Introduction: Defining the Best of a Decade
The 2010s were a period of remarkable transformation for television, defined by the convergence of prestige storytelling, global streaming platforms, and audience fragmentation that expanded what TV could be. This evergreen explainer profiles the series widely regarded as the best of the 2010s, emphasizing narrative ambition, cultural footprint, and formal innovation. Rather than a rigid ranking, think of this as a curated guide anchored by verifiable highlights and representative series, with clear criteria you can use to evaluate new shows or revisit classics. The decade offered peak prestige drama, genre experimentation, and mainstream event television that captured shared moments while nurturing niche communities.
Criteria for the Best Shows of the 2010s
When evaluating standout series from the 2010s, sustained excellence and influence matter more than a single breakout season. The following criteria help clarify why certain series are consistently highlighted as defining the decade.
- Narrative coherence and ambitious storytelling across multiple seasons
- Cultural footprint, including discourse, awards recognition, and influence on creators
- Formal innovation in structure, genre blending, and visual or sonic language
- Performance legacy, with roles that redefined careers or typecasting
- Audience reach and longevity through syndication, streaming, and fan communities
Major Categories and Representative Series
The decade’s landscape is organized around distinct modes of storytelling, from sprawling genre sagas to tightly focused character studies. Below are the series most often cited when discussing the era’s essentials. Each show exemplifies one or more of the criteria above and represents a durable creative achievement.
Epic Dramas and Prestige Sagas
Epic dramas prioritized long-form character development and morally complex arcs, often spanning multiple seasons with carefully planned endpoints.
- Breaking Bad (2008–2013): A high school chemistry teacher’s transformation into a drug kingpin, noted for plotting, performance, and meticulous structure.
- Mad Men (2007–2015): A portrait of midcentury American advertising and culture, celebrated for visual style and restrained storytelling.
- Game of Thrones (2011–2019): A genre-defining fantasy epic recognized for scale, ensemble casts, and cultural ubiquity, despite uneven later seasons.
- Madagascar: A Little Wild (2020–2022) retains some 2010s-era sensibilities in character-first storytelling but belongs to a later period.
Serialized Thrillers and Crime Storytelling
Crime and thriller series leveraged intricate plotting and moral ambiguity to captivate viewers over long arcs.
- True Detective (Season 1, 2014): Acclaimed for cinematic visuals and philosophical dialogue, anchored by a career-defining performance.
- The Wire (2002–2008): Extended influence deep into the decade with its institutional critique and naturalistic dialogue.
- The Night Of (2016): A limited series exemplifying slow-burn storytelling and procedural rigor.
- The OA (2016–2019): A mystery-driven series noted for ambitious mythology and a devoted fan community.
Comedies and Shifts in Tone
Comedy evolved to embrace serialized storytelling, cringe humor, and sophisticated social commentary.
- Peep Show (2003–2015): An influential UK series defined by its point-of-view filming and deeply awkward humor.
- Parks and Recreation (2009–2015): Optimistic, character-driven workplace comedy with consistent quality.
- Veep (2012–2019): Sharp political satire anchored by rapid-fire dialogue and Emmy recognition.
- Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020): A heartfelt comedy about wealth and adaptation with unanimous critical acclaim.
Genre Innovation and International Storytelling
Streaming enabled global voices and hybrid genres, from speculative thrillers to genre-blending romance.
- Black Mirror (2011–present): An anthology exploring technology’s societal impact through speculative fiction.
- The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–present): A dystopian drama that revived urgent conversations about gender and power.
- Luther (2010–2019): A British procedural infused with operatic tone and moral ambiguity.
- Deutschland 83/86/89 (2015–2018): Cold War spy thrillers that revitalized period storytelling on TV.
- Dark (2017–2020): A German time-travel saga noted for intricate plotting and atmospheric worldbuilding.
- The Queen’s Gambit (2020): A limited series that merged period detail with binge-friendly pacing.
Comparative Snapshot: Signature Shows and Their Distinctions
No single show excels in every dimension; each balances writing, performance, and structure differently. The table below captures representative examples, genre focus, typical season length, and a decisive hallmark for quick reference.
Series (Years) Primary Genre / Mode Typical Season Length Signature Attribute Breaking Bad (2008–2013) Crime Drama 13 Flawless structural escalation and character transformation Mad Men (2007–2015) Period Drama 13 Visual poise and restrained, mood-driven storytelling Game of Thrones (2011–2019) Fantasy Epic 10 Event television and global watercooler moments True Detective S1 (2014) Crime Anthology 8 Cinematic dialogue and existential investigation Veep (2012–2019) Political Satire 10 Improv-heavy rapid-fire humor and relentless callbacks Dark (2017–2020) Sci-Fi Mystery 12 Complex time-travel mythology and immersive atmosphere Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020) Character Comedy 14 Earnest warmth and unanimously consistent reviews The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–present) Dystopian Drama 13 Provocative allegory and urgent sociopolitical resonance How to Approach the 2010s as a Viewing Guide
With so many options, choosing where to begin or return can feel overwhelming. Match your taste to a mode or theme rather than chasing a universal ranking. If you prefer slow-burn mysteries, prioritize The OA or The Night Of. If you want sharp social commentary, lean into Veep, Black Mirror, or Succession. For genre newcomers, start with the accessible arc of The Queen’s Gambit or the grounded escalation of Breaking Bad. Binge-friendly limited series like The Queen’s Gambit or watchful family sagas like Schitt’s Creek suit different rhythms, and that’s by design. The point is to align the show’s strengths with what you value most in storytelling—whether that’s structure, atmosphere, performance, or thematic boldness.
Beyond the Headlines: Context and Continuity
The 2010s did not end with a single finale; their influence persists in creator pipelines, streaming economics, and audience expectations. Series like Succession (which began in 2018) and Atlanta (which began in 2016) extend the decade’s legacy into the early 2020s, while revivals and reboots periodically reintroduce earlier landmarks. Critical reappraisals and canonical reshuffles are ongoing, so treat any list as a snapshot rather than a final verdict. What remains constant is the decade’s contribution to serialized ambition, formal experimentation, and the elevation of television as a primary medium for complex, writer-driven stories.
Conclusion: Using This Guide for Long-Term Enjoyment
The best way to engage with the best TV shows of the 2010s is with clear criteria and an open timeline. Let narrative coherence, performance legacy, and genre innovation guide your choices rather than momentary hype. Whether you are revisiting a favorite or exploring a new series, anchor yourself to the elements that age well: writing, structure, and emotional truth. This guide functions as both an introduction and a long-term reference, supporting thoughtful viewing decisions now and in the future.