25 Most Watched TV Shows of All Time

The television: a luxury during its initial inception, its ability to capture reality and display it in a modestly-sized box has made it an essential amenity in the modern home. Historic moments have taken place on TV, whether it’s the first presidential candidate debate, or the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, the latter of which being the first live sporting event to be televised.

Yet, it was a 1930 drama by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello that made TV the center of fictional entertainment. The series was based on the play The Man with the Flower in His Mouth, which ran on the BBC for a half-hour with three characters. With the series being the first of its kind, its popularity can’t truly be determined; however, its impact on scripted TV entertainment is still felt to this day.

Dramas, comedies, crime procedurals, and action-packed thrillers are just some of the most popular TV shows we regularly consume to this day. From watercooler sitcoms to exemplary shows that inspire spinoffs, podcasts, and dedicated fandoms, popular TV shows have a deeper effect than we may want to admit. Some of the most popular and most watched TV shows cover an incredible swath of genres and mediums. Sometimes, a show doesn’t even need to rely on live-action footage to bring in a wide audience.

We’ve decided to highlight some of the most popular TV shows to hit the airwaves for your convenience. Below are the 25 most watched TV shows, weighted by their cultural impact and relevance, their overall quality, and their enduring popularity.

Updated June 22, 2024: This article has been updated by Federico Furzan with even more information about the most watched TV shows of all time.

25 Firefly (2002)

Director Joss Whedon ruled science fiction and fantasy TV for nearly a decade between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly. The latter takes place in the deep future, acting as a tribute to science-fiction and westerns in an eclectic combination of the two genres. The series itself follows Captain Mal (Nathan Fillion) and his crew on-board the Serenity space vessel as they travel across the galaxy, living on the edge of society while aiding those they can.

Firefly Was Ahead of Its Time

Firefly aired for one season on Fox, but the storytelling, characters, and union of science fiction and westerns made it a fan favorite. When combined with Whedon’s signature writing style, it’s a fascinating precursor to the world of modern TV. Though it would be prematurely canceled, a sequel film, Serenity, would eventually be produced in 2005, acting as Whedon’s feature-length directorial debut in addition to continuing Firefly‘s narrative. It’s hard to understand how this one hasn’t returned in some form.

24 Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016)

Disney’s Gravity Falls is easily one of the unique shows they’ve ever greenlit. Set in the titular Oregon town of Gravity Falls, twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are left in the care of their great uncle, or “Grunkle,” Stan Pines. Grunkle Stan is a bit of a conman, as he runs a middling tourist trap that peddles supernatural trinkets and other oddities. However, Mabel and Dipper soon discover that Gravity Falls is more than just a podunk town in the middle of nowhere, with secrets to be found behind every shadowy corner.

Gravity Falls Toyed with Its Fans

Part of the appeal of Gravity Falls was its mystery components. It’s one of the most notable examples of a series actively toying with its fans, teasing out information for theory crafting and frequently alluding to something bigger going on behind the scenes. Combine that with its occasional forays into darker storytelling, and you have a series that still lives on in the hearts and minds of its viewers long after its original conclusion. It was a perfect example of a show made for adults and kids alike.

23 Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (2014 – Present)

After getting his start on The Daily Show during Jon Stewart’s tenure as host, John Oliver would later branch out into his own HBO series, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. In a similar vein to The Daily Show, John Oliver presents an equal-parts hilarious and stern examination of the contemporary issues that are plaguing the world today. Satirical sketches, occasional prop comedy, and more outline what is one of the most popular late-night talk shows currently airing.

Last Week Tonight Is a Hard-Hitting Talk Show

Part of what makes Last Week Tonight so popular is the series’ ability to cover international issues. Oliver and his team’s coverage extends to issues from all around the globe, tackling topics like net neutrality and debt buyers to the rise of Narendra Modi and the shocking Brexit referendum. The overall quality of the journalism on offer here – along with its occasionally crass jokes – would subsequently win several Emmys for Outstanding Variety Talk Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. The series’ enduring popularity has even led to the possible creation of the “John Oliver Effect,” with real-world changes occasionally being brought about following his coverage of a certain topic.

22 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)

Avatar: The Last Airbender is easily one of the most well-known Nickelodeon shows from the 2000s. Co-created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, this all-ages animated series showcases the fantastical journey of Aang, the last living airbender. Set in a world where the four major elements – water, earth, air, and fire – can be manipulated by specially trained “benders,” Avatar: The Last Airbender sees Aang and his handful of friends attempting to master all four elements in order to put a stop to the monstrous Fire Lord Ozai. The series drew significant attention for its impressive animation and its mature subject, rarely ever talking down to its audience and instead presenting a story with some legitimate stakes behind it.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Is Still Beloved

To this day, Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most iconic shows in Nickelodeon’s lineup. Its impressive worldbuilding, charismatic characters, and willingness to dive into darker territory made it an incredible success in the ratings department. This would ultimately lead to the development of a sequel, The Legend of Korra, in addition to a live-action film adaptation, multiple re-releases, and a live-action Netflix series. It’s a fantasy series that really hasn’t been topped since it originally debuted in 2005.

21 Better Call Saul (2015 – 2022)

In one of the most successful prequel spin-offs in modern times, Better Call Saul upped the ante of TV continuations. Co-created by Vince Gilligan, Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, another Vince Gilligan series, starring everyone’s favorite “criminal” lawyer, Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk returned to reprise his comedic role here, showing how the once down-on-his-luck lawyer Jimmy McGill eventually became connected to one of the most infamous New Mexico drug empires in history. Thankfully, despite the comic relief character being its central focus, Better Call Saul ultimately amounted to more than just cheap laughs.

Better Call Saul Was a Prequel Done Right

Better Call Saul not only expands upon the work of Breaking Bad, but it does so in a way that explores opportunities the original series couldn’t. Bob Odenkirk got to flex his acting talents, often painting his character as an understandable yet tragically-flawed individual who kept digging a deeper hole for himself. By the final episode, Better Call Saul puts a bittersweet bow on one of the most beloved crime dramas of the past decade.

20 Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980)

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, more commonly shortened to just Cosmos, was a television miniseries that aired throughout 1980. Co-created by Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan, and Steven Soter, this educational miniseries examines a variety of scientific subjects, translating complex topics into simple ideas that can be understood by a wider audience. Carl Sagan, the show’s host and presenter, examines everything between the functions of natural selection to celestial bodies, accompanied by relaxing soundscapes and ambitious visual effects. One of the best science documentaries of all time.

When Science Documentaries Were Popular

Though it may have been an educational series at its core, Cosmos did find an audience on PBS — a huge audience at that. Up until the release of Ken Burns’ The Civil War on PBS in 1990, it was one of the most popular public television shows ever released, due in part to Sagan’s memorable on-screen persona and the fascinating topics discussed. A sequel series featuring Neil Degrasse Tyson, titled Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, was also released in 2014, with another continuation being released in 2020.

19 Fargo (2014 – Present)

Fargo, like the thrilling Coen brothers film that inspired it, is a brilliant crime drama. However, unlike the similarly-titled film, Fargo is an anthology series that focuses on a new cast, setting, and characters with every successive season. Whereas season one mirrored the original film, with Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton playing a reluctant killer and a cold-blooded assassin, later seasons would focus on 1970s mob shenanigans, modern-day revenge plots, and vintage stories set in the 1950s.

Fargo Is the Best FX Show

Right from the first season, Fargo cemented itself as an incredible miniseries, telling a gripping tale of murder with characters that had some genuine depth to them. It won several Emmys, including Outstanding Miniseries, in addition to securing nominations for all four of its lead actors. The series would continue this critical success with every subsequent season, delivering quality stories with a substantial fanbase to boot. Following his success with Fargo, continued on to make series like Legion and he’s in charge of the next Alien TV series to premiere on FX.

18 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005 – Present)

The historic city of Philadelphia is home to Mac, Dennis, his sister, Dee, their father Frank, and Charlie. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows their caustic misadventures throughout Philadelphia and beyond, as they craft get-rich-quick schemes, selfishly put themselves over others, and ultimately get their comeuppance by the end of nearly every episode. The series would be a stepping stone for actors like Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Kaitlin Olson, with Danny DeVito showcasing his broad range as one of the main cast from season two onward.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Is Incredibly Crass

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is one of television’s most watched comedies because of its caustic characters and the ludicrous situations they get into. Each one of our main protagonists is despicable in a unique way, yet their poor understanding of the world around them makes for exemplary comedy. Having gone on for almost 20 seasons, the show has even developed a self-aware edge, purposefully exaggerating the cast’s personalities to an absurdly-hilarious degree. The series’ reliance on royalty-free music and the unconventional setting of Philadelphia also makes it stand out from its contemporaries.

17 Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995)

The Caped Crusader got his own animated series that was inspired by the live-action films by director Tim Burton. Batman: The Animated Series may be a bit toned-down compared to Burton’s original films, but there’s a level of respect for both the source material and the audience that you’ll rarely find elsewhere. This mature animated series ran from 1992 to 1995, with creative direction provided by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski. Suffice to say, the impact of this series is still felt to this day. The series follows Batman, billionaire Bruce Wayne by day, a masked vigilante at night, as he takes on the colorful comic villains of Gotham City. The series is notable for being the first entry in the DC Animated Universe, and for featuring numerous villains from Batman’s lore that hadn’t seen the limelight at the time.

Batman: The Animated Series Was Influential

Batman: The Animated Series would be an integral series in shaping the Batman franchise as we know it today. The character of Harley Quinn, for instance, was originally a creation exclusive to this animated series, later becoming one of Batman‘s most popular icons. Mark Hamill’s performance as the main villain, The Joker, remains a beloved depiction of the Clown Prince of Crime as well, opening the door for his continued involvement in future DC projects. The series would adapt a significant number of storylines from Batman‘s comic run, and it would even introduce Kevin Conroy as one of Batman’s most recognizable voices.

16 Sherlock (2010 – 2017)

The BBC struck gold with their most popular crime drama series, Sherlock. Based on the novels and characters originally created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock sees Benedict Cumberbatch portraying Sherlock Holmes, the self-proclaimed high-functioning sociopathic detective, with Martin Freeman portraying his writer/doctor companion Dr. John Watson. Over the course of four seasons, we follow modern-day Sherlock and company as they take on murder investigations, social intrigue, and the malevolent antics of Sherlock’s rival, Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott). Steven Moffat co-created this series after serving as a writer on the modern Doctor Who revival.

Sherlock Was a British Phenomenon

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were a winning combination. Though the series has only 12 episodes total, along with a one-off special, the series was lauded for its dedication to Conan Doyle’s original works and the individual performances of its cast members. The series as a whole would secure 42 awards across a plethora of institutions, with Cumberbatch and Freeman winning an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries, respectively. The relationship between Sherlock and Moriarty was also a prominent point of discussion among fans and casual viewers alike, no doubt contributing to the show’s overall popularity.

15 Rick and Morty (2013 – Present)

Rick and Morty is an animated science-fiction series originally co-created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. Both an expansion of Roiland’s Doc & Mharti shorts and a compelling drama series, Rick and Morty follows the titular duo of Rick and Morty Sanchez, with the former being a drunken mad scientist, and the latter being a fretful, hesitant teenager. In-between domestic family squabbles and harrowing examinations of existentialism, the series follows Rick and Morty as they go on a variety of intergalactic adventures, which are often laced with biting parodies of tired tropes or perverse shenanigans. The series holds the distinction of having one of the largest episode orders in Adult Swim history.

Rick and Morty Is an Important Adult Swim Series

It wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that Rick and Morty is an incredibly important series for Adult Swim. The first three seasons of the show saw an incredible response from both critics and audiences alike, subsequently earning two Emmy wins for Outstanding Animated Program in addition to briefly becoming the highest-viewed television comedy for younger adults. We’re not even going to mention the many memes Rick and Morty created in its lengthy run so far. Though the series has been through some notable ups and downs over the past few years, it has since become a staple of Adult Swim’s programming lineup, as well as one of the network’s most financially successful shows to date.

14 Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969 – 1974)

Monty Python’s Flying Circus was as influential as it was hilarious. Starring the comedy troupe “Monty Python,” made up of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, Monty Python’s Flying Circus condensed their British wit into 45 episodes of surreal sketch comedy. With a mix of over-the-top characters, general absurdity, and a surprising lack of traditional punchlines, Monty Python brings a plethora of bizarre ideas to life, eliciting plenty of laughter in doing so. A few of the best sketches from Monty Python’s Flying Circus include the likes of “Spam,” “The Lumberjack Song,” “The Spanish Inquisition,” “The Dead Parrot,” and “The Argument Clinic.”

Monty Python Is a Classic Comedy Series

Many have tried to ape the antics of Monty Python, but few have captured the sheer lunacy and silliness that filled each and every sketch of this classic series. The success of Flying Circus would embolden the comedy troupe in their future creative efforts, with Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python‘s Life of Brian being released in 1975 and 1979 respectively. The series, along with Monty Python’s sense of humor as a whole, would allow for the development of future satirical shows in the United States ever since it originally hit the airwaves.

13 The Twilight Zone (1959 – 1964)

Between 1959 and 1964, The Twilight Zone aired and kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Created and hosted by Rod Serling, this anthology horror series was revolutionary for the time, not only presenting a type of masterful storytelling rarely seen before, but doing so in a way that blended a variety of genres and themes together. Serling serves as the narrator and framing device of each episode, famously capping off each story with the lesson to be learned from the terrifying tale on screen. The “Twilight Zone” featured throughout is less of a tangible place, and more of a concept: it’s a place where the macabre and the whimsical crossover into scathing critiques of societal ills and humanity’s flaws.

The Twilight Zone Was Bold For Its Time

The Twilight Zone is absolutely iconic. With memorable and scary episodes like “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” and “Walking Distance,” The Twilight Zone is a surprisingly mature horror series that relies on its strong writing and innovative concepts over practical effects and shock value. The series was very much a product of Rod Serling as well: not only did he create the series, he also had a writing credit on over half of the show’s 156 episodes. Episodes like “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” in particular are a terrific example of critiquing cultural trends at the time, making a mockery of McCarthyism through the guise of an alien invasion.

12 Bluey (2018 – Present)

Didn’t think you’d see a children’s show here, did you? Bluey became a surprising hit among older audiences, quickly rising to popularity in the 2020s. An Australian series, Bluey follows the day-to-day lives of a Cattle Dog family living in Queensland, Australia. Bluey, the titular dog of the series, utilizes her imagination to go on a plethora of silly adventures with her loving family in tow.

Bluey is an Animated Show That’s Also Popular With Adults

Shockingly, while Bluey is primarily aimed towards kids, there’s a significant number of qualities that adults can enjoy in this series as well. The characters of Bandit and Chilli, Bluey’s parents, are an incredible representation of positive parenting. In fact, the family dynamic featured in the series as a whole is a rare example of authentic representation in today’s age. Both parents regularly work, both parents regularly contribute to household duties, and both regularly communicate with Bluey in a way that validates her fluctuating emotions. It’s a series that’s refreshingly family-forward when it comes to children’s entertainment, no doubt contributing to its overall popularity with all age groups.

11 Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

Though its legacy may have been tarnished with one of the worst final seasons in television history, Game of Thrones was a flagship series for HBO for more than a few reasons. Based on the series of books originally produced by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones is a sweeping dark fantasy series that paints an entire world of intense geopolitical conflict, graphic wars, powerful intrigue, and monstrous creatures. Primarily set on the two continents of Westeros and Essos, the series follows the warring factions spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms as international threats and a horde of malevolent undead soldiers begin their dreaded advance.

Game of Thrones Was an Essential HBO Series

Game of Thrones was, in a lot of ways, an encapsulation of what HBO had to offer during the 2010s. Aside from the on-the-surface, adult material, Game of Thrones was also infamous for its tense storytelling. It illustrated a living, breathing world full of dramatic twists and fascinating characters. The first season was particularly famous for taking what was presumed to be the protagonist character, Ned Stark (Sean Bean), and killing him off completely before season two, setting an uncomfortable standard that meant any character could die at any moment. Though it ended a few years ago, its impact can still be felt in the ongoing spin-off series, House of the Dragon.

10 Succession (2018 – 2023)

Succession was another prestigious HBO series, having recently come to a conclusive end in 2023. An intergenerational dramedy, Succession tells the story of the Roy family, the current owners of a corporate conglomerate named Waystar RoyCo. As the family patriarch, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), is faced with his eventual death, a competition of sorts breaks out between his many heirs in order to rise to his position, all while coping with the upcoming loss of their father. The series was created by Jesse Armstrong, who previously wrote for shows like Dogface, Black Mirror, and Veep.

Succession Was an Annual Institution

Succession was an incredibly popular series for HBO, regularly drawing in around half a million in viewership for each season. The balance of comedy and drama found throughout its 39 episodes made for a series that felt engaging, with its extensive ensemble cast regularly entering and exiting main roles throughout the series’ brief run. The series would later go on to secure 48 Emmy nominations, ultimately winning awards for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series on more than one occasion, in addition to Outstanding Drama Series.

9 The Blue Planet (2001)

Renowned British biologist Sir David Attenborough narrates one of the BBC’s most popular nature documentaries, The Blue Planet. Originally debuting in September 2001, The Blue Planet breaks down eight separate aspects of marine life in the span of eight episodes, highlighting everything from the vast depths below the ocean’s surface, to the ocean’s coastlines. The Blue Planet received a sequel series, The Blue Planet II, in 2017. A condensed version of the series, Deep Blue, would also be released in theaters in 2003.

The Blue Planet Was a Groundbreaking Docuseries

The documentary is remarkable not only for the vastness of ocean life depicted, but for many firsts in marine life documentation. Additionally, the cinematography of the documentary is otherworldly, especially since it was filmed around the early 2000s. It would eventually win two Emmys for Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Music Composition for a Series, in addition to securing three other Emmy nominations.

8 Friends (1994 – 2004)

Friends is one of the most memorable sitcoms from the 1990s. Set in the heart of New York City, Friends follows a group of six friends as they live their days in the hustle and bustle of the city, simply trying their best to get by. Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer portray a group of varied personalities that occasionally clash, but ultimately find the best in one another in the sprawling urban landscape. A reunion special for the very quotable series, Friends: The Reunion, officially aired in 2021.

Friends Was a 1990s Staple

Friends is notable not only for its infectiously catchy intro theme, but for the impact it had throughout the 1990s. Similar to Seinfeld, it highlighted an unrepresented portion of life on the small screen. But, instead of focusing around a central character, each of our six friends were given ample focus until the series’ ultimate conclusion, allowing each character to grow and change as the series went on. It’s not a new concept nowadays, but it was certainly novel for the time, which drew in significant attention from fans and casual viewers alike. Combine that with the frequent on-and-off again romances littered throughout Friends‘ 10 seasons, and you have a sitcom that still lingers on in the minds of fans almost two decades after its original conclusion.

7 The Wire (2002 – 2008)

Airing alongside The Sopranos, The Wire takes a deliberately colder look at the world of organized crime. Instead of focusing on a single personal story, The Wire instead places its focus on Baltimore, with each season showing a different institution of the city and its attempts to solve the different socioeconomic problems plaguing it. Under the direction of David Simon, the series examines issues like the illegal drug trade, Baltimore’s corrupt port system, the failing school system, and other prominent topics. An ensemble cast featuring Dominic West, Michael K. Williams, Lance Reddick, Idris Elba, and more are featured throughout the entire series.

The Wire Is an Incredible Watch

In opting to highlight the different districts of Baltimore instead of a single set of characters, The Wire accomplishes what other crime drama shows can’t: it paints a clear picture of just how broken the system can be at every stage of its operations. Though every season comes with its own cast of incredible characters, The Wire uses them more as a means to an end than its central focus, telling an incredible, thought-out story over the span of just five seasons. While ratings during its initial run would be eclipsed by its modern reappraisal period, it has since been recognized as one of the greatest TV shows ever made.

6 The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

The Sopranos is arguably one of the most important television shows ever made. Set in New Jersey, The Sopranos tells the story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), patriarch of both the Soprano family and the New Jersey mafia. Over the span of six seasons and 86 episodes, Tony faces conflicts on all fronts – be it from his career of choice or his own personal demons – while attempting to better himself with numerous therapy sessions. The series is notable for kickstarting the acting careers of names like Edie Falco, Tony Sirico, and Michael Imperioli, in addition to being one of the most prolific examples of quality HBO programming.

The Sopranos Was Incredibly Influential

It goes without saying that, without The Sopranos, the idea of the “television anti-hero” wouldn’t exist. James Gandolfini’s depiction of Tony Soprano is one that was incredibly layered, made all the more authentic by his sheer devotion to the character, which kept viewers actively engaged throughout the series. Though you were meant to despise Tony for his casual views on murder and extortion, viewers found themselves in love with his character, prompting the development of future television icons like Walter White and Vic Mackey. Tony would ultimately be the catalyst for characters whose mixed morality made for incredible drama. We have to make a quick mention of the controversial ending of The Sopranos as well, which still prompts discussion over what really happened to Tony to this day.