IGN, a popular website for video game and entertainment media, has ranked the top 10 TV shows of all time based on various criteria such as quality, influence, popularity, and legacy. Here are their picks for the best TV shows ever made:
10. Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation is a comedy series that follows the lives of the employees of the Parks and Recreation department of Pawnee, a fictional town in Indiana. The show features a hilarious ensemble cast led by Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, an optimistic and ambitious bureaucrat who loves her job and her town. The show is known for its witty dialogue, absurd situations, heartfelt moments, and memorable characters such as Ron Swanson, Tom Haverford, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, and Ben Wyatt. Parks and Recreation ran for seven seasons from 2009 to 2015 and received critical acclaim and several awards.
9. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama series based on the novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. The show is set in the fictional world of Westeros and Essos, where several noble families vie for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms. The show is known for its complex plot, rich world-building, stunning visuals, epic battles, shocking twists, and ruthless characters such as Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, Arya Stark, and Cersei Lannister. Game of Thrones ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019 and became one of the most popular and acclaimed shows in television history.
8. The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone is a science fiction anthology series created by Rod Serling. The show presents standalone stories that explore various themes such as morality, human nature, society, and the supernatural. The show is known for its clever writing, original concepts, social commentary, and twist endings. The show also features many famous actors such as William Shatner, Burgess Meredith, Robert Redford, and Carol Burnett in guest roles. The Twilight Zone ran for five seasons from 1959 to 1964 and is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential shows of all time.
7. Mad Men
Mad Men is a drama series that follows the lives of the employees of Sterling Cooper, a fictional advertising agency in New York City in the 1960s. The show focuses on Don Draper, a charismatic and mysterious creative director who struggles with his personal and professional life. The show is known for its meticulous attention to detail, historical accuracy, stylish aesthetics, complex characters, and social issues. The show also features an outstanding cast led by Jon Hamm as Don Draper, Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson, John Slattery as Roger Sterling, and Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway. Mad Men ran for seven seasons from 2007 to 2015 and received widespread praise and numerous awards.
6. The Sopranos
The Sopranos is a crime drama series that follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who tries to balance his family and his criminal empire. The show explores the themes of identity, loyalty, violence, corruption, and psychology. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of the mafia world, its dark humor, its compelling storylines, its iconic music, and its ambiguous ending. The show also features a brilliant cast led by James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano, Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi, and Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti. The Sopranos ran for six seasons from 1999 to 2007 and is widely considered as one of the greatest TV shows ever made.