Millennials are a fortunate generation, as their formative years spanned the late 1990s through the 2010s, coinciding with an extraordinary era of television. From iconic animated series that captivated audiences to groundbreaking fantasy epics, millennials enjoyed an abundance of choices, many of which became cultural touchstones that defined their youth.
From relatable shows like Sex and the City—which many millennials followed despite being too young to fully grasp its themes—to epic fantasy dramas like Game of Thrones that sparked a pop culture revolution, these series provided millennials with essential life lessons, humor, and entertainment, ultimately shaping the identity of an entire generation.
10
‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)
Created by Amy Sherman‑Palladino
This genre-defining dramedy of the 2000s captures the hearts of millennials with its unique charm and relatable characters. Gilmore Girls unfolds in the picturesque small town of Stars Hollow, where single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) navigate their fast-paced, coffee-infused lives filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments.
Gilmore Girls stands as a character-driven narrative that transcends its early 2000s setting. The series showcases clever dialogue and celebrates female ambition, all while depicting the quirky charm of small-town life. In an era where young women sought relatable role models, the determination and intellect of the leading ladies struck a chord with audiences. With nostalgia resonating strongly today, Gilmore Girls offers a timeless experience that appeals not only to millennials but also to a broader audience, thanks to its vibrant portrayal of community events, familial connections, and delightful small-town antics.
9
‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)
Created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas
How I Met Your Mother is a romantic sitcom filled with unforgettable catchphrases and humorous moments. Narrated by future Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor), the series follows him and his close-knit group of friends—Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders), Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel), and Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan)—as they navigate life in New York City.
This beloved sitcom, cherished by millennials for its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, offered a quintessential romantic comedy experience tailored for the millennial generation. With its recurring jokes and timeless catchphrases, millennials who grew up watching the show found both laughter and valuable life lessons in Ted’s humorous journey toward love. Covering themes from career challenges to modern dating, How I Met Your Mother has become a comforting series that resonates deeply with millennials, securing its place as one of their all-time favorite shows.
8
‘Girlfriends’ (2000–2008)
Created by Mara Brock Akil
As one of the most influential sitcoms of the early 2000s, Girlfriends is a pioneering series set in Los Angeles that follows the lives of four African American women: Joan Carol Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross), Maya Denise Wilkes (Golden Brooks), Lynn Ann Searcy (Persia White), and Toni Marie Childs (Jill Marie Jones), as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and friendship.
Millennials admire the series for its authentic portrayal of life and relationships. The characters experience love challenges, career struggles, colorism issues, and family dynamics, making it relatable even two decades after its premiere. Girlfriends continues to resonate with the millennial audience as it champions diverse, professional women facing everyday challenges, solidifying its place as one of the best shows that defined a generation.
Girlfriends
- Release Date
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2000 – 2007
- Showrunner
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Mara Brock Akil
7
‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)
Created by Darren Star
Sex and the City premiered in the late ’90s, right at the threshold of the millennial generation. This culturally significant series focused on four single women navigating their 30s and the complexities of modern romance.
Although many millennials were initially too young to watch Sex and the City, they found themselves captivated by its bold discussions surrounding female sexuality, relationships, and the ups and downs of love. The show resonated deeply with those on the brink of adulthood, offering a glimpse into the glamorous yet challenging lives of its characters. With its iconic fashion, memorable quotes, and a female-driven narrative, Sex and the City paved the way for countless shows that followed, making it an essential entry in the pantheon of millennial television.
6
‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)
Created by Constance M. Burge
This iconic fantasy drama has maintained its appeal over the years, even earning a reboot long after its original run. Charmed follows the lives of sisters Prue Halliwell (Shannen Doherty), Piper Halliwell (Holly Marie Combs), Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano), and later Paige Matthews (Rose McGowan) as they embrace their identities as the “Charmed Ones,” tasked with protecting innocents from various evils.
Millennial fans frequently praise the show for its strong feminist messages, themes of sisterhood, and the captivating blend of fantasy elements. The unique qualities of Charmed attracted a dedicated fanbase, as viewers fondly recall memorable moments—from the iconic theme song to the enchanting visuals—making it a quintessential part of the millennial television landscape.
Charmed
- Release Date
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1998 – 2005
- Network
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The WB
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Darcas Macopson
Uniformed Cop
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Holly Marie Combs
Piper Halliwell
5
‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
Created by Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, and Stephen Merchant
With an abundance of cultural references still prevalent today, The Office has made an indelible mark on pop culture that extends beyond mere internet memes and workplace humor. This popular mockumentary-style sitcom showcases the daily lives and antics of employees at the Dunder Mifflin paper company.
As a generational benchmark, The Office resonated deeply with millennials who entered the workforce during its airing. While the reality of a typical 9-to-5 job may not be as comedic, the show effectively captured the mundane moments of office life, including the awkwardness of team-building exercises and the monotony of meetings. Millennials often quote memorable lines from the series, including Michael’s (Steve Carell) infamous mispronunciations. Even as the workplace dynamics have evolved, millennials continue to celebrate the show’s humor and relatable scenarios, securing its status as one of the best television shows for this generation.
The Office
- Release Date
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2005 – 2013-00-00
- Network
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NBC
4
‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–)
Created by Stephen Hillenburg
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? The answer is none other than the beloved and goofy sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants (voiced by Tom Kenny). Nickelodeon’s iconic animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, centers around the relentlessly optimistic yellow sea sponge and his quirky friends, Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) and Squidward (Rodger Bumpass).
Children adore the series for its silly adventures and chaotic humor, while older viewers appreciate the deeper jokes that resonate across generations. A key player in the meme culture phenomenon, each season of SpongeBob SquarePants is a treasure trove of rewatchable moments that millennials cherish. The show serves as a whimsical escape filled with good vibes, and its nostalgic essence continues to resonate with viewers of all ages. Its optimistic spirit makes it a worthy feature on this list of the best TV shows for millennials.
3
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)
Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss
This epic fantasy series based on a renowned book series has garnered an immense and passionate fan base that continues to grow with each new generation. Game of Thrones is set in a fantastical world filled with dragons and magic, where noble families engage in fierce battles for power and dominion over the Iron Throne.
Despite its staggering popularity, millennials played a vital role in the cultural phenomenon surrounding Game of Thrones, engaging in weekly rituals that included binge-watching episodes, creating memes, and hosting watch parties to discuss character fates. As millennials entered adulthood in the 2010s, their enthusiasm contributed significantly to the show’s monumental success, as it captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling, thrilling action, and relatable themes of ambition and betrayal. This series undoubtedly deserves its place among the best shows that defined an entire generation.
2
‘Glee’ (2009–2015)
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan
Glee is an iconic musical comedy-drama that has left an indelible mark on the millennial generation. Set at William McKinley High School, the series follows Spanish teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) as he revives and leads the school’s Glee Club.
With its vibrant musical numbers, dance routines, and unforgettable moments, Glee resonates deeply with millennials. This generation, often characterized by their support for the underdog, connected with the show’s focus on outcast characters finding their place and voice. Through its exploration of controversial themes, memorable songs, and high school drama, Glee rightfully earns its rank as one of the best TV series that defined a generation.
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