25. American Housewife (2016-2021)
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Katy Mixon shines as Katie Otto, a mom of three from a middle-class family living in swanky Newport, Conn. Katie and her husband, Greg (Diedrich Bader), aren’t pretentious and entitled like just about everybody else in town, but they’re certainly funnier while often showing their common side. Their youngest daughter, Anna-Kat (Julia Butters), an obsessive-compulsive realist, might be the star of the show.
24. Girls (2012-2017)
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Girls was not for everybody, perhaps because the lead character Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham) was a bit whiny and immature. However, the Dunham-created show was bold with its characters. And, regardless if we like the characters, it was often regarded as an honest portrayal of millennial life from someone on the inside. On that front, it worked. Adam Driver’s Adam Sackler — involved with both Hannah and friend Jessa (Jemima Kirke) — was certainly memorable.
23. New Girl (2011-2018)
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Admittedly, there should have been some skepticism that quirky Zooey Deschanel could hold her own as the star of a sitcom. Well, she pulled it off rather brilliantly. Her Jess was sweet, funny, upbeat and compassionate as the teacher with a heart of gold. However, the antics of roommates Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Winston (Lamorne Morris) helped take the show to a special level and multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
22. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
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Talk about a show that picked up steam as its run progressed. Following a rather slow start, this Netflix gem about a horse (Will Arnett) that’s a former TV star looking to get back in the game consistently received high praise. Animals and humans living in the same world, dealing with the same issues washed-up Hollywood (or “Hollywoo”) stars do. Can’t get enough.
21. Outlander (2014-present)
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Based on author Diana Gabaldon’s book series, Outlander has it all: time travel, history, lush Scottish scenery and some of the sexiest scenes on TV. While the relationship between Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) is the centerpiece of the story, the combination of history, fantasy and adventure keeps you intrigued. All this equates to the thriving fandom “verra, verra” brimming with excitement for its return to Starz in 2024.
20. Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)
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It’s the first television series to earn Emmy nominations in both the comedy and drama categories. The uber-popular series deals with life in a minimum-security women’s federal prison, based on the memoir of Piper Kerman, portrayed as Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling). Netflix’s most popular series was a consistently honest depiction of prison life, and all that comes with doing time. As well as mixing some dark humor that uniquely offset the drama.
19. Stranger Things (2016-present)
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Another popular Netflix series, Stranger Things was all the rage during the second part of the decade. The science-fiction show that features plenty of supernatural aspects and subtle dark humor is obviously influenced by the likes of Stephen King. It’s also the young characters dealing with the abnormal happenings in Hawkins, Ind., that seem to make the series endearing to viewers. The fifth and final season is being filmed in 2024 — fans cannot wait to see how the story finishes.
18. Barry (2018-2023)
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It’s about time Bill Hader gets a real shot at carrying a series. Barry was not around for long, but it made a significant amount of noise and received more than 50 Emmy nominations (10 wins). Hader won twice for his lead role as a hitman who wants to become an actor. Co-star Henry Winkler also earned Emmy love in a supporting role as Barry’s dysfunctional acting coach.
17. Stumptown (2019-2020)
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OK, I may be reaching a bit with this one. The Cobie Smulders-led crime drama debuted in 2019 and only survived for one season — the pandemic effectively ended the show before it was able to pick up steam — but it was a very good show. Smulders’ Dex is a veteran suffering from PTSD while trying to create a new life as a private investigator in Portland, Ore. Though Dex is flawed, she’s easy to root for, and the soundtrack of various ’80s tunes is a nice touch.
16. This Is Us (2016-2022)
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The unique interspersing of time frames is perhaps what makes This Is Us so unique, but also equally compelling. We truly get to know the Pearson parents and children during all phases of their lives, which brings its own kind of sentimentality. Sterling K. Brown (Randall), Mandy Moore (Rebecca) and Chrissy Metz (Kate) all received high praise for their roles in a show that had viewers emotionally invested unlike any other during its run.
15. Bob’s Burgers (2011-present)
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Not only was Bob’s Burgers one of the best shows of the decade, but many consider it among the top animated series of all-time. The adventures of the everyday life of Bob, his family and their burger joint continue to bring in new viewers. Thanks in large part to some quality writing and the use of well-timed musical moments.
14. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
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This Rachel Bloom vehicle was loved by critics for its intelligent and honest comedic writing, but viewers never seemed to get into it. Throughout its four-season run on the CW, the show never managed to gain a consistently loyal following. For those who stuck with it, however, it was a smart and entertaining ride.
13. The Goldbergs (2013-2023)
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For those who think network sitcoms aren’t worth the time, they’ve never made any for this consistently creative and funny homage to the 1980s. For 10 seasons we followed the crazy, yet endearing, lives of a Philadelphia-area family based on that of creator and executive producer Adam F. Goldberg’s upbringing. Beverly (Wendi-McLendon-Covey) and Murray (Jeff Garlin) need to be in the running for the funniest TV parents of the decade.
12. Enlightened (2011-2013)
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Another show that was the victim of low ratings for HBO despite being a hit with critics. Co-creator and star Laura Dern won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in the role of Amy Jellicoe — who is brilliant as an ambitious corporate buyer trying to regain her professional edge following a nervous breakdown.
11. Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)
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The series that made Gina Rodriguez a star, as well as a Golden Globe Award winner. The satirical rom-com was lauded for its quirky and brilliant writing, specifically for Rodriguez’s Jane, the 20-something virgin who becomes pregnant through an accidental artificial insemination. While the comedy was usually gold, Rodriguez’s likable and genuine performance throughout the series was what made it special.
10. Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)
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The Canadian comedy probably was not been seen by many in the United States before it was picked up by streaming services, but it now receives the respect it deserves. It’s also the first series in the history of the Pop TV network to receive a Primetime Emmy nod. Veteran actors Eugene Levy (Johnny) and Moira (Catherine O’Hara) team up again for this stellar comedy about a family trying to survive after losing their fortune and relocating to a small town they own. Those fans of the hilarious Christopher Guest mockumentary films like Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show, should be watching.
9. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)
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Rachel Brosnahan was one of the breakout stars of the decade for her role as “Midge” Maisel, a 1950s housewife turned stand-up comedian. Brosnahan has won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her role, while the show has also earned comedy wins in both. Alex Bornstein’s run as Midge’s manager resulted in two supporting Emmy victories.
8. Atlanta (2016-2022)
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Donald Glover is responsible for a series that is among the most-watched in the history of the FX Network. Following the lives of cousins trying to make it big as rappers within in their hometown, Glover stars as “Earn,” an Ivy League dropout turned music manager. While Glover shines in the lead role, he also became the first African-American to earn an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
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Since the beginning, this police comedy delivered. Led by funny man Andy Samberg — who plays a childish NYPD detective — Nine-Nine entertained viewers for nearly a decade. Of course, he’s surrounded by a great cast that helps fill out the 99th precinct. Andre Braugher as the stringent captain and fellow detective Melissa Fumero helped the show do well during award season. Overall, Nine-Nine earned two Primetime Emmys and 11 nominations.
6. The Leftovers (2014-2017)
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Not the most upbeat show in TV history, but one that probably didn’t receive the total credit it was due during the run on HBO. Supernatural dramas with a semi-post-apocalyptic feel should not be cheery. Still, the show seemed to get better as it progressed. Thanks in part to the quality of the writing and ensemble cast that included Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Carrie Coon.
5. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
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A spin-off prequel of Breaking Bad, this AMC hit certainly followed in the successful footsteps of the show it spawned from. While a cast that includes respected veteran actors like Michael McKean and Jonathan Banks is a plus, it’s the work of Bob Odenkirk as star Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill, the conman who becomes a lawyer, that drives this vehicle. An argument can be made that Better Call Saul surpassed Breaking Bad in the pantheon of great television shows.
4. The Americans (2013-2018)
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Starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as Russian KGB members living as an American couple with a family, it took a little time for fans and award-givers to respond to this Cold War spy thriller. While the writing was considered solid from the start, it was the character development that elevated the show to new heights and acclaim.
3. Fleabag (2016-2019)
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If we’re looking for the “It” girl of the latter part of this decade, glance no further than Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She’s the creator, writer and star of this genuinely fresh comedy-drama about a London girl with anger issues, a foul mouth and a healthy appetite for sex. Her character’s honest portrayal is relatable in that fans of any gender, deep down have a little Fleabag in them.
2. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
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Not just one of the best series of this decade, but perhaps in all of television history. It was a juggernaut for HBO and the loyalty of its fans helped make it one of the most iconic programs ever to grace a screen — of any size. The fantasy drama was full of in-depth characters, scary creatures, entertaining death scenes and plenty of nudity. In the end, Game of Thrones won 58 Primetime Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Drama Series.
1. Veep (2012-2019)
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This was the type of show fans of Seinfeld’s Elaine probably always wanted to see. Consider Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer to be Elaine on comedy steroids and completely uncensored — all while trying to be respected as the U.S. Vice-President and eventually President. Of course, she’s surrounded by a brilliant cast that includes the reliable Amy (Anna Chlumsky) and bubbling former White House liaison turned politician Jonah (Timothy Simons). If you are looking for a comedy series to binge-watch over the holiday season, this is the one.