Now that the 21st century is nearly 25% of the way over, television critics have decided that it is time to take stock of all the awesome television that we have had the chance to watch.
Before you scan the list and decide that you are furious over the exclusion of The Sopranos or Friends, bear in mind that they premiered during the 20th century and are not eligible for consideration.
BBC Culture has decided to take a closer look at the top shows of the time period.
These are the ones that the experts currently consider to be the greatest of all time. “Critics, journalists, academics, and industry figures” from all over the world were asked to submit their votes. They all had to choose their top 10 programs and BBC Culture used this information to compile their list.
The top 25 is a great list of classics, in our humble opinion. There are a wide range of different genres being represented here. Whether you are someone who likes period dramas, dark comedies or fantasy epics, there is something for you. Of course, the list has been topped by a list of dramas that everyone would have expected to see here.
The Wire, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad are the big three at the moment. Of course, we are more than sure that a huge debate is about to erupt among The Office fans out there. Yes, the US version made the list but the original UK version ranked much higher on the list. The US version came in at 39th, while the UK version was a full 30 slots higher.
We can’t wait to see the good-natured debates that are going to arise as a result of these rankings but all in all? It’s a pretty good list to us. If you would like to join in on the discourse, take a moment to tag the @bbc_culture account (on Instagram and Twitter) and use the hashtag #TVOfTheCentury.
Some have noticed that the list is mostly compromised of English language shows that are created by men. BBC Culture has already acknowledged that these stats “[reflect] significant biases” and “speak to systemic industry inequities.”
Check out the top 25 below:
1. The Wire // 2002-2008
2. Mad Men // 2007-2015
3. Breaking Bad // 2008-2013
4. Fleabag // 2016-2019
5. Game of Thrones // 2011-2019
6. I May Destroy You // 2020
7. The Leftovers // 2014-2017
8. The Americans // 2013-2018
9. The Office (UK) // 2001-2003
10. Succession // 2018-Present
11. BoJack Horseman // 2014-2020
12. Six Feet Under // 2001-2005
13. Twin Peaks: The Return // 2017
14. Atlanta // 2016-Present
15. Chernobyl // 2019
16. The Crown // 2016-Present
17. 30 Rock // 2006-2013
18. Deadwood // 2004-2006
19. Lost // 2004-2010
20. The Thick of It // 2005-2012
21. Curb Your Enthusiasm // 2000-Present
22. Black Mirror // 2011-Present
23. Better Call Saul // 2015-2022
24. Veep // 2012-2019
25. Sherlock // 2010-2017
What do you think of the top 25 choices? Do you agree with them? Let us know!