Television has come a long way since its inception and has become a staple in our daily lives. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick just one show to watch. To help make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of the top 20 most popular TV series of all time based on viewership, critical acclaim, and cultural impact.

1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)

The Sopranos, created by David Chase, is a crime drama that follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he balances his personal and professional life. With its strong writing, complex characters, and bold themes, The Sopranos is widely considered one of the greatest television shows of all time.

2. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama that takes place in the fictional world of Westeros. The show follows a group of noble families as they fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms and the Iron Throne. With its intricate world-building, breathtaking action sequences, and memorable characters, Game of Thrones has become a cultural phenomenon.

3. The Wire (2002-2008)

The Wire, created by David Simon, is a crime drama that provides a realistic look at the various systems that make up the city of Baltimore, including the police department, the drug trade, and the political system. With its gripping storylines and nuanced characters, The Wire is widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas of all time.

4. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, is a crime drama that follows the journey of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime to secure his family’s financial future after he is diagnosed with cancer. With its intense storytelling, complex characters, and thrilling action, Breaking Bad has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

5. Friends (1994-2004)

Friends is a comedy about a group of six friends living in New York City. The show, which was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, follows the group as they navigate their personal and professional lives. With its witty writing, memorable characters, and timeless themes, Friends has become a cultural touchstone and one of the most popular TV series of all time.

6. The Office (2005-2013)

The Office is a mockumentary-style comedy about the employees of the Dunder Mifflin paper company. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the show follows the employees as they navigate their work and personal lives. With its relatable characters and witty writing, The Office has become a staple of modern television and one of the most popular TV series of all time.

7. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

The Twilight Zone is a science fiction and fantasy anthology series created by Rod Serling. The show, which was ahead of its time, explores the human condition through a series of surreal and thought-provoking stories. With its timeless themes and memorable twists, The Twilight Zone remains one of the most popular TV series of all time.

8. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Seinfeld, created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, is a comedy about the life of a New York City comedian. The show, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest television comedies of all time, is known for its witty writing, memorable characters, and its depiction of everyday life.

9. The Simpsons (1989-present)

The Simpsons is a long-running animated comedy that follows the lives of the Simpson family and the residents of Springfield. Created by Matt Groening, the show has become a cultural icon and is widely considered one of the greatest television comedies of all time. With its clever writing, memorable characters, and hilarious parodies, The Simpsons continues to be one of the most popular TV series of all time.

10. MASH (1972-1983)

MASH is a military comedy-drama that takes place during the Korean War. Created by Larry Gelbart, the show follows the lives of the staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit as they deal with the challenges of war and the camaraderie of the military life. With its dark humor, memorable characters, and impactful themes, MAS*H remains one of the most popular TV series of all time.

11. The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)

The X-Files is a science fiction drama about two FBI agents who investigate paranormal and supernatural cases. Created by Chris Carter, the show explores the mysteries of the unknown and challenges the viewer’s beliefs about reality. With its gripping storylines, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, The X-Files has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

12. The Walking Dead (2010-present)

The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic horror drama that takes place after a zombie outbreak. Created by Frank Darabont, the show follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world filled with danger and try to rebuild their lives. With its intense action, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, The Walking Dead has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

13. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

The Queen’s Gambit is a limited series that follows the life of a young orphan named Beth Harmon who becomes a world-class chess player. Created by Scott Frank, the show explores themes of addiction, trauma, and female empowerment. With its captivating storyline, dynamic characters, and stunning visuals, The Queen’s Gambit has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

14. Stranger Things (2016-present)

Stranger Things is a science fiction horror series set in the 1980s. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the show follows a group of young friends as they uncover the mysterious disappearance of one of their own and the strange occurrences that follow. With its nostalgia-inducing soundtrack, memorable characters, and gripping storylines, Stranger Things has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

15. Mad Men (2007-2015)

Mad Men is a period drama set in the 1960s that explores the lives of the employees of an advertising agency. Created by Matthew Weiner, the show is known for its stunning cinematography, sharp writing, and complex characters. With its insightful commentary on American culture and its timeless themes, Mad Men has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

16. The Crown (2016-present)

The Crown is a historical drama that follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the events that have shaped the modern monarchy. Created by Peter Morgan, the show is known for its stunning production values, powerful performances, and captivating storyline. With its rich attention to detail and its insightful commentary on the British monarchy, The Crown has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

17. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

The Big Bang Theory is a comedy about a group of friends who are socially awkward but brilliant in their fields. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the show follows the lives of Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Raj, and Penny as they navigate their personal and professional relationships. With its witty writing, quirky characters, and clever references to science and pop culture, The Big Bang Theory has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

18. The West Wing (1999-2006)

The West Wing is a political drama that follows the inner workings of the White House and the administration of President Josiah Bartlet. Created by Aaron Sorkin, the show is known for its witty writing, compelling characters, and insightful look into the world of politics and governance.

19. Black Mirror (2011-present)

Black Mirror is a science fiction anthology series that explores the dark side of technology and its impact on society. Created by Charlie Brooker, the show features standalone episodes that delve into the potential consequences of advanced technology and its influence on human behavior and relationships.

20.Sex and the City (1998-2004)

Sex and the City is a comedy-drama about four single women living in New York City as they navigate their personal and professional lives. Created by Darren Star, the show explores themes of sexuality, friendship, and relationships in a frank and humorous manner, and has become a cultural touchstone and one of the most popular TV series of all time.

21. Mad Men (2007-2015)

Mad Men is a period drama set in the world of advertising in the 1960s. Created by Matthew Weiner, the show follows the lives of the employees of Sterling Cooper advertising agency and their personal and professional struggles. With its intricate writing, dynamic characters, and beautiful attention to detail, Mad Men has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

22. The Crown (2016-present)

The Crown is a historical drama that follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early days on the throne to the present day. Created by Peter Morgan, the show offers a captivating look into the life of the British monarchy and the major events that have shaped the 20th century.

23. Dexter (2006-2013)

Dexter is a crime drama that follows the life of a Miami-based blood spatter analyst who moonlights as a serial killer. Created by James Manos Jr., the show explores the duality of its protagonist and the ethical dilemma he faces as he balances his work as a forensic specialist and his urge to kill.

24. True Blood (2008-2014)

True Blood is a supernatural drama that takes place in a small town in Louisiana where vampires have “come out of the coffin” and are living among humans. Created by Alan Ball, the show explores the relationships between vampires, humans, and other supernatural beings, and delves into themes of prejudice, discrimination, and acceptance.

25. The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-present)

The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian drama based on Margaret Atwood’s classic novel of the same name. Created by Bruce Miller, the show takes place in a future world where women’s rights have been stripped away and fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. With its powerful performances, thought-provoking themes, and stunning cinematography, The Handmaid’s Tale has become one of the most popular TV series of all time.

26. Lost (2004-2010)

Lost is a science fiction drama that follows the survivors of a plane crash as they try to survive on a mysterious island. Created by J.J. Abrams, Carlton Cuse, and Damon Lindelof, the show is known for its complex storytelling, mysterious plot twists, and multi-layered characters. The show’s unique mix of supernatural elements, action, and drama has captivated audiences and earned it a cult following. Despite its sometimes divisive ending, Lost remains one of the most popular TV series of all time, and its impact on the sci-fi genre is undeniable.