The Ultimate TV Shows of the 2010s: Unforgettable Gems that Redefined Television

The 2010s were undoubtedly the pinnacle of television, with ten groundbreaking TV shows serving as undeniable proof. Although the original golden age of TV emerged in the 1950s due to advancements in filmmaking technology, the 2000s also claimed their own golden age status with internationally acclaimed series like The Wire and The Sopranos. However, the 2010s significantly raised the bar and posed a serious challenge for the coveted title of the "Golden Age." While it is debatable whether the 2000s and 2010s should be considered one continuous golden age, it is more captivating to assess the shows on a decade-by-decade basis. Ultimately, when evaluating the shows individually, the 2010s prevail as the true holders of the "Golden Age of Television" label, boasting a plethora of contenders for the best shows of the decade. Among the competition, ten titles elevate themselves above the rest, solidifying the 2010s as the decade that truly merits the title of the "Golden Age of Television."

10 The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

The Walking Dead continues to hold its position as one of the most widely acclaimed series in history. When it first premiered on AMC in 2010, The Walking Dead garnered immense viewership and quickly became a topic of discussion among friends and coworkers. Moreover, the show reignited the public's fascination with zombies, inspiring numerous spinoffs, movies, and television programs centered around the undead. By the time The Walking Dead wrapped up its final season in 2022, it had solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon and played a significant role in the current golden age of television.

9 Chernobyl (2019)

Chernobyl, a limited miniseries, gained enormous popularity and remains one of the most outstanding television productions ever made. Produced by HBO, Chernobyl received a staggering 19 Emmy Awards nominations in 2019, ultimately winning three, including the prestigious Outstanding Limited Series category. The cast of Chernobyl, filled with highly renowned actors, also received numerous accolades. This series exemplifies the potential of modern television when exceptional writing, cutting-edge filmmaking techniques, and an exceptional ensemble cast converge.

8 The Crown (2016-Present)

7 Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

The Crown, an exceptional historical drama from the 2010s, chronicles the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. With over 20 Primetime Emmy Awards and more than 60 nominations, The Crown consistently upholds its exceptional quality despite its ever-evolving cast. The series, premiered in 2016 on Netflix, has achieved even greater significance following the passing of Queen Elizabeth in 2022. Undoubtedly, The Crown stands as a remarkable television achievement, solidifying the 2010s as a golden age in the industry.

Better Call Saul, a spinoff of the iconic Breaking Bad series, has achieved tremendous success and cultural significance in the 2010s. Since its debut in 2015, this AMC series has captivated audiences worldwide and garnered widespread acclaim from critics. With over 100 notable award nominations, including an impressive 48 Emmy nods, Better Call Saul has firmly established itself as one of the most beloved shows of all time. Without a doubt, it is a deserving addition to the golden age of television.

6 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

Stranger Things, an immensely popular show from the 2010s, has taken the streaming television world by storm since its debut on Netflix in 2016. While the upcoming fifth season will mark the end of the series, Stranger Things has already cemented its status as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Its widespread appeal and ability to captivate a diverse audience are key factors that contribute to its exceptional quality.

5 True Detective (2014-Present)

The HBO original series, True Detective, played a pivotal role in earning the "Golden Age" accolade for the 2010s. With its distinctive creative style and gripping writing, True Detective stands as one of the greatest shows ever aired. Despite the series introducing a new cast each season, it has managed to maintain its popularity since its debut in 2014 by attracting renowned actors for each installment. True Detective's first season, featuring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, continues to be regarded as one of the most exceptional seasons in television history.

4 Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Originating on BBC Two in the UK in 2013 and then distributed by Netflix elsewhere, Peaky Blinders has gained a massive global following, exemplifying how streaming services can transform seemingly niche TV shows into immense franchises. Due to its success, a sequel film has already been produced, and there are rumors of potential Peaky Blinders spinoffs in the works, further expanding the franchise. Additionally, Cillian Murphy, the star of the series, has achieved a newfound level of popularity, culminating in him landing the leading role in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.

3 Narcos (2015-2017)

The crime thriller series Narcos, which premiered on Netflix in 2015, has showcased the immense potential of streaming services. It has significantly contributed to the genre by captivating audiences with its portrayal of 1980s drug cartels. Furthermore, Narcos played a pivotal role in propelling actor Pedro Pascal to stardom in Hollywood. Netflix owes great thanks to Narcos for its effort in curating an impressive collection of original and exclusive shows that have served as a major draw for its platform. This highly successful series has not only made a lasting impact on the streaming service but has also paved the way for the creation of globally popular original series.

2 Fargo (2014-Present)

1 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Fargo is a crime drama that has achieved immense success and rightfully belongs on a list showcasing the extraordinary quality of television during the 2010s, often referred to as the "Golden Age of Television." Drawing inspiration from the Coen brothers' 1996 film of the same name, Fargo captivates viewers through its captivating anthology storytelling approach. Since its premiere on FX in 2014, the show has garnered numerous accolades at the Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Directing. Undoubtedly, Fargo stands among the greatest dramas ever created, and although the Fargo movie may have its merits, this series undoubtedly deserves recognition as part of the golden age of TV.

Game of Thrones, often regarded as the most successful television series ever produced, garnered an impressive 59 Emmys throughout its eight-season run. Despite its widely criticized conclusion, the show enjoyed immense praise from critics, particularly during its early seasons. Furthermore, it amassed an unprecedented international fan base, surpassing that of any other show or movie, resulting in numerous spinoffs. Since its introduction in 2011, Game of Thrones achieved remarkable viewership for HBO, an accomplishment considering the cable network's history of producing exceptional shows. Undoubtedly, this series from the 2010s can be viewed as the epitome of the "Golden Age of Television."