The production of TV shows is running at full speed. Because there is a constant demand for more: more episodes, more seasons. Series have the advantage over movies that they are easier to continue. Nevertheless, it is also important for a good TV show to set a point and find an interesting ending. From the ever-growing pool of series that are on the platforms of the streaming providers, it is also important to stop and ask yourself: Which are actually the best TV shows all time? Which series is a must-see?
At this point, we would like to pick you up and provide an overview.
1. Breaking Bad (IMDb 9,5/10)
After being diagnosed with irreversible lung cancer, high school chemistry teacher Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, devotes himself to manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine to provide for his family’s financial security. For all lovers of gangster TV shows, this one is definitely not to be missed. Bryan Cranston delivers an absolute stellar performance as the main character and keeps the viewer constantly rooting for him. The series is without exception exciting and also convinces with an original and very refined image and sound design, which contributes greatly to the immersion of the story.
A masterful TV series that impressively tells of the production and consumption of serious drugs and at the same time, what irony, is highly addictive and the “stuff” was created by author Vince Gilligan.
– Brutal, suspenseful
The show can currently be streamed on Netflix and purchased on Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, among others, as well as rented or purchased on DVD/Blu-Ray.
2. Chernobyl (IMDb 9,4/10)
In the Ukrainian city of Prypyat, a momentous explosion occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in April 1986, representing one of mankind’s worst nuclear disasters to date. Craig Mazin’s five-part miniseries, a co-production of Sky and HBO, succeeds in staging this true event in an incredibly impressive, merciless and also historically very coherent way. Both the cinematography and the film sound provide an impressive immersion and suspense and last but not least, the actors also shine with their performance. First and foremost, Jared Harris in his role as a Soviet scientist in the field of inorganic chemistry.
– Relentless, historical
The TV show can currently be streamed on WOW and Sky Go, and is also available for purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and DVD/Blu-Ray rentals, among others.
3. Game of Thrones (IMDb 9,2/10)
The US drama TV show from HBO tells the story of nine noble families who fight for supremacy in the mysterious lands of Westeros and want to gain control of the Iron Throne. The fantasy epic is based on the series of novels by George R.R. Martin: “A Song of Ice and Fire”. Also known under the abbreviation “GoT”, the series enjoys incredible popularity and follows unmistakably in the footsteps of the Lord of the Rings films. With brutal cruelty and violence, perfidious, partly grotesque, power games and also a good portion of eroticism, this TV series provides us with explosive entertainment with absolute addiction guarantee. An epic masterpiece with an outstanding cast – by David Benioff, D. B. Weiss.
Epic, relentless
The TV show is currently available to stream on WOW and Sky Go and to buy on Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, among others, and is also available to rent/buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
4. The Sopranos (IMDb 9,2/10)
Mafia boss Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini) is plagued by personal and also professional conflicts that take a toll on him psychologically, which is why he finally seeks professional therapeutic treatment. The fact that a gangster boss dares to look inward and face his fears already forms an unheard-of and exciting contrast that is unprecedented. The multi-award winning TV show offers a mix of relentless brutality, black humor and harsh dialogue on the one hand, and subtlety on the other. Each character has been appropriately cast and can convince acting. An absolutely groundbreaking mafia series and clearly one of the best TV shows of all time.
– Shocking & moving
The TV series is currently available to stream on WOW and Sky Go and to buy on Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, among others, and is also available to rent/buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
5. Sherlock (IMDb 9,1/10)
Benedict Cumberbatch slips into the role of the notorious detective Sherlock Holmes to uncover atrocities in 21st century London together with his partner, Dr. John Watson (played by Martin Freeman). The TV show convinces with a good portion of humor and an extremely dynamic and suspenseful story that keeps the viewer on the edge of his seat. An extremely successful and visually very sophisticated modern translation of the classic literary original. By Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat.
– Thrilling, mysterious
The series can currently be partially streamed on Prime Video and is otherwise also available for purchase on the same platform, Apple TV and Google Play, among others, as well as renting/buying there as DVD/Blu-Ray.
6. The Office (IMDb 9,0/10)
It was the inspiration for the German TV show Stromberg: The mockumentary entertainingly showcases the group dynamics of classic office workers. Here, disagreements, inappropriate behavior and boredom clash relentlessly. David Brent (played by Ricky Gervais) is empathetic, sexist and racist, and this mixture alone provides enough humorous fuel. For the viewer, it’s a real feast to follow the staff’s areas of tension and the resulting conflicts and unintentional comedy. An incredibly funny TV series and absolutely recommendable.
– Amusing, crazy
The show can currently be streamed on Netflix, WOW and Sky Go and purchased on Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, among others, and is also available to rent on DVD.
7. Twin Peaks (IMDb 8,8/10)
A TV show that was to revolutionize its genre: In the seemingly idyllic town of Twin Peaks, maverick FBI agent Dale Cooper (played by Kyle MacLachlan) is assigned to solve the murder of young Laura Palmer. But the more information the special agent obtains, the more he realizes that the murder is just one part of many deadly mysteries. Many of today’s crime shows would have been unthinkable without the pioneering work with Twin Peaks by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The series delivers a completely new viewing experience, combining comedy with surrealism and horror. In addition to the excellent acting of the main character, the many supporting characters also provide amazement, dynamism and suspense through their often offbeat drawing. Both the film characters and the story clearly bear the signature of David Lynch, who deeply influenced the horror genre with his paradoxical, surreal film design. Clearly, this work is one of the best TV shows all time.
– Surreal, eerie
The TV series can currently be streamed on Sky Go. Season 1-2 is also available for purchase on Prime Video.
8. House of Cards (IMDb 8,7/10)
In the American capital Washington, D.C., leading actor Kevin Spacey as Congressman Frank Underwood wants to take revenge on the people who betrayed him politically. Together with his no less insidious wife, he makes plans for his goal. Remarkable and also original at the same time is above all the direct address with which the main character makes the audience downright partners for his plan. As a stylistic device here and there almost disturbing, this also gives the events a lot of weight and irony. A remarkable interplay of excellent actors, embedded in a brilliant story.
– Diabolical, suspenseful
The TV series can currently be streamed on Netflix and purchased on Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, among others, and is also available for rental on DVD/Blu-Ray.
9. Dr. House (IMDb 8,7/10)
Dr. Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie) is a doctor of diagnostic medicine. With an extremely idiosyncratic, unconventional approach and peppered with pitch-black humor, he does everything he can to solve mysterious patient cases with his team. In the process, he often gets into trouble, but also earns great respect among his colleagues. With his cynical, dry manner, the main character brings a breath of fresh air into the medical TV shows and lends the genre an idiosyncratic depth. It is the seriousness of the main actor that gives the comedy even more plasticity and quality. Absolute recommendation!
– Cynical, novel
The TV series can currently be streamed on RTL+, WOW and Sky Go, is available for purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV, among others, and can also be purchased or rented as DVD/Blu-Ray.
10. The Big Bang Theory (IMDb 8,2/10)
In the quirky sitcom from Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, attractive Penny (played by Kaley Cuoco) moves into an apartment across the hall from two excellent, but socially rather helpless, physics scientists (Johnny Galecki as Dr. Leonard Hofstadter and Jim Parsons as Dr. Dr. Sheldon Cooper). An extremely special friendship begins, which can not be crazier and more contrary. Here one word joke chases the next. Sheldon Cooper in particular plays a decisive role here and amuses the audience with his hilarious, often exaggerated sentences. With a top cast, the TV show not only made nerd culture respectable, but made it downright fashionable: Being a nerd became more attractive. A series absolutely worth watching and certainly one of the best TV shows of all time. Unfortunately, there is no official trailer of season 1 available at the moment. However, we have provided you with a “fanmade trailer” as a substitute, which gives a good insight into the series.
– Nerdy, weird
The TV series is currently available to stream on Prime Video and Netflix, and can be purchased on Google Play and partially on Apple TV, among others, and is also available to rent/buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
Our Conclusion
If we take a look back at the list of the best TV shows of all time that we have just looked at, it becomes clear that many good works that are produced nowadays are inspired by existing material developments, such as “Twin Peaks” or “The Sopranos”. But, as in other artistic fields, it is never wrong to learn from the masters. In the end, it is all the more crucial to bring to light something new and unique with the help of the “recipes for success” of the old experts, without having to completely reinvent the wheel. A challenge and a tremendous opportunity at the same time, but one that is often mastered perfectly.
Speaking of Best TV Series of All Time
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