There are three emotions that can lure me out of my reclusive shell: the crunch of potato chips, the rhythm of music, and the captivating narratives of TV dramas. My appreciation for television dramas ignited when I encountered the groundbreaking police procedural <em>NYPD Blue</em> as a child, marking the beginning of my lifelong fandom for this genre.

While cinematic dramas often receive more acclaim, I firmly believe that TV dramas possess a unique ability to delve into character development and explore intricate backstories in ways that a two-hour film simply cannot achieve. This depth is precisely why I consider TV dramas to be far more iconic than their cinematic counterparts. Fortunately, we have been gifted with a plethora of legendary TV dramas over the years. The following shows will undoubtedly keep you glued to your screen from the very first opening credits all the way through to the thrilling conclusion.

10

‘American Crime Story’ (2016-2021)

Developed by Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Tom Rob Smith, and Sarah Burgess

Crime dramas are the backbone of TV dramas, and few productions do it better than FX’s American Crime Story. Over its three-season run, the series artfully reimagined some of America’s most notorious crime stories, rendering them accessible for contemporary audiences. From the infamous O.J. Simpson trial to the impeachment saga of President Bill Clinton tied to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the show masterfully captures the essence of these pivotal moments in history.

American Crime Story did not shy away from the uncomfortable truths embedded in its narratives. It presents a raw and gritty portrayal of these events that can be tough to watch at times; however, the commitment to factual accuracy lends American Crime Story an authenticity that few productions can match. This dedication to realism has not only captivated audiences but has also transformed the crime drama genre.

9

‘The Newsroom’ (2012-2014)

Created by Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin is a master at crafting Emmy Award-winning dramas. Known for his work on The West Wing, widely regarded as one of the greatest political dramas in television history, Sorkin sought to replicate that success with a new project focused on the unseen challenges of cable news reporting. The result was the critically acclaimed The Newsroom, which debuted on HBO in 2012 and quickly became a classic.

While there’s ongoing debate regarding whether The Newsroom accurately reflects the workings of modern newsrooms—some journalists have expressed mixed feelings about the series—its meticulous storytelling and outstanding performances deserve commendation. Notably, Jeff Daniels delivers a riveting performance, particularly with his powerful “America Is Not the Greatest Country Anymore” monologue, which stands as one of the most memorable moments in television history. I believe The Newsroom has fallen into the realm of the underrated, a category it certainly does not belong.

8

‘Oz’ (1997-2003)

Created by Tom Fontana

HBO has a rich legacy of producing some of the most iconic television dramas, ranging from the urban brutality of The Wire to the fast-paced intensity of ER and The Pitt. However, all of these shows owe a debt of gratitude to Oz, a groundbreaking prison drama created by Tom Fontana, which was the first one-hour drama ever produced for the network.

Oz is not for the faint-hearted. The series explores an experimental rehabilitation program within a maximum-security prison, challenging conventional notions of punishment and correction. Even by today’s standards, it is a difficult watch; scenes of violence, sexual assault, and murder are not sugar-coated. Yet, amidst the bleakness, Oz also instills a sense of hope, inviting viewers to root for the inmates within “Em City.” As dark and uncomfortable as it may be, Oz remains an exceptional series that has left an indelible mark on television history.

7

‘The Shield’ (2002-2008)

Created by Shawn Ryan

I understand that some might criticize my decision to omit NYPD Blue here, and believe me, I wrestled with the idea of including this groundbreaking cop drama that initially sparked my interest in television dramas. While NYPD Blue is exceptional, it did falter towards its conclusion; something that cannot be said about The Shield. This FX crime drama serves as a spiritual successor to NYPD Blue and is equally groundbreaking in its own right.

The Shield, crafted by Shawn Ryan and featuring Michael Chiklis and Walton Goggins, centers around an experimental Strike Team within the LAPD dedicated to combating gang violence in a crime-ridden area of Los Angeles. Much like NYPD Blue, The Shield tackles the ethical dilemmas faced by police officers striving to uphold their duty to protect and serve, while the Strike Team grapples with the specter of corruption. Regarded as one of the best TV shows ever, The Shield is undoubtedly an edgy cop drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

6

‘ER’ (1994-2009)

Created by Michael Crichton

Before the debut of ER on NBC in 1994, the landscape of medical dramas was rather sparse. However, when this compelling series focused on the lives of dedicated doctors and nurses in a bustling Chicago emergency room hit the airwaves, it revolutionized the production of medical dramas.

ER served as the launching pad for numerous Hollywood stars, including George Clooney and Eriq La Salle, captivating drama enthusiasts over its impressive 15-season run. Although ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy eventually eclipsed ER as the longest-running medical drama on television, the impact of ER on the television landscape is profound. Finding a bad episode in this series is nearly impossible.

5

‘Hill Street Blues’ (1981-1987)

Created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll

Long before L.A. Law and NYPD Blue became household names, Steven Bochco achieved success with a groundbreaking hit in the 1980s, Hill Street Blues. Renowned for its “Roll Call” cold opens, Hill Street Blues adhered to a straightforward premise: it followed the lives of police officers within a precinct of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Although it may seem simple at first glance, there is not a single episode of Hill Street Blues that lacks intensity. Each episode is filled with action and drama, and the series’ authentic portrayal of police work set it apart from its contemporaries throughout the decade.

4

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001-2005)

Created by Alan Ball

While The Wire dominated the early-to-mid 2000s as HBO’s flagship drama, many overlook the fact that the premium network also hosted another captivating drama that, while less gritty, offered just as much depth and engagement as its urban crime counterpart. This series, Six Feet Under, was created by Alan Ball and ran for five memorable seasons.

Starring Peter Krause, Six Feet Under centers on Nate Fisher (Krause), who inherits a funeral home following the death of his father (Richard Jenkins). Unlike the relentlessly grim The Wire, Six Feet Under artfully blends dark comedy with its somber themes, ensuring that viewers experience both laughter and heartbreak. This show, though somewhat forgotten in the current media landscape, is a testament to the engaging storytelling that deserves to be rediscovered and streamed by audiences.

3

‘The Sopranos’ (1999-2007)

Created by David Chase

It would be remiss not to include this iconic series, or we might just be subject to a metaphorical hit. In all seriousness, you would be hard-pressed to find any list showcasing the best TV dramas that doesn’t feature The Sopranos. Spanning six electrifying seasons, this HBO drama chronicles the life of mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he grapples with the complexities of managing his crime family, the DiMeo family, alongside his personal family.

Expertly blending humor with deep drama, each episode of The Sopranos will keep you on the edge of your seat as you become invested in Tony’s attempts to juggle his dual lives. Throughout its run, especially leading up to the climactic final episode, you will find yourself completely captivated, with every episode being a remarkable experience.

2

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008-2013)

Created by Vince Gilligan

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer, facing a limited time to live, and trapped in a soul-crushing teaching position. What would you choose to do? If you were Walter White (Bryan Cranston), you might opt to leave your job and dive into the illicit world of methamphetamine production. This compelling premise forms the backbone of the groundbreaking AMC drama Breaking Bad, which revitalized the neo-western genre.

With its memorable quotes and iconic moments that have gone viral, Breaking Bad stands as a masterful crime drama that pulls no punches. Each episode is a testament to excellence, and like every show featured in this list, it maintains a flawless record throughout its 62-episode run.

1

‘The Wire’ (2002-2008)

Created by David Simon

When discussing exceptional television dramas that leave a lasting impression from the opening scene to the final credits, it’s impossible to overlook The Wire. Created by David Simon, this series offers a raw and unfiltered examination of the political and social realities of life in Baltimore, exploring its institutions—ranging from a police department more concerned with statistics than justice to gangs that often betray their own.

Despite its lack of massive ratings during its initial airing, The Wire has since garnered a dedicated following, rightfully earning its place as one of the most acclaimed dramas ever produced. It’s a show that cannot be effectively translated to the big screen; it was crafted for television, and every episode is a testament to its brilliance. To this day, The Wire remains a quintessential television drama, flawless from start to finish.

[nospin]Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[/nospin]

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