Outstanding Drama Series Nominees
by coastergeek93 | created - 30 Apr 2014 | updated - 09 Feb 2022 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (1950–1952)
60 min | Drama
Dramatic anthology series presenting plays adopted from Pulitzer Prize winning stories, plays, novels, et cetera.
Stars: Elmer Davis, Charles Dingle, Richard Bishop, Joan Chandler
Votes: 50
2. Fireside Theatre (1949–1955)
30 min | Drama
An anthology series which became the first successful filmed series on American television.
Stars: Gene Raymond, John Warburton, Nolan Leary, Dabbs Greer
Votes: 96
3. The Philco Television Playhouse (1948–1956)
60 min | Drama
This live dramatic series featured original stories and adaptations of novels, plays, etc., during its eight-year run. During the first year, the show was sponsored by the Actor's Equity ... See full summary »
Stars: Bert Lytell, Jay Jackson, Bob Stanton, E.G. Marshall
Votes: 137
4. Studio One (1948–1958)
60 min | Drama
A pinnacle of the Golden Age of Television, "Studio One" presented a wide range of memorable dramas and received eighteen Emmy nominations and five wins during its prestigious nine-year run on CBS.
Stars: Betty Furness, Paul Branson, Charlton Heston, Mary Sinclair
Votes: 328
5. Robert Montgomery Presents (1950–1957)
60 min | Drama
Actor, Producer, and Director Robert Montgomery introduced each telecast, sometimes interviewing one of the stars, and sometimes appearing in the play.
Stars: Robert Montgomery, John Newland, Vaughn Taylor, Elizabeth Montgomery
Votes: 136
6. Kraft Theatre (1947–1958)
60 min | Drama
A well-received anthology series presenting live television dramas.
Stars: Ed Herlihy, Vaughn Taylor, Valerie Cossart, Dan Morgan
Votes: 222
7. The United States Steel Hour (1953–1963)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
In this live drama series, over two hundred live plays, covering all aspects of society, were shown.
Stars: Richard Kiley, Betsy Palmer, Edward Andrews, Biff McGuire
Votes: 196
8. Four Star Playhouse (1952–1956)
30 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
This show featured four rotating stars, Charles Boyer, David Niven, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell in individual episodes consisting of everything from comedy to drama.
Stars: David Niven, Dick Powell, Charles Boyer, Ida Lupino
Votes: 242
9. Medic (1954–1956)
30 min | Drama
Highlights the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors and surgeons headed by Dr. Konrad Styner. One of the first medical shows on TV that paid strict attention to detail, and... See full summary »
Stars: Richard Boone, Mary Stewart, Robert Stevenson, Robert Bray
Votes: 181
10. Producers' Showcase (1954–1957)
90 min | Drama, Musical, Comedy
This program aired once every fourth week, and was one of the most costly live shows of the 1950s. Many stars appeared on this show.
Stars: Cyril Ritchard, Claire Bloom, Mary Martin, David Wayne
Votes: 186
11. Goodyear Theatre (1957–1960)
30 min | Drama
Goodyear Theatre is a 30-minute dramatic television anthology series telecast on NBC.
Stars: David Niven, Robert Ryan, Jane Powell, Peter Leeds
Votes: 69
12. Climax! (1954–1958)
Unrated | 60 min | Drama
This was an anthology series that presented a different story and different set of characters on each episode. It ran from 1954 to 1958 and featured Casino Royale of James Bond fame, which led to two theatrical movies of the same name.
Stars: William Lundigan, Art Gilmore, Mary Costa, Michael Rennie
Votes: 259
13. Gunsmoke (1955–1975)
TV-PG | 60 min | Western
Marshal Matt Dillon keeps the peace in rough-and-tumble Dodge City.
Stars: James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis
Votes: 8,742
14. Lassie (1954–1974)
TV-G | 30 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
The ongoing saga of the Martin family and their beloved collie, Lassie.
Stars: Lassie, Jon Provost, June Lockhart, Hugh Reilly
Votes: 3,807
15. Maverick (1957–1962)
TV-14 | 60 min | Western
Bret and Bart Maverick are well-dressed gamblers who migrate from town to town always looking for a good game.
Stars: Jack Kelly, James Garner, Roger Moore, Lane Chandler
Votes: 3,622
16. Perry Mason (1957–1966)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The trials of a master criminal defense attorney handling the most difficult cases in support of the innocent.
Stars: Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, Ray Collins
Votes: 11,818
17. Wagon Train (1957–1965)
TV-PG | 75 min | Western
Stories of the journeys of a wagon train as it leaves post-Civil War Missouri on its way to California through the plains, deserts, and Rocky Mountains.
Stars: Frank McGrath, Terry Wilson, Robert Horton, John McIntire
Votes: 3,750
18. Playhouse 90 (1956–1961)
90 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Of the many anthology series, this is considered the most ambitious with outstanding talent in front of the camera. Attracting top ranked directors and scripts, it was often filmed live including the entire first season.
Stars: Richard Joy, Paul Lambert, Helen Kleeb, Charles Bickford
Votes: 419
19. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962)
TV-14 | 25 min | Drama, Mystery
Series of unrelated short stories covering elements of crime, horror, drama, and comedy about people of different backgrounds committing murders, suicides, thefts, and other sorts of crime caused by certain motivations, perceived or not.
Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Harry Tyler, John Williams, Patricia Hitchcock
Votes: 19,321
20. Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951–1978)
Comedy, Drama
Probably the longest-running anthology series on television, the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" has been presenting television dramatizations of famous plays and books, as well as original programs especially written for the series, since 1951.
Stars: Sarah Churchill, Howard Wierum, Frank Daly, Robert Daggett
Votes: 337
Season 11
21. General Electric Theater (1953–1962)
TV-G | 30 min | Drama
An American anthology series, with a new episode and different actors and actresses each week. Hosted by Ronald Reagan, the series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.
Stars: Ronald Reagan, Don Herbert, Nancy Reagan, Lee Marvin
Votes: 431
22. Peter Gunn (1958–1961)
TV-14 | 30 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Peter Gunn is a private detective with a knack for finding trouble. His cases often mean he runs into the shadiest characters, most vicious thugs and the most powerful crime bosses. Cool and resourceful, he always gets the guilty party.
Stars: Craig Stevens, Herschel Bernardi, Lola Albright, Bill Chadney
Votes: 1,651
23. The Loretta Young Show (1953–1961)
30 min | Drama
A drama anthology series hosted by actress Loretta Young. In addition to hosting the series, she played the lead in various episodes.
Stars: Loretta Young, John Milton Kennedy, John Newland, Robert Foulk
Votes: 302
24. Naked City (1958–1963)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The cases of the N.Y.P.D.'s 65th Precinct.
Stars: Harry Bellaver, Horace McMahon, Paul Burke, Nancy Malone
Votes: 1,432
Seasons 2-4
25. Startime (I) (1959–1961)
60 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical
The Ford Motor Company sponsored this hour-long program which rotated between variety shows, dramatic productions, and musical comedies. One of the offerings was turned into a regular series, Sing Along with Mitch (1961).
Stars: Ethel Merman, Dean Martin, William Hickey, Alice Backes
Votes: 229
Season 1
26. The Untouchables (1959–1963)
50 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Special Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptable agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.
Stars: Robert Stack, Walter Winchell, Nicholas Georgiade, Paul Picerni
Votes: 3,074
Seasons 1-2
27. Macbeth (III) (1960 TV Movie)
108 min | Drama
Hallmark Hall of Fame's second version of Shakespeare's classic play, with the same two stars and the same director as its first version, but a different supporting cast.
Director: George Schaefer | Stars: Maurice Evans, Judith Anderson, Michael Hordern, Ian Bannen
Votes: 71
TV Movie
28. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
TV-PG | 51 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.
Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, James Turley
Votes: 93,099
Season 2
29. The Defenders (1961–1965)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama
A father and son lawyer duo take a variety of cases that often deal with the important issues of the day.
Stars: E.G. Marshall, Robert Reed, Polly Rowles, Ossie Davis
Votes: 501
Seasons 1-3
30. Alcoa Premiere (1961–1963)
60 min | Drama
Hosted by famous dancer and actor Fred Astaire, this series presented a new drama with each week's episode. Unlike some of the earlier drama series, which tended either toward classics or ... See full summary »
Stars: Fred Astaire, Keir Dullea, Brian Eliot, Paul Comi
Votes: 141
Seasons 1-2
31. Ben Casey (1961–1966)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
Gritty realistic hospital drama featuring manly Dr. Casey against the medical establishment, at first, under the watchful eye of Dr. Zorba, and later under the thumb of Chief of Surgery Dr. Freeland.
Stars: Vince Edwards, Sam Jaffe, Harry Landers, Jeanne Bates
Votes: 645
Season 1
32. The Dick Powell Theatre (1961–1963)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
Powell served as host and, in early shows at least, occasional star in this dramatic anthology. It was his last television series and contained his last filmed acting (episode: 'The Court-Martial of Captain Wycliff').
Stars: Dick Powell, David Niven, June Allyson, Oscar Beregi Jr.
Votes: 210
Seasons 1-2
33. The Eleventh Hour (1962–1964)
60 min | Drama
Criminal cases where criminals are mentally evaluated, or people in the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Stars: Jack Ging, Wendell Corey, Ralph Bellamy, Irene Martin
Votes: 125
Season 1
34. Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963–1967)
60 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Legendary entertainer Bob Hope hosted, and occasionally starred in, one of the last major anthology series on network television, featuring many of Hollywood's top names, including quite a few who didn't do much television otherwise
Stars: Bob Hope, Jack Weston, Jack Kelly, John Francis
Votes: 239
Season 1
35. East Side/West Side (1963–1964)
60 min | Drama
In this weekly drama show, George C. Scott plays a dedicated social worker trying to solve the problems of his clients in the fascinating mix of cultures that makes up New York City.
Stars: George C. Scott, Elizabeth Wilson, Cicely Tyson, Linden Chiles
Votes: 206
Season 1
36. Mr. Novak (1963–1965)
60 min | Drama
The experiences of a young, stubborn and idealistic English teacher in his first job.
Stars: James Franciscus, Dean Jagger, Vince Howard, Marian Collier
Votes: 194
Season 1
37. The Richard Boone Show (1963–1964)
60 min | Drama
An anthology series starring Richard Boone as host and starred in about 50% of the shows. Each regular had parts in almost every episode and starred in at least one episode.
Stars: Robert Blake, Lloyd Bochner, Richard Boone, Laura Devon
Votes: 103
Season 1
38. The Fugitive (1963–1967)
TV-PG | 51 min | Adventure, Crime, Drama
A doctor, wrongly convicted for a murder he didn't commit, escapes custody and must stay ahead of the police to find the real killer.
Stars: David Janssen, William Conrad, Barry Morse, Paul Birch
Votes: 4,686
Season 3
39. Bonanza (1959–1973)
TV-PG | 49 min | Western
The Wild West adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their Nevada ranch while helping the surrounding community.
Stars: Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts
Votes: 10,990
Season 7
40. I Spy (1965–1968)
51 min | Action, Adventure
A pair of intelligence agents posing as a tennis pro and his coach go on secret missions around the world.
Stars: Robert Culp, Bill Cosby, Kenneth Tobey, Arthur Batanides
Votes: 2,485
Seasons 1-3
41. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964–1968)
TV-PG | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
The two top Agents of the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.) fight the enemies of peace, particularly the forces of T.H.R.U.S.H.
Stars: Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, Leo G. Carroll, John Herman Shaner
Votes: 6,261
Season 2
42. Slattery's People (1964–1965)
60 min | Drama
Jim Slattery enters the state legislature, hopeful that he can make a difference. He finds dealing with endless rules and the majority opposition party frustrates any meaningful change but he stubbornly perseveres.
Stars: Richard Crenna, Paul Geary, Tol Avery, Maxine Stuart
Votes: 117
Season 2
43. Mission: Impossible (1966–1973)
TV-PG | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
An elite covert operations unit carries out highly sensitive missions subject to official denial in the event of failure, death or capture.
Stars: Peter Graves, Barbara Bain, Greg Morris, Peter Lupus
Votes: 11,485
Seasons 1-3
44. The Avengers (1961–1969)
TV-14 | 50 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners.
Stars: Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman, Linda Thorson
Votes: 8,884
Seasons 4-5
45. Run for Your Life (1965–1968)
60 min | Drama
The doctor tells a successful lawyer that he is terminally ill and will die in less than two years.
Stars: Ben Gazzara, Nicholas Colasanto, Jack Krupnick, Fernando Lamas
Votes: 430
Seasons 2-3
46. Star Trek (1966–1969)
TV-PG | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.
Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols
Votes: 92,875
Seasons 1-2
47. NET Playhouse (1964–1972)
90 min | Biography, Drama, History
American television anthology series of wide range of genres, from history and drama, to fantasy, and science fiction. Fiction novels, stories, stage plays, fairytales, and historic events are dramatized in each episode.
Stars: Irene Dailey, Rene Auberjonois, George Voskovec, Richard Dysart
Votes: 52
Seasons 2-5
48. The F.B.I. (1965–1974)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Stars: Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Philip Abbott, William Reynolds, Stephen Brooks
Votes: 1,372
Season 4
49. Ironside (1967–1975)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Wheelchair-using, crime-fighting detective Robert T. Ironside battles the bad guys on the streets of San Francisco.
Stars: Raymond Burr, Don Galloway, Don Mitchell, Barbara Anderson
Votes: 4,095
Seasons 2-4
50. Judd for the Defense (1967–1969)
60 min | Drama
High-priced Houston lawyer Clinton Judd and his assistant Ben Caldwell take cases throughout the U.S. The program dealt with then-taboo subjects.
Stars: Carl Betz, Stephen Young, Walter Brooke, John Dehner
Votes: 262
Season 2
51. The Name of the Game (1968–1971)
TV-PG | 90 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Sandy, a young woman in the research dept of Howard Publications has wild romantic daydreams about her boss Glenn Howard that confuse her sense of reality, hampering Howard in an investigation.
Stars: Gene Barry, Susan Saint James, Robert Stack, Anthony Franciosa
Votes: 696
Seasons 1-2
52. Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969–1976)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama
Dr. Marcus Welby, a general practitioner, and Steven Kiley, Welby's young assistant. The two try to treat people as individuals in an age of specialized medicine and indifferent physicians.
Stars: Robert Young, James Brolin, Elena Verdugo, Pamela Hensley
Votes: 1,793
Seasons 1-3
53. The Forsyte Saga (1967)
50 min | Drama, Romance
The extended Forsyte family lives a more-than-pleasant upper-middle-class life in Victorian and later Edwardian England. The two central characters are Soames Forsyte and his cousin Jolyon ... See full summary »
Stars: Eric Porter, Margaret Tyzack, Nyree Dawn Porter, Kenneth More
Votes: 1,116
Limited Series
54. Mod Squad (1968–1973)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A trio of reformed juvenile delinquents work as undercover cops.
Stars: Michael Cole, Clarence Williams III, Peggy Lipton, Tige Andrews
Votes: 2,352
Season 2
55. The Bold Ones: The Senator (1970–1971)
60 min | Drama
Hays Stowe is a new senator who comes to Washington DC with his wife Erin and daughter Norma. He arrives full of optimism that being on the side of justice can help him change things for ... See full summary »
Stars: Hal Holbrook, Michael Tolan, Kate Hawley, Sharon Acker
Votes: 96
Season 1
56. The First Churchills (1969)
564 min | Biography, Drama, History
The lives of John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, and his wife Sarah.
Stars: John Neville, Susan Hampshire, John Standing, Robert Robinson
Votes: 271
Limited Series
57. Elizabeth R (1971)
520 min | Biography, Drama, History
When Elizabeth Tudor comes to the throne, her (male) advisers know she has to marry. Doesn't she? Thus starts a decades-long political/matrimonial game, during an age of high passions and high achievement.
Stars: Glenda Jackson, Ronald Hines, Robert Hardy, Stephen Murray
Votes: 1,937
Limited Series
58. Columbo (1971–2003)
TV-PG | 100 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Los Angeles homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo uses his humble ways and ingenuous demeanor to winkle out even the most well-concealed of crimes.
Stars: Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan, Bruce Kirby
Votes: 41,958
Seasons 1-2, 5-7
59. Mannix (1967–1975)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Private detective Joe Mannix uses force to solve crimes.
Stars: Mike Connors, Gail Fisher, Ward Wood, Ron Nyman
Votes: 4,283
Seasons 5-6
60. The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970)
540 min | Drama, History, Romance
A six-episode dramatization of Henry VIII's relationships with each of his six wives. Each episode is devoted to one wife, and is a complete play in itself.
Stars: Keith Michell, Anthony Quayle, Patrick Troughton, Bernard Hepton
Votes: 1,456
Limited Series
61. The Waltons (1972–1981)
TV-G | 60 min | Drama, Family, Romance
The life and trials of a 1930s and 1940s Virginia mountain family through financial depression and World War II.
Stars: Jon Walmsley, Mary Beth McDonough, Eric Scott, Kami Cotler
Votes: 9,048
Seasons 1-3
62. Cannon (1971–1976)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Frank Cannon, a husky ex-cop and culinary enthusiast, solves tough cases as a private investigator.
Stars: William Conrad, Patrick Culliton, Tom Pittman, Charles Bateman
Votes: 3,611
Season 2
63. Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The investigations of Hawaii Five-0, an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police answerable only to the governor and headed by stalwart Steve McGarrett.
Stars: Jack Lord, James MacArthur, Kam Fong, Herman Wedemeyer
Votes: 8,178
Season 5
64. Kung Fu (1972–1975)
TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Western
The adventures of Shaolin Monk Kwai Chang Caine as he wanders the American West armed only with his skill in Kung Fu.
Stars: David Carradine, Radames Pera, Keye Luke, Philip Ahn
Votes: 7,238
Season 1
65. Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama
The lives and fortunes of the Bellamy family and their below-stairs servant staff at 165 Eaton Place play out against the social, political and historical backdrop of Edwardian London from 1903 to 1930.
Stars: Gordon Jackson, David Langton, Jean Marsh, Angela Baddeley
Votes: 3,564
Seasons 1-3, 5
66. Kojak (1973–1978)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A bald, lollipop sucking police detective with a fiery righteous attitude battles crime in his city.
Stars: Telly Savalas, Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, George Savalas
Votes: 8,876
Seasons 1-2
67. 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
Seasons 1-4
68. The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A veteran cop with more than twenty years of experience is teamed with a young Inspector to solve crimes in San Francisco, California.
Stars: Karl Malden, Michael Douglas, Reuben Collins, Richard Hatch
Votes: 6,895
Seasons 2-4
69. Baretta (1975–1978)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of maverick undercover New York City detective Tony Baretta (Robert Blake).
Stars: Robert Blake, Tom Ewell, Edward Grover, Michael D. Roberts
Votes: 2,866
Seasons 2-3
70. Family (1976–1980)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama, Family
The joys and heartaches of the Lawrence family of Pasadena, California.
Stars: Sada Thompson, James Broderick, Gary Frank, Kristy McNichol
Votes: 2,052
Seasons 2-3, 5
71. The Rockford Files (1974–1980)
TV-PG | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of an easy-going ex-convict turned private investigator.
Stars: James Garner, Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos, Luis Delgado
Votes: 10,864
Seasons 4-6
72. Lou Grant (1977–1982)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama
The trials of a former television station manager, turned newspaper city editor, and his journalist staff.
Stars: Edward Asner, Robert Walden, Mason Adams, Jack Bannon
Votes: 2,403
Seasons 1-5
73. Quincy M.E. (1976–1983)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of a brilliant, if Irascible, coroner who investigates suspicious deaths which usually suggest murder.
Stars: Jack Klugman, John S. Ragin, Robert Ito, Joseph Roman
Votes: 7,322
Season 3, 6
74. The Paper Chase (1978–1986)
60 min | Drama
The trials of a group of law students under the tutelage of a strict professor.
Stars: John Houseman, James Stephens, Tom Fitzsimmons, James Keane
Votes: 1,080
Season 1
75. 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: 16,578
Seasons 3-4
76. The White Shadow (1978–1981)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama, Sport
A white former NBA professional retires from the pro game and gets a job as a basketball coach in a predominantly Black inner-city high school.
Stars: Ken Howard, Kevin Hooks, Byron Stewart, Timothy Van Patten
Votes: 1,506
Seasons 2-3
77. 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: 10,555
Seasons 1-6
78. Dynasty (1981–1989)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama, Romance
The trials and tribulations of two feuding families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, both oil rich families in Denver, Colorado.
Stars: John Forsythe, Linda Evans, Joan Collins, Gordon Thomson
Votes: 8,458
Season 2
79. Fame (1982–1987)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Music, Musical
The stories of the students and faculty of the New York City High School for the Performing Arts.
Stars: Carlo Imperato, Gene Anthony Ray, Debbie Allen, Albert Hague
Votes: 4,445
Seasons 1-3
80. Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988)
TV-PG | 48 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
The adventures of a Hawaii-based private investigator.
Stars: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti
Votes: 28,923
Seasons 2-4
81. Cagney & Lacey (1981–1988)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Two female police detectives cooperate with each other both in their professions and in their personal lives.
Stars: Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless, Al Waxman, Martin Kove
Votes: 5,048
Seasons 2-6
82. 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: 5,208
Seasons 1-6
83. Miami Vice (1984–1989)
TV-14 | 48 min | Action, Crime, Drama
-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.
Stars: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown
Votes: 30,174
Season 1
84. Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
TV-PG | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Professional writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher uses her intellect, charm, and persistence to get to the bottom of every crime she encounters.
Stars: Angela Lansbury, William Windom, Ron Masak, Louis Herthum
Votes: 29,223
Seasons 1-3
85. Moonlighting (1985–1989)
TV-PG | 3,073 min | Comedy, Drama, Mystery
The quirky cases of a former model and a smart aleck detective who manage a private detective agency.
Stars: Cybill Shepherd, Bruce Willis, Allyce Beasley, Curtis Armstrong
Votes: 24,251
Seasons 2-3
86. L.A. Law (1986–1994)
TV-PG | 46 min | Drama
The lives and work of the staff of a major Los Angeles law firm.
Stars: Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins, Michael Tucker
Votes: 6,457
Seasons 1-6
87. Thirtysomething (1987–1991)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Romance
Seven tricenarians living in Philadelphia struggle with everyday adult angst.
Stars: Timothy Busfield, Polly Draper, Mel Harris, Peter Horton
Votes: 3,044
Seasons 1-4
88. Beauty and the Beast (1987–1990)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
The adventures and romance of a sensitive and cultured lion-man and a crusading assistant district attorney in Manhattan, New York City.
Stars: Ron Perlman, Roy Dotrice, Jay Acovone, Linda Hamilton
Votes: 7,882
Seasons 1-2
89. Rumpole of the Bailey (1978–1992)
Not Rated | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of a portly and eccentric criminal law barrister.
Stars: Leo McKern, Jonathan Coy, Julian Curry, Marion Mathie
Votes: 1,720
Season 4
90. China Beach (1988–1991)
TV-14 | 120 min | Drama, History, War
The trials of a weary nurse, her friends and colleagues in a Vietnam War field hospital.
Stars: Dana Delany, Marg Helgenberger, Brian Wimmer, Oliver Theess
Votes: 3,540
Seasons 2-4
91. Wiseguy (1987–1990)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Vincent Terranova is an agent with the Organized Crime Bureau infiltrating dangerous criminal organizations, struggling to remain true to himself while becoming close to the criminal leaders he is sworn to bring down.
Stars: Jonathan Banks, Jim Byrnes, Ken Wahl, Dwight Koss
Votes: 2,920
Season 2
92. Quantum Leap (1989–1993)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
During an experiment into time travel, a scientist finds himself trapped in the past, "leaping" into the lives of different people, sorting out their problems and changing history in hopes of getting back to his own life in the present.
Stars: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Deborah Pratt, Dennis Wolfberg
Votes: 36,459
Seasons 2-4
93. Twin Peaks (1990–1991)
TV-MA | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.
Stars: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook
Votes: 215,314
Season 1
94. Northern Exposure (1990–1995)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
A 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.
Stars: Rob Morrow, Janine Turner, Barry Corbin, John Cullum
Votes: 21,658
Seasons 1-5
95. I'll Fly Away (1991–1993)
60 min | Drama
Forrest Bedford is a Southern lawyer in the late 1950s, generally content with his privileged life.
Stars: Sam Waterston, Regina Taylor, Jeremy London, Ashlee Levitch
Votes: 1,036
Seasons 1-2
96. 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: 44,548
Seasons 2-12
97. Picket Fences (1992–1996)
120 min | Crime, Drama, Family
An aging Sheriff tries to keep the peace in Rome, Wisconsin, a small town plagued by bizarre and violent crimes.
Stars: Kathy Baker, Tom Skerritt, Lauren Holly, Costas Mandylor
Votes: 5,141
Seasons 1-2
98. Homefront (1991–1993)
60 min | Drama, History, Romance
World War II is over and the boys from the town of River Run, Ohio, are coming home. It seems that life is slowly going back to normal, but war has changed everything and they will never be the same again.
Stars: Kyle Chandler, Sammi Davis, Ken Jenkins, Mimi Kennedy
Votes: 1,405
Season 2
99. NYPD Blue (1993–2005)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Detectives from NYPD's 15th Precinct investigate homicides within their precinct.
Stars: Dennis Franz, Jimmy Smits, Gordon Clapp, James McDaniel
Votes: 16,328
Seasons 1-6
100. 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: 135,918
Season 7
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