15 Must-Watch Modern Classic TV Shows That Will Blow Your Mind

There are several iconic television shows from the '90s, 2000s, and 2010s that have become modern classic TV shows. If you haven't watched them yet, you're missing out. Before streaming services became popular, people had to wait each week to catch up with their favorite TV show casts. They relied on pre-episode recaps to remember the full story. People would flock to local stores to buy season box sets of the best-written current TV shows to rewatch their favorite episodes. There was no option to scroll through seasons and binge-watch.

But with the rise of streaming services, everything changed. Audiences now have access to a wide variety of new content. They can also revisit series that have become modern classics. These shows were seen by almost everyone when they originally aired. Streaming brought these shows to new audiences, and even old favorites like Friends gained a second viewership renaissance. They once again became a topic of popular conversation. All of these modern classic TV shows have received critical acclaim and recognition during award seasons. They are definitely worth adding to your watch list.

10 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 - 2003)

Joss Whedon, the controversial creator, struck gold in 1997 with his series adaptation of the iconic 1992 film, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show follows the journey of Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, who transforms from a normal high school student to a reluctant hero when she discovers her destiny as a vampire Slayer. This newfound calling enhances her supernatural abilities, with guidance from her mentor Giles (played by Anthony Stewart Head). Alongside her friends Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon), Buffy battles the forces of evil.

As the series progresses, it undergoes significant transformations from its humble beginnings in season 1. New cast members are introduced, contributing to the rich lore that develops over time. The show's immense popularity during its prime led to the creation of a spinoff series, Angel, which delves into the story of Buffy's complicated relationship with a vampire. Additionally, Dark Horse released a successful companion comic book series in 1998, which outlasted the original television show. Even today, Buffy the Vampire Slayer continues to captivate contemporary audiences, with its influence evident in various pop culture references across television and movies.

9 Friday Night Lights (2006 - 2011)

Friday Night Lights, a sports drama based on a true story, has gained a reputation as a modern classic. Following the success of the 2004 film, showrunner Peter Berg expanded upon H.G. Bissinger's inspiring novel Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream. This captivating series features Kyle Chandler as Panthers football coach Eric Taylor, who faces the challenge of leading the Dillion High School football team to victory while also balancing his personal life.

Notably, Friday Night Lights provided a platform for many of today's well-known actors to launch their careers, including Jesse Plemons (Love & Death), Zach Gilford (Midnight Mass), and Michael B. Jordan (Creed). Throughout its run, this NBC sports drama garnered a strong and loyal fanbase. It received critical acclaim and was honored with three Emmys for Writing, Casting, and Kyle Chandler's exceptional performance as Eric.

8 The Wire (2002 - 2008)

Considered one of the most underrated shows of its time, The Wire's cancellation after season 5 left many disheartened. Set in the dangerous underbelly of Baltimore, Maryland, the series delved into the city's seediest operations and was developed for HBO. While it was primarily an ensemble effort, the narrative mainly followed Detective Jimmy McNulty as he relentlessly took on Baltimore's most corrupt institutions. Alongside the gripping cat-and-mouse game between McNulty and drug kingpin Stringer Bell, The Wire also exposed corruption in Baltimore's politics, print media, shipping, and law enforcement industries.

In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked The Wire fourth on its "Greatest TV Shows of All Time" list, praising the exceptional writing of David Simon's crime drama. The show garnered a total of 60 award nominations and secured 16 wins from prestigious ceremonies such as the Peabody Awards, Television Critics Association Awards, and the American Black Film Festival Awards. Although the expansive scope of The Wire may have been too challenging to sustain viewers' attention beyond five seasons, its monumental legacy undoubtedly established it as a modern classic in television.

7 The Office (2005 - 2013)

The American adaptation of The Office became a phenomenon in its own right, firmly establishing itself as the quintessential workplace comedy series. Presented as a mockumentary, the show revolves around the daily lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as captured by a documentary crew. At the forefront, before his departure in season 7, is the bumbling yet possibly competent boss, Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell). However, the show truly thrives as an ensemble effort, showcasing the talents of Dwight (Rainn Wilson), Jim (John Krasinski), and Pam (Jenna Fischer), who each shine in their own way.

The offbeat and at times cringe-inducing humor of The Office resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a resurgence in viewership when it became available on Netflix, before eventually moving to Peacock. This beloved series has been highly praised, earning numerous accolades including five Emmy Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody Award, and a Golden Globe. Its popularity even attracted notable guest appearances from the likes of Jim Carrey, Cloris Leachman, and Bob Odenkirk.

6 Seinfeld (1989 - 1998)

Seinfeld, the comedy created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, defied expectations and became a timeless television classic. This modern classic follows the life of stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld, loosely based on himself, as he navigates the ups and downs of living and working in New York City. Alongside him are his quirky friend George Costanza (loosely based on Larry David), his assertive ex Elaine Benes, and his unpredictable neighbor Kramer.

What sets Seinfeld apart is its exceptional writing, where seemingly unrelated storylines cleverly intersect in hilarious and unexpected ways. This unique approach captivated both critics and audiences. The show received three Golden Globes, ten Emmy Awards, and four WGA Awards. Certain episodes and iconic moments have become ingrained in pop culture, such as the infamous Puffy Shirt from season 5's "The Puffy Shirt," Frank Costanza's made-up holiday Festivus, and phrases like "close-talker."

5 Lost (2004 - 2010)

From 2004 to 2010, the entire world was consumed by the saga of Lost. Creators J.J. Abrams and Jeffrey Lieber revolutionized television with their enthralling sci-fi drama series, which depicted the aftermath of a plane crash on a mysterious island en route from Sydney to Los Angeles. Although a group led by spinal surgeon Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) manages to survive, their hopes for a peaceful existence are disrupted by the emergence of bizarre and enigmatic phenomena.

Lost effectively paved the way for contemporary serialized cable dramas by introducing the captivating allure, intricate storytelling, and heart-stopping cliffhangers typically associated with esteemed networks like HBO or Starz to the cable TV landscape. Each episode of Lost was renowned for concluding with a significant twist or maddening cliffhanger, fueling the fervor and anticipation that surrounded the show throughout its entire run. The series garnered an astonishing 268 award nominations, emerging victorious in 59 categories, and received widespread acclaim from prestigious ceremonies such as the Emmy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the WGA Awards.

4 Friends (1994 - 2004)

Almost everyone knows about the popular sitcom Friends, which is considered one of the best modern classic TV shows. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Friends follows the lives of six young adults in New York City as they navigate through life, love, and self-discovery. The show stars David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matthew LeBlanc, and Jennifer Aniston, with each character adding their own unique qualities to the series, whether it be drama or humor.

Friends resonates greatly with young adults who are starting out on their own, and the relationships portrayed on the show, particularly the turbulent romance between Ross and Rachel, kept viewers hooked. With numerous People's Choice Awards, Emmys, and Golden Globes under its belt, Friends experienced a resurgence in popularity when it became available on Netflix, attracting a whole new generation of devoted fans. This has solidified its status as a beloved modern TV classic.

3 Mad Men (2007 - 2015)

Mad Men, the period drama series, captivated audiences with its portrayal of the intriguing adventures of Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm), the charismatic ad executive of Sterling Cooper. Set from 1960 to 1970, the show delved into the rapidly evolving world of the advertising industry through the fictional company based in Manhattan, New York. Renowned for its exceptional writing, directing, acting, and historical accuracy, Mad Men utilized its talented ensemble cast to tackle a wide range of thought-provoking themes such as sexism, white privilege, consumerism, and racism.

The series showcased stellar performances from actors like Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss (known for The Handmaid's Tale), and Christina Hendricks (star of Good Girls), earning them well-deserved critical acclaim. It was even noted in 2008 by The Guardian that Mad Men had played a significant role in reigniting interest in 1960s fashion and style, leading to a revival of men's suits. Alongside its critical success, Mad Men also earned numerous prestigious awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and SGA Awards.

2 The Sopranos (1999 - 2007)

The Sopranos, HBO's flagship series, is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever created. Created by David Chase, it delves into the dark world of the Italian mafia, led by Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a don and made man who seeks therapy from Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) after experiencing significant psychological distress. Alongside the prominent figures in the DiMeo crime family, Tony's wife Carmela (Edie Falco) and their children Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and A.J. (Robert Iler) also play crucial roles.

The Sopranos captivates viewers with its violent and dramatic depiction of Tony's attempts to navigate the dangerous life he has chosen for himself and his family. It holds the top spot on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time and continues to have a lasting impact, despite the disappointment of its spinoff prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, featuring Michael Gandolfini, son of the late James Gandolfini, as a young Tony. The Sopranos' remarkable success is evident in its impressive 308 award nominations and 91 wins from esteemed sources such as the Emmys, the Golden Globes, and the SAG Awards.

1 The West Wing (1999 - 2006)

The West Wing, a modern classic TV show, boasted an exceptional cast that solidified its position as one of the greatest on television at the time. It was created by Aaron Sorkin, a prolific screenwriter known for his work on Moneyball. The American political drama featured powerhouse actors such as Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, and Allison Janney. Sheen portrayed the fictional U.S. President Jed Bartlett, who concealed his multiple sclerosis from the public. Each episode provided a glimpse into the daily life at the White House, highlighting the President's interactions with his staff as they tackled intricate political and personal issues.

One of the notable aspects of The West Wing was its coverage of topical political issues, drawing parallels to both historical and contemporary events. It delved into the Monica Lewinsky scandal, domestic and international terrorism, and a variation of former President Bush's War on Terrorism. The stellar performances of the cast garnered significant recognition, with Janney receiving four Emmys for her portrayal of press secretary C.J. Cregg. Sheen also secured a Golden Globe and two SAG Awards for his exceptional acting.

Source: The Rolling Stone, The Guardian