Originally by Ranker TVList RulesVote up the best original TV shows that have ever debuted on Showtime.
At their peak, the best Showtime shows and series are on par with some of the best big screen movies and HBO original series. While movies only have two or three hours to introduce characters and develop a plot, Showtime shows are given many hours to present characters and storylines. This gives the audience a stronger connection to characters that isn’t replicated in film. But that doesn’t mean all Showtime series are exactly film-quality. So to find out which original Showtime show is the best, fans have voted for their favorites below.
Though Showtime still broadcasts plenty of films, more and more people are turning to them for original series content. Shows such as Dexter and Homeland drew in millions of viewers and have had multiple seasons. In fact, Dexter is probably one of the most popular Showtime shows of all time, peaking at 3 million views for the season eight premiere.
They have no sign of slowing down, with new shows premiering and old shows returning every Fall season. Recently, their hit shows have included Ray Donovan, Shameless, Homeland, and House of Lies. Not only are they some of the best Showtime shows ever, they’re among the best TV shows ever. All three have starred actors that have won or been nominated for awards. For a more recent look at the best Showtime shows, you’ll want to check out this ranking of Showtime's current lineup.
As for the best Showtime series ever however, this list is the one to look at. Below, vote for your favorite shows that originally premiered on the Showtime network. Looking for a particular show? Use the search box at the top of the list to find it.
1
1,114371Dexter
Michael C. Hall, Jennifer CarpenterPremiered: 2006
2
996326Shameless
Emmy Rossum, William H. MacyPremiered: 2011
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929300Homeland
Claire Danes, Mandy PatinkinPremiered: 2011
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421100Billions
Damian Lewis, Paul GiamattiPremiered: 2016
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508251Weeds
Mary-Louise Parker, Hunter ParrishPremiered: 2005
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612250Ray Donovan
Liev Schreiber, Paula MalcomsonPremiered: 2013
7
470230Californication
David Duchovny, Natascha McElhonePremiered: 2007
8
267148Penny Dreadful
Josh Hartnett, Timothy DaltonPremiered: 2014
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303164Nurse Jackie
Edie Falco, Merritt WeverPremiered: 2009
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327194The Affair
Dominic West, Ruth WilsonPremiered: 2014
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241135The Tudors
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry CavillPremiered: 2007
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176133House of Lies
Kristen Bell, Ben SchwartzPremiered: 2012
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148120The Borgias
Jeremy Irons, François ArnaudPremiered: 2011
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161125United States of Tara
Toni Collette, John CorbettPremiered: 2009
15
168141Masters of Sex
Michael Sheen, Lizzy CaplanPremiered: 2013
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12796Episodes
Matt LeBlanc, Tamsin GreigPremiered: 2011
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9690Stargate SG-1
Richard Dean Anderson, Michael ShanksPremiered: 1997
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11698Dead Like Me
Ellen Muth, Callum BluePremiered: 2003
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102113The L Word
Jennifer Beals, Leisha HaileyPremiered: 2004
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135129Queer as Folk
Gale Harold, Hal SparksPremiered: 2000
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6785Brotherhood
Jason Isaacs, Jason ClarkePremiered: 2006
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3519The Chi
Jason Mitchell, Ntare Guma Mbaho MwinePremiered: 2018
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2411Escape at Dannemora
Benicio del Toro, Patricia ArquettePremiered: 2018
24
00Beach Heat: Miami
Kiara Mia, Megan HausermanPremiered: 2010
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2212On Becoming a God in Central Florida
Kirsten Dunst, Théodore PellerinPremiered: 2019
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