The Best TV Shows of the 2000s, Ranked

For many, TV has the power to etch lasting memories and define entire chapters of one’s life. From drama and comedy to sci-fi and animation, devoted fans have flocked to various review sites. Although places like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes are certainly helpful in curating a selection of outstanding TV shows from the 2000s, they are not explicitly necessary to guide viewers to these remarkable gems.

Whether these shows have achieved their high-ranking statuses due to their captivating plot lines, top-tier animation, or brilliant writing, there is a reason they are considered the best among hundreds of TV series from the first decade of the century. Regardless if viewers prefer uplifting classic 2000s comfort cartoons, thrilling dramas, or beautifully filmed and deeply informative nature docuseries — there is a 2000s show for every audience, catering to a diverse range of tastes and interests.

Updated on June 4, 2024, by Ajay Aravind: Some of the best television ever made is being made right now in the 2020s. That said, the previous decades also had their share of TV masterpieces. The 2000s were particularly packed with phenomenal programs, many of which are considered among the best TV series in history. As such, we’ve updated this article with some more relevant information.

20 Family Guy Remains As Wack & Influential As Ever

At this point, it seems likely that Family Guy is trying to set the same record as The Simpsons. Although it’s still several seasons behind the iconic Matt Groening show, Seth MacFarlane’s version of an ordinary suburban family has just as many fans. The entire Griffin family is deeply dysfunctional, with fantastical elements thrown in. For instance, Stewie the baby is somehow a genius who can only be understood by the family dog, another genius.

Then again, this is the kind of zany peculiarity that works in favor of Family Guy. Some viewers might get bored silly by the super-elongated gags in the show, but others will likely enjoy just how complex and satirical the humor can get. In terms of originality, Family Guy has long since been surpassed by McFarlane’s American Dad, but the original series remains as influential as ever, earning it a spot at the bottom of the list.

19 The Inbetweeners Is A Cringy Look At Adolescent Life

The 2000s were an excellent decade for British teen comedies, with shows like Skins gaining near-global popularity. That said, one of the less-known but equally powerful programs of the decade was The Inbetweeners, a sitcom dealing with the ups and downs of adolescent life. Similar shows like Big Mouth and My So-Called Life rely on surrealism and authenticity, respectively — whereas The Inbetweeners is one long cringe session from start to finish.

Teenagers are always going to be cringy, but there hasn’t yet been a series that captures the sheer awkwardness of adolescence better than The Inbetweeners. This show doesn’t make one nostalgic for the days of playful youth. On the utter contrary, it demonstrates just how embarrassing and clumsy most people’s teen years were. It is this undertone of realism that makes The Inbetweeners both hilarious and mortifying.

18 Desperate Housewives Maintained Its Popularity Throughout

With the impressive success of all female-led shows like Charmed & Sex and the City, it was only a matter of time before a production house decided to take the domestic narrative route. Although very few people in real life can relate to the experiences of Bree, Susan, Lynette, and Gabrielle, Desperate Housewives contains just the right combination of soap-operatic drama and deadpan comedy.

As such, it’s not surprising that this 2000s show became one of the most popular in its demographic, being watched by millions around the world. Desperate Housewives isn’t just about conjugal drama, as there are numerous mysteries sprinkled across the series’ eight seasons. The show also popularized actors like Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, and Felicity Huffman, effectively making them household names. Desperate Housewives would go on to win numerous awards at the Emmys and Golden Gloves.

17 Band of Brothers Is An Intense Historical Drama

Based on historically accurate events, featuring a stellar cast, and produced by two of the most renowned filmmakers of modern times, fidelity to source material and accurate storytelling is paramount in Band of Brothers. Adapted from Stephen E. Ambrose’s non-fiction book, this miniseries details the journey of a unit of the 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment-Airborne Division from their rigorous training in the US to their pivotal deployments in key WWII battles.

Band of Brothers explores intense themes, such as sacrifice, bonds, and camaraderie, excellently forging a profound emotional connection with its invested fanbase. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks successfully capture the real-life experiences of soldiers fighting in WWII, all while providing fans with high-quality visuals, stunning battle sequences, and emotionally compelling storylines.

16 Mad Men Is Gripping, Smart, And Surprisingly Evocative

Mad Men follows the employees of an advertising firm in 1960s New York, including Jon Hamm’s Don Draper. This is an executive who rose to the top of his field thanks to his raw talent and intricately crafted public image. Throughout the series, Draper struggles to balance his work and home lives but slowly begins to unravel as he finds himself worn thin.

Mad Men is known for its superb writing and outstanding cast, which also includes John Slattery, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, Elisabeth Moss, and more. Set against a 60s and 70s backdrop throughout its seven-season run, Mad Men paints an all-too-real picture of a changing social and moral landscape in America through the eyes of its complex characters. This is one 2000s show that can’t be missed.

15 Doctor Who Regenerated Better Than Ever

The iconic staple of British television, Doctor Who, ended its initial run in 1996 with a television film depicting the adventures of Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor. In 2005, however, BBC revived the beloved sci-fi series, with Russell T. Davies at the helm. Since then, Doctor Who has inserted itself back into popular culture, as the revived series approaches its twentieth anniversary. The series ability to maintain relevancy for generations of viewers earns it a spot on the lower end of the list.

The new Doctor Who includes Christopher Eccleston’s slick and quirky Ninth Doctor, David Tennant’s endearing and sassy Tenth Doctor, Matt Smith’s bow-tie-loving Eleventh Doctor, Peter Capaldi’s eccentric and brash Twelfth Doctor, Jodie Whitaker’s amicable Thirteenth Doctor, David Tennant’s triumphantly returning Fourteenth Doctor, and now Ncuti Gatwa’s all-new Fifteenth Doctor. Combining all the elements that made the original series a success with the modern sensibilities of a hit sci-fi series, the new Doctor Who is everything that a franchise should be.

14 Grey’s Anatomy Is The Peak Of Medical Dramas

Grey’s Anatomy follows the drama, turmoil, and love that takes place at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the hit medical drama sports a cast of memorable characters, including Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey and Sandra Oh’s Cristina Yang, as they navigate their own personal relationships while saving lives at the same time.

Known for its intense and dramatic storylines, Grey’s Anatomy outshines every other drama in its genre as it crosses two decades of storytelling. The series has even outgrown any one character, especially with Pompeo’s departure in Season 19. While the show may sometimes come under fire for its occasionally unnecessary melodrama, there is no denying the profound impact that Grey’s Anatomy made in the world of medical dramas.

13 Arrested Development Is An Underrated Comedy

Arrested Development depicts the chaos that ensues in the wealthy Bluth family when their patriarch is sent to prison. Jason Bateman portrays Michael Bluth, as the heir to the family business who tries to keep everything from falling apart in his father’s absence. The series also stars legendary comedic actors such as Michael Cera, Will Arnett, Jessica Walter, Tony Hale, David Cross, Alia Shawkat, Portia di Rossi, Jeffrey Tambor, and more.

Arrested Development garnered a cult following upon its release, never quite getting the credit that it deserved for its clever writing and talented cast. Nevertheless, the show’s popularity was proven in its multiple revivals after its cancelation in 2006, with fans lobbying to bring the series back for a fourth season in 2013 and eventually a fifth and final season in 2018.

12 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Is A Unique Comedy

Scheming, conniving, morally bankrupt, and politically incorrect, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows the absurd misadventures of “The Gang.” Each episode delves into various ridiculous plot lines and hilarious undertakings. Fans of It’s Always Sunny praise this show for multiple reasons, from relishing in the dark humor that pushes boundaries yet approaches taboo subjects head-on, to finding solace in each character who is unapologetically themselves in a flawed and selfishly human way.

The It’s Always Sunny Gang is often corrupting characters throughout its seasons, and despite its debut in 2005, this TV show maintains its allure as the combination of witty humor, endearing characters, and quirky storylines earned this series a consistently high ranking across all review sites. Although 16 seasons are already out, the series has been greenlit for at least two more seasons.

11 The Office Is One Of The Greatest Sitcoms Of All Time

Characterized by its sharp writing, witty one-liners, hilarious scenes, and mockumentary-style approach, The Office satirizes the workplace dynamics of the fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin. The diverse ensemble of The Office has introduced iconic and beloved characters to the sitcom world, with emotional depth and resonance to each persona, expertly highlighting complex workplace relationships and hilariously portraying corporate culture and office politics.

Years after its finale, The Office has left a lasting social impact on its viewers, with phrases from the show still being relevant and frequently used in daily jargon. No matter how inappropriate or cringe-inducing Michael Scott may be, fans of The Office repeatedly revert to this TV show to bring laughter to everyday life. More importantly, however, is the news that there’s likely to be a reboot — although without Steve Carell.

10 Life Puts The Earth’s Beauty On Full Display

Characterized by breathtaking visuals, inspirational messages, superb narration by David Attenborough, and a rare glimpse into the lives of many elusive species, the series Life brings the plant and animal kingdoms straight into viewers’ homes. Highlighting the natural wonders of planet Earth, Life pairs stunning and groundbreaking cinematography with scientific facts, capturing the beauty of the natural world and educating viewers of varying ages and degrees of curiosity.

From navigating and uncovering the patterns and the mysteries of the smallest insects to showcasing the largest ocean mammals, Life manages to transport viewers straight to the ecosystems of these species. As such, this creates an emotional connection between the audience and the natural world, making the show a standout among nature documentaries and number ten on the list of 2000’s best TV series.

9 The West Wing Is Regarded Among The Greatest TV Shows Ever

Aaron Sorkin’s first claim to fame, long before he created the newsroom, was The West Wing. Initially released in 1999, this show revolves around a fictional White House administration led by President Josiah Bartlet. Other phenomenal performers were also included in its cast, such as Allison Janey, Stockard Channing, Rob Lowe, and Martin Sheen. However, Aaron Sorkin quit the series after the fourth season, leaving others to pick up the slack.

The West Wing is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV programs in history, with particular praise aimed at its nuanced writing and political concepts. With a whopping 26 Emmy awards under its belt, as well as winning Outstanding Drama Series on four occasions, it’s clear why both fans and critics loved The West Wing so much.

8 The Sopranos Is A Peek Into The World Of Organized Crime

A cult-classic TV show, The Sopranos dives into the world of organized crime of the main character Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini). Mob boss, husband, and father, Tony seeks therapy for his persistent struggles with anxiety and depression, all while simultaneously navigating the challenges of his complicated and brutal crime family and the expectations he must maintain as a prominent figure in the mob.

With no shortage of notable characters and unforgettable storylines, The Sopranos was widely praised for its intense character development, expert storytelling, and ability to tackle complex themes such as individual and interpersonal psychology, family expectations, and more. In its six seasons, fans have highly praised Season 5, Episode 12, “Long Term Parking,” which spawned three Emmy Awards.

7 30 Rock Is A Savvy Satirical Sitcom

30 Rock is a hit sitcom created by and starring Tina Fey. The series follows Liz Lemon, who writes for a sketch show reminiscent of Fey’s own comedy alma mater, Saturday Night Live. The series follows the hijinks and misadventures of Liz and her coworkers, with each episode tackling differently hilarious problems. 30 Rock sports an enviable cast that includes Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, and Alec Baldwin.

Everything that people love about Tina Fey’s comedy is firing on all cylinders in 30 Rock, from endlessly quotable one-liners to zany characters that viewers can’t help but love. Fey perfectly draws from her own experiences working at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and doses them with a healthy mix of humor and heart to create one of the smartest sitcoms of all time. 30 Rock is arguably the true successor to Seinfeld, with both series stretching the concept of humor to breaking point.

6 Firefly Was Canceled Way Too Soon

Despite its unfortunate premature cancelation after its first and only season, Firefly, a niche fusion of scientific and Western storytelling has stood out among other science fiction series for multiple reasons. Firefly is chockfull of complex interactions and storylines between the characters, showcasing the growth of each individual. This was achieved through its clever writing, which seamlessly combines elements of drama, humor, and action.

The universe of Firefly also upholds its own allure, as the creators of this show placed extra emphasis on developing a richly detailed world with its own language, culture, and historical backing, further allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves into the series. This stimulating and volatile TV show broke free from the conventional norms that had so frequently been featured in TV, establishing itself as a beloved 2000s series.

5 Avatar: The Last Airbender Boasts An Amazing Story

Set in a world governed by benders of the four elements — Earth, Fire, Water, and Air — Avatar: The Last Airbender chronicles the journey of protagonist and airbender, Aang. Awakening from a century-long slumber, Aang finds his world drastically transformed from the peaceful reality he once knew. In a quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar and master the four elements, Aang forges many meaningful friendships along the way, which aid him in his bid to restore peace to the world.

Avatar the Last Airbender delves into profound themes of self-discovery, friendship, morality, redemption, and forgiveness across its three seasons. In addition to the plot, Avatar is complemented by great character arcs, stunning animation, and a memorable soundtrack. While the live-action adaptation failed to garner as much acclaim, the original show remains one of the best TV series of all time, earning its place at number five.

4 Deadwood Is A Masterclass In Television Storytelling

Although Yellowstone is one of the most popular Western TV shows today, it has been criticized for being a historical revisionist fantasy. On the other end of the spectrum lies Deadwood, arguably the most authentically written show of the 2000s. The story is based on the real-life town of Deadwood, South Dakota, which gained fame in the 1870s for having copious deposits of gold ore.

As such, the fictional lore of Deadwood is based on 19th-century newspapers, letters, and diaries from people living in the town. Despite winning eight Primetime Emmy Awards, the series was canceled after three seasons. Thankfully, however, it was resurrected in the form of a 2019 movie that also received critical acclaim. Fans of historical fiction, frontier life, and some of the greatest monologues in television history have no reason to skip Deadwood.

3 The Wire Is A Perfectly Balanced Drama

Created by David Simon, The Wire is a gritty crime drama TV show set in Baltimore, Maryland. It delves into the complex social dynamics and intricate connections among the city’s various socio-economic strata. The series prominently explores topics such as the drug trade, the local police force, and the education system, while offering a realistic portrayal of urban life via the lens of politics and media.

This socially relevant series is thought-provoking in several ways, dissecting issues through the unique perspectives of standout characters, all while strategically utilizing some characters and scenes to insert some much-needed comedic relief. That said, The Wire was so ahead of its time that it was taught in several college courses across the country.

2 Planet Earth Is A Breakthrough Documentary

Narrated by nature enthusiast David Attenborough, Planet Earth skillfully highlights the challenges and complexities that multiple species must confront in their struggles for survival. In a series of stunning scenarios, Planet Earth investigates the lives of these enigmatic creatures, employing stunning cinematography to capture rare, never-before-seen wildlife footage in breathtaking high-definition.

Each 50-minute episode transports viewers to a different habitat, as time-lapse sequences showcase dramatic natural events in mere seconds while high-speed cameras capture intense predator-prey hunting rituals rarely witnessed by the human eye. Planet Earth manages to not only deliver stunning visual scenes, but also urgently convey the importance of maintaining a conscious balance between the fragile biomes existing on Earth and the profound interconnectedness of all life.

1 Breaking Bad Is Prestige Television At Its Finest

Following the transformative life of a high school chemistry teacher turned drug lord, Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) is the cancer-stricken protagonist of AMC’s Breaking Bad. Turning to creating and dealing methamphetamines with his former student, Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul), as his partner, this show dives deep into a whirlwind of crime, conflicts of moral compasses, and, best of all, demonstrates excellent character development.

Beyond its themes of drugs and danger, Breaking Bad is renowned for exploring deeper themes like the sadness behind death, morality, the contrast between good intentions and poor execution, and the (often negative) consequences that ripple through each individual’s life based on the choices they make. Fans of the number one TV series of the 2000s to date, Breaking Bad, are sure to enjoy the spin-off Better Call Saul.