Top 30 TV Shows To Watch Before You Die!
Note: This list is in no particular order, as it's too hard to decide on one, other than Dexter of course, which is the best.
When it comes to TV shows, everyone has their opinions. Whether they enjoy them for their drama, comedy, or simply their visual effects. My list of shows however, are shows that you will have fun watching, and will keep you entertained all the way through. This list has taken years to compile, in my head of course. I don't claim to have watched every single show, but I have watched many. If you were to name a show, there's a good chance i've seen at least an episode of it. These shows just hooked me in right away, and kept me wanting more. Anyway, In the end, you won't regret watching any of these, they are a must-see for any fan of TV.
Shows that almost made it:
The War At Home, Angel, Malcolm In The Middle, The IT Crowd, Justified, Saved By The Bell, The Big Bang Theory, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse, The Inbetweeners.
When it comes to TV shows, everyone has their opinions. Whether they enjoy them for their drama, comedy, or simply their visual effects. My list of shows however, are shows that you will have fun watching, and will keep you entertained all the way through. This list has taken years to compile, in my head of course. I don't claim to have watched every single show, but I have watched many. If you were to name a show, there's a good chance i've seen at least an episode of it. These shows just hooked me in right away, and kept me wanting more. Anyway, In the end, you won't regret watching any of these, they are a must-see for any fan of TV.
Shows that almost made it:
The War At Home, Angel, Malcolm In The Middle, The IT Crowd, Justified, Saved By The Bell, The Big Bang Theory, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse, The Inbetweeners.
List activity
65K views
• 3 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
30 titles
- CreatorJames Manos Jr.StarsMichael C. HallJennifer CarpenterDavid ZayasHe's smart. He's lovable. He's Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer, who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them.For obvious reasons, Dexter tops the list, it's just great. With amazing writing, and suspenseful thrills, Dexter has it all. Not to mention great acting. To think that they could put a show about a serial killer on TV, and people would feel for this guy and be on his side, is insane when you think about it. They took a leap, and it worked. Despite all of this, the icing on the cake, is the theme song, which I consider to be one of the best. There's a sad trend these days of shows not having an enjoyable theme song, or any at all for that matter. Luckily, Dexter missed that boat. Oh, and another thing, season 4? I don't think I have to say anything else.
- CreatorPaul T. ScheuringStarsDominic PurcellWentworth MillerAmaury NolascoA structural engineer installs himself in a prison he helped design, in order to save his falsely accused brother from a death sentence by breaking themselves out from the inside.The title says it all, if that doesn't attract you, there's a problem. Prison break is one of the few shows that was intense all the way through, every commercial break to be exact (You know what I mean). They perfected the art of being exciting. They also managed to produce one of most well developed characters ever, in my opinion, T-Bag. Love him or hate him, he was good.
- CreatorFrank DarabontStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusMelissa McBrideSheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.If you aren't a fan of The Walking Dead, you should be dead. Now, it's not like there's a lot to compare it to, considering there's only been a few zombies shows made, I still can't see it getting much better than this. The acting is amazing, some of the best i've ever seen. The visual effects are godly, and the characters are developed nicely. I have to end this list with a spoiler, so if you haven't seen every episode, stop reading. One of the best characters ever, Shane, truly gave a breathtaking performance, Jon Bernthal should be commended for his display of talent, and the writers of course. Killing Shane off was a horrible idea to me, but the fact that they were willing to kill off a character that great, shows how good this show actually is, no one is safe. (Yes, I know, the Comics)
- CreatorAlex GansaHoward GordonStarsClaire DanesMandy PatinkinDamian LewisA bipolar CIA operative becomes convinced a prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda and is planning to carry out a terrorist attack on American soil.Man, this show came out swinging. I remember watching Claire Danes on My So-Called Life, when I was younger, then she disappeared. She did work on a few films, but nothing that memorable. All of a sudden, here comes Homeland, this intense thriller with great acting and a compelling story, bringing with it, a psychotic Claire Danes, which I enjoyed. Not to mention Damian Lewis with a performance like i've never seen. Start watching this now.
- CreatorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAaron PaulAnna GunnA 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.If you didn't know Bryan Cranston before, you'll never forget him after watching this. But really, you should have, because he's always been a great actor, this show has just proven it completely. A teacher dying of cancer decides to cook meth with a former student to provide a better life for his family before he passes? Need I say more? That synopsis should immediately grab you. The acting and writing in this show is just incredible. Side note, the performance by Giancarlo Esposito (Gus), in season 4, is just amazing.
- CreatorDan HarmonStarsJoel McHaleDanny PudiDonald GloverA suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eccentric staff and student body.So, here we have Community. Only The best sitcom of all time? I don't say that lightly either, it's tough. Community is just so well written, and so unique, that I think I have to say it. Dan Harmon is a genius for putting together this crew and creating this masterpiece. The chemistry between the characters is seamless. Even with all of the trouble they had on set between Chevy and Dan, they still managed to put this gem together. So many memorable episodes. I Beg you to watch it, I shouldn't need to, but I do.
- CreatorChris FedakJosh SchwartzStarsZachary LeviYvonne StrahovskiJoshua GomezWhen a computer geek inadvertently downloads critical government secrets into his brain, both the CIA and the NSA assign an agent to protect him and exploit his newfound skills.Chuck, wow. Such a great show. This had everything, action, comedy, romance, thrills, horror, it was all there. Truly a geeky show. One of those shows that you can rewatch over and over, because it's just so fun. Reminded me of Firefly in many ways, the way that the cast blended so perfectly together, it felt like a family, like they've known each other forever, great chemistry. Listen, it's about a geeky computer technician that becomes a spy, that should be enough to get you going. Don't pass this up.
- CreatorJoss WhedonStarsNathan FillionGina TorresAlan TudykFive hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.Cowboys in space? Enough said. From the very beginning, this show reeled me in. Although I love every one of Joss Whedon's shows, this one takes the cake. After the first episode, you feel like this cast had been working together for years, their chemistry is brilliant. Nathan Fillion was a born leader. Just the fact that the show was so beloved, that fans managed to convince them produce a movie of a cancelled show should tell you something.
- CreatorChris BriggsPeter KnightStarsDanny SmithBrandon QuinnAimée CastleA teenager, who becomes a werewolf after being bitten by one on a camping trip, uses his new abilities to protect his hometown from other supernatural entities.When it comes to Canadian TV shows, good ones are few. I'm Canadian, so i'm allowed to say that. This Jewel managed to be one of the few. You will have so much fun watching Big Wolf On Campus, that you'll probably want to re-watch it right after. It's extremely funny, the characters are great, and it's very well written. The characters are written in a way that you feel for them, the bond between them is perfection, and they are very likable. The shows creativity even appears in merely the episode titles themselves, in which they are all a play on words, in a comedic fashion. People may say it's just nostalgia, but i've watched the series numerous amounts of times, and it still holds up.
- CreatorJohn de MolRon DieselStarsJulie Chen MoonvesClayton HalseyPhil ProctorContestants must compete against each other for a chance to win $500,000 in a house wired with cameras and microphones, capturing their every move for a TV and Internet audience.Yes, I added a reality show, every genre has it's place. Big Brother is not only the best reality show on TV, but it's one of the only shows that may actually represent reality. Sure, you have Survivor, The Amazing Race, and countless others, but none, are you able to watch 24/7 and see everything that's going on. Big Brother delivers this. Sure, some things are scripted, like simple diary room conversations, but for the most part, you can see everything that's going on. This show is so well put together, and it's always exciting. Anyway, I could go on forever about Big Brother, considering it's one of my favorite shows to watch, but i'll leave you with this. Dr. Will = Greatest reality show contestant ever.
- CreatorSydney NewmanStarsJodie WhittakerPeter CapaldiPearl MackieThe further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.Who? The Doctor of course. Talk about a unique show. One day you're taken on an adventure to mars, next, you're brought back in time, thousands of years ago, fighting robots. There's no end to this show, the possibilities are endless. You want a fun show to watch? Look no further. Something new every episode, and it's always interesting. Not to mention there's so much history with this show, dating back to the 60's. When David Tennant left, I thought the show would never be the same, then they brought in Matt Smith, and he totally nailed it. Check it out!
- CreatorMatt NixStarsBradley WhitfordColin HanksJenny WadeJack is a by-the-book detective whose habit of undermining himself has resulted in a dead-end position with the Police Dept. His partner Dan, a drunken, lecherous veteran hangs onto his job only because of one heroic act years ago.A short-lived series that Fox threw to the wolves in terms of the Friday night death slot. I couldn't get enough of The Good Guys, the chemistry between to two leads was great, sprinkled with hilarious comedy. Not to mention, great music, every episode had amazing tracks. If you're looking for a fun buddy cop show, that'll entertain you from the beginning, this is for you.
- CreatorMatt NixStarsJeffrey DonovanGabrielle AnwarBruce CampbellA spy recently disavowed by the U.S. government uses his special ops training to help others in trouble.This is probably the most fun you'll ever have watching a show. It's basically about a spy that is thrown out of his company with no cash, no credit, and no job history, as the theme song tells us. Thing is, he doesn't know why he's thrown out, and he'll make it his mission to find out why he was fired, and to clear his name. This show is extra fun, because it's also narrated by Michael Westen (main character), in which he gives helpful tips on the situations he's in. These tips could also come in handy if you're interested in being a criminal, but that's besides the point. Overall, Burn Notice is a great show, with a great cast, and is very entertaining.
- CreatorMark BrazillBonnie TurnerTerry TurnerStarsTopher GraceLaura PreponMila KunisA comedy revolving around a group of teenage friends, their mishaps, and their coming of age, set in 1970s Wisconsin.You know that show from the 90's? That 70's show? Sorry, tried to make a joke. Probably my favorite sitcom next to Community, hard to decide. This is the only show that made you laugh after every single line. The laughs only stopped once in a while, when they'd throw in a great dramatic scene. I don't even consider this a show, it's almost real life. These people felt like they belonged together from the beginning. If you haven't watched it from beginning to end, I suggest you go out and buy it immediately, totally worth your time.
- CreatorCarter BaysCraig ThomasStarsJosh RadnorJason SegelCobie SmuldersA father recounts to his children - through a series of flashbacks - the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.Well written sitcoms don't come along too often, especially ones with as great of a story as HIMYM. This delivers in every way, especially in terms of comedy. Neil Patrick Harris is hilarious, as well as the rest of the cast. Besides the great writing, there's one thing that'll keep you watching, and that's, mystery. Who's the mother? Guess you'll have to watch and find out.
- CreatorAndrew W. MarloweStarsNathan FillionStana KaticSusan SullivanWhen a psychopath commits murders based on novelist Castle's books, Detective Beckett seeks his help to solve the case. He decides to work with her and uses his experiences as research for his novels.Nathan Fillion is back, As Richard Castle! Here's the thing, there are many crime solving detective shows on TV nowadays, everywhere you look there's a new one, but when it comes to Castle, it's the only one that matters. It has the comedy, the romance, the mystery, and the action, all rolled up into one. In my opinion, It could just be Castle and Beckett. I wouldn't need any of the other cast, and i'd still watch, it's just that great. The chemistry between the two is unreal. And unlike a lot of these other shows, this one is extremely well written and acted.
- CreatorAlan BallStarsAnna PaquinStephen MoyerSam TrammellTelepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse encounters a strange new supernatural world when she meets the mysterious Bill Compton, a southern Louisiana gentleman and vampire.I remember when True Blood first premiered, I had just finished re-watching all of Buffy, and I noticed that there was a new vampire show on tv, so I checked it out, and I was blown away. Picture buffy, but with graphic violence, sex, and drugs, and since it's on HBO, coarse language. Although I feel like the show has gone downhill since season 1, it's still better than most shows on TV, and delivers on many fronts. If you're into vampires, werewolves, witches, and all things similar, it would be a sin to not watch True Blood. Also, like Dexter, another one of those great theme songs.
- CreatorAndy BorowitzSusan BorowitzStarsWill SmithJames AveryAlfonso RibeiroA streetwise, poor young man from Philadelphia is sent by his mother to live with his aunt, uncle and cousins in their Bel-Air mansion.I dare you to watch this show and not laugh, you can't do it. This is one of the few shows that still holds up today. Considering it only lasted 6 seasons, it made the most of it. By now, everybody has probably watched it, and enjoyed it, but for those who haven't, you're missing out. I think I know every episode off by heart, which is pretty crazy, but they are just that memorable, total hilarity. If Will Smith wasn't so damn talented, we may have gotten more seasons out of the prince, but it doesn't matter, it's enough for me.
- CreatorJoss WhedonStarsSarah Michelle GellarNicholas BrendonAlyson HanniganA young woman, destined to slay vampires, demons and other infernal creatures, deals with her life fighting evil, with the help of her friends.Not much more I could say about Buffy that hasn't been said a countless number of times, by thousands of people. Buffy basically started it all for me, in terms of character development, which is one of the most important aspects of a show. Whedon brought us this masterpiece and I thank him for it. The characters were so well developed, that I could almost care less about Buffy herself. The people surrounding her were just amazing. Spike, Angel, Willow, they were all great. This should definitely be at the top of your must-watch lists.
- CreatorGlen A. LarsonRonald D. MooreStarsEdward James OlmosMary McDonnellJamie BamberWhen an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.I was never really into the whole "Spaceship" theme, when it came to TV shows, until Battlestar came along. This series was just epic, felt like one long movie, and you never knew what was going to happen. At one point I suspected everyone of being a cylon, it was intense. There were just so many twists and turns in this series, very enjoyable. Plus, it had a true conclusion, wrapped up nicely. All that matters is, if the idea of robots in human form Intrigues you, take a gander at this solid series.
- CreatorJ.J. AbramsJeffrey LieberDamon LindelofStarsJorge GarciaJosh HollowayYunjin KimThe survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.Although Lost has taken a beating over the years, for it's ending, I couldn't leave it off the list. This show takes you on a journey. A plane crashes on a mysterious island and the crew have to cope with their surroundings and deal with smoke monsters. This show had me hooked from the start. It's tough to talk about Lost without giving too much away. In the end, despite the horrible conclusion as some might say, it managed to deliver a great show and an amazing slew of characters throughout it's time. It'll keep you guessing, that's for sure.
- CreatorTim KringStarsJack ColemanHayden PanettiereMilo VentimigliaCommon people discover that they have super powers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented.Whenever I speak of Heroes, I think of Lost, great characters, and a lot of them. Heroes has such a great cast, that alone should make you want to watch it. It's a show where almost everyone has a super power, so you know it's fun. The first season was just amazing, and like many other shows, it started to fall short throughout the seasons. Here's the deal, it's a great show, only problem is, it didn't get a proper ending, which i'm still hoping will come one day.
- CreatorKurt SutterStarsCharlie HunnamKatey SagalMark Boone JuniorA biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.Pretty much the first show of it's kind, and it's perfect. Intense action and drama coupled with a not-so-friendly biker gang, it's a good combination. It's also another one of those great shows where they aren't afraid to kill off characters, which I like, keeps you on your toes. Just watch it, it'll be a wild ride, pun intended.
- CreatorJulie PlecKevin WilliamsonStarsNina DobrevPaul WesleyIan SomerhalderThe lives, loves, dangers and disasters in the town, Mystic Falls, Virginia. Creatures of unspeakable horror lurk beneath this town as a teenage girl is suddenly torn between two vampire brothers.Every time I tell people to watch The Vampire Diaries, they ask me why i'm watching a show that's directed towards young teenage girls. Don't be fooled by this show, it's not what you think. Sure, it has the "girly" moments, and teenage conflict, but it's a lot more than that. This show can be brutal at times. Lots of killing, violence, sex, and mystery. Give it a chance and you'll see what I mean. It's a very fun and exciting show to watch. It's very similar to True Blood, in terms of having all of the supernatural beings, vampires, werewolves, witches, hybrids, just with a little less profanity, since it's on The CW.
- CreatorJeff DavisStarsTyler PoseyHolland RodenDylan O'BrienAn average high school student and his best friend get caught up in some trouble causing him to receive a werewolf bite. As a result they find themselves in the middle of all sorts of dramas in Beacon Hills.Another one of these shows that is very misleading for people, since it's on MTV, once again, don't be fooled. Teen Wolf is a great show, it combines teenage drama, with werewolves, which is a fun mix. There haven't been too many werewolf shows over the years, so this was a breath of fresh air, and the acting is superb, surprisingly. Dylan O'Brien delivers one of the best performances i've seen on TV in a while, he's such a great actor, that I believe everything he's saying, unlike other actors where it feels like they are reading off a script. The show is also quite funny at times, which is a plus. Reminds me of Big Wolf On Campus with more action and drama.
- CreatorDavid LittMichael J. WeithornStarsKevin JamesLeah ReminiJerry StillerDeliveryman Doug Heffernan has a good life: He has a pretty wife (Carrie), a big television, and friends with which to watch it. Then Carrie's goofy, annoying father Arthur moves in with them.I'm probably going to get harassed for saying this, but I think King Of Queens is a lot funnier than Seinfeld. It's just one of those comedies where you are constantly laughing, and enjoying yourself. Also, such a great cast they put together. Bringing in Patton Oswalt and Nicole Sullivan were great additions that made the show even better. It's just a simple show about a middle-aged, middle class, working man, and it works.
- CreatorFax BahrAdam SmallStarsMichael McDonaldDebra WilsonAries SpearsA sketch comedy show based on the seminal Mad Magazine.Why MADtv doesn't get the same recognition as SNL, I will never know. In my opinion, MADtv is 10 times better. There are so many memorable skits that make you roll on the floor laughing. Kenny Rogers Jackass, Coach Hines, Ms. Swan, Stuart, Eugene Struthers, the list goes on. SNL may have the stars, but when it comes to comedy skits, nothing beats MAD.
- CreatorHoward OvermanStarsNathan Stewart-JarrettJoe GilgunIwan RheonA group of young offenders doing community service gets struck by lightning during a storm and start to develop superpowers.Over the last several years, some great shows have been coming out of the UK. But Misfits was like anything i'd ever seen. This show packs a punch. A group of young offenders get struck by lightning and develop super powers, if that doesn't attract, this isn't for you. Robert Sheehan's character, Nathan, (Spoiler alert, so stop reading) was the only character i'd ever seen of it's kind. Super charismatic and hilarious, and just downright raunchy, it was great. When he decided to leave, I freaked out, I was enraged, but then they brought in Rudy, who is basically Nathan 2.0, with amazingly hilarious one-liners. Want a fun show to watch? Here you go.
- CreatorPaul AbbottJohn WellsStarsEmmy RossumWilliam H. MacyEthan CutkoskyA scrappy, feisty, fiercely loyal Chicago family makes no apologies.Unlike anything you've ever seen on TV, this show is super raunchy, and very original. When I say original, i'm referring to American TV, since it's a remake of a show from the UK of the same name. Either way, it'll totally catch you off guard. The things that happen in this show are totally outrageous to some, but to others, are a daily occurrence. The show is just really well acted, and written, that it shouldn't be passed up on, plus it's hilarious.
- CreatorCharles PiccoCraig WallaceAnthony LeoStarsAlex HouseMaggie CastleBill TurnbullA stoner metalhead named Todd Smith, his crushee Jenny, his best friend Curtis, and the geeky Hannah, search their high school for a mayhem-causing Satanic spell book, while being opposed by Atticus, the evil guidance councillor.Todd, Todd, Todd... the joy you have brought upon me is miraculous. This jewel is a must watch. Extremely creative, super funny, and well written, and that's just the beginning. One moment you're watching a giant birthday cake devour high school students, the next, you're watching a hilarious musical episode. The cast is made up of very likable characters that mesh really well, which is lacking from many shows today. I could go on and on about this show, but I couldn't do it justice. Just watch it. It's just another step forward for Canadian television.