Best TV Shows of the Decade
The best TV shows of the decade have captivated audiences with their compelling storytelling, complex characters, and stunning visuals. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, these shows have set a new standard for television excellence and have left a lasting impact on pop culture.
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One standout series of the decade is "Breaking Bad," which follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin. The show's intense writing, powerful performances, and moral ambiguity have earned it widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Another notable series is "Game of Thrones," a fantasy epic that has become a global phenomenon with its intricate world-building, shocking plot twists, and unforgettable characters. Despite its controversial finale, "Game of Thrones" has undeniably left a lasting legacy on the television landscape. Additionally, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" has garnered praise for its sharp wit, vibrant period setting, and stellar performances, making it a standout comedy of the decade. These shows, along with many others, have solidified their place as the best TV shows of the decade, leaving an indelible mark on the medium and captivating audiences for years to come.
Breaking BadView AllBreaking Bad - High school teacher turns to cooking meth.
Game of ThronesView AllGame of Thrones - Epic fantasy drama with power struggles and dragons.
Stranger ThingsView AllStranger Things - Mystery, horror, 80s nostalgia, supernatural powers, government conspiracy, friendship.
The CrownView AllThe Crown - Historical drama about the British royal family.
The MandalorianView AllThe Mandalorian - Bounty hunter protects a mysterious child in space.
FleabagView AllFleabag - Witty, dark humor about a woman navigating life.
Black MirrorView AllBlack Mirror - Dystopian anthology series exploring the dark side of technology.
The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselView AllThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - A witty, bold comedian navigates 1950s New York City.
The Handmaid's TaleView AllThe Handmaid's Tale - Dystopian society where women are oppressed for reproduction.
The WitcherView AllThe Witcher - Fantasy series about monster hunter Geralt of Rivia.
Best TV Shows of the Decade
1.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed television series that follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis and financial struggles, Walter teams up with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, to cook and sell meth in order to secure his family's future. As Walter becomes increasingly consumed by the drug trade, he descends into a world of crime and violence, leading to the unraveling of his once ordinary life. The show is known for its intense storytelling, complex characters, and moral ambiguity.
Pros
Gripping storyline- complex characters
- intense drama.
Cons
Graphic violence- drug use
- morally ambiguous themes.
2.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a popular fantasy television series based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R.R. Martin. The show is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and follows the power struggles between noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. Filled with political intrigue, epic battles, and complex characters, Game of Thrones has captivated audiences with its intricate plotlines and unexpected twists. The show has garnered a massive fanbase and has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2011.
Pros
- Compelling story
- complex characters
- stunning visuals
Cons
- Graphic content
- uneven pacing
- controversial ending
3.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a popular Netflix series that follows a group of kids in the 1980s as they uncover supernatural mysteries in their small town. When one of their friends goes missing, they encounter a girl with telekinetic powers and a dark government conspiracy. As they navigate through alternate dimensions and face off against a terrifying monster, they form unlikely alliances and discover the true power of friendship. The show is known for its nostalgic nods to 80s pop culture, compelling characters, and thrilling storytelling. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its unique blend of horror, sci-fi, and coming-of-age themes.
Pros
- Nostalgic
- suspenseful
- great characters.
Cons
- Slow pacing at times
- some storylines feel dragged out.
4.
The Crown
The Crown is a historical drama series that follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early years on the throne to the present day. The show explores the personal and political challenges faced by the monarch, as well as the impact of her decisions on the royal family and the country. With a focus on the relationships and power struggles within the royal household, The Crown offers a captivating and in-depth look at the life of one of the most iconic figures in modern history.
Pros
- Historical accuracy
- high production value
- strong acting.
Cons
- Historical inaccuracies
- controversial portrayals
- lack of diversity.
5.
The Mandalorian
"The Mandalorian" is a popular American space Western television series set in the "Star Wars" universe. The show follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter, known as the Mandalorian, as he navigates the outer reaches of the galaxy. Tasked with a mysterious mission to capture a valuable asset, he embarks on a journey that leads to unexpected alliances and dangerous encounters. The show combines elements of action, adventure, and drama, and has garnered praise for its captivating storytelling, compelling characters, and stunning visual effects.
Pros
- Engaging storyline
- great character development
- stunning visuals.
Cons
- Slow pacing at times
- lack of depth in certain episodes.
6.
Fleabag
"Fleabag" is a dark comedy-drama television series created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show follows the life of a young woman, known only as Fleabag, as she navigates through modern life in London. The character is known for breaking the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience, and her sardonic and dry sense of humor. The series explores themes of grief, guilt, and relationships, while also addressing the complexities of being a woman in contemporary society. "Fleabag" received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and Waller-Bridge's performance in the lead role.
Pros
- Sharp writing
- brilliant acting
- dark humor
Cons
- Mature content
- not suitable for all audiences
7.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a psychological thriller anthology series that explores the dark and twisted implications of modern society's obsession with technology. Each episode presents a standalone story that examines the potential consequences of the rapid advancement of technology on humanity, often highlighting themes of paranoia, morality, and the fragility of the human condition. Created by Charlie Brooker, the show has garnered critical acclaim for its thought-provoking storytelling and has been praised for its ability to both captivate and disturb audiences with its unsettling portrayal of a dystopian future.
Pros
- Thought-provoking
- explores ethical dilemmas
- well-written and acted.
Cons
- Depressing
- dark
- can be unsettling or disturbing.
8.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is a comedy-drama television series that follows the journey of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a housewife in the 1950s who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. Set in New York City, the show explores Midge's transformation from a conventional, upper-class woman to a confident and independent comedian as she navigates the male-dominated world of comedy. With its witty dialogue, vibrant costumes, and strong female lead, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of feminism and the entertainment industry in the 1950s.
Pros
- witty dialogue
- strong female lead
- vibrant 1950s setting
Cons
- lack of diversity
- occasional slow pacin
9.
The Handmaid's Tale
"The Handmaid's Tale" is a dystopian novel written by Margaret Atwood. Set in a future society called Gilead, the story follows Offred, a handmaid whose sole purpose is to bear children for the ruling class. Women in Gilead are stripped of their rights and subjected to strict social and religious roles. Offred navigates the oppressive society while longing for her lost freedom and searching for a way to escape. The novel explores themes of power, control, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. It has gained widespread acclaim and has been adapted into a successful television series.
Pros
- Thought-provoking
- powerful themes
- strong female protagonist.
Cons
- Disturbing content
- bleak and bleak portrayal of society.
10.
The Witcher
The Witcher is a popular fantasy series based on the book series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. It follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, as he navigates a dark and dangerous world filled with supernatural creatures, political intrigue, and complex moral dilemmas. The series explores themes of destiny, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and thrilling action, The Witcher has captivated audiences through its books, video games, and a hit Netflix adaptation starring Henry Cavill.
Pros
- Compelling story
- rich world-building
- well-developed characters
Cons
- Complex narrative
- slow start
- mature content may not be suitable for all audiences