The Ultimate Ranking of Best Outstanding Drama Series in the 21st Century That Will Leave You Breathless

A total of 11 shows have emerged as winners of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in the 21st century, out of the numerous nominations received. This selection of winners has brought about a notable shift in the television landscape, as every award recipient has been a serial drama. These are shows that feature an ongoing and unfolding plotline from one episode to another. Conversely, during the 1990s, the award category was predominantly dominated by episodic, procedural dramas such as L.A. Law and ER.

Determining the best TV series in any given year is a highly subjective task for an award show, particularly with the advent of streaming platforms and the emergence of more specialized series. However, the Emmys have generally succeeded in selecting series that are representative of the cultural climate of the respective year. The 21st-century winners, in particular, encompass many of the most esteemed shows of their time. It is worth noting, though, that the critically acclaimed series The Wire and The Leftovers, which are regarded as some of the greatest TV shows ever created, were never recognized with a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series.

11 24

Each installment of 24 depicted a single day in the eventful life of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), featuring 24 episodes per hour. This innovative concept proved challenging to replicate successfully, yet the series consistently improved year after year, reaching its apex in season 5, which earned the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series Emmy. Adhering to the remarkable restriction of portraying one hour per episode, the show employed a ticking clock and split screens to convey parallel events transpiring simultaneously. However, 24 has faced criticism for perpetuating Islamophobia, a significant factor contributing to its diminished relevance over time.

10 The West Wing

The West Wing clinched the coveted Outstanding Drama Series accolade for a consecutive four years, encompassing its initial four seasons. Although the subsequent seasons were far from subpar, garnering nominations for the award themselves, it is worth noting that esteemed writer Aaron Sorkin departed the series after the fourth season and was widely regarded as the driving creative force behind it. While the show still merits applause for its exceptional acting and brilliant writing, a substantial portion of its political themes no longer withstand scrutiny, and various elements of The West Wing have not aged well.

9 The Handmaid's Tale

8 Homeland

The Handmaid's Tale clinched the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in its inaugural season. Drawing inspiration from Margaret Atwood's iconic dystopian novel, the show's first installment is widely regarded as its finest, benefiting immensely from the richness of its source material. By skillfully giving life to Gilead's chilling world, the series has garnered high acclaim. However, its critical and viewer reception has been inconsistent, evidenced by season 5 receiving notably lower ratings and failing to secure a nomination for the Outstanding Drama Series award.

Homeland received a well-deserved Emmy award for its captivating inaugural season. It garnered a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and achieved widespread acclaim for its brilliant performances by Damian Lewis and Claire Danes. Playing the role of CIA agent Carrie Mathison, Danes believes that Nicholas Brody, a former U.S. Marine Sergeant who had been missing in action for years, has been compromised by al-Qaeda and harbors intentions of perpetrating a terrorist act on American soil. This sets the stage for an enthralling season filled with astonishing plot twists that constantly keep the characters and audience alike guessing whom they can truly rely on. Regrettably, Homeland's subsequent seasons failed to match the brilliance of its debut.

7 Game Of Thrones

Game of Thrones emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon during the 2010s, garnering critical acclaim and earning four Emmys despite some of its weakest seasons. Throughout its eight-season run, the show faced the challenge of surpassing its source material, which it accomplished by the end of the fourth season. Interestingly, it was precisely at this point that the show reached its peak in terms of cultural impact, attracting a growing audience each year. While seasons 5 and 6 continued to receive applause, seasons 7 and 8 fell short in comparison, yet still managed to secure the Outstanding Drama series award, triumphing over arguably more deserving contenders, such as Better Call Saul.

6 The Crown

Renowned for its exceptional writing and stellar performances, The Crown masterfully chronicles the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II. This acclaimed television series skillfully adapts to the evolving narrative, seamlessly transitioning its cast to accurately depict the characters' aging process. Throughout its episodes, The Crown showcases a stellar ensemble cast, including the likes of Matt Smith, Helena Bonham-Carter, Vanessa Kirby, Olivia Colman, Dominic West, and many other brilliant actors. The Emmy-winning fourth season delves into the captivating time of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister, introducing the fascinating dynamic between Princess Diana and Prince Charles—a relationship that captivates audiences with its unmatched intensity. Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Thatcher is nothing short of phenomenal, securing her a well-deserved Emmy for her outstanding performance.

5 Lost

Running for six seasons, Lost was a phenomenon during its prime, dominating network television viewership and permanently altering the TV landscape. Garnering the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series Emmy in its inaugural season, Lost quickly became a series that captured the hearts and minds of TV enthusiasts. The rise of the internet during this period provided a platform for the massive Lost fan base to engage in passionate discussions through online forums, solidifying its place within the show's culture and establishing a blueprint for future TV shows. Regrettably, the legacy of Lost has been marred by misconceptions surrounding its controversial ending, which sparked intense debates at the time.

4 Mad Men

Mad Men captivated audiences during its time, earning well-deserved acclaim with four consecutive Emmy wins for its first four seasons. Set in 1960s New York, the series follows the life of Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm), delving into the world of an advertising agency on Madison Avenue while also exploring Draper's personal life in suburban Westchester. This period drama propelled AMC into the realm of prestigious television, positioning it as a formidable competitor to HBO, and continues to be hailed as one of the greatest series ever created.

3 Succession

2 Breaking Bad

Succession, which recently concluded, is poised to be remembered as one of the greatest series ever. Its consistent Emmy wins for the second and third seasons make it highly likely that it will once again triumph in 2023 for its fourth and final season. The fact that Succession has only run for four seasons, making it the shortest show to win the Outstanding Drama Series award in the 21st century so far, further adds to its longevity and reputation. Critics cannot claim that the show has declined over time. On the contrary, Succession continues to captivate its audience with its complex characters and gritty dialogue, only improving as time goes on.

Breaking Bad arrived following the success of Mad Men, which had already gained some popularity and needed to catch up to establish itself on AMC. Some argue that Breaking Bad deserved more than just two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, as it consistently received praise throughout its five seasons. The intense conflict between Walter White and Gus Fring in Season 4 could have earned the show another award. Breaking Bad's wins were both for Season 5, which was divided into two parts in 2012 and 2013. The series continues to be immensely popular, fueling internet and meme culture.

1 The Sopranos

Similar to Breaking Bad, The Sopranos didn't win the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy until its final season. It received the award for season 5 and season 6, part 2. However, its reputation has remained stronger compared to shows like 24 or The West Wing, often lauded as the greatest show ever made. Even after its conclusion, this six-season mafia drama continues to attract new viewers and is revered for its portrayal of mental health and family life. Additionally, it is credited with introducing cinematic quality filmmaking to the television medium. The impact of The Sopranos inspired several subsequent shows to delve into morally complex characters.