an “avant-garde homoerotic romance.” We’re talking about the utterly captivating dynamic between Hannibal Lecter, played by the mesmerizing Mads Mikkelsen, and FBI profiler Will Graham, portrayed by Hugh Dancy. Hannibal, for those who need a refresher, was a practicing psychiatrist, a preening aesthete, and, famously, a noted gourmand.

Will Graham, on the other hand, had this eerie ability to inhabit the mindset of a sociopath, making him the perfect counterpart to Lecter. Their intricate dynamic played out more like a twisted fairy tale than your standard cat-and-mouse game. It was psychological, intense, and absolutely mesmerizing from start to finish.

The crime scenes on “Hannibal” were, quite literally, works of art. Can you believe one morbid tableau was even styled after a Botticelli painting? And let’s not forget Lecter’s meticulously prepared meals; they were gorgeous to behold, even if you had a chilling suspicion about what might actually be in them. It was all about the aesthetics, even when things got gruesome.

But truly, the beating heart of the show was the tragic, just-barely-subtextual romance between Hannibal and Will. It was a bond of true understanding, almost predestined, that could only ever end badly. The series was canceled before it could fully play out its narrative, yet it left us with a perfectly ominous image of its doomed lovers careening over a cliff. A cliffhanger for the ages!

3. **Homeland**

Carrie Mathison, played masterfully by Claire Danes, had all the hallmarks of an unreliable narrator. You’d constantly question her judgment, her sanity even. The twist? She was usually right! That paradox is precisely what made “Homeland’s” first two seasons so incredibly compelling and addictive.

This CIA agent ought to have been a superspy, no doubt. Yet, the very mania that lent her a special insight into the world of espionage also, ironically, clouded her judgment at times. This made her appear untrustworthy to her superiors, creating endless tension and drama that kept us glued to our screens.

“Homeland” brilliantly illustrated Carrie’s profound lack of balance through her vexed, passionate liaison with the suspected terrorist Nicholas Brody, played by Damian Lewis. Her frustration at not being trusted pulsed through Danes’ clenched jaw, a visceral performance that truly embodied the character’s internal turmoil.

Landing deep within the war on terror, the show painted a stark picture of a national-security apparatus built around imperfect, often wild-eyed Americans. After a few rocky seasons, it impressively regained its footing, concluding with an elegant spy game that left a lasting impression. It even notched Showtime’s only Best Series Emmy win ever, highlighting a notably strong era for the cabler that featured other complicated female antiheroes in shows like “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie.” And honestly, you don’t get much more complicated than Carrie Mathison!

4. **Top Chef**

Okay, so reality TV often gets a bit of a lowbrow reputation, right? But “Top Chef”? Not so fast! This Bravo tentpole has completely bucked that trend, evolving over 20 seasons into what we can only describe as the Rolls-Royce of food television. It’s got style, substance, and incredible culinary prowess.

Thanks to the unimpeachable culinary imprimatur of judges like Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, along with the steely glamour of longtime host Padma Lakshmi, “Top Chef” has truly elevated itself. It’s become an arbiter of true prestige in the food world, setting trends and defining what it means to be a top-tier chef.

The show has this fascinating chicken-or-egg relationship with American food culture. Did “Top Chef” introduce concepts like prix fixe and mise en place to the viewing public, making them household terms? Or has it deftly incorporated grassroots phenomena like social media and an increased reverence for non-European culinary traditions?

As the show heads into a post-Lakshmi era, now led by former contestant Kristen Kish, the answer is pretty clear: it’s both! That perfect blend of leading the way and adapting to the times is the secret to the series’ enduring and delicious success. It’s a masterclass in culinary competition.

5. **The Good Fight**

Premiering just one year after its beloved progenitor series “The Good Wife” (starring Julianna Margulies) ended on CBS, “The Good Fight” dove right into the deep end. It brilliantly revolved around the “Wife” character Diane Lockhart, played by the incomparable Christine Baranski. We love a good spin-off, especially when it’s this smart!

Since Donald Trump had just been unexpectedly elected, “The Good Fight” truly captured the zeitgeist. In a storyline where Diane joined a prestigious Black-owned law firm in Chicago, the show became a primal scream against his presidency, scripted with sharp wit by creators Robert and Michelle King. It wasn’t afraid to get political, and we were here for it.

While it occasionally fell into what some might call #resistance clichés, “The Good Fight” was, overall, a brilliantly written, funny, and intricate drama. It wasn’t just about the politics; it was a profound character study of a 60-something woman, which, let’s be honest, is a rarity and a triumph on television. Talk about representation!

Interestingly, where “The Good Wife” started strong but then got a bit wobbly and sputtered to a disappointing ending, “The Good Fight” remained consistently excellent throughout its entire six-season run. It just kept getting better, proving that some stories only grow stronger with age and complexity.

“Black Mirror 2011-” by Lindsay_Silveira is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

6. **Black Mirror**

Okay, everyone has their absolute favorite “Black Mirror” episode, right? To the point that maybe they should be titled like “Friends” episodes: “The One Where People Can Replay Their Memories,” or “The One Where the Afterlife Is Virtual Reality,” or even “The One With Jon Hamm.” Each installment is a conversation starter!

Taken in all, “Black Mirror” – from its earliest days on British television to its current life as a world-beating streaming sensation – has made its name as an anthology of unusual ambition and cumulative power. It reappears every few years to shock and delight, making us question everything about our tech-driven lives.

The show’s sense of dystopia is incredibly pervasive, generated at every turn by those battery-powered “black mirrors” all of us carry in our pockets. Its explorations take many avenues: sometimes the worlds depicted are outright post-apocalyptic, while other times, the social order has degraded just perceptibly enough to simply *feel* that way. It’s a mirror reflecting our own anxieties.

Few other series have demonstrated “Black Mirror’s” versatility or its sheer ambition to speak on this very moment we’re living in, and the moment just beyond it. It makes you think, it makes you squirm, and it definitely makes you consider unplugging for a bit. Truly a unique and impactful series.

7. **I May Destroy You**

Michaela Coel’s series, “I May Destroy You,” was, above all else, absolutely gutting. It offered a riveting and unflinching look at the trauma of rape and how its reverberations can impact every single aspect of a survivor’s life. This wasn’t just a show; it was an experience.

The series followed London-based writer Arabella, played by Coel herself, who finds herself drugged and ually assaulted during a night out while racing to meet the deadline for her second novel. What a premise, right? The weight of that situation is felt deeply throughout.

In the days and weeks that follow, Arabella bravely struggles to piece together exactly what happened to her. She interrogates every aspect of her life, her relationships, and her past choices. It’s a raw, honest, and often painful journey of self-discovery and reclaiming.

“I May Destroy You” was truly revelatory in how it examined complex themes of consent and agency, all while masterfully using humor and introspection. By its powerful conclusion, it ended in a place of profound triumph, with a young Black woman discovering how to reclaim her power. It’s a show that leaves you speechless and inspired.

Alright, TV fanatics, if you thought the first batch of shows was epic, prepare yourselves, because we’re just getting warmed up! We’re diving even deeper into the television hall of fame, unearthing more iconic series that didn’t just entertain, but actually reshaped the cultural landscape and left an indelible mark on our hearts. Get ready to check off more shows from your watchlist and discover some absolute gems you might have missed!

From laugh-out-loud comedies that pushed social boundaries to hospital dramas that tackled real-world issues, and even children’s programming that taught us profound lessons about kindness, these next seven shows are certified legends. Each one brought something truly special to the small screen, proving that television is so much more than just a pastime—it’s a mirror, a teacher, and sometimes, a very, very good friend. Let’s jump into the next set of must-watch masterpieces!

8. **Will & Grace**

Okay, let’s just say it: some TV shows aren’t just good, they’re world-changing. And “Will & Grace”? Absolutely one of them! You could seriously argue that this gem had a profoundly positive effect on our world, helping millions of viewers become more tolerant and even paving the way for the gay rights movement. Talk about making a difference, right?

The brilliance of “Will & Grace” was how it made its gay characters, Will and Jack, feel like your own friends. Their quirks and foibles were so recognizable and charming that it was impossible not to root for them. It normalized and humanized the gay experience for a mainstream audience in a way that had rarely been seen before, truly making history with every episode.

The show had this amazing, equal-opportunity approach to poking fun at its characters. Whether it was the brutally vain, Platonic duo of Will (Eric McCormack) and Grace (Debra Messing), or their utterly delusional and clueless besties, Jack (Sean Hayes) and Karen (Megan Mullally), everyone got a hilarious roasting. It was sharp, witty, and always hit the mark.

The central performers were nothing short of sublime in their daffiness. They created characters so vibrant and real that it’s no wonder so many people came to see them as their own pals. Sure, the original run had a surprisingly sour ending, and that Trump-era reboot was a bit… misbegotten, but nothing can diminish the monumental impact and sheer joy this show brought.

9. **St. Elsewhere**

If you’re into hospital dramas that actually made you think, then you absolutely need to talk about “St. Elsewhere.” This critically beloved series, often mentioned alongside other groundbreaking shows like “Hill Street Blues,” pioneered a realistic, issues-based approach to medical storytelling. And it did it all through a massive, talented ensemble cast.

Set in a depressed Boston hospital, the show was led by an incredible trio: William Daniels, Ed Flanders, and Norman Lloyd. It was also the place where Denzel Washington got his big break – talk about spotting talent early! While it was never a huge ratings hit, its impact on television was undeniable.

“St. Elsewhere” was fearless, tackling incredibly difficult issues like ual assault and HIV with a raw honesty that was rare for its time. Plus, its storytelling was super inventive and experimental. Remember that wild “Cheers” crossover? Or when Dr. Fiscus (Howie Mandel!) died and went to heaven before being revived? The writers, under showrunner Bruce Paltrow, were clearly not afraid to indulge in some serious flights of fantasy.

Even though its finale episode remains a topic of hot debate among fans, the show’s most powerful legacy is how it used the medical system as a dynamic lens to examine the complexities of the modern world. It really was ahead of its time, showing us the power of television to explore deeper themes.

10. **Daria**

Before Gen Z taught us all how to perfect the art of being totally unbothered, there was Daria Morgendorffer. Voiced by the iconic Tracy Grandstaff, she was the undisputed queen of introverted cynicism, and honestly, we bow down. This MTV animated series was a spin-off of “Beavis and Butt-Head,” but it quickly moved beyond its origins to capture the disaffection and, surprisingly, the occasional tenderness of a 90s teenager navigating the wilds of suburban American life.

Daria’s high school, Lawndale, was practically a masterclass in satire, filled to the brim with posers and hangers-on who lived for the popular crowd. But Daria? She wore her pessimism like the coolest coat of armor, completely immune to the social climbing. It was hilarious, relatable, and honestly, kind of aspirational for anyone who ever felt like an outsider.

The show’s writing was pure gold – witty, sharply observed, and it perfectly skewered its setting, from the suburban angst to the absurdity of high school life. But what truly gave “Daria” its heart was the character herself: a teenager who was only ever interested in being herself, unapologetically. In a channel known for music videos and flashy personalities, Daria was a surprisingly perfect fit for MTV, proving that authenticity always wins.

11. **The Cosby Show**

In a perfect world, “The Cosby Show” would be way, way up there on any list of greatest TV shows, no question. For its sheer comic imagination, the incredible charm of its ensemble cast, and the groundbreaking nature of the characters played by Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad – two Black professionals and parents at the heart of a beloved family sitcom – it was truly phenomenal. It redefined what a family show could be.

However, and this is a huge however, we can’t ignore the difficult truth that has unfortunately overshadowed its legacy. Off-screen, the show’s creator, Bill Cosby, who played the iconic Cliff Huxtable, faced severe legal and personal challenges. While his ual assault conviction was later vacated on procedural grounds, he was not exonerated, and the credible allegations against him remain a profoundly troubling aspect of his history.

These revelations have undeniably tarnished Cosby’s legacy, almost to the point of erasure. It’s a tragic situation that highlights how an individual’s actions can impact the work of many. Yet, completely excluding the show feels strange, given the immense talent of his collaborators and the monumental significance of this series in its era.

It’s a real shame that future generations of kids will likely not watch “The Cosby Show” – what a profound loss that its star so thoroughly ruined his own work, and by extension, the work of countless others involved in its creation. It’s a complex and heartbreaking reminder of the difference between art and artist.

12. **Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood**

You know, sometimes, you just need a dose of pure, unadulterated kindness. And for 33 incredible years, Fred Rogers delivered that in spades with “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Using the wonderfully simple tools of public television, he spread a gospel of warmth and empathy to generations of children, and let’s be real, to a lot of adults too.

Every episode followed a pattern that was as comforting as a warm hug. It would start with Rogers inviting us, in song, to be his neighbor, as he changed into that iconic cardigan. Then, with his gentle, deliberate voice, he’d speak directly to his young (and old!) viewers about *everything*.

He wasn’t afraid to talk about big, tough topics like anger, bravery, death, and divorce. But he always did it with such grace, reminding every single person watching that they were unique, special, and absolutely worthy of love. In a medium often used for flashy commercials or easy distractions, Rogers saw television as a powerful conduit for genuine empathy.

Seriously, there has never really been anyone else quite like him. He showed us the true potential of television to connect, to teach, and to heal. And honestly, we are all a little bit poorer for not having more Fred Rogers in the world today. What a legend.

13. **General Hospital**

Alright, let’s hear it for the OGs of dramatic storytelling! Soap operas are a true American art form, starting way back on Chicago radio in the 1930s. And when they hit TV in the 50s and 60s, they became a daily fixture for housewives (which, yep, is how they got their name!). But “General Hospital”? This show took the format to stratospheric new heights in the early 1980s.

Why, you ask? Two words: Luke and Laura. This supercouple became an absolute phenomenon. Their wedding, which aired on November 16 and 17, 1981, was watched by tens of millions of viewers! It wasn’t just a daytime TV event; it completely transcended the genre, becoming a cultural zeitgeist moment – and yes, even Elizabeth Taylor made a guest appearance!

It’s truly incredible how enduring this show is. “General Hospital” is one of only four soaps left on the air, and get this: it’s the longest-running scripted TV series *ever*. It celebrated its 60th anniversary on April 1, 2023, which is just mind-blowing! That kind of longevity is a testament to its compelling storylines and dedicated fanbase.

From dramatic hospital emergencies to intricate love triangles and shocking plot twists, “General Hospital” has kept us hooked for decades. It’s a living piece of television history that continues to prove the power of serialized storytelling. Long live the daily drama!

14. **Happy Days**

Heyyyy! You can’t talk about iconic TV without tipping your hat to “Happy Days”! The 1970s had this total obsession with looking back at the fabulous 1950s, and Garry Marshall’s sitcom was the ultimate, most concrete manifestation of that trend. Revolving around Richie Cunningham (played by the future directing legend Ron Howard) and his family and friends, this show captured the quintessential American teenage experience.

But let’s be real, one friend in particular absolutely stole the show: Arthur Fonzarelli, aka Fonzie, aka The Fonz, played by the effortlessly cool Henry Winkler. Fonzie wasn’t just a character; he was a cultural icon, and his leather jacket, slicked-back hair, and signature catchphrase were pure gold. He even made the library cool!

“Happy Days” is responsible for so much more than just good vibes. We’re talking approximately 4 billion kids’ lunchboxes featuring the Fonz! Plus, it launched two of the most delightful spinoffs ever: “Laverne & Shirley” and “Mork & Mindy,” which gave us Robin Williams! And let’s not forget, it gave us classic phrases like “sit on it” and, more lastingly, the term “jump the shark.”

Beyond all the catchphrases and cool, “Happy Days” launched Ron Howard and Henry Winkler into major stardom, showing off their incredible talent and charm. It was a show that brought families together and left an indelible mark on pop culture, proving that sometimes, looking back can be the happiest way forward.

Phew! What a ride through television history! We’ve journeyed through shows that made us laugh, made us think, and sometimes, even made us feel like we were part of something bigger. From groundbreaking sitcoms to deeply personal dramas and even programs that taught us how to be better humans, these series prove that TV isn’t just background noise—it’s an art form, a cultural touchstone, and a constant source of wonder. Now that you’ve seen our top picks from Variety’s list, how many of these legendary shows have *you* watched? Are there any that surprised you? Or perhaps you’ve found a new classic to add to your never-ending queue. Let us know what you think in the comments below, because we *love* to chat about all things TV!