Ultimate TV Classics of the Iconic 2010s Decade

The 2010s proved to be an exceptional decade for television, with the emergence of numerous shows that have the potential to become enduring classics. Often referred to as the "Golden Age of Television," this era is characterized by the rise of high-quality, creator-driven programming, which arguably began with the iconic HBO drama, The Sopranos. This golden age remains vibrant and robust, particularly with the advent of streaming services in the 2010s, which resulted in a significant increase in the quantity and diversity of exceptional content. As a result, television took risks and pushed boundaries, offering a multitude of groundbreaking shows that deviated from the predictable formula.

During the 2010s, a wave of daring programs emerged in mainstream television. While not all of these risks paid off, a considerable number of the most memorable shows of the decade pushed the limits of storytelling techniques, subject matter, or production methods. Some shows distinguished themselves as classics by introducing innovative and uniquely crafted characters, who quickly became beloved figures in the television landscape of this era. Other series boldly challenged the conventional norms of television, presenting narratives that resonated deeply with the cultural climate of the 2010s. While not all of these shows maintained their consistency throughout, their lasting impact on our culture remains profound and indisputable.

10 Fleabag (2016-19)

9 Succession (2018-23)

Fleabag came into existence in 2013 with the financial support from Kickstarter as a one-woman stage show. It's difficult to envision a more humble start for a series that has had such a fascinating impact on the television industry. This British dark-comedy series revolves around Fleabag, a young woman filled with self-absorption and self-doubt, constantly grappling with her obligations to herself and those around her. The series takes bold risks in both its structure and content, presenting a psychologically intricate and often unlikeable protagonist. The protagonist's ability to break the fourth wall adds depth to the story, creating a captivating, humorous, and poignant character study that propelled Fleabag's creator and star, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, to stardom.

HBO's Succession boasts some of the most intricate, vibrant, and captivating characters ever portrayed on television. This timeless series delves into the caustic conflicts and power struggles within the Roy family, owners of the world's largest media and entertainment conglomerate. Among the array of unsympathetic characters that HBO is known for, the Roys and their followers truly stand out. The show confidently debuted in 2018, presenting its fully developed and sharp-tongued characters. As the seasons progressed, Succession's critical acclaim soared even further, with its Rotten Tomatoes rating climbing from 89% in the first season to an impressive 97% in seasons 2-4.

8 The Good Place (2016-20)

7 Better Call Saul (2015-22)

The Good Place, a sitcom created by Michael Schur, the mastermind behind Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, revolutionized the sitcom genre. This exceptional show delves into the lives of four individuals who are compelled to question their moral compasses after finding themselves in an afterlife that serves as an ethical arbitrator. The complexity of this inquiry is met with The Good Place's remarkable dedication to exploring it in a thorough and sensitive manner. Unlike most sitcoms that conform to a traditional structure, The Good Place molds the sitcom format to fit its unique concept. With its daring serialized storytelling and dramatic transformations between seasons, the series has garnered a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its exceptional quality.

Not content with the success of Breaking Bad, Vince Gilligan set out to create another groundbreaking TV show in the 2010s. Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad, follows the story of Jimmy McGill, an independent lawyer who eventually transforms into the morally corrupt criminal attorney, Saul Goodman. While Breaking Bad explores the nature of evil and how a good person can turn bad, Better Call Saul poses the intriguing question of whether a bad person can do something good. The outcome is a series that is just as profound as its predecessor, but with an even greater sense of tragedy.

6 Black Mirror (2011-Present)

It’s important not to overlook that the Netflix flagship series Black Mirror did not originally come from the streamer. The initial two seasons of the anthology series were broadcasted on Channel 4 in the UK prior to transitioning to Netflix, where the technology-commentary series acquired larger budgets. Charlie Brooker’s series is a significant cultural phenomenon; each new release of episodes sparks fresh discussions due to its dark themes and twisted, inventive storylines. While it is true that the quality may vary, Black Mirror's finest episodes are some of the most captivating and haunting episodes of television in recent times. It is likely that the show's most daring entries will eventually be regarded as classics.

5 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Widely hailed as the definitive TV series of the 2010s, Game of Thrones captivated audiences from the beginning of the decade until its epic conclusion. Set in the fictional world of Westeros, the show depicts a power struggle among various factions, oblivious to the impending supernatural danger lurking beyond the imposing wall. Not only did Game of Thrones break HBO records for viewership, but it also gained infamy as the most illegally downloaded series of the decade and beyond. Despite its final season falling short of expectations, the cultural impact of Game of Thrones remains unparalleled and may not be replicated on television for years to come.

4 Chernobyl (2019)

In 2019, HBO demonstrated their immense resources by producing a meticulously accurate portrayal of the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear disaster that occurred in Soviet Ukraine in April 1986. While the concept may not have initially seemed widely appealing, HBO's ability to identify compelling ideas was evident. Consequently, Chernobyl was given the greenlight and swiftly captivated audiences. The miniseries exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship in every aspect, including the performances, writing, cinematography, score, and production design, thus solidifying its status as a future television classic. Notably, Chernobyl has received the highest ranking among series from the 2010s on IMDb and is widely regarded as one of the greatest miniseries of all time.

3 Rick And Morty (2013-Present)

Rick and Morty chronicles the wild escapades of a jaded, alcoholic scientist and his eager adolescent grandson as they embark on mind-bending adventures across the cosmos and beyond. What sets Rick and Morty apart is its ability to seamlessly shift between a poignant and surreal tone. This dynamic allows the show to skillfully balance profound scientific and philosophical concepts with gleeful, immature humor. Consequently, Rick and Morty resonates profoundly with modern audiences, positioning itself as a quintessential representative of the current television landscape.

2 Gravity Falls (2012-16)

In the 2010s animated series Gravity Falls, two kids embark on an adventure to unravel the enigmatic phenomena occurring in a small town. This town serves as a hub for supernatural and magical occurrences. The series presents a clever, fulfilling, and highly amusing narrative that brings to life a world where every innocent belief about the unknown turns out to be true. It offers gratification to viewers as each episode can be appreciated individually, even without prior knowledge of the story. However, the true delight awaits those patient enough to witness the gradual development of a larger mystery that ultimately culminates in some of the most satisfying children's programming ever created.

1 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

Stranger Things, the Netflix phenomenon, centers around the inhabitants of a small Indiana town called Hawkins. They find themselves plagued by sinister forces after a portal to another dimension opens near their 1980s community. Upon the release of its first season in 2016, the series quickly gained immense popularity thanks to its clever blend of nostalgia, cinematic storytelling, and well-developed characters. Over time, Stranger Things has only increased in scope and public appeal. In fact, season 4 became the second-most watched show on Netflix of all time, trailing only behind Squid Game (via GamesRadar). This cultural phenomenon is a testament to Netflix's decision to take a chance on the relatively untested young creators who approached the streaming platform in the 2010s.

Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, GamesRadar