The Best TV series of All Time
This list is a collection of some of the best TV series (as i see them). They are included for their brilliance, originality, story, scale, grandeur, specific characterization, pure entertainment value or mere nostalgia of my growing up days. Only those i have seen so far are included and there might be many more and ofcourse it is very subjective and suggestions are welcome.
Some of these series may have been extended far beyond their prime yet their initial seasons were really good and trendsetters of their time.
I have not included any reality series or sitcoms (except some classics). The list is not ranked.
Some of these series may have been extended far beyond their prime yet their initial seasons were really good and trendsetters of their time.
I have not included any reality series or sitcoms (except some classics). The list is not ranked.
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- StarsScott GrimesDamian LewisRon LivingstonThe story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.This is the best series i have ever seen.
In terms of screen play, cinemetography, story, depiction of world war II reality and on every other thing you can think of, no other series can stand upto it.
So, there is no need to write more about this! but then when you have Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg you cannot expect any lesser! - CreatorMark GatissSteven MoffatStarsBenedict CumberbatchMartin FreemanUna StubbsThe quirky spin on Conan Doyle's iconic sleuth pitches him as a "high-functioning sociopath" in modern-day London. Assisting him in his investigations: Afghanistan War vet John Watson, who's introduced to Holmes by a mutual acquaintance.I confess i am a big Sherlock Homes fan. This is a fantastic modern day version of holmes. Brilliant acting by cumberbatch, although it is not how 'Sir Arthur conan Doyle' would have portrayed his character if he was to write it today.
It was getting a bit too twisted around 3rd season still hugely enjoyable. - 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.This is the greatest crime in the history of TV series - when the movie studio producing this decided to stop this series after season 1.
This is a very atypical sci-fi. Brilliant character buidling and each character compliments each other and grows on to you deeply over time.
What separates it from other sci-fi is that this one does not put a lot of premium on CGI but on story and the characters. Each episode is gripping and entertaining. - CreatorNic PizzolattoIssa LópezStarsVince VaughnColin FarrellRachel McAdamsAnthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.At the bottom, it is a typical detectives tracking down a serial killer crime mystery but very unique and unbelievably gripping because of direction and brilliant screenplay and acting by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.
- CreatorAaron SorkinStarsJeff DanielsEmily MortimerJohn Gallagher Jr.A newsroom undergoes some changes in its workings and morals as a new team is brought in, bringing unexpected results for its existing news anchor.Fast paced, funny and focused. Jeff Daniels is brilliant and Emily Mortimer is very good and some very engaing side characters.
A very enjoyable and engaging show. - CreatorDavid BenioffD.B. WeissStarsEmilia ClarkePeter DinklageKit HaringtonNine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.This is a grand fantasy. It is so popular there is nothing more to be written about it.
- CreatorDavid ShoreStarsHugh LaurieOmar EppsRobert Sean LeonardUsing a crack team of doctors and his wits, an antisocial maverick doctor specializing in diagnostic medicine does whatever it takes to solve puzzling cases that come his way.There is only one reason to see this - Dr. House. Take away Huge laurie this is a crap. The entire series is built around his character and he has pulled it off in style. After a few seasons, it becomes too monotonous though.
- CreatorMichael CrichtonStarsAnthony EdwardsGeorge ClooneyJulianna MarguliesThe doctors who work in the ER at the County General Hospital in Chicago grapple with ups and downs in their personal and professional lives while trying to give apt medical care to their patients.
- CreatorMichael Dante DiMartinoBryan KonietzkoStarsDee Bradley BakerZach Tyler EisenMae WhitmanIn a war-torn world of elemental powers, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world.Don't be fooled by the fact that this is an animation. It is an absolute treat for people of all ages.
It is indeed a fantasy adventure but very engaging story and good action mixed with very enjoyable humour. - 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.Dexter is quiet hard to pin down. There are a bunch of loose characters in the series and a lot of side stepping to drag the series. However there is something about watching an 'Anti-Hero' who has a code of honor especially a serial killer who uses his uncontrollable horror to do good - that is something of a novel concept. Atleast it seemed so when i watched it years before.
- CreatorMichael HirstStarsKatheryn WinnickGustaf SkarsgårdAlexander LudwigVikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore--and raid--the distant shores across the ocean.I started watching it because i am in Norway now. It is quite good with a lot of blood, depth and weird characters.
- StarsVolker BruchTom SchillingKatharina SchüttlerFive friends go out to war and promise each other to be back for Christmas.
- CreatorJoshua BrandJohn FalseyStarsRob MorrowJanine TurnerBarry CorbinA city doctor is forced to work in the remote Alaskan town of Cicely, where he encounters peculiar locals, including a former astronaut, as he adjusts to small-town life.This is a hidden gem. Not many would like it but to me this one is like a gently flowing river or like those tall grasses swaying to gentle breeze. Some brilliantly underplayed characters in the series who grows onto you. sparkling chemistry between the lead characters.
- CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.This began to air 15 years before i was even born, so for today's people this might not be appealing. However it is one of my favorite sitcoms.
It is a perfect blend of comedy and social morality. Especially in the later seasons when the episodes brought in more social consciousness into them.
And then there is Alan Alda. There are other memorable characters but it is mainly a 'Hawk Eye' show.
If you don't like it after a season, then most likely you will not like it. - StarsEdgar RamírezAlexander ScheerFadi Abi SamraThe story of Venezuelan revolutionary Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, who founded a worldwide terrorist organization and raided the 1975 OPEC meeting.I watched it mainly because i had read Fredrick Forsythes 'Day of the Jackal' and was quiet impressed with it. The real Carlos turned out to be something different - one of very dubious ideals, selfish, hedonistic and a mercenary. However a decent one especially when it serves as something of a pre-cursor to understand the ideals of the west in 70's. Although i must say there are far better movies to capture that sense of idealism.
- 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.
- CreatorDavid SimonStarsDominic WestLance ReddickSonja SohnThe Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
- CreatorDaniel KnaufStarsMichael J. AndersonAdrienne BarbeauClancy BrownDuring the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farm boy and a charismatic minister learn that they are key players in a proxy war being fought between Heaven and Hell.This is a psychedelic mix of magic, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery and suspense. An excellent two season ride.
- CreatorMatthew WeinerStarsJon HammElisabeth MossVincent KartheiserA drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.Advertisement is about making believing in a lie for 30 seconds. So the men who bring it to the screen must be totally unscrupulous and brilliant. Well he is and a bit more with a code!
- CreatorBeau WillimonStarsKevin SpaceyMichel GillRobin WrightA Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him.Isn't he the most devious and devilish creature on TV?! Kevin spacey is unique. So when i saw his name on it i know it is going to be special. He climbs his way to the top stepping over anyone who stands in his path. You are scared of him more than the monsters!
- StarsColin FirthJennifer EhleSusannah HarkerWhile the arrival of wealthy gentlemen sends her marriage-minded mother into a frenzy, willful and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet matches wits with haughty Mr. Darcy.A brilliant portrayal of Jane Austens Novel. Much better than the movie version. Loved it. Makes you almost believe in the concept of love!
- StarsArtur BarcisOlgierd LukaszewiczOlaf LubaszenkoTen television drama films, each one based on one of the Ten Commandments.
- 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.Very hard to pin down. A true 'Anti-Hero', almost turns psychopatic, before he finds his way at the end. I doubt its place as one of the all time best series. Never the less a good one.
- StarsJürgen ProchnowHerbert GrönemeyerKlaus WennemannA World War II German U-Boat crew have a terrifying patrol mission in the early days of the war.This is the best of the best amongst world war 2 series. Almost there with the 'Band of the Brothers' although BB is of a different format. Almost unbearable tension and brilliant acting. My only regret is i watched it after watching the shorterned movie version.
- StarsAlec GuinnessMichael JaystonAnthony BateIn the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons.It is very hard to reproduce a novel to its full extent. This is the best reproduction of a novel i have seen - not in terms of details and its story line but being true to its author - it captures the sence of 'smiley' the way i had imagined him to be when i read the novel. Anyway i love world war 2 and spy novels, so it is one of my favorites in that genre.
- CreatorAaron SorkinStarsMartin SheenRob LoweAllison JanneyInside the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House.It is always great to watch a person who wants to do good to the world. It is a high octane feel good series. Charlie sheen with a commendable support staff - you grow into them after a while. There was one season which was beginning to be dragged with unreasonable twist but apart from that it is an excellent view.
- StarsJames Badge DaleJoseph MazzelloJon SedaThe Pacific Theatre of World War II, as seen through the eyes of several young Marines.I saw it as a follow up to 'The band of Brothers'. Everything will be a let down after that if any one tries comparing anything to 'BoB'. But this is a good series on its own. It did not have such strong characters as 'BoB'. However some captivating moments in the series.
- StarsRuth WilsonToby StephensLorraine AshbourneA young governess falls in love with her brooding and complex master. However, his dark past may destroy their relationship forever.
- CreatorTony JordanStarsRobert GlenisterRobert VaughnRob JarvisA motley group of London con artists pulls off a series of daring and intricate stings.This is a very witty and smart series. A little dramatic at times but always pulls us to the end. Can pick up any episode and watch it stand alone.
- StarsColin O'MearaThierry WermuthChristian PelissierThe adventures of the young reporter, his faithful dog and friends as they travel around the world on adventures.Well its Tin Tin. Need no review!...
- StarsTom HanksNick SearcyLane SmithDramatized portrayal of the Apollo manned space program.
- CreatorGeorge LucasStarsTom KaneDee Bradley BakerMatt LanterJedi Knights lead the Grand Army of the Republic against the droid army of the Separatists.This is a great series if you are into this kind of things. I have always loved comics although i am not a big star wars fan. This one is of the right length (25 minutes) with good story and animation and humour.
highly recommend it. - CreatorVeena SudStarsMireille EnosJoel KinnamanBilly CampbellA police investigation, the saga of a grieving family, and a Seattle mayoral campaign all interlock after the body of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen is found in the trunk of a submerged car.Right from episode 1 this has been gripping. While there has been many twists, they are believable and its quite an achievement they have succeeded in keeping the series moving forward on just one murder. I like the lead detectives. This is not a classic but a good one without being overly dramatic.
Well it becomes too twisted and contorted in season 3 and they don\t know where they are headed leading to very dramatic and small screen endings. Still it is watchable for season 1 and 2. - CreatorPetter S. RosenlundStarsAndreas DöhlerMarc Ben PuchRobert Hunger-BühlerThe story behind Germany's attempt to develop an atomic bomb during World War II and the sabotage of the heavy water program in Rjukan, Norway from the points of view of the Germans, the Allies, the saboteurs, and the company.Recently watched it in 2015. I am in norway and could not have missed it. Very popular here. Very good series and well made. I like the fact that it was not dragged on beyond its need and kept to a neat 6 part mini series.
- StarsLee InglebyLiz WhiteAnne ReidA drama series about the family who founded Chester Zoo in the 1930s.
- StarsMaggie GyllenhaalStephen ReaLubna AzabalCenters on Nessa Stein, a woman who inherits her father's arms business and finds herself in an international maelstrom as she continues to promote the reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
- CreatorDavid E. KelleyJonathan ShapiroStarsBilly Bob ThorntonNina AriandaTania RaymondeA disgraced lawyer, now an ambulance chaser, gets a case that could bring him redemption or at least revenge on the firm which expelled him.
- CreatorChips HardyTom HardySteven KnightStarsTom HardyDavid HaymanJonathan PryceAdventurer James Keziah Delaney returns to London during the War of 1812 to rebuild his late father's shipping empire. However, both the government and his biggest competitor want his inheritance at any cost--even murder.
- CreatorSteve LightfootStarsJon BernthalAmber Rose RevahBen BarnesAfter his revenge on those who murdered his family, aimless Marine veteran Frank Castle finds a new meaning in life as a vigilante known as "The Punisher".
- CreatorLisa JoyJonathan NolanStarsEvan Rachel WoodJeffrey WrightEd HarrisAt the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, waits a world in which every human appetite can be indulged without consequence.
- CreatorJoe PenhallStarsJonathan GroffHolt McCallanyAnna TorvIn the late 1970s, two FBI agents broaden the realm of criminal science by investigating the psychology behind murder and end up getting too close to real-life monsters.