1. "Game of Thrones" (HBO)

If it can be believed, HBO's beloved fantasy drama series seemed to hit its stride in its fifth season — an impressive accomplishment for a series that has continued to win over viewers and critics and remains one of IMDb's top-rated shows. Certainly, that was the case at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards, where the show made history by winning the most awards (12 out of 24 nominations) for a series during a single year. But more importantly, it was the intoxicating storyline that captivated followers so pronouncedly in the past year. The Season 5 finale, where viewers were left to grapple with the potential loss of a cherished character, kept armchair commentators across the Internet working overtime for weeks in order to process emotionally what they had just seen. Season 6 returns this April — which, it can be certain, isn't soon enough for anyone.

2. "Daredevil" (Netflix)

Thankfully for Marvel Comics fans, the Marvel Universe keeps expanding as the months go by. In 2015, the formidable franchise advanced into online streaming audiences with Netflix's "Daredevil," which was followed months later with "Jessica Jones." In "Daredevil," Charlie Cox stars as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who delivers justice as a lawyer by day and as a vigilante by night. The series is the first of four shows overall that Marvel TV has planned to launch on Netflix, culminating with a grand crossover miniseries, "The Defenders." Season 2 is set to return sometime this spring.

3. "Mr. Robot" (USA)

Among the many breakout series of the past year was this timely drama from USA that took a deep and clever look at the responsibilities, anxieties, and implications of living in the cyber age. Rami Malek leads a strong ensemble cast that includes Christian Slater. However, it's the young actor's work as Elliot Alderson, a security engineer learning to wield a mind that is simultaneously brilliant and encumbered, that has made the strongest impression on awards voters this season. There's no definite date for the launch of Season 2 of "Mr. Robot," though it is expected to return in the coming year.

4. "True Detective" (HBO)

Of the many anthology series currently on TV, few seem to have generated as much conviction among viewers as HBO's crime drama. Much of the clamor surrounding the show stems from its celebrated debut season, which, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, earned strong praise from critics and high ratings from viewers, managing to make a well-worn crime genre feel fresh and novel. The second season was generally well-received but didn't quite set the TV world afire as the first did. Which is not to say it hasn't been appreciated by TV fans and IMDb users, who made the series one of IMDb's Top 10 TV series for 2015. Season 2, led by a cast that included Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn, averaged more viewers than the first, even if it collected fewer awards notices.

5. "The Flash" (The CW)

Spun off from the CW's "Arrow," "The Flash" has grown to become a network hit in its own right, making a star of Grant Gustin as the lead character Barry Allen. When the series debuted in late 2014, the pilot was the second most-watched premiere episode at the time for the network. Since then, the CW has been able to fit two seasons into 2015, serving up for its devoted fans stories and characters that respect the show's comic book tradition in addition to plenty of crossover episodes to keep both "Flash" and "Arrow" watchers satisfied. This edition of "The Flash" is the second to appear on network TV but is well connected to the original: John Wesley Shipp, who plays Barry Allen's father, played the lead role in the 1990 series.

6. "The Walking Dead" (AMC)

For six seasons now, AMC's tremendously popular horror-thriller series has been giving TV viewers all they can handle on Sunday nights. And this last season in particular was a standout one for devoted followers of the show. In the third episode, producers served up a heart-wrenching plot twist that kept fans in a state of morning-after panic for several weeks before they eventually discovered the fate of a beloved character. And in the series' midseason finale, viewers were finally introduced to the much talked-about character of Negan, who promises to play a formidable and menacing role in episodes and seasons to come. Fear not, faithful fans: Season 6 resumes Sunday, Feb. 14.

7. "Breaking Bad" (AMC)

The fact that AMC's "Breaking Bad" last aired in 2013 and still appears on this list tells you all you need to know about the lasting power and popularity of this drama series that seemed to defy genre, convention, and expectation at every turn. It's no surprise it remains one of IMDb's top-ranking TV series. One reason the show has remained persistent in fan's minds is the prequel and spin-off "Better Call Saul," which returns for a second season in February. And certainly another is Bryan Cranston's busy film career of late, which has kept him at the forefront of awards show discussion. Whatever the reason, "Breaking Bad" is undoubtedly one of the landmark television series of the decade, with plotlines and characters rich enough to draw new fans to the already sizable legion of diehards.

8. "Sherlock" (PBS)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic characters meet 21st century London in this British crime drama series from PBS. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the famous "consulting detective" Sherlock Holmes, and Martin Freeman portrays his flatmate, friend, and crime-solving partner Dr. John Watson, a wounded veteran from the war in Afghanistan. Together, they live in a flat on Baker Street and help solve crimes with the aid of modern technology, like smart phones. In this way, the series liberates a familiar character from the confines of convention while at the same time remaining deferential to tradition. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have in Cumberbatch an exceedingly able and compelling lead actor. A fourth series is expected to begin filming in early 2016. And yes, Cumberbatch has signed on to return.

9. "Arrow" (The CW)

The CW's "Arrow," based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, premiered in 2012 and since then, due to its popularity with fans, has spawned a universe of related series. The show stars Stephen Amell as spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, who goes missing and is presumed dead. He reappears five years later a changed man, equipped with a bow, a hood, and the conviction to combat corruption in Starling City. Over the course of four seasons, "Arrow" has introduced to audiences an assortment of memorable and familiar characters, helping to launch "The Flash," the upcoming "Legends of Tomorrow," and also the web series "Vixen." Season 4 resumes Wednesday, Jan. 20.

10. "Better Call Saul" (AMC)

"Breaking Bad" fans can still enjoy some of the magic of the now concluded series, and new fans can enjoy discovering new storylines with AMC's prequel/spin-off that stars Bob Odenkirk as criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. The series focuses on Goodman's life as Jimmy McGill before becoming Walter White's shady attorney and has garnered similar critical acclaim to its forebear in addition to earning historic ratings for a new cable series. Season 2 returns Monday, Feb. 15.