To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes invited journalists to submit their selections for the best films and TV series of all time. Based on their responses, a ranking of the 25 greatest series in history was established. As we delve into the top five, it’s evident that these iconic shows have left an indelible mark on television history. Here’s a closer look at these masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
5. Succession
Created by Jesse Armstrong, Succession stands as one of HBO’s crowning achievements. This critically acclaimed drama explores the cutthroat world of corporate media empires through the lens of the Roy family. Logan Roy, a ruthless tycoon, controls a powerful global conglomerate, and his children are embroiled in a relentless battle for succession as his health declines.
What sets Succession apart is its masterful storytelling, laced with dark humor, political intrigue, and intense familial rivalries. Each episode showcases stunning performances from Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin, making it a modern Shakespearean tragedy set in the corporate world. Succession can currently be streamed on Max.
4. Mad Men
Step into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of 1960s New York advertising with Mad Men. Created by Matthew Weiner, this award-winning drama provides a window into the golden age of advertising, chronicling the lives of employees at the prestigious Sterling Cooper agency.
At the heart of the series is Don Draper, portrayed by Jon Hamm, a mysterious and charismatic creative director navigating the complexities of both business and personal relationships. Mad Men is lauded for its meticulous historical accuracy, sharp dialogue, and deep character development. Over its seven seasons, the show explores themes of identity, ambition, and societal change, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate sophisticated storytelling. The full series is available on Netflix.
3. The Wire
Often hailed as one of the greatest TV series of all time, The Wire offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of Baltimore’s drug trade in the early 2000s. Created by former police reporter David Simon, the show goes beyond the traditional crime drama, providing a sociopolitical commentary on the interconnectedness of institutions such as law enforcement, education, media, and politics.
Each season of The Wire focuses on a different facet of Baltimore’s infrastructure, from the street-level drug trade to the struggles within the city’s public school system. The show’s ensemble cast, including Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael K. Williams, delivers performances that are both raw and compelling. Its realism and depth have cemented The Wire as an enduring masterpiece. The series is available for streaming on Max.
2. The Sopranos
Few series have had as profound an impact on television as The Sopranos. Created by David Chase, this groundbreaking drama redefined the TV landscape and set the stage for the modern golden age of television.
The show follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss played by the legendary James Gandolfini, as he struggles to balance his life of crime with his responsibilities as a father and husband. What sets The Sopranos apart is its psychological depth—Tony seeks therapy to cope with his anxiety and stress, offering viewers an introspective look into the mind of a complex antihero.
With its blend of dark humor, shocking violence, and profound character studies, The Sopranos is a must-watch for any serious TV enthusiast. The entire series is available to stream on Max.
1. Breaking Bad
Taking the coveted top spot is Breaking Bad, a show that has consistently been praised as the pinnacle of television storytelling. Created by Vince Gilligan, this AMC drama follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Faced with financial ruin, he turns to manufacturing and selling crystal meth to secure his family’s future.
The transformation of Walter White from a meek teacher to the ruthless drug kingpin known as Heisenberg is nothing short of extraordinary. Alongside his former student-turned-partner Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), Walter navigates the dangerous underworld of the drug trade, encountering unforgettable characters like the chilling Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) and the relentless DEA agent Hank Schrader (Dean Norris).
Breaking Bad is praised for its intricate plotting, intense performances, and visually stunning cinematography. Every moment is packed with tension, making it one of the most gripping television experiences ever created. The series is available for streaming on Netflix.
Final Thoughts
Each of these series has played a crucial role in shaping modern television. Whether it’s the corporate power struggles of Succession, the historical brilliance of Mad Men, the socio-political depth of The Wire, the psychological complexity of The Sopranos, or the adrenaline-pumping journey of Breaking Bad, these shows continue to set the benchmark for excellence in storytelling.
If you haven’t watched them yet, now is the perfect time to dive into some of the finest television ever made!
