How do you even begin to rank the best TV shows ever made? It’s a question that sparks endless debates, and honestly, there’s no single right answer. Taste is such a personal thing, isn't it? But when IGN and a bunch of TV-loving folks got together to tackle this, they didn't just go with what felt good in the moment. They set some pretty solid ground rules.
First off, a show had to have wrapped up its story or been around for at least a decade. This immediately takes some of our current obsessions – like The Last of Us or The Boys – off the table for now. It’s not that they aren’t brilliant, but they haven’t finished their journeys yet. The idea is to look at shows that have stood the test of time, leaving a lasting mark.
So, what were they looking for? Influence, for one. Did it change the game? Did it inspire countless others? Then, how well has it aged? Some shows feel like relics, while others, even decades later, still feel fresh and relevant. And crucially, does it still have that cultural buzz? Is it something people still talk about, reference, or even rewatch with the same enthusiasm?
It’s also about separating the 'best' from the 'favorite.' Look, we all have those comfort shows we could watch endlessly, but that doesn't automatically put them in the pantheon of greatness. This list was compiled by people who’ve spent a serious amount of time immersed in television – staffers and critics who know their stuff.
Take Happy Days, for instance. It might seem like a simple, idealized look at the 1950s, but it captured a nostalgic chord that resonated deeply. Running for eleven seasons and spawning beloved spin-offs like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, its real magic was the cast. It gifted us Hollywood heavyweights like Ron Howard and Henry Winkler, proving that a wholesome sitcom can be an enduring champion.
Then there's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Before Stewart took the helm, it was a solid show, but he transformed it into a cultural phenomenon. Navigating the often-absurd landscape of U.S. politics and world events, Stewart found a way to make us laugh while also making us think. Creating political humor that still lands years later is no easy feat, but his tenure made it look almost effortless.
And who could forget The Dick Van Dyke Show? While its portrayal of marriage might seem a bit quaint now (hello, twin beds!), it was undeniably hilarious. Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke were pure gold as Rob and Laura Petrie. Despite its polished exterior and traditional roles, the show often felt surprisingly modern and downright uproarious. Van Dyke’s physical comedy was legendary, but Moore, with her perfectly timed silliness and charisma, was the show’s secret weapon.
Even the gritty beginnings of modern police procedurals can be traced back. Shows like NYPD Blue helped forge a path, creating a formula that many have tried to replicate, but few have truly surpassed. It delved into the frustrations and complexities of police work in a way that felt raw and real.
