The Game-Changing TV Shows That Revolutionized the Industry

Summary

Band of Brothers raised the standards of TV by showing that it can be as artistic, serious, and big-budgeted as film, setting a trend for future shows.

House of Cards revolutionized the television industry as the inaugural original series from Netflix, showcasing the capability of streaming services to produce highly successful shows. I Love Lucy blazed a trail in the sitcom genre, garnering immense popularity and establishing standard conventions that would be adopted by future sitcoms.

Television has long been a significant source of entertainment and creativity, shaping popular culture and society. However, there is a select list of shows that not only had a profound impact, but also revolutionized the medium. These series, spanning across various genres from sitcoms to dramas, served as pioneers, transforming the landscape of television.

To bring about a lasting change in television, a series typically needs to be the first to introduce something entirely new. It defies the conventional norms, establishing a trend for the future. Whether it alters the format, content, or style of the show, the difference must be discernible over time. Following the release of such a series, other shows strive to replicate or revive its success, albeit with varying degrees of accomplishment. Ultimately, the television series that have forever changed the medium are the ones that pushed boundaries and continue to exert influence to this day.

10 Band Of Brothers

The 2001 war drama Band of Brothers, led by Tom Hanks, excelled for various reasons, notably by elevating television to the level of cinema. This series depicts the real-life experiences of the Easy Company, a parachute infantry regiment during World War II. While praised for its accuracy, performances, and genuine portrayal of history, Band of Brothers also shattered the notion that television is an inferior medium to film. The show convincingly demonstrated that television can be equally artistic, serious, and generously funded, and moreover, can thrive by embracing these qualities.

9 House Of Cards

House of Cards is an iconic television series that has left its mark in the history of the medium. This political thriller takes viewers on the captivating journey of a morally ambiguous politician and his determined wife as they strive for political power. Serving as Netflix's inaugural original series and the first exclusive to the streaming platform, House of Cards served as indisputable evidence that streaming could revolutionize the entertainment industry. Not only did the show achieve remarkable success, but it also shattered the notion that streaming services like Netflix were solely reliant on network and cable television shows. House of Cards showcased the potential for streaming platforms to produce their own captivating content, leading to a surge in subscribers.

8 I Love Lucy

I Love Lucy, while not the first sitcom, played a pivotal role in shaping the sitcom format that would follow. Originally released in 1951, the show revolved around Lucy Ricardo, a comedic housewife, and her various attempts to break into show business with the support of her husband, Ricky. One remarkable aspect of the series was its immense popularity, solidifying I Love Lucy as the sitcom of its time. Additionally, it introduced the three-camera setup and was the first show to feature reruns. All in all, I Love Lucy laid the groundwork for many of the common practices found in subsequent sitcoms.

7 All In The Family

In 1971, All In The Family revolutionized television by showcasing real-life issues rather than relying solely on fictional storytelling. This groundbreaking sitcom, which later inspired successful spinoffs, centers around the character of Archie Bunker. Archie, a bigoted and narrow-minded man, finds himself immersed in a diverse environment that includes his unemployed son-in-law, African American neighbors, and his wife's feminist cousin. By tackling controversial topics head-on, All In The Family combined the realm of television with our own reality, marking a significant shift in the medium.

6 The Simpsons

The Simpsons revolutionized the television landscape by introducing a unique blend of dysfunctional family dynamics and adult animation. Set in the fictional town of Springfield, the show delves into the everyday lives of the title family and their fellow residents. The series, which debuted in 1989, challenged the prevailing notion that animation was solely intended for children's entertainment. In doing so, The Simpsons paved the way for a whole new subgenre of animated comedies catered towards adults. Its groundbreaking success opened the doors for other iconic shows, including South Park, Family Guy, and American Dad.

5 Seinfeld

The Impact of Seinfeld on Sitcoms

Seinfeld, created by Larry David, is widely recognized as one of the most influential sitcoms, second only to I Love Lucy. While it is often described as "a show about nothing," Seinfeld actually revolutionized the genre by introducing innovative storytelling techniques and unlikable characters. Rather than adhering to the conventional Plot A and Plot B structure, Seinfeld incorporated three to five storylines in each episode, skillfully tying them together by the end. Additionally, the series challenged the notion that likable characters are necessary for a show's success. It proved that even with morally ambiguous or unappealing characters, a sitcom could still captivate and entertain its audience.

4 The Sopranos

The Sopranos, a groundbreaking show, played a significant role in HBO's enduring success and transformed the portrayal of characters on television. This series revolved around the life of mob boss Tony Soprano, who constantly grappled with balancing his responsibilities to his family and his criminal empire. Notably, The Sopranos was among the first to introduce a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, diverging from the conventional portrayal of protagonists on TV. Despite Tony's involvement in heinous acts, viewers could empathize with his character and seek redemption through his narrative. Furthermore, the show fearlessly explored dark and gritty subjects like murder, drugs, and criminal organizations, a thematic choice that has persisted in contemporary television.

3 Survivor

Survivor, the only unscripted series on this list, holds this distinction for good reason. Since its inception in 2000, Survivor has single-handedly revolutionized the world of unscripted, reality television. Blending elements of reality TV and game shows, the series showcases a diverse group of individuals who endure the challenges of a deserted island for a month. Competing in various tasks and strategically voting out their fellow contestants, they vie for the coveted title of the sole survivor and a million-dollar prize. Survivor's unparalleled success has paved the way for a plethora of challenge-based reality shows that still captivate audiences today. This iconic show, complete with its distinctive catchphrases, rich lore, and enduring jokes, has indeed served as the cornerstone for the popularity of unscripted television.

2 The X-Files

The X-Files revolutionized the television landscape by seamlessly merging two popular genres and significantly elevating their appeal. Centered around FBI agents Scully and Mulder, who embody the roles of a pragmatist and a conspiracy enthusiast respectively, the series delves into enigmatic and inexplicable cases. Spanning over 11 successful seasons, The X-Files ingeniously blended elements of police procedurals with the supernatural, thus pioneering a mesmerizing subgenre of paranormal investigations. This groundbreaking achievement subsequently paved the way for a multitude of similar shows that might have faltered in the absence of The X-Files' triumph. Notable examples encompass Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and Fringe.

1 Lost

: Lost - The Game-Changing TV Series

Lost, apart from its immense popularity during the 2000s, brought about several crucial transformations in the realm of media. The gripping storyline revolves around a group of survivors of a plane crash, who find themselves stranded on a seemingly deserted island, only to realize that their newfound sanctuary is far from what it appears. Lost not only ignited the trend of enigmatic television shows and eccentric sci-fi narratives but also played a pioneering role in amassing a dedicated fanbase, making it one of the earliest modern series to accomplish such a feat. Coinciding with the ascent of social media, Lost engrossed its followers each week, who then enthusiastically flocked to the Internet to share and deliberate about their theories. Ultimately, Lost cemented the concept of event television and fostered profound connections between fans and their beloved shows.