Ultimate Ranking: The Definitive List of the Greatest Ensemble TV Shows of All Time

The best-ever ensemble television shows have achieved the rare feat of seamlessly blending compelling storytelling among a diverse group of central characters. These remarkable ensembles often boast a multitude of actors, sometimes numbering in the double digits, with their success hinging on a combination of brilliant writing and impeccable chemistry that brings the show to life. While ensemble casts in movies are also noteworthy, creating a winning formula of characters that can sustain multiple seasons proves to be one of television's most formidable challenges.

The success of exceptional ensemble casts can largely be attributed to the incredible talents behind the scenes, who tirelessly strive to pair exceptional actors with their ideal counterparts. Casting directors, directors, producers, and occasionally writers are entrusted with the task of crafting the perfect blend, a process that even with extensive auditions remains somewhat of a gamble. The following fifteen television shows serve as the ultimate exemplars of ensemble casts in the history of television.

15 Parks And Recreation (2009 - 2015)

14 Stranger Things (2016 - 2024)

The hit comedy series Parks and Recreation showcases an incredibly talented ensemble cast known for their exceptional comedic skills. This group includes some of the most notable names in the entertainment industry, such as Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Rashida Jones, and Chris Pratt. Remarkably, Plaza, Pratt, Scott, Jones, and Offerman have all gone on to enjoy prosperous careers, demonstrating their versatility as both comedic and dramatic actors, largely due to the significant boost provided by their appearances on Parks and Recreation.

The cast of Stranger Things consisted mainly of relatively unknown actors before they skyrocketed to fame following the massive success of the show on Netflix. With a perfect balance between the collective and individual storylines, the main characters portrayed by Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, and Millie Bobby Brown captivated audiences. Additionally, David Harbour and Winona Ryder brought depth to the series with their portrayal of two crucial adult characters.

13 Friends (1994 - 2004)

12 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005 - Present)

Friends is widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest American sitcoms because of the exceptional on-screen relationships and chemistry that were formed among its iconic ensemble cast. The show captivated audiences for 234 episodes, centered entirely around the six main characters brilliantly portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. The unique dynamic shared among these characters played a pivotal role in the show's remarkable ten-season run.

One of the reasons behind the enduring success of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is the brilliant dynamic among its five main characters. This beloved comedy series boasts an impressive tally of 170 episodes spread across 16 seasons, and fans can look forward to two more seasons in the pipeline. The exceptional ensemble cast comprises Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito.

11 Orange Is The New Black (2013 - 2019)

Orange Is The New Black boasted one of the most remarkable ensembles of the 2010s, securing the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for a remarkable three consecutive years. The exceptional cast, which comprised talents such as Taylor Schilling, Kate Mulgrew, Uzo Aduba, Danielle Brooks, Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva, Taryn Manning, Natasha Lyonne, and an array of others, deservedly earned this accolade.

10 Friday Night Lights (2006 - 2011)

The television adaptation of Friday Night Lights features an exceptional ensemble cast comprising acclaimed actors like Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Taylor Kitsch, Jesse Plemons, and Zach Gilford. Kitsch and Plemons, initially lesser-known, witnessed a remarkable rise in their careers after their remarkable performances on the show, establishing themselves as highly accomplished and influential figures in both the film and television industries.

9 Community (2009 - 2015)

Community is a comedy show that boasts a cast so extraordinary that it almost feels too good to be true. Their incredible chemistry and seamless on-screen synchronization make it a true delight to watch. The ensemble includes Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Ken Jeong, Donald Glover, and Chevy Chase, all of whom have had or later went on to have exceptional acting careers. A standout among them is Glover, who not only starred but also created Atlanta, a groundbreaking series that has been hailed as one of the most original shows of the 21st century.

8 Seinfeld (1989 - 1998)

Seinfeld's cast is legendary in the world of classic sitcoms. Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards all came together for nine remarkable seasons. The chemistry between these characters showcased their unique and captivating personalities, blending both innovation and familiarity. This dynamic set a new benchmark for comedy on television.

7 Succession (2018 - 2023)

Succession is an exceptional drama series that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Its ensemble cast, led by Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nicholas Braun, adds depth and diversity to the show. This critically acclaimed masterpiece thrives on the brilliance of its characters, providing countless improvisational moments that contribute to the series' distinctive allure and captivating energy.

6 Modern Family (2009 - 2020)

Modern Family, a brilliantly assembled ensemble comedy, not only captivated audiences but also revolutionized network television for an entire decade, setting an unrivaled benchmark for comedy series. Remarkably, key members of its ensemble, namely Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Eric Stonestreet, contributed their exceptional talents to all 250 episodes of the show.

5 The Wire (2002 - 2008)

4 Atlanta (2016 - 2022)

The Wire is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows ever created, boasting an exceptional ensemble cast. This phenomenal cast comprises Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, and Domenick Lombardozzi, all of whom deliver remarkable performances across every episode of The Wire.

Atlanta is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and influential shows of the 21st century, largely due to its profound exploration of the multifaceted characters that make up its ensemble cast. What initially unfolds as the original tale of a budding rapper develops into a profound platform for cultural introspection and personal expression. The ensemble cast is led by acclaimed actors Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz.

3 Mad Men (2007 - 2015)

The cast of Mad Men expands significantly throughout its 92 episodes, making it challenging to keep track of all the characters. However, the central group is exceptionally charming and known for their wit, which contributes to an incredibly entertaining television show. John Hamm leads this remarkable ensemble, accompanied by Elizabeth Moss, January Jones, Vincent Kartheiser, Aaron Staton, Christina Hendricks, Rich Sommer, Kiernan Shipka, and John Slattery.

2 The Office (2005 - 2013)

The Office boasts the most exceptional ensemble cast in television comedy, thanks to its impeccably well-crafted script and outstanding performances. It has undeniably become a cultural phenomenon, solidifying its place in American culture. The Office effortlessly tapped into the humor and storytelling of the mid-2000s and beyond, delivering timelessly hilarious situational content. Led by the brilliant Steve Carrell, the ensemble includes an array of talented actors such as John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey, Kate Flannery, Phyllis Smith, and many more.

1 Game of Thrones (2011 - 2019)

Game of Thrones stands out as the ultimate television drama series, boasting an extraordinary ensemble cast that has shaped cultural norms throughout the 2010s. This sensational show has propelled the careers of renowned actors like Pedro Pascal and Jason Momoa, while its colossal lineup also features Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Kit Harrington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and countless others. Undoubtedly, Game of Thrones reigns supreme as the unrivaled titan of ensemble television shows, showcasing an unrivaled level of talent.