The best TV shows of all time cover a wide range of genres, topics, and generational conflicts that continue to have substantial impacts on the wider culture and the television medium itself. Television might have once been viewed as a lesser medium than movies, but some of the greatest prestige TV shows, classic sitcoms, and sketch shows have massively shaped the cultural conscience and changed how audiences interact with media since the 1950s.

With a vast number of series to pull from throughout the history of the medium, the best TV shows of all time achieve some variation of critical acclaim, beloved legacies, and cultural significance. Prestige dramas may tend to have an advantage with reputations as the greatest shows of all time, but the cultural impact and popularity must also be accounted for with groundbreaking horror shows, legendary sitcoms, and sci-fi hits. While the ultimate ranking will always be subjective, Screen Rant's list of the best TV shows of all time takes a holistic approach based on a combination of factors like awards, critical and audience acclaim, cultural effect, influence on the television medium, and larger legacy.

Related: The 50 Best Movies Of All Time

50 Life On Mars (2006-2007)

• Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 16 | Episode Length: 60 minutes
• Cast: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster

The British TV series Life on Mars is renowned for its successful combination of various genres, being able to wear the labels of sci-fi, mystery, time travel, period drama, and police procedural. Life on Mars follows police officer Sam Tyler from 2006 Manchester, who finds himself mysteriously transported back to the 1970s after an accident. Life on Mars is also well-remembered for its ambiguity in regard to Sam's fate, leaving audiences and characters equally uncertain about whether he is comatose, deceased, or truly traveling back in time. The popularity of Life on Mars' two-season story inspired numerous international remakes, including a short-lived American series, and earned the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series twice.

49 Only Fools And Horses (1981-1991; 1991-2003)

• Seasons: 7; 16 Christmas specials | Episodes: 64 | Episode Length: 30-50 minutes
• Cast: David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Lennard Pearce, Buster Merryfield, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong

One of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time is John Sullivan's Only Fools and Horses, which originally ran for seven seasons from 1981 until 1991. The series follows the highs and lows of the working-class Trotter family as they attempt to get rich, with many supporting characters including their significant others and neighbors. A proper sleeper hit, Only Fools and Horses made little impact upon its initial release before becoming a massive success with audiences and critics alike in its later seasons.

In addition to holding UK records for sitcom viewership, the show boasts an undeniable impact on British culture today as the source of several popular English phrases and words. The series also earned several BAFTA awards and British Comedy Awards, and finds itself on several modern lists of the greatest sitcoms, British TV shows, and characters in television history. With seven seasons through 1991 and a total of 16 sporadic Christmas specials through 2003, Only Fools and Horses has had a pervasive, global cultural influence that firmly establishes it as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

48 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

• Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 34 | Episode Length: 42-139 minutes
• Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Charlie Heaton

The Duffer Brothers have been heavily inspired by 80s horror when creating Stranger Things, which has become a sensation for Netflix. The series only grows in scope with each passing season, with the record-breaking Stranger Things season 4 increasing its character count, global span, and technological ambitions for some of its most critically acclaimed installments yet. The combination of stunning visual effects, a captivating story, incredible young actors, and 80s nostalgia has made Stranger Things into a global hit.

Changing the landscape of streaming and binge-watching as one of Netflix's first major original shows, Stranger Things' appeal to multiple generations has established it as a cultural phenomenon since 2016. The shocking accomplishments of the series have rarely been seen on the small screen, which won't be forgotten after coming to a close with Stranger Things season 5.

47 Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)

• Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 12 | Episode Length: 30-35 minutes
• Cast: John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, Ballard Berkeley, Brian Hall, Renee Roberts, Gilly Flower

From Monty Python co-founder John Cleese, Fawlty Towers earns its spot on the list of the greatest TV shows of all time through its cultural legacy and reputation as the quintessential British sitcom. Set in the fictional eponymous hotel in Torquay, Fawlty Towers is about the owner, his wife, the chambermaid, and the waiter who strive to run the hotel amid challenging situations and a variety of eccentric guests. The recipient of several BAFTAs, Fawlty Towers has received greater critical acclaim over time, with the series holding a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and being named the best British sitcom ever by the British Film Institute in 2000.

46 Oz (1997-2003)

• Seasons: 6 | Episodes: 56 | Episode Length: 55-80 minutes
• Cast: Ernie Hudson, Terry Kinney, Harold Perrineau, Eamonn Walker, Kirk Acevedo, Rita Moreno, J.K. Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Dean Winters, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Set in a fictional men's prison, Oz follows an experimental unit of the facility called the "Emerald City" that strives to ease tensions between the various factions of prisoners. Known as the first one-hour drama series produced by HBO, Oz set the stage for the prestige drama TV reputation that the network maintains today. Oz has received significant critical acclaim and numerous awards nominations, with the series being groundbreaking for its depiction of graphic violence and sexual content as well as its complicated themes.

45 The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

• Seasons: 7 | Episodes: 180 | Episode Length: 22-24 minutes
• Cast: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty

The Golden Girls is often considered a comfort show across various generations, offering funny and warm moments of friendship between its central four ladies. The revolutionary sitcom boosted ratings for NBC, was critically acclaimed throughout its run, and received numerous awards, including the rare achievement of each main actress winning an Emmy. However, along with providing warm-hearted laughs, people might have forgotten that The Golden Girls was also willing to tackle difficult subjects like death as well as show support for gay rights. Continuing to appeal to new generations, The Golden Girls is an instance of a 1980s sitcom that has aged surprisingly well for its subject matter, performances, and comedic writing.

44 Sergeant Bilko (1955-1959)

• Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 144 | Episode Length: 30 minutes
• Cast: Phil Silvers, Harvey Lembeck, Allan Melvin, Paul Ford, Herbie Faye, Maurice Gosfield, Billy Sands, Jack Healy, Terry Carter

Also known as The Phil Silvers Show or You'll Never Get Rich, the 1955 sitcom Sergeant Bilko has had a substantial influence on the history of comedy television. Having inspired some of the greatest TV show figures like Larry David (via YouTube) and subsequent uniform sitcoms like MASH, Phil Silvers' Sergeant Bilko is a quintessential example of how to create a timeless TV character persona. The title officer and the sitcom's premise have been parodied countless times throughout television history, with Sergeant Bilko's top-tier writing and character building earning it numerous Emmy awards, critical acclaim, and high ratings throughout its run.

43 The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)

• Seasons: 11 | Episodes: 218 | Episode Length: 43-46 minutes
• Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish

Inspired by some of history's biggest shows like The Twilight Zone, The X-Files managed to become a legendary series in its own right. The sci-fi mystery show focuses on a pair of FBI agents who investigate the strangest paranormal cases the bureau has to offer. Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny are electric on screen together, with their chemistry being maintained when the show as revived in 2016. From the theme song to the storylines, The X-Files is a pop culture staple that received positive reviews and various awards before spawning spin-offs, comics, and films. By the conclusion of the show, The X-Files was the longest-running sci-fi series in the history of US television, leaving an incredibly influential mark on the genre thereafter.

42 Six Feet Under (2001-2005)

• Seasons: 5 | Episodes: 63 | Episode Length: 46-72 minutes
• Cast: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, Rachel Griffiths

Considered to have one of the greatest TV show finales of all time, HBO's Six Feet Under also maintains a legacy as one of the best dramas in television history. Receiving significant acclaim for its acting, writing, and themes, Six Feet Under won various primetime awards and high ratings as it captivated audiences for five seasons. Its rich characterizations, ruminations on life and death, and cast performances are only made better by the fact that Six Feet Under exceeds expectations in how it sticks the landing. In addition to its brilliant storytelling, Six Feet Under is a great example of how to properly execute an ending on television, which has been the Achilles heel of many great shows.

41 In Living Color (1990-1994)

• Seasons: 5 | Episodes: 127 | Episode Length: 22-24 minutes
• Cast: Tommy Davidson, Jim Carrey, David Alan Grier, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, Kelly Coffield, Damon Wayans, Jamie Foxx

In Living Color is considered one of the greatest sketch comedy series of all time, showcasing a predominantly Black cast during a time when other shows in this format were primarily White. Additionally, In Living Color's sketches put Black humor in the limelight in an era where mainstream Black comedy shows like The Cosby Show were set in mild family-friendly environments, though a feud between the Wayans and Fox would threaten the series' success.

The revolutionary show was a huge hit with audiences, had great ratings for its first few seasons, and even beat Saturday Night Live to win the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series Emmy Award in 1990. Before ending in 1994, In Living Color featured future film and TV stars like the Wayans brothers, Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and even Jennifer Lopez as a dancer.

40 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

• Seasons: 7 | Episodes: 144 | Episode Length: 42-51 minutes
• Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz, Michelle Trachtenberg, Seth Green, James Marsters

Given the revelations about creator Joss Whedon, rewatching seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer now might be a little less enjoyable. However, there is no denying that this was an extremely important show that redefined the way genre stories could be told on the small screen. The series follows a high school girl who is next in the line of ancient warriors and must balance battling evil and her everyday life, primarily vampires. The exciting Buffy canon mythology, quippy humor, and lovable heroes are timeless, with the series also featuring one of the greatest TV episodes of all time, "The Body."

39 The Leftovers (2014-2017)

• Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 28 | Episode Length: 51-72
• Cast: Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Margaret Qualley, Ann Dowd, Liv Tyler, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston

HBO's The Leftovers is supernatural drama mystery series that begins two years after a global event resulting in 2% of the population disappearing. The lives of a police chief, grieving widow, and reverend are the series' focal point as they adjust to life after the devastating event, with The Leftovers being a masterclass in tackling deep themes, character building, direction, and writing. Often finding itself compared to Lost, The Leftovers is considered one of the best TV shows of all time for its powerful and provocative storytelling that evolves alongside its characters.

38 Parks & Recreation (2009-2017)

• Seasons: 7 | Episodes: 126 | Episode Length: 22-42 minutes
• Cast: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Retta, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O'Heir, Aziz Ansari

While initially battling comparisons to NBC's popular workplace mockumentary sitcom The Office, Mike Schur's Parks and Recreation quickly established itself as a series worthy of standing on its own. Seeing significant changes in season 2 with Leslie Knope, its sophomore season allowed the characters to come into their own, grow together, and develop into some of TV's best. Amy Poehler won a Golden Globe and the cast helped produce future stars like Aubrey Plaza and Chris Pratt. The show truly took off after adding Adam Scott and Rob Lowe, delivering consistently funny and heartwarming episodes until its conclusion in 2017.

37 Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

• Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 76 | Episode Length: 44 minutes
• Cast: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Michael Hogan

A reboot of the original Battlestar Galactica series, the 2004 TV show has received immense critical acclaim for its writing, directing, visual effects, and sound design. As one of the best TV series of all time, Battlestar Galactica has had a massive impact on the sci-fi genre and how to put such stories on the small screen with complexity and depth. Also praised for its positive depiction of complex female characters and its compelling politically-charged narratives, the show's cultural influence as a massively successful post-9/11 drama can't be understated.

36 Bojack Horseman (2014-2020)

• Seasons: 6 | Episodes: 77 | Episode Length: 25 minutes
• Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, Paul F. Tompkins

An animated series about an anthropomorphic horse who used to be a sitcom star doesn't sound like the kind of thing that would touch on serious topics. However, Bojack Horseman covers alcoholism, suicide, depression, trauma, and more mature themes that separate it from contemporary adult animated comedies. In addition to nominations for several major awards during its run, Bojack Horseman has revolutionized the adult animated comedy genre with high-concept episodes, comedy, and serious themes. The voice acting of Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Aaron Paul, Alison Brie, and the many guest stars who appeared also make up an impressive cast.

35 Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)

• Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 45 | Episode Length: 25-30
• Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Carol Cleveland

Monty Python's Flying Circus showed Saturday Night Live the ropes, with the British sketch comedy series being a standout for its absurdist humor, skits with no punchlines, animation breaks, and risqué jokes. The show broke ground for the Monty Python comedy group, whose style of humor has been so massively influential on the entire comedy genre over the past 50 years that it earned its own "Pythonesque" adjective. Monty Python's Flying Circus was remarkably popular in the UK and went on to achieve success later in the US, leading to three movies and live tours for the comedians.

34 Chernobyl (2019)

• Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 5 | Episode Length: 65-78
• Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Paul Ritter, Jessie Buckley, Adam Nagaitis, Con O'Neill, Adrian Rawlins, Sam Troughton, Barry Keoghan, Emily Watson

Known as one of the greatest miniseries of all time, HBO's Chernobyl has been widely acclaimed for its historical accuracy, chilling cinematography, gripping screenplay, cast performances, and score. With nineteen nominations and three major wins at the 2020 Emmys, Chernobyl's haunting depiction of the titular disaster is monumental for how it explores the human tragedy through institutional corruption, denial, and abuse of authority. Chernobyl is an extraordinary example of consistently building dread with each episode, using the television format to its greatest strength.

33 Deadwood (2004-2006)

• Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 36 | Episode Length: 48-60 minutes
• Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Jim Beaver, Brad Dourif

Many of HBO's most prestigious TV shows follow the idea of "quality over quantity," and Deadwood fits well in this category. Despite only lasting three seasons, the Western series was met with widespread critical acclaim and garnered eight Emmy wins. Set in the titular town during the 1870s, it focuses on the people involved in the town's growth over the years. The show's unique dialogue, gritty depiction of the Old West, and talented cast produce a series layered with deeper political and moral themes that firmly place it as one of the best Western TV shows of all time. With Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Anna Gunn, and so many other great actors, Deadwood is a must-see in the Western genre.

32 Roots (1977)

• Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 8 | Episode Length: 45
• Cast: LeVar Burton, John Amos, Ben Vereen, Louis Gossett Jr., Leslie Uggams, Georg Standford Brown

Roots is one of the most culturally significant series in the history of television, with the miniseries being groundbreaking in its frank portrayal of slavery in the United States. Breaking various records for 1970s television and inciting difficult conversations among viewers, Roots explored the themes of generational trauma for Black people in America, encouraged Americans to seriously discuss the history of slavery, and depicted issues that still impact the nation today. One of the biggest "TV events" in history, Roots had a massive influence on how Black people and the Black community have been depicted on television.

31 Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

• Seasons: 6 | Episodes: 80 | Episode Length: 22 minutes
• Cast: Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Annie Murphy

This Canadian series grew in popularity and quality with each passing season, becoming one of the most celebrated and culturally acclaimed sitcoms of the past decade. It culminated with a final season that saw Schitt's Creek pull off the rare feat of sweeping the Emmys, winning all seven comedy awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, the four big acting categories, writing, and directing, setting the record for most wins by a comedy series in a single year. The show centers on the wealthy Rose family who loses their fortune and must relocate to a small town where hilarity followed. In addition to its touching themes, iconic performances, and highly praised portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, Schitt's Creek's layered storytelling makes it stand apart from the modern slate of comedy series.