You know how it goes. You finish a show and just sit there staring at the credits wondering what to do with your life. Happened to me after watching The Wire for the first time. Felt like losing friends. That's when you need the real deal – the best series of all time that actually deserve that title.
But here's the thing: claiming something's among the best series ever made isn't just about hype or nostalgia. I've binged enough mediocre stuff to know the difference. This guide cuts through the noise.
What Even Makes a Show One of the Best?
Let's get real. A true best series of all time contender nails these five things:
- Rewatchability - Still catches new details on your third viewing (Breaking Bad does this)
- Cultural impact - Changed how TV gets made (thank The Sopranos for antiheroes)
- Character depth - You argue about them like real people (Mad Men's Don Draper)
- No bad seasons - Looking at you, Game of Thrones final chapters
- That "feeling" - Leaves you emotionally wrecked in the best way
I learned this the hard way after recommending a certain overhyped fantasy show to my sister last year. Won't name names but she didn't speak to me for a week.
The Absolute Must-Watch List
These aren't just my opinions. I compared critic scores (Rotten Tomatoes), audience ratings (IMDb), and awards. More importantly, I rewatched key episodes before finalizing. Here's what holds up:
| Series Title | Years Active | Why It's Elite | IMDb Rating | Commitment Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wire | 2002-2008 | Unmatched social commentary; feels like reading a great novel | 9.3 | 60 episodes (about 60 hours) |
| Breaking Bad | 2008-2013 | Perfect character arc; most satisfying finale ever | 9.5 | 62 episodes (52 hours) |
| The Sopranos | 1999-2007 | Invented modern TV drama; Tony Soprano is iconic | 9.2 | 86 episodes (72 hours) |
| Mad Men | 2007-2015 | Visual masterpiece; subtle character studies | 8.6 | 92 episodes (70 hours) |
| Better Call Saul | 2015-2022 | Rare spinoff that equals the original; cinematography genius | 8.9 | 63 episodes (57 hours) |
Notice something? All these premiered pre-2015. Makes you wonder if streaming changed things. Though honestly, I'd put Succession (2018-2023) up there too for dialogue alone.
Quick Tip: If you only watch one from this list, make it Breaking Bad. It's the easiest entry point to prestige TV. My 65-year-old dad got hooked after two episodes.
Where to Actually Watch These Classics
Nothing's worse than hearing about one of the best series ever made and not finding it. Current streaming homes (as of late 2023):
| Series | Streaming Service | Free Option? | HD Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wire | Max (formerly HBO Max) | No | Remastered in 4K |
| Breaking Bad | Netflix | With ads (some regions) | 1080p |
| The Sopranos | Max | No | HD (not 4K) |
| Mad Men | Freevee (with ads) / AMC+ | Yes (Freevee) | 1080p |
| Better Call Saul | Netflix | No | 4K for later seasons |
Annoying how scattered they are, right? I ended up subscribing to Max just for The Wire rewatch. Zero regrets though.
Underrated Gems That Deserve More Love
Not every best series of all time candidate gets famous. These flew under the radar:
- The Americans (2013-2018) - Soviet spies in 80s America. Slow burn but incredible payoff. Keri Russell should've won all the Emmys.
- Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017) - 80s tech revolution drama. First season's shaky but seasons 2-4? Perfection.
- Rectify (2013-2016) - Man released after 20 years on death row. Most meditative show I've seen. Barely anyone watched it.
Rectify only had like 12 viewers per season (kidding, but felt like it). Criminal oversight.
Common Debates Answered
Why isn't Game of Thrones on your main list?
Great question. Those first four seasons? Absolute peak television. But that final season... oof. I can't call anything "best ever" when it crashes that hard. It's like a restaurant serving Michelin-star appetizers then burning your entrée.
What about newer shows?
Patience! Great shows need time to prove they stick the landing. Succession (ended 2023) will likely join the ranks. Severance has potential but only one season. Check back in 2028.
Personal Take: I think Better Call Saul surpassed Breaking Bad in technical craft. Fight me. Vince Gilligan's team kept improving for 15 years straight.
Are limited series eligible?
Absolutely. Chernobyl (2019) is a flawless 5-episode masterpiece. Band of Brothers (2001) might be the greatest war story ever filmed. But they're sprinters, not marathon runners.
Why Some "Classics" Didn't Make the Cut
This might upset people. But we need real talk about overrated shows:
Friends (1994-2004) - Culturally huge? Yes. Technically great comedy? Not really. The laugh track feels ancient now. Watch Seinfeld or Frasier instead for smarter writing.
The Walking Dead (2010-2022) - Amazing pilot. Then six seasons of zombies and people arguing in forests. My notes from season 7 say "still?"
Stranger Things (2016-present) - Fun nostalgia trip but relies too much on references. Season 1 was lightning in a bottle.
Sorry Friends fans. I said what I said. Come at me.
Action Plan Based on Your Mood
Not sure where to start? Match your craving:
| You Want... | Watch This | Skip If... |
|---|---|---|
| Family drama + business intrigue | Succession (3-4 days to binge) | You hate rich people problems |
| Crime with philosophical depth | The Wire (give it 4 episodes) | You need constant action |
| Character transformation | Breaking Bad (hooked by ep 2) | You dislike moral ambiguity |
| Slow-burn emotional payoff | Better Call Saul (seasons 3-6) | You quit shows easily |
That last point matters. Some of these demand patience. The Wire's first three episodes confused me. Almost quit. Thank god I didn't.
Physical Media Advantage
Streaming services remove shows constantly. If you find one of the best series of all time on Blu-ray? Grab it. My Sopranos box set has commentary tracks you can't stream anywhere. Worth every penny.
How We'll Judge Future Contenders
Shows I'm watching for potential "best ever" status:
- Succession - Already close. Needs 5-year legacy test.
- Severance - Insane first season. Don't screw it up, Ben Stiller.
- Andor - Proved Star Wars can be mature. Needs more seasons.
Notice no Game of Thrones spinoffs listed? House of Dragon was fine. Just... fine. Not elite.
Final Reality Check
Will everyone agree on the best series of all time? Never. Tastes differ. But the shows in that first table? They've passed every test: time, rewatch value, craftsmanship. No flukes.
Start with Breaking Bad if you're new to prestige TV. For veterans, revisit The Wire – I catch new details every time. And hey, if you love Friends anyway? More power to you. Just don't yell at me.
What's your personal best series ever? Mine changes monthly. Currently stuck on Better Call Saul's finale. Perfection.
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