The Greatest TV Dramas Of All Time
The best dramas of all time are the ones that make you feel connected to characters you will never meet in real life to the point where you obsess about their exploits as much as your own. Thanks to their gripping storylines the best TV dramas rank high among the best TV shows of recent memory with many touting characters on the list of best TV characters ever.
Many of these greatest TV drama series, like Lost and The Sopranos, have already come to a close (earning them places on the list of the best TV series finales), while others like Mad Men and Breaking Bad are on the verge of closing up TV shop and leaving us to inevitably wonder about the lives of the surviving characters and what could have happened with the characters that get killed off (I've got even odds on Walter White buying a ticket to the meth lab in the sky in the Breaking Bad finale). Medical TV shows, crime shows, and more grace this list of excellent TV dramas.
What is the best drama series in TV history? Tough question to answer considering many of the best TV series are dramas (and a lot of them are good!) Use this list of the greatest drama TV shows ever to cast your vote for the top drama series so other real people can get caught up in the fictional lives of your favorite TV drama characters.
- 1James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
- Premiered: January 10, 1999
- Network: HBO
A gripping tale of a mob boss trying to juggle his personal life while staying ahead of rivals and the law. It's not all about whacking people and making money, this show delves into the complex psychology of those born into criminal life. Its dark humor, unforgettable characters, and top-notch acting make it a must-watch for any drama fan.
- 2Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
- Premiered: January 20, 2008
- Network: AMC
In this intense, exhilarating series, a struggling high school chemistry teacher's desperation leads him down a dangerous path. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, our protagonist teams up with a former student to cook and sell methamphetamine, quickly becoming entangled in a web of crime and deceit. As the stakes get higher, the line between right and wrong begins to blur, making for a thrilling drama.
- NEW1 OF 2
- Premiered: April 21, 2023
- Network: Apple TV+
- 3Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael Mando
- Premiered: February 8, 2015
- Network: AMC
Get ready for an exciting ride as this prequel to Breaking Bad follows the transformation of a small-time lawyer into an ethically challenged criminal attorney. Filled with unexpected plot twists and captivating character development, it's a riveting tale of moral dilemmas and complicated relationships.
- 4Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison
- Premiered: June 2, 2002
- Network: HBO
This raw, gritty series offers an unflinching look at the drug trade and its impact on urban America. Told from multiple perspectives, the show delves into the lives of cops, criminals, politicians, and everyday citizens caught in a tangled web of corruption. With superb writing and a diverse ensemble cast, it's no wonder this drama is considered one of the best.
- 5Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Rick Gomez
- Premiered: September 9, 2001
- Network: HBO
Experience World War II like never before, as this gripping miniseries showcases the harrowing journey of a US Army airborne paratrooper unit during the European theater. Based on true stories, the show humanizes the soldiers, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into their camaraderie and personal struggles amidst the chaos of war. It's a powerful, emotional rollercoaster that'll leave you in awe.
- 6Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey
- Premiered: April 17, 2011
- Network: HBO
Welcome to a land where power, betrayal, and bloodshed are the norm, as several families clash in this epic fantasy series. With a captivating storyline, ruthless scheming, and stunning visual effects, it's no wonder millions were hooked from beginning to end. Just remember, when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.
