List of the best TV series according to The New York Times

Over the first quarter of the 21st century, TV series have changed almost beyond recognition. The television boom, the emergence of streaming platforms, and large budgets brought actors, directors, and screenwriters, who previously worked mainly in big cinema, to television. TV series have become one of the main forms of modern mass culture.

The New York Times decided to summarize these two and a half decades and identify the hundred best TV series of the 21st century. Previously, the publication compiled similar rankings of books and films.

More than 500 actors, directors, screenwriters, producers, studio executives, and other industry representatives named ten best TV series, which premiered no earlier than January 1, 2000. Based on their votes, the final hundred was compiled.

There is one significant limitation in the ranking: the year of the premiere was taken into account, not when the main part of the series aired. Therefore, the hundred does not include, for example, "The Sopranos" — one of the most famous American TV series of its time. It premiered in 1999 and simply could not participate according to the voting conditions.

What made it into the top five

First place went to the American television crime drama «Breaking Bad» (Breaking Bad). The series aired from 2008 to 2013 and told the story of high school chemistry teacher Walter White. After learning he has cancer, he decides to start producing methamphetamine to provide his family with money after his death. But what begins as a desperate attempt to save his loved ones from financial problems gradually transforms the protagonist into a major player in the criminal underworld.

In second place is the American television police drama «The Wire» (The Wire), which aired from 2002-2008. David Simon's series begins with the confrontation between Baltimore police and local drug dealers, but with each season, it becomes a broader story about life in a large American city. The focus shifts not only to police and criminals but also to politicians, schools, port workers, and journalists.

Third place went to «Mad Men» (Mad Men) — an American drama series that aired from 2007 to 2015. Its action unfolds in 1960s New York in the world of advertising business. The main character, Don Draper, is a successful and talented advertiser, behind whose impeccable external image hide secrets of the past and complex relationships with himself and those around him.

In fourth place is the American satirical comedy-drama series «Succession» (Succession), which aired from 2018-2023. At the center of the plot is the Roy family, who own a vast media empire. Its patriarch, Logan Roy, is aging but is in no hurry to relinquish power, and his children begin a struggle for control over the family business. The series combines family drama, black comedy, and satire on the world of big money and power.

Fifth place went to the British comedy-drama series «Fleabag» (Fleabag), which aired from 2016-2019. The main character tries to rebuild her life after a personal tragedy, dealing with family conflicts, relationships, guilt, and her own mistakes. Only two short seasons were released, but that was enough for the series to take fifth place in the voting.

Who else made it into the top 30

Equally famous series appear further down the ranking. For example, «Game of Thrones» took sixth place, the American "The Office" — 11th, "Chernobyl" — 19th, and "Better Call Saul" — 27th.

The top 30 generally gathered very diverse projects — from fantasy and historical dramas to political satire, black comedy, and science fiction. Moreover, alongside already completed series, the list also includes those that are still airing: the satirical comedy-drama "The White Lotus", the fantastic anthology "Black Mirror", and the sci-fi thriller "Severance".

Top 30 TV series:

1. «Breaking Bad» (Breaking Bad) — 2008—2013

2. «The Wire» (The Wire) — 2002—2008

3. «Mad Men» (Mad Men) — 2007—2015

4. «Succession» (Succession) — 2018—2023

5. «Fleabag» (Fleabag) — 2016—2019

6. «Game of Thrones» (Game of Thrones) — 2011—2019

7. «Veep» (Veep) — 2012—2019

8. «30 Rock» (30 Rock) — 2006—2013

9. «Curb Your Enthusiasm» (Curb Your Enthusiasm) — 2000—2024

10. «Atlanta» (Atlanta) — 2016—2022

11. «The Office» (The Office, USA) — 2005—2013

12. «Arrested Development» (Arrested Development) — 2003—2019

13. «Girls» (Girls) — 2012—2017

14. «Friday Night Lights» (Friday Night Lights) — 2006—2011

15. «Six Feet Under» (Six Feet Under) — 2001—2005

16. «The Office» (The Office, UK) — 2001—2003

17. «The Americans» (The Americans) — 2013—2018

18. «I May Destroy You» (I May Destroy You) — 2020

19. «Chernobyl» (Chernobyl) — 2019

20. «The Crown» (The Crown) — 2016—2023

21. «The White Lotus» (The White Lotus) — from 2021

22. «Lost» (Lost) — 2004—2010

23. «The Comeback» (The Comeback) — 2005—2026

24. «Deadwood» (Deadwood) — 2004—2006

25. «The Leftovers» (The Leftovers) — 2014—2017

26. «Black Mirror» (Black Mirror) — from 2011

27. «Better Call Saul» (Better Call Saul) — 2015—2022

28. «Band of Brothers» (Band of Brothers) — 2001

29. «Key & Peele» (Key & Peele) — 2012—2015

30. «Severance» (Severance) — from 2022

The full top 100 best TV series of the 21st century, according to the survey results, can be found on The New York Times website.

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