Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Redd Foxx (Fred Sanford), Demond Wilson (Lamont Sanford), LaWanda Page (Esther Anderson), and Don Bexley (Bubba Bexley)

From the mind of Norman Lear, Sanford And Son features Foxx and Wilson as a junk dealer and his son frustrated with their circumstances. From this straightforward setup, the show became a goldmine for edgy racial humor and clever socio-political commentary, becoming a trailblazer for later sitcoms. Over the course of its run, Sanford And Son received seven Primetime Emmy nominations and six Golden Globe Nominations. Redd Foxx won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 1973 and an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in 1972.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Pete Davidson (Pete Davidson), Edie Falco (Amy Davidson), Joe Pesci (Joe LaRocca)

In the same vein as Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bupkis is a fictional account of Pete Davidson's life, and it chronicles the young comedian moving back to his Staten Island home while building his comedy career and dealing with family tragedy. While critics have pointed out that Davidson playing himself isn't entirely original (he also starred in another semi-autobiographical work, 2020's The King of Staten Island), his chemistry with the stellar supporting cast makes Bupkis worth a watch.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Chris Rock (Narrator/Himself), Tyler James Williams (Chris), Terry Crews (Julius), and Tichina Arnold (Rochelle)

Loosely based on the events of Chris Rock’s childhood, this popular meta-comedy follows a young Chris as he grows up in 1980s New York. As the oldest of three siblings, he’s often tasked with taking care of his brother and sister while his parents work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Chris has to deal with moving to a new neighborhood, changing schools, taking care of his siblings, and avoiding bullies as he becomes a teenager, lending the show an emotional authenticity to go with its hilariously awakward comedy. The show is smart, funny, and told in Rock’s signature popular style.

Available Seasons: 9 | Cast: Zach Braff (J.D. Dorian), Sarah Chalke (Elliot Reid), Donald Faison (Christopher Turk), Neil Flynn (The "Janitor"), Ken Jenkins (Bob Kelso), John C. McGinley (Perry Cox)

Most medical shows tend to be intense dramas like Grey's Anatomy or Chicago Med, but sitcom Scrubs finds humor in its hospital setting. Dr. John Michael "J.D." Dorian (Zach Braff) begins the series as a new intern at Sacred Heart Hospital, and most episodes center around his wacky day-to-day interactions with his co-workers and patients. What sets Scrubs apart from other workplace sitcoms is the recurring device of J.D.'s daydreams, adding an almost surreal type of comedy to the already hilarious show. Scrubs' high quality attracted a number of A-list actor guest-stars, from Brendan Fraser to Colin Farrell, and whether a famous face pops up or not, this medical sitcom is definitely worth a watch.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Dick van Dyke (Rob Petrie), Mary Tyler Moore (Laura Petrie), Rose Marie (Sally Rogers), and Morey Amsterdam (Maurice Sorrell)

Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore have some of the best comedic timing — and chemistry — in TV history, making their collaboration on The Dick Van Dyke Show a delight, even 60 years after it premiered on television. One of the unique aspects of the show, despite it following a fictional TV writer (Van Dyke), is that the actual writers for the show would incorporate things that happened to the actors in real life into their storylines. Entire episodes are based around a funny anecdote from Van Dyke or Moore, which might explain why they were able to play to the material so well.

Available Seasons: 11 | Cast: Ed O'Neill (Jay Pritchett), Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy), Sofia Vergara (Gloria Delgado-Pritchett), and Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy)

A classic example of the mockumentary, Modern Family follows a large dysfunctional family as its members navigate every stage of life. The audience gets to watch the kids grow up, understand sibling banter, and see heart-to-heart talks between parents and children of all generations that are always full of heart and humor. The show successfully navigates the delicate balance between multiple competing storylines and characters, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the spotlight. Its 22 Emmy wins (and 85 nominations) are a testament to the series' success and status as a modern comedy classic.

Available Seasons: 9 | Cast: Steve Carell (Michael Scott), John Krazinski (Jim Halpert), Mindy Kaling (Kelly Kapoor), and Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly)

In an unequivocal display of intent, NBCUniversal withheld the exclusive streaming rights to The Office once they expired on Netflix. Now, one of Netflix's most-watched television shows ever is only available to watch on Peacock – a major draw for potential subscribers. The streaming service heavily advertised its acquirement for good reason. Over 15 years after its debut, The Office is still ingrained in pop culture for widely popularizing the single-camera, mockumentary style that influenced later sitcoms, such as Modern Family. Many of the most successful modern comedy series owe a debt to The Office, underlining its status as one of the best TV shows on Peacock.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: America Ferrera (Amy), Ben Feldman (Jonah), and Mark McKinney (Glenn)

Anyone who has ever worked in retail or shopped in a store can appreciate Superstore, as it’s a rare workplace comedy where even the most exaggerated storylines feel true to life. On the surface, each of the characters seems to fall into two-dimensional comedic stereotypes, yet it soon becomes clear that both the protagonists and the series as a whole are much more nuanced than they appear. Offering thoughtful explorations of different relationships that define the workplace – both romantic and friendly – Superstore is an extremely relatable show from start to finish. It might not be exclusive to Peacock, but it’s definitely one of the best casts of sitcom characters the streamer has to offer.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Patton Oswalt (Principal Durbin), Glenn Howerton (Jack Griffin), Lyric Lewis (Stef), and Mary Sohn (Mary Wagner)

Despite its curtailed lifespan, AP Bio remains one of the funniest and most original comedy series of the past few years. Starring IASIP's Glenn Howerton, the show follows a former philosophy teacher who begins teaching advanced placement biology for a local high school. He decides he can use the students in his new class to help him get revenge on those who have wronged him, but he also actually teaches them a thing or two along the way. NBC canceled AP Bio in 2020, but Peacock picked it up for another season as some of its first original programming. Even after cancelation, the show remains an underappreciated gem.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Jane Levy (Zoe Clarke), Skylar Astin (Max), Alex Newell (Mo), and John Clarence Stewart (Simon)

An inventive and quirky comedy, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is an extremely original take on the musical. The series' titular character, played by Jane Levy, begins to hear people’s innermost thoughts and emotions, but not by reading their minds. Instead, Zoey's insights manifest as though she were participating in a bizarre psychosomatic musical performance. It’s a unique premise for a show, and other series that have used similar ideas have only followed the concept for occasional standalone episodes. Here, it’s a lasting conceit that made the cancelation of the show truly heartbreaking for the audience – making its availability on Peacock a welcome relief.

Available Seasons: 9 | Cast: Patricia Heaton (Frankie Heck), Neil Flynn (Mike Heck Jr.), Charlie McDermott (Axl Heck), Eden Sher (Sue Heck), Atticus Shaffer (Brick Heck)

The Middle is the perfect title for this single-camera sitcom because it centers around a middle-class family living in Midwest America. The Hecks live in Orson, Indiana, and the show revolves around their day-to-day lives and mild conflicts. The Middle never landed as prominently on the pop culture radar as other family-centric sitcoms like Arrested Development or Modern Family, but there's a reason it stuck around for nine seasons, and that's largely because its characters are not only funny but also universally relatable. With its mostly episodic structure, viewers can tune into The Middle at any point in the show, or enjoy it as a breezy binge-watch.

Available Seasons: 7 | Cast: Zooey Deschanel (Jessica Day), Hannah Simone (Cece Parekh), Lamorne Morris (Winston Bishop), and Jake Johnson (Nick Miller)

A bona fide comedy hit that only grew in confidence and creative scope with each season, New Girl was one of the most popular sitcoms on television when it was originally on the air. Deschanel stars as a young woman who moves in with three guys she finds on the internet after her boyfriend cheats on her. Though the characters in New Girl are all in their 30 over the course of the sitcom, the show is ultimately about growing up as they all enter serious relationships, have kids, and play many rowdy games of True American. New Girl earned five Primetime Emmy nominations and five Golden Globe nominations during its run and remains wildly popular years after its finale.

Available Seasons: 7 | Cast: Tina Fey (Liz Lemon), Alec Baldwin (Jack Donaghy), Tracy Morgan (Tracy Jordan), and Jane Krakowski (Jenna Maroney)

A uniquely chaotic look at the behind-the-scenes dramas that plague TV production, 30 Rock is a unique and hilarious comedy classic. Loosely based on the real-life world of SNL, 30 Rock follows a fictional show's stars and producers as they juggle massive egos and misadventures from the other side of the camera. One of the best TV shows about making a TV show, 30 Rock is a loving lampoon of the SNL institution, with the real experience of key players like Tina Fey only adding to the authenticity. With a standout cast that includes Jane Krakowski, Tracy Morgan, and Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock is rightly considered a classic.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Topher Grace (Eric Forman), Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso), Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart), and Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti)

Perhaps the quintessential reflection of the teenage experience, That '70s Show is both a nostalgic look back at a bygone era and proof positive that concerns like relationships, family, and the future are universal. Most of the show centers on Eric (Grace) and his growing relationship with his friend Donna (Prepon), but the series also follows the rest of the "circle" as they navigate what it means to be young in the fictional Point Place. That '70s Show is an often hilarious, understated look at growing up that feels all the more realistic for its iconic basement setting. Though the saga continues with the Netflix spinoff That '90s Show, the original remains the benchmark.

Available Seasons: 7 | Cast: Amy Poelher (Leslie Knope), Aziz Ansari (Tom Haverford), Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson), and Chris Pratt (Andy Dwyer)

Exclusively available on Peacock, Parks and Recreation built on the success of The Office before establishing itself as a comedy great in its own right. Following the fictional employees of the Parks Department in rural Indiana, the series is extremely rewatchable thanks to its comforting, easygoing humor. Parks and Rec brims with optimism, its characters growing into supportive and empathetic people while they work within the confines of local government bureaucracy. Beloved for its sweetly silly sense of humor, Parks and Rec provides some welcome light relief in what can be a cynical TV landscape.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway

Fans of variety shows and sketch comedy will find a lot to love in The Carol Burnett Show. It’s more even-keeled than SNL, and it features some legendary performers, with the likes of Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and more appearing alongside Burnett herself. Over the course of its 11 years on television, the show won 25 Emmys, and it continues to be an influential part of the genre.

Available Seasons: 48 | Cast: Kenan Thompson, Cecily Strong, Colin Jost, and Pete Davidson

As is to be expected, given its improvisational premise, Saturday Night Live has had its ups and downs throughout its 46-year history. However, what's beyond doubt is that the show's highs rank among the most influential comedy ever produced. The fact that the entire show is available on Peacock means that fans can see everything from Eddie Murphy's original "Mister Robinson's Neighborhood" sketches to Mike Meyers' "Wayne's World" skits to the original 1975 cast that included Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase. While SNL hasn't always hit the mark, it remains a tentpole for American comedy that has shaped the genre for decades.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Andy Samberg (Jake Peralta), Stephanie Beatriz (Rosa Diaz), Melissa Fumero (Amy Santiago), and Andre Braugher (Raymond Holt)

A sitcom instead of a police procedural, Brooklyn Nine-Nine goes a long way in making TV detectives more than two-dimensional grizzled puzzle solvers. Here, the characters are allowed to be as vibrant and eccentric as they would be in other workplace comedies – the difference being that the workplace just happens to be a police station. The show also has some great central relationship storylines, Halloween heists, and some of the best cold opens in television history. Its availability on Peacock is a great incentive to subscribe to the platform.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Tom Bateman (Matt Pierce), Kaley Cuoco (Ava Bartlett), Chris Messina (Nathan Bartlett)

Part thriller, part hilariously dark black comedy, Based on a True Story's unique premise takes a subversive look at the true crime craze that's dominated the past decade. Cuoco and Messina play a married couple who come up with an idea for a true-crime podcast that will see them unmask a dangerous serial killer. Although its concept is gruesome, Based on a True Story is frequently hilarious, drawing great comedy from its farcical premise. Following in the footsteps of hit shows such as Only Murders In The Building, Based on a True Story is a welcome addition to an ever-popular genre.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Craig Robinson (Craig), Claudia O'Doherty (Jillian)

Stories of pursuing the American Dream have been told in myriad ways, but none have been quite as zany as Killing It. The sitcom sees Craig (Craig Robinson), a divorced single dad who gets turned down for a bank loan, team up with Uber driver Jillian (Claudia O'Doherty) to enter the Florida Python Hunting Challenge. On the surface, a show about snake-hunting may seem a little silly, but Killing It is a fierce critique of capitalism in American society. Robinson and O'Doherty have hysterical chemistry as they lead the Killing It cast through two hilarious seasons.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Colin Woodell (Winston Scott), Ayomide Adegun (Charon), Mel Gibson (Cormac O'Connor)

What started off as a low-budget action movie evolved into one of cinema's biggest franchises, as John Wick has achieved staggering success. While the film series thus far has centered around Keanu Reeves' dog-loving hitman, The Continental: From the World of John Wick is the origin story of the eponymous hotel, which is a safe haven for assassins as no "work" is permitted on its grounds. Taking place in 1970s New York, The Continental incorporates real-life events into its story as the young Winston Scott (Colin Woodell) rises to power. While The Continental doesn't meet the level of John Wick's gun-fu magic, newcomers will still enjoy the extended action sequences while established fans will appreciate the franchise's expanded world-building.

Available Seasons: 9 | Cast: Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter), Patrick J. Adams (Michael Ross), Meghan Markle (Rachel Zane)

Perhaps one of the most watchable legal dramas released in recent years, Suits' sharp script and colorful cast of characters have made it a smash hit. The show follows Mike Ross, a legal associate who talks his way into the profession by making use of his photographic memory. He is then taken under the wing of self-proclaimed "best closer in the city" Harvey Specter, with the show chronicling the pair's adventures. Boasting slick writing and a flair for unexpected drama, Suits remains popular four years after its finale.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Travis Fimmel (Ragnar Lothbrok), Katheryn Winnick (Lagertha)

While Game of Thrones may be the most popular medieval show of the 2010s, if not ever, Vikings holds its own. Premiering in 2013, Vikings tells the story of Norse warrior Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), who goes from farmer to King of the Vikings. Like Game of Thrones, Vikings is known for its graphic violence, though it never feels gratuitous, as these scenes always serve the story. Vikings is also based on real events, so history buffs in particular will get so much more out of it than just an entertaining show.

Available Seasons: 29 across 3 shows | Cast: S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin), Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), Jason Beghe (Hank Voight), and LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater)

A trilogy of shows that takes a close look at life on the frontline of the Windy City's emergency services, the Chicago franchise is an ambitious, multi-series story. Starting with Chicago Fire in 2012 before expanding to Chicago PD and Chicago Med, each series is a procedural in a particular department, following the lives of the people who work there and the cases they take on. The shows all intersect with each other, sharing characters and arcs across the wider narrative. As a result, these first-responder dramas offer a uniquely comprehensive look at the field are an incredibly immersive experience for the viewer.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Kevin Costner (John Dutton), Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), and Kelsey Asbille (Monica Long Dutton)

This sleeper-hit Western drama about a family of ranchers who face encroaching forces seeking to take over their property has proven to be the perfect showcase for creator Taylor Sheridan. The premiere episode was the most-watched debut for any series on the Paramount Network, including under its former Spike name, and in 2018 Yellowstone was the most-watched scripted show on basic cable. Sheridan, critically acclaimed writer of the thrillers Sicario and Hell or High Water, and John Linson of Sons of Anarchy fame are both no strangers to the Western genre, yet it is in Yellowstone where the pair's gritty sensibilities and eye for compelling character development are given the greatest opportunity to shine.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Maggie Smith (Violet Crawley), Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley), Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley), and Michelle Dockery (Mary Crawley)

Wildly popular throughout its original run, Downton Abbey brings all the intrigue around the British aristocracy to life, crossing both sides of the class divide in the process. Following the Crawley family and their servants over 12 years, the show features storylines that explore contemporary social and societal concerns, as well as the everyday issues that impact every member of the household – whatever their background. Structured like an elevated soap opera, Downtown Abbey's somewhat melodramatic sensibilities can't detract from its ability to entertain.

Available Seasons: 40+ across 4 series | Cast: Sam Waterstone (Jack McCoy), S. Epatha Merkeson (Anita Van Buren), and Jesse L. Martin (Ed Green)

One of the most popular and long-running cop procedural media franchises, Law & Order has a chunk of its most prominent material available to watch on Peacock. This includes the last eight seasons of the original Law & Order's 20-season run, the past 21 seasons of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and all 10 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Notorious for its gritty, uncompromising view of police work, the franchise has become such an enduring part of pop culture that many more contemporary police procedurals still fail to escape its shadow.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Jabari Banks (Will), Akira Akbar (Ashley Banks), Coco Jones (Hilary Banks), and Olly Sholoton (Carlton Banks)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air might have been a family sitcom in the ‘90s, but Peacock has successfully reimagined the Will Smith show as a drama for the modern day. In it, Will (Banks) is still sent to live with his uncle’s family when he gets into trouble – much like the original show – but the storylines are more serious with fewer moments of levity. Incorporating elements of crime drama that weren’t in the original, Bel-Air has become one of Peacock’s most-watched original shows for its updated spin on some much-loved source material.

Available Seasons: 14 | Cast: Amber Marshall (Amy Fleming), Michelle Morgan (Lou Fleming Morris), Shaun Johnston (Jack Bartlett), Chris Potter (Tim Fleming)

Long-running Canadian drama Heartland could be described as a lower-stakes version of Yellowstone, as the show is also named after the titular family ranch, though this series takes place in Alberta. It centers on the Fleming family, specifically sisters Amy and Lou, as they deal with the day-to-day challenges of ranch life while healing old familial wounds and growing closer. Heartland has 17 seasons to its name (14 are available on Peacock), which speaks to the enduring love that fans have for this wholesome, family show. Those looking to vicariously live out their Western dreams without the violence of Yellowstone will get a lot of out Heartland.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Xenia Goodwin (Tara Webster), Alicia Banit (Kat Karamakov), and Dena Kaplan (Abigail Armstrong)

While Peacock isn't replete with great teen drama TV shows, it does boast a hidden gem, courtesy of this Australian series. Dance Academy follows a group of teens vying for competitive spots in the cutthroat world of ballet. There are soapy elements to the show, but the stellar acting from the cast sells the audience on the storytelling. Dance Academy offers a nice escape from the thrillers and darker content on the streamer and is a must-watch for anyone who loves teen dance-themed dramas.

Available Seasons: 4 (Seasons 1-4) | Cast: Vicky McClure (Kate Fleming), Martin Compston (Steve Arnott)

British police procedural Line of Duty centers on firearms officer DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), who is transferred AC-12, an anti-corruption unit. He is partnered with DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), and together they investigate corruption in the Central Police. Line of Duty proved a huge hit for BBC and was nominated for numerous awards, including 13 BAFTAs. The show earned widespread critical acclaim, making many "best British crime dramas" lists, and it's a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Available Seasons: 1 (Season 2) | Cast: Joshua Jackson (Christopher Duntsch), Christian Slater (Randall Kirby), Alec Baldwin (Robert Henderson), and Grace Gummer (Kim Morgan)

One of Peacock's newest additions to its original programming, Dr. Death is a bone-chilling twist on the true-crime format that subs in medical professionals in place of law enforcement. Joshua Jackson stars as Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a twisted neurosurgeon who goes on a malpractice rampage in the halls of the hospitals that are inattentive and neglectful enough to employ him. The show is based on the critically acclaimed podcast of the same name and deftly depicts the malignant incompetency of both Duntsch and medical-legal bureaucracy.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Hugh Laurie (Greg House), Omar Epps (Forman), Robert Sean Leonard (Wilson), and Jesse Spencer (Chase)

A vehicle for Hugh Laurie's powerhouse performance in the title role, House is a gripping mystery-of-the-week thriller revolving around seemingly impossible medical cases. When patients present symptoms that don’t make sense to other doctors, House and his team track down exactly what illness is causing it, even if they have to go through all the belongings in the person’s house to figure it out. House himself is cantankerous and even outright mean, yet his brilliant mind and acerbic wit make him a charismatic antihero. While the show is arguably much more cynical than many other medical dramas, House is often blackly funny and successfully stands out from the crowd.

Available Seasons: 1 (Season 10) | Cast: James Spader (Raymond Reddington), Megan Boone (Elizabeth Keen), and Diego Klattenhoff (Donald Ressler)

Though The Blacklist has been airing since 2013 on NBC, Peacock plays host to the most recent series of the gripping espionage drama. The series follows international criminal Raymond Reddington (Spader) as he requests only to deal with a single FBI agent after surprising everyone by turning himself in, kickstarting a cat-and-mouse game that has everyone second-guessing themselves. The series has consistently received Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations during its run, and consequently rates as one of the best dramas on Peacock.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Robert Taylor (Walt Longmire), Katee Sackhoff (Vic Moretti), Lou Diamon Phillips (Henry Standing Bear)

Based on the Walt Longmire Mysteries novels by Craig Johnson, Longmire follows the titular sheriff, Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), as he investigates crimes in Absaroka County, Wyoming while grieving the loss of his wife. The show has all the trappings of a police procedural, but its awe-inspiring Wyoming landscapes and heartfelt emotional drama, and stellar cast led by Taylor make Longmire stand out above the rest.

Available Seasons: 9 | Cast: Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder), Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls), Karen Grassle (Caroline Quiner Ingalls), Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (Carrie Ingalls)

Based on the Little House children's book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie is the classic series about the Ingalls family, who make a new life for themselves in the American West in the late 19th century. It's a wholesome family show that while being very much of its time still has themes that resonate today. Little House on the Prairie also tackles deep and serious themes, from bullying and abuse to alcoholism, though it never gets too intense or dark. Viewers looking for a mostly light-hearted show where everything is tied up in a bow by the end of the episode have come to the right place.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Ben Browder (John Crichton), Claudia Black (Aeryn Sun), Anthony Simcoe (Ka D'Argo), and Lani John Tupu (Bialar Crais)

Arguably responsible for putting the Syfy channel on the map (back when it was known as Sci-Fi) Farscape is a gloriously eccentric space adventure. Featuring puppets created by the Jim Henson Company, Farscape features an American astronaut lost through a black hole who ended up on a ship of various beings on the run from a force known as the Peacekeepers, who were more interested in subjugation than peace. Farscape consistently won awards through different Australian production guilds but didn’t make a splash on the American award circuit. Nevertheless, it remains one of the best sci-fi shows available on Peacock for its consistently inventive storytelling and original premise.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli), Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura), and Hayden Panettiere (Claire Bennett)

“Save the cheerleader, save the world,” has become Heroes's most enduring contribution to pop culture, yet the show made many more significant contributions to sci-fi television than this single line. The first season of the series remains one of the best and most intriguing debuts in decades, expertly blending multiple storylines and setting up a potentially thrilling saga. A Writers Guild of America strike in the middle of season 2 famously meant the creative team had to tie up loose ends quicker than they liked, and the decisions made there impacted the remainder of the series. Despite that, Heroes' central concept, of an event around the world causing sudden manifestations of superpowers, made for a great jumping-off point for the show and one of the great "what could have been" series in television.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Anthony Mackie (John Doe), Samoa Joe (Sweet Tooth, Stephanie Beatriz (Quiet)

Based on the beloved iconoclastic video game series, Twisted Metal provides further proof that game-to-live-action adaptation doesn't have to end in disaster. The show follows Anthony's John Doe, an amnesiac milkman tasked with safely transporting a package across a post-apocalyptic America. Effectively translating the games' irreverent humor and containing just the right level of carnage, Twisted Metal is an incredibly entertaining new hit for Peacock.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Betty Gilpin (Elizabeth Abbott), Jake McDorman (Wiley), Andy McQueen (Jay)

A satirical look at the age-old debate between science and religion, Mrs. Davis is a gleefully entertaining sci-fi comedy. Gilpin stars as Sister Simone, a nun on a one-woman mission to battle artificial intelligence. Despite its singularly bizarre premise, Mrs. Davis never descends into total chaos. Instead, the show pushes its ridiculous comedy to the limit, keeping its characters relatable throughout. It's no surprise that the show boasts an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the best TV shows on Peacock.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert), Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore), Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore)

Teen romance meets the supernatural in The Vampire Diaries. The show centers on Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), an orphaned teenage girl living in Mythic Falls, Virginia, who finds herself the object of vampire brothers Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore's (Ian Somerhalder) affection. While the central love triangle was an engrossing storyline, The Vampire Diaries also shines with its supporting characters, be they Elena's high school friends or memorable wicked villains. The series was so popular that it spawned two spinoffs, The Originals and Legacies, that are both worth watching, though they don't quite capture the magic of the original.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Shannon Doherty (Prue Halliwell), Holly Marie Combs (Piper Halliwell), Alyssa Milano (Phoebe Halliwell), and Rose McGowan (Paige Matthews)

A slick fantasy drama series that laid the foundations for the likes of Supernatural, Charmed follows a trio of sisters who discover that they’re actually witches by birth. What makes Charmed stand out against other fantastical series is that, despite drawing on different magical myths from around the world, the show had its own clear mythology that it built consistently throughout the show. The series got a remake in 2018 that wasn’t particularly well-received, yet the original show is a great example of campy cult television done right.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Colin Morgan (Merlin), Bradley James (King arthur), Angel Coulby (Guinevere), and Katie McGrath (Morgan le Fay)

This new twist on the legend of King Arthur places the focus on Merlin (Mogan) instead of the legendary monarch. The show follows Merlin’s training as he disobeys an edict from Camelot, learning about medicine and magic despite such practices being outlawed. Merlin also follows Morgana’s (McGrath) turn to become an antagonist for Arthur, though she certainly doesn’t begin her story that way. A fascinating take on a well-known legend, Merlin was essential Saturday night viewing during its initial run.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Issei Futamata (Narrator), Megumi Han (Gon Freecss), and Mariya Ise (Killua Zoldyck)

Inspired by the manga of the same name, Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss as he trains to become a Hunter, and elite member of humanity, but also searches for the father he can’t remember. There have been two different adaptations of the manga, but Peacock's version offers clearer animation than the 1999 version. This series is also in Japanese with English subtitles rather than the dubbed version, allowing viewers to get as close to the original story as possible and avoiding the notorious storyline changes that afflict other dubs.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Junko Takeuchi (Naruto), Chie Nakamura (Sakura Haruno), and Noriaki Sugiyama (Sasuke Uchiha)

Though the first Naruto series originally aired as one long season, Peacock has it broken up into five seasons, so viewers can watch batches of the story at a time. Based on one of the most popular manga of all time, this anime chronicles the early life of Naruto Uzumaki on his journey to become a professional ninja. This early chapter of the fantasy series features a lot more standalone episodes than the sequel series, but it provides an introduction to fan-favorite characters like Sasuke Uchiha and Rock Lee, and is easily one of the best animated TV shows on Peacock.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Mamoru Miyano (Light Miyano), Nakamura Shido (Ryuk), Kappei Yamaguchi (L)

A thrillingly dark anime series, Death Note is one of the most popular examples of the genre. The show centers around a magical notebook that allows a high school student to begin to “cleanse” the world by writing names into it, with the names determining people who are marked for death. When his activities gain the notice of authorities, however, a detective is sent to track him down. The anime, based on the manga of the same name, is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the detective and the boy, but also between the boy and the supernatural entity granting him power. Death Note is the winner of a Tokyo Anime Award for best TV entry and remains celebrated to this day.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Rachel Stirling (Camilla Harcourt), Julie Graham (Jean McBrien), Sophie Rundle (Lucy), and Anna Maxwell Martin (Susan Gray)

Using an interesting premise somewhat rooted in historical fact, The Bletchley Circle follows former employees of the famous code-breaking facility at Bletchley Park. Set after the end of the Second World War, the series sees the women use their code-breaking skills to solve a series of gruesome murders. Providing an unusual twist on the detective formula, The Bletchley Circle was positively received over its two short seasons and remains a gripping mystery drama.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Brendan Gleeson (Bill Hodges), Harry Treadaway (Brady Hartsfield), Holland Taylor (Ida Silver), Justine Lupe (Holly Gibney), Jharrel Jerome (Jerome Robinson)

The creative minds behind Mr. Mercedes couldn't be more appealing, as the crime thriller was developed by David E. Kelley of Big Little Lies fame and based on Stephen King's Bill Hodges novel trilogy. In the show, Brendan Gleeson plays Hodges, a retired detective. Hodges catches the attention of twisted serial killer Brady Hartsfield (Harry Treadaway), who taunts Hodges into coming after him. Mr. Mercedes stands out from the plethora of recent serial killer shows because of Gleeson and Treadaway's engrossing performances and their characters' dynamics with each other. The fact that Mr. Mercedes is based on King novels means there's also a bit of horror fun to be had as well.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Parker Stevenson (Frank Hardy), Shawn Cassidy (Joe Hardy), Pamela Sue Martin (Nancy Drew), and Ed Gilbert (Fenton Hardy)

Based on the popular book series about teen detectives, this 1970s series is a nostalgic adventure largely devoid of the darkness that defines modern mystery shows. A blend between Hardy Boys (Stevenson and Cassidy) and Nancy Drew (Martin) stories, the show carefully weaves its lead characters' stories together in an engaging narrative. Essential viewing for modern mystery fans, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries has influenced dozens of later series through its clever use of crossover and classic whodunit execution.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Tony Shalhoub (Adrian Monk), Bitty Schram (Sharona Fleming), Traylor Howard (Natalie Teeger), and Ted Levine (Leland Stottlemeyer)

A gently comedic mystery show revolving Tony Shalhoub's eccentric detective, Monk is perhaps underappreciated for a show that ran for eight seasons. The series follows Adrian Monk (Shalhoub), who used to be on the San Francisco police force until his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder got in the way of his career. The series sees him as a consultant for the force as he goes to treatment for his OCD. While he’s busy putting the puzzle pieces together for murder cases on a weekly basis, he also tries to take steps toward managing his OCD with the help of his assistant, as well as working on his wife’s unsolved murder case. Over the course of its run, Monk won eight Primetime Emmys and Shalhoub was consistently nominated for the Screen Actor’s Guild’s Best Actor. Funny, moving, and genuinely intriguing, Monk is one of the best TV shows on Peacock.

Available Seasons: 10 (Seasons 1-10) Cast: Peter Falk (Columbo)

Perhaps the definitive classic detective show, Columbo set the standard for great primetime murder mystery. Famous for its subversive format, in which the audience is shown the murderer at the start of an episode, Columbo took viewers on a mazy journey over the course of its feature-length episodes, constantly raising questions about how the titular detective would solve the crime. With the inimitable Peter Falk in the title role, Columbo is a landmark detective show that won 13 Emmys and 2 Golden Globes over the course of its lengthy run.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Natasha Lyonne (Charlie Cale), Benjamin Bratt (Cliff LeGrand), Simon Helberg (Luca Clark), and Adrian Brody (Sterling Frost Jr.)

A modern mystery series that's the perfect conduit for creator Rian Johnson's signature style of storytelling, Poker Face is one of the best original shows to debut on Peacock. Natasha Lyonne stars as a woman who can always tell when others are lying – a unique skill that gets her into trouble, but it also means that she’s able to see through the lies people feed her to unravel mysteries other people can’t. Lyonne’s performance drives the show just as it did in her previous series, Russian Doll. Coupled with Knives Out creator Johnson's clear passion for the genre, Poker Face makes the most of its clever central conceit.

Available Seasons: 12 | Cast: Angela Lansbury (Jessica Fletcher), William Windom (Seth Hazlitt), and Tom Bosley (Sheriff Tupper)

Like Columbo, the quotable Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is considered one of the best TV detectives of all time. Whereas Columbo’s movie-length mysteries were a touch harder-edged, Mrs. Fletcher's were considered “cozy” murder mysteries thanks to her living in a small New England town and writing murder mysteries about her experiences. There’s no profanity, no gore, and rarely foul language, and yet Murder, She Wrote somehow manages to be a warm and fuzzy series that makes the audience feel good while they watch a woman solve murders. Lansbury was nominated for 10 Golden Globes (winning four) and 12 Emmys during the run of the show.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: James Roday Rodriguez (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Gus), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O-Hara), and Timothy Omundson (Carlton Lassiter)

This cult comedy series about Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and his best friend Gus solving crimes together was one of Peacock's first major acquirements upon the service's launch. Psych centers around Spencer, a detective with a near-super-powered photographic memory who uses his gift to convince people that he is actually psychic. Creator Steve Franks has brought his characters back to television screens in movie form. Psych 2: Lassie Come Home was available to watch on Peacock's launch day and was undoubtedly a major incentive for those who followed the show to subscribe. A third film, giving Gus (Dulé Hill) the spotlight, also premiered on Peacock, yet it is the original series that set the standard.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Gillian Anderson (Stella Anderson), Jamie Dornan (Paul Spector)

A veteran TV actor goes up against a talented newcomer in The Fall. The Irish crime series sees Metropolitan Police Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) called in to investigate a serial killer who preys upon young women in Belfast. Anderson anchors the show and anyone who has seen her notable works like The X-Files and Sex Education knows they're in good hands. The surprise, though, is Jamie Dornan as serial killer Paul Spector. When Dornan landed his role in The Fall he hadn't yet been cast as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades movies and for many, Paul Spector was their first time seeing Dornan on screen. He holds his own against Anderson, making The Fall a significant cut above standard police procedurals.

Available Seasons: 1 (Season 6) | Cast: Kelly Siegler

Although only the most recent season is ever available to stream on Peacock, Cold Justice is a riveting documentary TV series. The show follows Kelly Siegler, a former prosecutor, as she looks into cold cases, across America. Her background offers up a unique perspective and expertise, unlike many similar investigative documentaries. Working with local law enforcement to retrace the investigative steps taken, Siegler offers a fresh set of eyes on the case. Sometimes, new evidence is unearthed that allows the police to pursue a new suspect. The series is an attempt to give closure to the families of victims, which is part of what makes it so much better than a lot of true crime fare that only document the investigative paths of long-solved cases instead.

Available Seasons: 18 | Cast: Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Karlie Kloss, Nina Garcia

Fashion and reality TV go together like florals and stripes, with series like America's Next Top Model, Queer Eye, and What Not to Wear having dominated the pop culture landscape when they first exploded in the 2000s. Chief among them is Project Runway, in which aspiring fashion designers compete for a panel of judges to win the grand prize of $250, 000 and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in the fashion industry. While reality TV has a reputation for being tacky and low-culture, Project Runway is much more grounded in its celebration of the fashion-designing craft. It even won a Peabody Award in 2008.

Available Seasons: 19 | Cast: Gordon Ramsay

The fiery Gordon Ramsay is a staple of reality cooking shows, and Hell's Kitchen is his longest-running. Premiering in 2005, the series sees two teams of chefs competing in weekly dish challenges with the goal of winning the top prize: a head chef job at a restaurant selected by Ramsay. Those who enjoy the wholesome calm of cooking shows like The Great British Bake Off may wish to look elsewhere, but viewers who prefer their reality TV with fights, yelling, and high stakes will get a lot of Hell's Kitchen.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: David Giuntoli (Detective Nicholas "Nick" Burkhardt), Russell Hornsby (Detective Hank Griffin), Claire Coffee (Adalind Schade), Silas Weir Mitchell (Monroe)

A blend of police procedural, fantasy drama, and full-blown horror, Grimm takes classic fairytale inspiration and reinterprets the source material into something completely new. The show follows homicide detective Nicholas Burkhardt, who discovers that he is part of a long-line of monster-hunting Grimms, destined to maintain the balance between humanity and a range of mythological creatures. With a complex and enthralling mythology, Grimm is an often-scary fantasy monster series that's perfect for fans of the likes of Supernatural.

Available Seasons: 2 (Season 1) Cast: Devon Sawa (Logan Wheeler), Jennifer Tilly (Tiffany Valentine), Zackary Arthur (Jake Wheeler), and Alyvia Alyn Lind (Lexy Cross)

While it can be difficult to execute an effective horror concept on television, Chucky benefits from drawing on the mythology of the much-loved Child's Play series. The show features cast members from the original movies as well as new faces to tell a whole new story that also connects with existing lore. Chucky is a great love letter to fans of the renowned murderous children’s toy, but even those who haven’t seen every Child's Play movie in the franchise can watch the show without being completely lost. This delicate balancing act makes the Chucky TV series reimagining one of the best shows available on Peacock.