Also known as limited run series, the miniseries format originated with the broadcast of the BBC’s The Forsyte Saga back in 1967. These series, unlike regular shows, tell a pre-determined story over a limited number of episodes. Since the year 2000, the world has been treated to many exceptional miniseries. Their cinematic quality, resistance to premature cancellations, and flexible scheduling have allowed them to attract A-list creatives and actors, making them one of the most popular and prolific forms of television over the last 26 years.

From criminally underappreciated gems like It’s a Sin to award-winning masterpieces like When They See Us, the greatest miniseries of the last 26 years demonstrate just how far this format has evolved since its inception. Combining deeply complex character development with the focused narrative structure of film, a great miniseries tends to offer the best of both worlds and can easily be binge-watched over a single weekend. Whether joyful, poignant, tragic, or exciting, the best miniseries since 2000 share one common trait: They are essential viewing for those who love this medium. Documentary miniseries warrant their own discussion and therefore do not qualify for this list.

6

‘It’s a Sin’ (2021)

Created and written by Russell T Davies, one of the most significant figures in 21st-century British television, the British drama It’s a Sin stands as one of the biggest creative triumphs in 2020s television. Both BBC One and ITV declined it due to its heavy subject matter regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, while Channel 4 only picked it up after their commissioning editor passionately advocated for it. The result? An HBO miniseries that is nearly flawless. Critics praised it, it launched Olly Alexander into mainstream stardom, and it even had real-life repercussions by increasing HIV and AIDS testing.

This is the kind of legacy that only a true modern classic can achieve; indeed, It’s a Sin is destined to be remembered as one of the greatest miniseries of the 21st century. Its cast is outstanding, with every actor portraying beautifully complex characters who share remarkable chemistry with one another. Its critique of rampant homophobia, government inaction, and media stigma that exacerbated the epidemic’s devastating effects is sharp. While it does not shy away from the harrowing aspects of its subject matter, it balances that tragedy with deeply moving queer joy.

5

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Those who believe that cartoons do not belong alongside history’s greatest live-action television masterpieces clearly haven’t seen animated treasures like <em>Over the Garden Wall</em>, Cartoon Network’s first-ever miniseries. Created by Patrick McHale and based on his own animated short film Tome of the Unknown, it stands as one of the greatest dark fantasy TV shows ever made, infused with elements of surreal horror and an emotional maturity rarely found in shows aimed at younger audiences.

A decade after its release, Over the Garden Wall remains widely regarded not only as one of the best animated miniseries but perhaps even as the very best. Tightly paced across ten incredible episodes lasting just 11 minutes each, it’s a beautifully crafted narrative about grief, survival, and self-doubt. With zero filler content, stunning visuals, and some of the most atmospheric world-building ever seen in a miniseries, it is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-made television.

4

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Based on the first season of the British crime series from 2008 titledCriminal Justice, HBO’sThe Night Of is among the finest crime dramas American television has produced over the past decade. It is one of those thriller shows that are perfect from start to finish, supported by powerhouse performances fromJohn Turturro andRiz Ahmed(the latter winning an Emmy for his role). With an impressive approval rating of nearly 94% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of the most universally acclaimed miniseries of the 2010s.

The entire series serves as a ruthless dissection and deconstruction of the American criminal justice system, subverting traditional whodunit tropes while offering one ofthe most suffocatingly tense narratives that any crime miniseries has ever delivered. Its incisive social commentary on issues like class disparity and Islamophobia hits hard. Instead of providing neat resolutions, this morally gray masterpiece illustrates how pursuing convictions can sometimes overshadow true justice.