The Best 2010s NBC Dramas

Ranker TV
Updated June 23, 2023 3.2K votes 365 voters
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 2010s NBC Dramas
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite NBC dramas that aired in the 2010s

These are the best 2010s NBC dramas, ranked from best to worst by your votes. Some good 2010s NBC drama shows follow crime-fighting detectives and others explore the personal lives of dysfunctional families. There even a few of the greatest 2010s NBC drama shows that are more like 80s art-house movies than TV shows. 

What shows will you find on this best 2010s NBC dramas list? Parenthood found a wide audience through its excellent portrayal of a multi-generational family. Ron Howard created this NBC series based on his hit 1989 film of the same name. Chuck was another good drama show that aired on NBC in the 2010s.

Heroes was a big hit for NBC in the 2000s and it was resurrected for Heroes Reborn in the 2010s. Other great shows that appear on this top 2010s NBC dramas list include Chicago Fire, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Friday Night Lights.

Do you have a favorite NBC series from the 10s? Give the best dramas a thumbs up.

Most divisive: Grimm
Ranked by
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
    1

    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

    Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish
    116 votes
    • Premiered: September 20, 1999
    • Genres: Action,Crime,Drama,Drama,Thriller
    Though it's amassed over 20 seasons, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit consistently delivers gripping storylines centered around the harrowing world of crime investigation. This acclaimed drama series has earned numerous accolades, including an impressive 91 wins and 214 nominations of various awards, lauding its thought-provoking narratives and powerful performances. Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) leads a skilled team of investigators as they navigate complex cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. The show's deft balance between character-driven subplots and procedural storytelling ensures a riveting viewing experience while shedding light on pressing societal issues.

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  • This Is Us
    2

    This Is Us

    Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown
    75 votes
    • Premiered: September 20, 2016
    • Genres: Drama
    Exploring the intricacies of family dynamics and the passage of time, This Is Us masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions through its multi-generational narrative. The series, which has garnered numerous awards and nominations, delves into the lives of the Pearson family, unearthing their joys, struggles, and heartaches. As viewers follow the journey of characters like Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore), they are treated to an honest portrayal of complex relationships, with each episode revealing new layers of depth. With its rich storytelling and nuanced performances, This Is Us stands as a testament to the power of human connection.

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  • The Blacklist
    3

    The Blacklist

    James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Hisham Tawfiq
    107 votes
    • Premiered: September 23, 2013
    • Genres: Action,Crime,Drama,Thriller
    The Blacklist, a gripping crime thriller series, unfolds as an intriguing dance between criminals and law enforcement agencies. Its compelling narrative boasts a stellar performance by James Spader, who masterfully portrays the enigmatic Raymond "Red" Reddington. With its ever-evolving plotlines and unexpected alliances, the show has garnered multiple award nominations, including two Golden Globe nods for Spader. As viewers delve into the shadowy world of high-profile crime, they witness the complex relationship between Red and Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), an FBI profiler. The Blacklist artfully maintains suspense without revealing too much, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout its eight-season run.

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  • Law & Order
    4

    Law & Order

    Hugh Dancy, Jeffrey Donovan, Odelya Halevi
    59 votes
    • Premiered: September 13, 1990
    • Genres: Crime,Drama
    A long-running crime drama, Law & Order delves into the intricate workings of the criminal justice system, masterfully weaving together the narratives of police officers and district attorneys as they work tirelessly to solve cases and prosecute criminals. The series, which has garnered numerous accolades including multiple Emmy nominations, showcases a dynamic ensemble cast featuring characters such as Detective Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston). Each episode presents a fresh case, inspired by real-life events, that keeps viewers engaged to the very end. Law & Order's impactful storytelling and compelling portrayals have solidified its place as a classic in the television landscape.

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  • Friday Night Lights
    5

    Friday Night Lights

    Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Aimee Teegarden
    76 votes
    • Premiered: October 3, 2006
    • Genres: Drama,Sport
    Delving into the lives of a small-town Texas community, Friday Night Lights weaves an intricate tapestry of both on-field and off-field drama. Centered around the Dillon Panthers high school football team, the show masterfully balances the intense world of competitive sports with the personal journeys of its ensemble cast. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) leads the team with unwavering determination, while his wife Tami (Connie Britton) provides steadfast support as the school's guidance counselor. With multiple Emmy nominations to its name, Friday Night Lights offers an authentic glimpse into the heart and soul of America's beloved pastime, capturing the passion, heartache, and triumphs that come with chasing dreams under the bright stadium lights.

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  • Chicago P.D.
    6

    Chicago P.D.

    Jason Beghe, Patrick Flueger, LaRoyce Hawkins
    84 votes
    • Premiered: January 8, 2014
    • Genres: Action,Crime,Drama,Thriller
    Chicago P.D., a gripping police procedural drama, delves into the complex world of the Windy City's finest as they navigate crime-ridden streets and balance personal struggles. This Emmy-nominated series showcases a diverse ensemble of strong-willed characters, including Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), whose moral ambiguity keeps viewers guessing. With each episode, the Intelligence Unit tackles high-stakes cases, shedding light on Chicago's underbelly while exploring the relationships between the officers. The show's authenticity and commitment to tackling relevant societal issues make it a standout in the genre, garnering a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

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