The decade of the 2010s witnessed the emergence of numerous outstanding TV shows, but only a select few from each year have claimed the title of the best of that year. Many of the series that debuted during this transformative period have quickly been enshrined among the greatest TV shows of all time, enjoying multi-season runs and either remaining active or concluding only recently.
Even today, some of the most celebrated works from the 2010s continue to rank among the top shows available for streaming across various platforms. This decade marked the remarkable rise of streaming services, fundamentally altering how audiences access television shows, making the 2010s a pivotal time for the TV industry.
10
The Boys (2019-Present)
Amazon’s Groundbreaking Satirical Superhero Show Captivated Audiences Immediately
As the most recently premiered show on this list, it’s no surprise that The Boys is still ongoing. However, it is set to wrap up with its highly anticipated fifth and final season, expected to be released in 2026. Adapted from a series of comics sharing the same name, this show became an instant sensation for Prime Video, evolving into a substantial TV franchise.
Premiering towards the conclusion of the MCU’s iconic Infinity Saga, The Boys arrived at a time when the live-action superhero genre was already saturated. This series masterfully combines its own rich lore with sharp satire, critiquing current political landscapes and the tropes prevalent in both Marvel and DC cinematic universes.
The show’s unique blend of dark humor, graphic violence, and adult-oriented themes makes it unsuitable for younger viewers, yet it has become something truly exceptional for its intended audience. Additionally, the spinoff series Gen V intertwines seamlessly with The Boys, offering fans even more content to explore beyond the main narrative.
9
You (2018-2025)
Netflix’s Live-Action Adaptation of the You Novels Captured Global Attention
Penn Badgley’s portrayal of Joe Goldberg has captivated audiences worldwide since the debut of You in 2018. The protagonist of this Netflix show, who is both charming and deeply troubled, was quickly revealed to be an unhinged stalker and serial killer, yet viewers found themselves rooting for him throughout each season of You.
Based on a series of novels by Caroline Kepnes, You initially followed its literary source material closely in its first season, before gradually evolving into a unique narrative from season two onward. Despite this shift, the series remained compelling as Joe navigated a series of doomed relationships, each fraught with terrifying consequences.
8
The Orville (2017-Present)
Seth MacFarlane’s The Orville: A Hilarious Tribute to Star Trek
As the 10-year anniversary of The Orville approaches, Seth MacFarlane’s heartfelt homage to the Star Trek franchise remains limited to just three seasons thus far. The creator’s immense popularity has resulted in The Orville experiencing various scheduling challenges, yet its exceptional fusion of comedy and science fiction solidified its status as one of the best new shows upon its debut.
The Orville unabashedly draws inspiration from Star Trek, yet it embraces this homage rather than attempting to disguise it. Without the comedic touch that MacFarlane brings to the series, it could easily be mistaken for a mere clone of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Fortunately, viewers are treated to a plethora of moments that inspire both laughter and tears, while also delving into rich and imaginative sci-fi worldbuilding.
7
Stranger Things (2016-2025)
Netflix’s Phenomenal Hit Has Become a Cultural Landmark
The overnight cultural phenomenon that is Stranger Things burst onto the scene in 2016, captivating audiences globally. This nostalgic throwback series not only evoked feelings of longing for the past through its 1980s setting but also expertly blended elements of science fiction and horror in a way that was accessible to a broad audience.
Stranger Things’ fifth and final season is set to conclude in 2025, with the series finale scheduled for New Year’s Eve. Throughout its run, viewers have witnessed the cast’s youngest members grow up on-screen, forging a unique bond between the audience and the characters, reminiscent of the connection formed in the Harry Potter films. The conclusion of Stranger Things will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on its dedicated fan base.
6
Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
The Breaking Bad Spinoff Exceeded Expectations and Honored Its Origin
Creating a successful spinoff often comes with immense pressure, especially following the monumental success of its predecessor. Following the conclusion of Breaking Bad in 2013, Vince Gilligan’s acclaimed crime saga remained untouched until Better Call Saul premiered in 2015, but the two-year wait proved to be worthwhile.
Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Saul Goodman presented a character very different from Bryan Cranston’s Walter White, which raised questions about the tone Better Call Saul would take and how it would compare to its predecessor. Ultimately, the prequel series managed to capture the same captivating essence while infusing its own unique elements.
Better Call Saul is frequently hailed as being on par with Breaking Bad, if not surpassing it in quality. The series cleverly sidestepped the common pitfalls of prequels by introducing significant characters without any narrative protection, gradually revealing their eventual fates and connections to Breaking Bad.
5
The Flash (2014-2023)
The CW’s Most Successful Arrowverse Show Achieved an Impressive Nine Seasons
Though it was not the inaugural series among the six primary Arrowverse shows, The Flash became the cornerstone that held the expansive narrative together, achieving remarkable success. While some of the other series sharing its universe occasionally approached The Flash‘s quality, they rarely managed to do so with the same consistency.
The impressive success of The Flash is highlighted by its well-crafted writing, especially when contrasted with DC’s somewhat fragmented attempts to create a cohesive cinematic universe through feature films. Rather than trying to integrate itself into Zack Snyder’s segment of the franchise, The Flash embraced its role within the Arrowverse, while also nodding to past DC projects.
4
The Blacklist (2013-2023)
The Thrilling Journey of Raymond “Red” Reddington: A Captivating Tale
The Blacklist offered a thrilling ride through the crime thriller genre, utilizing nearly every trope while adding innovative twists to each. The series managed to engage audiences on a deep emotional level with its episodic storytelling while intertwining longer narrative arcs that often tugged at the heartstrings.
While The Blacklist featured a cast that extended well beyond James Spader’s portrayal of Red, the actor’s performance as the antihero consistently overshadowed his co-stars, resulting in remarkable chemistry with them. Although The Blacklist faced some uneven moments, its most exceptional highs more than compensated for any shortcomings.
3
Call The Midwife (2012-Present)
The British Medical Drama Continues to Shine as a Top Contender
It requires a special quality for British shows to achieve international success, but when they do, it signifies exceptional production standards. Since its debut in 2012, Call the Midwife, the generational medical drama, has depicted the evolution of midwifery in the UK, turning the endeavor into a thoroughly enriching narrative.
The show’s rotating cast has kept Call the Midwife fresh while maintaining its core identity. While midwifery remains the central theme, the characters undergo various personal arcs unrelated to the show’s main focus. Despite its longevity, the show has just over 120 episodes, making it a manageable binge for new viewers.
2
Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
HBO’s Award-Winning Fantasy Series Captured Global Attention
The astonishing speed with which Game of Thrones became a universal favorite right after its 2011 premiere makes it an obvious choice for the standout show of that year. This adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s novels spanned eight seasons, concluding in 2019. The series’ rich fantasy elements combined with its mature storytelling approach contributed to its widespread appeal.
Notably, Game of Thrones eventually surpassed its source material, leading to a final season that required a more improvisational approach, although Martin remained involved as a consultant. This resulted in a divisive conclusion, leaving many fans dissatisfied. Nevertheless, the franchise expanded with the 2022 prequel series, House of the Dragon.
1
The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
AMC’s Enduring Zombie Drama Continues to Captivate Audiences
As the 2010s came to a close with a remarkable comic book adaptation, the decade commenced with one as well. While The Boys provided superhero enthusiasts with something to enjoy, The Walking Dead catered to fans of horror. However, like the finest genre-specific shows, The Walking Dead also attracted viewers who typically do not engage with zombie narratives.
Despite its massive success, The Walking Dead maintained the charm of a cult classic. Its immersive universe led to the creation of a spinoff in 2015, with additional series continuing to emerge today. The influence of The Walking Dead on the modern television landscape remains undeniable, solidifying its status as one of the most impactful TV shows in contemporary history.
