The Best television of all time
by emerilescaladefan | created - 1 month ago | updated - 1 month ago | PublicThere are 50 great tv shows that deserved to be on that list.
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1. The Cosby Show (1984–1992)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Romance
The goings-on in the life of a successful African-American family.
Stars: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe
Votes: 36,357
2. Cheers (1982–1993)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama
The regulars of the Boston bar "Cheers" share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name.
Stars: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
Votes: 62,037
3. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
TV-Y | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The wife of a band leader constantly tries to become a star - in spite of her having no talent, and gets herself (along with her best friend) into the funniest predicaments.
Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley
Votes: 28,913
4. Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The lives and work of the staff of an inner city police precinct.
Stars: Daniel J. Travanti, Michael Warren, Bruce Weitz, James Sikking
Votes: 10,563
5. Police Story (1973–1980)
120 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Detective Cheng is commissioned by Interpol to destroy the "Empire of Chaiba", a worldwide criminal organization based in Southeast Asia, he initiates an undercover operation to infiltrate the organization.
Stars: Scott Brady, Mel Scott, Don Meredith, Joe Santos
Votes: 1,183
6. The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
Four previously married women live together in Miami, sharing their various experiences together and enjoying themselves despite hard times.
Stars: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty
Votes: 47,205
7. Roseanne (1988–2018)
TV-PG | 21 min | Comedy, Drama
A revival of the popular 1990s sitcom "Roseanne," which centered on the everyday life of an American working-class family.
Stars: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman
Votes: 46,356
8. Gimme a Break! (1981–1987)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
Nell agrees to look after the Kanisky's home, as a special favor to her dying friend, and takes on the role of housekeeper to widowed police chief Carl and a parental figure to his three teenage daughters, and eventually a foster son.
Stars: Nell Carter, Lara Jill Miller, Kari Michaelsen, Lauri Hendler
Votes: 3,682
9. All in the Family (1971–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
A working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.
Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers
Votes: 18,658
10. Solid Gold (1980–1988)
60 min | Music
Television show featuring dancing and popular music.
Stars: Jaime Monroy, Robert W. Morgan, Dionne Warwick, Marilyn McCoo
Votes: 351
11. Knight Rider (1982–1986)
TV-PG | 46 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A lone crimefighter battles the forces of evil with the help of a virtually indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar.
Stars: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Richard Basehart, Patricia McPherson
Votes: 37,581
12. St. Elsewhere (1982–1988)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
The lives and work of the staff of St. Eligius Hospital, an old and disrespected Boston teaching hospital.
Stars: Ed Begley Jr., Howie Mandel, David Morse, Christina Pickles
Votes: 5,209
13. Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
An American police procedural television series chronicling the work of a fictional version of the Baltimore Police Department's Homicide Unit.
Stars: Richard Belzer, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto, Kyle Secor
Votes: 14,186
14. Buddy Faro (1998)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama
After vanishing for 20 years, a hip 70's private detective brings his act into the 90's with the help of his young partner Bob and a couple of trusty assistants.
Stars: Dennis Farina, Frank Whaley, Allison Smith, Charles Robinson
Votes: 118
15. Law & Order (1990– )
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
New York's finest police detectives and prosecutors fight to make the city a safer place. With integrity as the guiding force from investigation to verdict, the teams weigh every perspective in their commitment to finding justice.
Stars: Jerry Orbach, Jesse L. Martin, Dennis Farina, Sam Waterston
Votes: 44,586
16. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–2015)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
In Las Vegas, a squad of forensic investigators are trained to solve crimes by meticulously examining the evidence. They employ advanced technology and their rationality to detect the perpetrators.
Stars: William Petersen, Laurence Fishburne, Ted Danson, George Eads
Votes: 89,105
17. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.
Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Votes: 471,179
18. The Wire (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce
Votes: 377,448
19. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
The continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.
Stars: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
Votes: 351,413
20. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.
Stars: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman
Votes: 147,321
21. Duck Dynasty (2012–2017)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Reality-TV
Follows a wealthy Louisiana family known for their successful duck-hunting business.
Stars: Jase Robertson, Si Robertson, Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson
Votes: 11,185
22. Maude (1972–1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
"All In The Family" spin-off centered around Edith's cousin, Maude Findlay, a liberal, independent woman living in Tuckahoe, New York.
Stars: Bea Arthur, Bill Macy, Conrad Bain, Adrienne Barbeau
Votes: 4,702
23. The New Mike Hammer (1984–1989)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of Mickey Spillane's classic private eye character.
Stars: Stacy Keach, Lindsay Bloom, Don Stroud, Kent Williams
Votes: 1,277
24. Star Search (1983–2004)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Family, Game-Show
Contestants compete in a talent show featuring music and comedy categories.
Stars: Arsenio Hall, Naomi Judd, Ben Stein, Ed McMahon
Votes: 398
25. American Chopper: The Series (2002–2020)
TV-PG | 60 min | Reality-TV, Sport
Documentary series about the goings-on behind the scenes at Orange County Choppers, a custom motorcycle fabrication company located in Montgomery, New York. The series is also a study of ... See full summary »
Stars: Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul Jr., Michael Teutul, Mike Rowe
Votes: 4,050
26. Gene Simmons: Family Jewels (2006–2012)
Reality-TV
A look at the family life of rock star and Kiss front man, Gene Simmons.
Stars: Shannon Tweed, Nick Simmons, Sophie Simmons, Gene Simmons
Votes: 2,136
27. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.
Stars: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
Votes: 135,965
28. Rescue 911 (1989–1996)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
William Shatner hosts this television show, featuring dramatic reenactments of situations leading to emergency calls to 9-1-1.
Stars: William Shatner, David Teschendorf, Dick Warlock, John Sherrod
Votes: 1,049
29. 227 (1985–1990)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
This series took place in an apartment building numbered 227. The cast would frequently be sitting outside on a large set of stone stairs, involved in some discussion that would unfold into the weekly plotline.
Stars: Helen Martin, Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed-Hall
Votes: 3,988
30. Dallas (1978–1991)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama, Romance
J.R. Ewing, a Texas oil baron, uses manipulation and blackmail to achieve his ambitions, both business and personal. He often comes into conflict with his brother Bobby, his arch-enemy Cliff Barnes and his long-suffering wife Sue Ellen.
Stars: Larry Hagman, Ken Kercheval, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray
Votes: 16,585
31. Knots Landing (1979–1993)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Romance
The residents of Knots Landing, a coastal suburb of Los Angeles, deal with various issues such as infidelity, health scares, rape, murder, kidnapping, assassinations, drug smuggling, corporate intrigue and criminal investigations.
Stars: Michele Lee, Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark, Kevin Dobson
Votes: 3,220
32. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992)
TV-14 | 105 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
Host Johnny Carson performs comedy routines and chats with various celebrities.
Stars: Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, Doc Severinsen, Skitch Henderson
Votes: 4,242
33. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
In the vicinity of the liberated planet of Bajor, the Federation space station Deep Space Nine guards the opening of a stable wormhole to the far side of the galaxy.
Stars: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton, Alexander Siddig
Votes: 70,778
34. Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)
TV-MA | 46 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Follow-up series to Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) that centers on Jean-Luc Picard in the next chapter of his life.
Stars: Patrick Stewart, Michelle Hurd, Jeri Ryan, Alison Pill
Votes: 94,695
35. The Shield (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Drama series following the lives and cases of dirty cop Vic Mackey and the corrupt LAPD unit under his command.
Stars: Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins, Michael Jace
Votes: 88,097
36. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Votes: 2,136,051
37. Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.
Stars: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates
Votes: 323,442
38. Good Times (1974–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
A poor family make the best of things in the Chicago housing projects.
Stars: Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Jimmie 'JJ' Walker
Votes: 8,112
39. The Young and the Restless (1973– )
TV-PG | 37 min | Drama, Romance
Set in Genoa City, this is the long-running soap that tells the story of the struggle behind the business, and sex-savvy Abbott and Newman clans.
Stars: Eric Braeden, Doug Davidson, Peter Bergman, Joshua Morrow
Votes: 6,838
40. General Hospital (1963– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Romance
Families, friends, enemies, and lovers experience life-changing events in the large upstate city of Port Charles, New York, which has a busy hospital, upscale hotel, cozy diner, and dangerous waterfront frequented by the criminal underworld.
Stars: Maurice Benard, John Beradino, Laura Wright, Rachel Ames
Votes: 5,526
41. Square Pegs (1982–1983)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
Patty Greene and Lauren Hutchinson, two awkward teenage girls, are desperate to fit in at Weemawee High School.
Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Linker, Merritt Butrick, John Femia
Votes: 1,493
42. Inside the Actors Studio (1994– )
TV-PG | 65 min | Talk-Show
Famous actors, directors and writers reminisce about their careers and the philosophy behind their craft.
Stars: James Lipton, Ellen Burstyn, Elena Kobylina, Bradley Cooper
Votes: 5,464
43. Home Improvement (1991–1999)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Family
The daily trials and tribulations of Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, a television show host raising three mischievous boys with help from his loyal co-host, loving wife, and eccentric neighbor.
Stars: Tim Allen, Earl Hindman, Taran Noah Smith, Zachery Ty Bryan
Votes: 49,113
44. Sanford and Son (1972–1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley
Votes: 10,799
45. The Price is Right (1972– )
TV-G | 60 min | Family, Game-Show
Contestants compete for prizes and cash, including cars and vacations, in games that test their knowledge of consumer goods pricing.
Stars: Bob Barker, Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson, Holly Hallstrom
Votes: 4,268
46. WWE Raw (1993– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Sport
The superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment's "RAW" brand collide each and every week on WWE Monday Night.
Stars: Jerry Lawler, Michael Coulthard, Paul Levesque, Mike Chioda
Votes: 9,777
47. Michael Hayes (1997–1998)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama
The cases of an ex-police officer turned Acting US Attorney.
Stars: David Caruso, Jimmy Galeota, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Mary B. Ward
Votes: 127
48. Pawn Stars (2009– )
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Reality-TV
Rick Harrison and his family own and run a pawn shop on the Las Vegas strip. They buy, sell, and appraise items of historical value.
Stars: Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison, Austin 'Chumlee' Russell, Richard Harrison
Votes: 17,920
49. The Smurfs (1981–1989)
TV-Y | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The Smurfs are tiny blue creatures that live in mushroom houses in a peaceful forest. They repeatedly try to outwit Gargamel, an evil sorcerer, his apprentice, Scruple, and his mangy cat, Azrael.
Stars: Don Messick, Danny Goldman, Lucille Bliss, Michael Bell
Votes: 21,033
50. The Honeymooners (1955–1956)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Family
A bus driver and his sewer worker friend struggle to strike it rich while their wives look on with weary patience.
Stars: Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows, Joyce Randolph
Votes: 6,230
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