The Best NBC Dramas of All Time

Ranker TV
Updated September 25, 2023 16.7K votes 1.3K voters
Over 1.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best NBC Dramas of All Time
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite drama series that originally aired on NBC.
Latest additions: The Irrational, Adventure Theater
Most divisive: Star Trek: The Original Series

NBC dramas are some of the most stimulating programs in television history. Dramas on NBC may be high-tech and filled with imaginative stories, but the network itself stemmed from humble beginnings. Shows like Law & Order: SVU, The West Wing, Freaks & Geeks, The Night Shift, and Cheers would not be around today if not for NBC. 

David Sarnoff and NBC presented the first television at New York's World Fair in the late 1930's, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to appear on national television in front of the NBC cameras in 1939. NBC was also the first station to introduce color programming to their viewers, beating CBS and DuMont Television Network by only a few days. Today, NBC remains one of the top contenders in network television. 

The transmission of moving images through television has allowed the public to live vicariously through fantasy stories, as well as see themselves reflected in both real and imagined characters.  NBC has a variety of dramas to choose from, and has continued to produce great content since its inception.   

Vote for your favorite NBC drama below! If you don't see your favorite show on the list, feel free to add it. 

 
Ranked by
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
    1

    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

    Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Richard Belzer
    635 votes
    • Premiered: September 20, 1999
    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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  • ER
    2

    ER

    Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Julianna Margulies
    589 votes
    • Premiered: September 19, 1994
    In a groundbreaking medical drama that has captured the hearts of audiences for over a decade, ER delves into the high-stakes world of emergency medicine, where life and death decisions are made within seconds. The show's ensemble cast, led by the dedicated Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle), navigates the chaotic corridors of Chicago's County General Hospital, showcasing their resilience, courage, and compassion. With 23 Primetime Emmy Awards under its belt, this critically acclaimed series effortlessly blends emotion, tension, and humor, offering viewers a gripping glimpse into the lives of healthcare heroes as they face both professional and personal challenges.

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  • Cheers
    3

    Cheers

    Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt
    224 votes
    • Premiered: September 30, 1982
    In the bustling heart of Boston lies a cozy, dimly lit haven where strangers become friends and laughter abounds. Cheers, a critically acclaimed sitcom, invites viewers into the warm embrace of its iconic bar. With an ensemble cast, including the affable bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and witty waitress Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), the show explores the endearing camaraderie and humorous antics of its diverse patrons. Over its impressive 11-year run, Cheers garnered numerous accolades, including 28 Emmy Awards, solidifying its place in television history. This timeless classic serves up a generous pour of heartfelt humor and genuine connection, leaving audiences with a lingering warmth and an insatiable thirst for more.

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  • Law & Order
    4

    Law & Order

    Hugh Dancy, Jeffrey Donovan, Odelya Halevi
    559 votes
    • Premiered: September 13, 1990
    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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  • Star Trek: The Original Series
    5

    Star Trek: The Original Series

    William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley
    543 votes
    • Premiered: September 8, 1966
    A pioneering classic in the realm of science fiction television, Star Trek: The Original Series stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and human imagination. With its ensemble cast, including the iconic Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the logical Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), this groundbreaking series ventured where no show had gone before, exploring new worlds while tackling thought-provoking social issues and moral dilemmas. A multiple Emmy-nominated production, it not only inspired generations of fans but also spawned a vast universe of spin-offs, films, and cultural phenomena that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

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  • Quantum Leap
    6

    Quantum Leap

    Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Dennis Wolfberg
    491 votes
    • Premiered: March 26, 1989
    In a daring mix of science fiction and drama, Quantum Leap follows the unpredictable journey of Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) as he leaps through time, inhabiting the bodies of various individuals throughout history. The award-winning series, which garnered numerous Emmy nominations and wins, captures the imagination with its riveting blend of human emotion, historical events, and thought-provoking dilemmas. Each episode takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride as Beckett, guided by his holographic sidekick Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell), attempts to right the wrongs of the past, all while hoping that his next leap will finally bring him home.

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