Television drama has never been more compelling, ambitious, and diverse than it is today. Over the years, several memorable dramatic shows have stood out from the bunch for a variety of reasons. Not only do they entertain, but they also provide food for thought, challenge viewers, and linger in their minds long after the credits roll. Thanks to their unique and bold stories, memorable performances, and high production values,these shows have paved the way for cinematic television, fully immersing audiences in their narratives.
Whether you’re on the lookout for the slow-burn intensity that comes with the gritty criminal underworld, the highs and lows of dysfunctional families, or the otherworldly universes of fantasy series, these essential TV dramas will hook you from the first episode.
10’Band of Brothers' (2001)
Created by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks
Based onStephen E. Ambrose’s non-fiction book and created byTom HanksandSteven Spielberg,Band of Brothersis the quintessential TV show for those enthusiastic about historical dramas. It chronicles and dramatizes the real-life experiences of Easy Company, 506th Regiment,101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army, from their rigorous training in 1942 through their engagements in WW II Europe, including D-Day.
Not only isBand of Brothersgenuinely engrossing, but it is also renowned for its meticulous historical accuracy, which justifies its massive budget of $125 million (it was themost expensive TV miniseriesever made at the time of its release). What truly sets it apart, though, is how it refrains from glorifying war. Instead, the 2001 show portrays its brutality and effects, shedding light on themes of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience.
Band of Brothers
9’True Detective' (2014 -)
Created by Nic Pizzolatto
Created byNic Pizzolatto, this American anthology crime drama illustrates a self-contained narrative with a new cast and setting every season, with the focus being mostly police investigations that unearth not only crimes but also the personal and professional secrets of those involved. The first follows two Louisiana detectives as they pursue a serial killer with occult ties over 17 years.
Although the first season is widely regarded asthe superior of all, with McConaughey and Harrelson’s tour-de-force performances anchoring its greatness,True Detectiveis the perfect pick for anyone who values cinematic direction, atmospheric tension, and absorbing gritty visuals. LikeBand of Brothers, it set a new standard for TV dramas not only in its presentation but also in its storytelling, with its use of multiple timelines and nonlinear narrative standing out.
True Detective
8’Severance' (2022 -)
Created by Dan Erickson
ThisDan Ericksonshow, primarily directed byBen Stiller,centers on Mark (Adam Scott) as he embarks on a quest to find the truth about the company he works for: Lumon Industries, where the employees undergo a surgical procedure called “severance,” which splits their memories into two separate identities: the “innie,” who only exists at work with no knowledge of the outside world, and the “outie,” who lives their personal life with no memory of work.
Featuring amazing acting performances and striking cinematography,the critically acclaimedSeverancethrives in its central concept and execution, which is refreshing and has cemented it as one of the most creative and original science fiction series of recent times. In the meantime, it never shies away from delving into themes of free will and identity, as well as the meaning of work in contemporary life.
7’Chernobyl' (2019)
Created by Craig Mazin
Widely praised as one of the best and most essential drama series, this five-part historical miniseries dramatizes the catastrophic 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine. It follows key individuals as they battle to contain the disaster, uncover its causes, and confront the Soviet system’s culture of secrecy and denial.
Chernobylis a fantastic watch that is renowned for its meticulous recreation of the late Soviet Union,from the set design and costuming to the atmosphere. Beyond vividly depicting the tragic events, which have naturally reignited public interest in the famous disaster and sparked discussions about nuclear safety,Chernobyldelivers exceptional performances (namely fromJared Harris,Stellan Skarsgård, andEmily Watson) and characterization.
6’Game of Thrones' (2011 - 2019)
Created by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
This epic fantasy drama show, adapted fromGeorge R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, introduces audiences to the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, following the shifting power struggles among noble families attempting to earn the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms.
Whether we’re talking about its vast and hyperrealistic, immersive world with meticulous detail — ranging from geography, cultures, religions, and idioms — or the talented ensemble cast, memorable, well-written characters, and connected storylines,Game of Throneswas a cultural phenomenon from the very beginning. Its blend of unmatched production values and blend of political intrigue with fantasy and drama makes it an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in the evolution of modern television.
Game Of Thrones
5’Succession' (2018 - 2023)
Created by Jesse Armstrong
Created byJesse Armstrong,Successionhas established its legacy as one of the best and most essential drama TV shows of all time, receiving universal acclaim for its astounding writing and outstanding performances from a stellar ensemble cast includingJeremy Strong,Sarah Snook,Kieran Culkin, andBrian Cox. The series follows the Roy family, owners of the global media conglomerate Waystar RoyCo, as they navigate power, family dynamics, and corporate intrigue amidst uncertainty about the patriarch’s health.
The prestige series does many things right, but what stands out among the rest is its exploration of power, wealth, and media influence, which adds to an already intriguing and engaging narrative. Although it reached its final stop recently, it is safe to say thatArmstrong’s “eat-the-rich” dramaranks high among the must-sees, influencing pop culture and quality television alike.
Succession
Created by Matthew Weiner
Set in the 1960s at a Madison Avenue advertising agency,Matthew Weiner’sMad Mencenters on enigmatic creative director Don Draper (Jon Hamm), whose professional brilliance masks his profound personal turmoil and a secret past. With a talented ensemble cast, includingElisabeth Moss,Christina Hendricks, andJohn Slattery,Mad Meneasily ranks among the most unforgettable dramatic shows.
While there are plenty of aspects that make this TV show a must, its nuanced exploration of identity and ambition ranks at the top of the list. At its core,Mad Menrises beyond a mere stylish period piece— the writing, acting, and deep meditation on change, trauma, and the search for meaning make it a must-watch in TV’s Golden Age.
3’The Wire' (2002 - 2008)
Created by David Simon
Those who appreciate unflinching realism and ambitious storytelling will appreciateDavid Simon’sThe Wire. Set in Baltimore, the show uses the city as the central character, with each of its five seasons focusing on a different institution, ranging from the drug trade to the docks and city government to the public schools and the media. Through an ensemble of characters, the show dives into the interconnectedness of urban life and the effects of systemic dysfunction.
Theahead-of-its-timeThe Wireis a top-notch series for those intrigued by morally ambiguous characters and sharp social critique. Rather than offering easy answers and tidy resolutions, it provides food for thought, which is exactly what makes it so great. Despite little award recognition during its run,The Wirewent on to become one of the most acclaimed shows of its time with a captivating portrait of modern America.
Created by Vince Gilligan
Directed byVince Gilliganand starringBryan CranstonandAaron Paul,Breaking Badis a defining entry in TV dramas. Its gripping and intense narrative follows a chemistry teacher who becomes a meth kingpin after a cancer diagnosis, with his student Jesse as his partner.
Not only does the Emmy Award-winningBreaking Badfeature immaculate writing that grips audiences with its suspense from the very beginning, but it also astounds with the impeccable performances at its center.The innovative story, moral ambiguity, fascinating character study, and memorable visuals are all part of what makes Gilligan’s series a cultural phenomenonthat has influenced countless other projects that followed, especially within the crime drama and dark comedy genres. Fans who haven’t yet checked out the spin-offBetter Call Saulshould also give it a try.
Breaking Bad
1’The Sopranos' (1999 - 2007)
Created by David Chase
Following New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he balances the violent demands of organized crime with the personal pressures of family life and his own mental struggles,The Sopranosis certainly one of the most celebrated TV dramas of all time. The show delves into identity, morality, and the toll that psychological struggles can have on someone through Tony’s therapy sessions.
Not mentioningThe Sopranoson such a list would be a huge omission, considering that the groundbreakingDavid Chaseseries is widely credited as the catalyst for the Golden Age of television. After its release in 1999,The Sopranosrevolutionized the genre by throwing into the mix cinematic storytelling andthree-dimensional characters, with Gandolfini’s iconic mob boss Tony Soprano becoming one of the most universally beloved antiheroes.
