The Ultimate Collection: The One TV Show You Cannot Miss

Summary

The "golden age of television" owes its success not only to streaming services but also to the contributions of iconic TV shows like M*A*S*H, Dragnet, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and Seinfeld. These shows have played a pivotal role in revolutionizing television by introducing technological advancements, attracting commercial success, and showcasing artistic innovations that have shaped the modern television landscape.

Lost, The Sopranos, Stranger Things, The Simpsons, and Game of Thrones have all left a lasting impact on popular culture and are revered as iconic television shows. In the rich history of television, only a handful of shows have emerged as truly influential, shaping the industry's trajectory. It is undeniable that television has undergone significant transformations over time, with the methods of consumption and the resources available to creators continuously advancing. Therefore, the current era is widely recognized as a "golden age of television" due to the abundance of exceptional programming accessible through network TV, cable, and streaming platforms.

The advent of this golden age is largely credited to the explosion of streaming services in recent years; with more options than ever for what to watch, the chances of great series getting made increases dramatically. However, it would be a mistake to see streaming as the sole reason behind the surge in quality content. A broader examination of the history of television reveals that the technical, commercial, and artistic innovations that shaped the modern television landscape were made possible by groundbreaking TV shows that showcased something unprecedented to audiences, studios, and artists.

10 M*A*S*H (1972-83)

The emergence of this flourishing era is widely attributed to the rapid growth of streaming services in recent years; with an unprecedented array of choices on offer, the likelihood of exceptional series being produced increases significantly. Nonetheless, perceiving streaming as the singular cause for the rise in top-tier content would be erroneous. A comprehensive analysis of television history demonstrates that the technological, commercial, and artistic advancements, which paved the way for the current television climate, were made feasible by pivotal TV shows that presented something previously unseen to viewers, production companies, and artists alike.

10 M*A*S*H (1972-83)

M*A*S*H recounts the tale of the unconventional American hospital team during the Korean War, who strive to discover happiness and humor amidst the grim realities of conflict. In the United States, the series soared to immense popularity, garnering some of the highest ratings in the history of American television and ultimately setting a record for the most-watched TV finale ever. The show revolutionized television by skillfully merging comedy and drama, seamlessly transitioning between lighthearted hijinks and thought-provoking observations on the impact of warfare.

9 Dragnet (1951-59)

Dragnet, which is based on a radio series with the same name, follows Detective Jack Webb of the LAPD as he investigates cases and apprehends criminals. While there were other cop shows before it, Dragnet is widely considered to be the most influential in early US television. The series had a close collaboration with the LAPD, giving it an authentic feel that was missing from other police dramas. Dragnet's procedural format and its supposedly true stories contributed to its success. However, recent analyses of the series have shed light on its inclination towards glamorizing and even promoting law enforcement activities.

8 The Twilight Zone (1959-64)

The Twilight Zone, one of the earliest examples of a television anthology series and undoubtedly the most significant, delves into the lives of various individuals whose encounters with sinister phenomena unravel their identity. This groundbreaking series captivated audiences with its groundbreaking plots that skillfully employed elements of science fiction and horror to explore profound intellectual and political themes. The sharp writing, polished direction, and distinctive atmosphere of The Twilight Zone have solidified its status as an enduring classic, against which all other anthology series are measured to this day.

7 Star Trek (1966-69)

Star Trek: The Original Series chronicles the thrilling exploits of a crew of explorers in the distant future of humanity. Similar to The Twilight Zone, this groundbreaking series revolutionized the genre of fiction and is now hailed as the definitive early work in its field. Star Trek uses its innovative sci-fi backdrop to delve into profound philosophical themes and challenge societal boundaries. Notably, the show features the groundbreaking moment of the first ever interracial kiss in American scripted television. Although the original series faced cancellation after only three seasons due to low ratings, it experienced tremendous success through subsequent syndication, becoming one of the most lucrative sci-fi franchises ever created.

6 Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Often hailed as the pioneering postmodern sitcom, Seinfeld follows the journey of four self-absorbed friends as they navigate their personal and professional lives in the bustling city of New York. Renowned as "the show about nothing," this series revolutionized the sitcom genre with its mundane storylines and cynical characters. Seinfeld struck a chord with millions, cementing its status as a defining cultural phenomenon that paved the way for other sitcoms to break free from traditional narratives and relatable characters. The controversial finale of Seinfeld remains one of the most-watched episodes of all time, even commanding a staggering $2 million for a mere 30 seconds of advertising, a groundbreaking feat in television history [via Los Angeles Times].

5 Lost (2004-10)

4 The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Lost, which premiered in 2004, left an indelible mark on our culture. The series chronicles the plight of a group of survivors of a plane crash as they grapple with the enigmatic secrets of the island they find themselves marooned on. By taking a risk with this expensive venture, ABC showcased the mesmerizing power of serialized mystery storytelling and opened doors to the realm of high-budget, cinematic storytelling in television. Lost continues to epitomize the concept of "water cooler television," generating fervent discussions among viewers, while also being one of the pioneering shows to illuminate the amplifying effect of the internet on such conversations.

HBO has established itself as a hub for prestigious original programming since the inception of The Sopranos in 1999. The show revolves around Tony Soprano, a mob boss from New Jersey, who seeks therapy after experiencing panic attacks. Widely regarded as a catalyst for the "golden age of television," The Sopranos is also responsible for popularizing the portrayal of complex male antiheroes. This archetype has since become a hallmark of high-quality TV series, exemplified by acclaimed shows like The Wire, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men. The Sopranos received further recognition in 2013 when it topped the WGA's list of the best written shows of all time.

3 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

The streaming services have taken over the television landscape in the current era, thanks in large part to the unprecedented success of the supernatural adventure-horror series, Stranger Things. Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show explores paranormal occurrences in a small community. While Netflix had experienced streaming triumphs in the past, Stranger Things emerged as the platform's first truly unstoppable force. The initial season of this groundbreaking series instantly became the focal point of cultural discussions, serving as a clear indicator that the era of streaming had firmly arrived.

2 The Simpsons (1989-Present)

The Simpsons has been a major cultural influence over the past four decades, emerging as an offbeat animated family in the town of Springfield. Initially, they challenged traditional American family sitcoms, but now they have become the quintessential American sitcom family. This groundbreaking show holds the record for the longest-running scripted primetime series in American history. It has left a lasting impact on modern sitcoms and animated sitcoms alike. The Simpsons' brilliant blend of postmodern parody and heartfelt character development has made it an enduring comedic masterpiece. Unfortunately, its reputation has been somewhat tarnished due to a decline in quality in recent years.

1 Game Of Thrones (2011-19)

The convergence of prestige television and big-budget cinematic TV reached its peak with HBO's Game of Thrones. Set in the fantasy realm of Westeros, the series depicts violent power struggles amidst the looming danger of a supernatural threat. With record-breaking production costs and a complex, captivating storyline, Game of Thrones became a groundbreaking television phenomenon. It commanded the cultural spotlight, being the most discussed, watched, and pirated show in HBO's history. It truly was an unprecedented level of event television that may never be replicated.