Scrubs (2001-2010)
“Scrubs” is an American medical comedy-drama television series that aired from 2001 to 2010. Created by Bill Lawrence, the show follows the lives of medical interns and residents at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital.
The series stars Zach Braff as John “J.D.” Dorian, a young doctor who begins his residency at Sacred Heart. Other main characters include Donald Faison as J.D.’s best friend and fellow intern, Chris Turk, and Sarah Chalke as J.D.’s love interest and fellow intern, Elliot Reid.
“Scrubs” is known for its unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as its use of surreal and imaginative elements, such as fantasy sequences and musical numbers. The show’s humor often revolves around the absurdities of hospital life, while its dramatic storylines explore themes such as death, illness, and the challenges of growing up.
During its run, “Scrubs” received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. The show is often cited as one of the most influential and innovative medical dramas in television history and has been praised for its strong ensemble cast and creative storytelling.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
“Breaking Bad” is an American television series that premiered on AMC in 2008 and ran for five seasons until 2013. The series was created by Vince Gilligan and stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer and need to provide for his family.
The show is known for its intense plot, complex characters, and excellent writing. It follows Walter White as he becomes increasingly entangled in the world of drug production and distribution, working with a former student, Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul), and coming up against various dangerous and violent individuals along the way.
Throughout the series, Walter’s character undergoes a transformation from a meek and timid teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin, and the show explores themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The show also features a strong supporting cast, including Anna Gunn as Walter’s wife Skyler, and Giancarlo Esposito as the menacing drug lord Gus Fring.
The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“The Sopranos” is an American crime drama television series that aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007. Created by David Chase, the show follows the life of Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini), a New Jersey-based Italian American mobster who balances his criminal activities with his personal and family life.
The show is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and exploration of the human condition. It features a large ensemble cast that includes Edie Falco as Tony’s wife Carmela, Lorraine Bracco as Tony’s psychiatrist Dr. Melfi, and Steven Van Zandt as Tony’s friend and consigliere, Silvio Dante.
Throughout the series, Tony struggles to balance his family life with his work in the Mafia, and deals with conflicts both within his own organization and with rival gangs. The show also explores themes of morality, family dynamics, and mental health, with Tony seeking therapy to deal with his anxiety and depression.
The Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
“Game of Thrones” is an American fantasy drama television series that aired on HBO from 2011 to 2019. Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, the show is based on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series by George R. R. Martin.
Set in the fictional world of Westeros, the series follows several noble families as they compete for control of the Iron Throne, the seat of the King of the Seven Kingdoms. The show is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and frequent use of violence and sex.
The ensemble cast of the show includes Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister, and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark.
Throughout its eight seasons, “Game of Thrones” was praised for its production values, storytelling, and acting performances. The show won numerous awards, including 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, and became a cultural phenomenon, with millions of viewers tuning in to each episode.
The show’s controversial ending, which saw Bran Stark named the new king of the Six Kingdoms and Jon Snow exiled to the Night’s Watch, was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics. Despite this, “Game of Thrones” remains one of the most popular and influential television shows of the 21st century.
The Wire (2002-2008)
“The Wire” is an American crime drama television series that aired on HBO from 2002 to 2008. Created by David Simon, the show is set in Baltimore, Maryland, and explores the interplay between law enforcement, drug trafficking, and the community.
The show features a large ensemble cast that includes Dominic West as Jimmy McNulty, a detective in the Baltimore Police Department; Idris Elba as Stringer Bell, a drug lord; and Michael K. Williams as Omar Little, a notorious stick-up man.
“The Wire” is known for its realistic portrayal of the drug trade and its impact on communities, as well as its nuanced and complex characters. The show explores themes of power, corruption, and social inequality, and is often regarded as one of the most socially and politically conscious television series ever made.
During its run, “The Wire” received critical acclaim but struggled to find a large audience. However, over time, the show has become increasingly popular and is now considered a cult classic. It has been praised for its intricate storytelling, attention to detail, and social commentary, and is often cited as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
The Office (2005-2013)
“The Office” is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013. It was adapted from the British series of the same name created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
Set at the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin paper company, the show follows the daily lives of the employees who work there. The show is presented in a mockumentary style, with characters frequently speaking to the camera and breaking the fourth wall.
The show features a large ensemble cast that includes Steve Carell as Michael Scott, the bumbling and often inappropriate regional manager; John Krasinski as Jim Halpert, a salesman who frequently pulls pranks on his colleague Dwight; and Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, a receptionist who has an on-again, off-again romance with Jim.
Throughout its nine seasons, “The Office” was praised for its humor, character development, and emotional depth. The show tackled a range of themes, including workplace relationships, office politics, and the search for personal fulfillment. It also spawned a number of catchphrases and memes that have become a part of popular culture.
Although the show had a rough start in its first season, it quickly found its footing and developed a dedicated fanbase. “The Office” remains a beloved and iconic sitcom and is often regarded as one of the best television shows of the 21st century.
Band of Brothers (2001)
“Band of Brothers” is an American war drama miniseries that premiered on HBO in 2001. The series was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is based on the book of the same name by historian Stephen E. Ambrose.
The show follows the story of “Easy” Company, a U.S. Army unit that fought in Europe during World War II. The series is notable for its intense and realistic depictions of combat, as well as its exploration of the lives of soldiers during wartime.
The ensemble cast includes Damian Lewis as Major Richard Winters, Ron Livingston as Captain Lewis Nixon, and Donnie Wahlberg as Sergeant C. Carwood Lipton. The series also features appearances by a number of notable actors, including David Schwimmer, Colin Hanks, and Tom Hardy.
“Band of Brothers” was praised for its attention to historical accuracy and its portrayal of the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in World War II. The series won numerous awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, and is often regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time.
Mad Men (2007-2015)
“Mad Men” is an American period drama television series that aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Created by Matthew Weiner, the show is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of the employees at a New York City advertising agency, Sterling Cooper.
The show stars Jon Hamm as Don Draper, the creative director at Sterling Cooper, and Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson, a copywriter who rises through the ranks of the agency. The ensemble cast also includes Christina Hendricks, January Jones, John Slattery, and Vincent Kartheiser.
“Mad Men” is known for its meticulous attention to detail and its portrayal of the social and cultural mores of the 1960s. The show explores themes of gender roles, race, sexuality, and the changing landscape of advertising in America. It is also noted for its sophisticated writing, complex characters, and stylish visuals.
During its run, “Mad Men” was widely praised by critics and won numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. The show is often cited as a landmark of the prestige television era and is considered one of the greatest television series of all time.
Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
“Six Feet Under” is an American drama television series that aired on HBO from 2001 to 2005. Created by Alan Ball, the show explores the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles, California.
The series stars Peter Krause as Nate Fisher, a prodigal son who returns home after the death of his father, and Michael C. Hall as his younger brother David, who struggles with his sexuality and his role in the family business. The ensemble cast also includes Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, and Rachel Griffiths.
“Six Feet Under” is known for its dark humor, intricate storytelling, and exploration of themes related to death, grief, and the human condition. The show’s distinctive visual style, which features surreal dream sequences and imaginative depictions of death, has also been widely praised.
During its run, “Six Feet Under” won multiple awards, including three Golden Globe Awards and nine Primetime Emmy Awards. The show is often cited as a landmark of the prestige television era and is considered one of the greatest television series of all time. Its innovative storytelling and nuanced character development have influenced many subsequent television dramas.
The Leftovers (2014-2017)
“The Leftovers” is an American supernatural drama television series that aired on HBO from 2014 to 2017. Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, the show is based on Perrotta’s novel of the same name.
The series is set in a world where 2% of the global population suddenly disappears without explanation, an event that becomes known as the “Sudden Departure.” The show follows the lives of the people left behind, including police chief Kevin Garvey (played by Justin Theroux), his family, and other residents of the fictional town of Mapleton, New York.
“The Leftovers” is known for its exploration of themes related to grief, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that has been fundamentally altered. The show’s surreal and mysterious elements, including visions and supernatural occurrences, also contribute to its unique tone and style.
During its run, “The Leftovers” received critical acclaim and was praised for its ambitious storytelling, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes. The show has been described as one of the most innovative and challenging television dramas of recent years and has developed a cult following among viewers.
