BBC Culture, known for curating various 'best of' lists by examining a wide range of productions in the television and cinema industry, has selected the top 100 series of the 21st century, based on the votes of 206 individuals from 43 countries. Let's delve into what this list, which was compiled with the votes of critics, experts, and many figures from the film industry, has to offer.
99. Steven Universe (2013–2020)
98. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019)
97. Hannibal (2013–2015)
96. Catastrophe (2015–2019)
95. Luther (2010–2019)
94. Louie (2010–2015)
93. Treme (2010–2013)
92. Show Me a Hero (2015)
91. Westworld (2016–present)
90. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present)
89. Dexter (2006–2013)
88. The OA (2016–2019)
87. The Comeback (2005–2014)
86. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
85. Narcos (2015–2017)
84. Normal People (2020)
83. Insecure (2016–2021)
82. Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
81. OJ: Made in America (2016)
79. Mindhunter (2017–2019)
78. The Killing (Denmark) (2007–2012)
77. American Crime Story (2016–Present)
76. Rick and Morty (2013–Present)
75. Babylon Berlin (2017–Present)
74. Utopia (2013–2014)
73. Planet Earth (2006)
72. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
71. Enlightened (2011–2013)
70. Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)
69. 24 (2001–2010)
68. Stranger Things (2016–Present)
67. RuPaul's Drag Race (2009–Present)
66. Mare of Easttown (2021)
65. Orange is the New Black (2013–2019)
64. Detectorists (2014–2017)
63. Pose (2018–2021)
62. The Good Place (2016–2020)
61. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
59. The Underground Railroad (2021)
58. Dark (2017–2020)
57. The Young Pope (2016)
56. The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)
55. The Shield (2002–2008)
54. Happy Valley (2014–Present)
53. Call My Agent (2015–2020)
52. This is England 86, 88, and 90 (2010–2015)
51. Small Axe (2020)
50. Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017)
49. The Bureau (2015–Present)
48. Inside No. 9 (2014–Present)
47. Grey's Anatomy (2005–Present)
46. Homeland (2011–2020)
45. The Good Fight (2017–Present)
44. Community (2009–2015)
43. Money Heist (2017–2021)
42. Peep Show (2003–2015)
41. Schitt's Creek (2015–2020)
39. The Office (US) (2005–2013)
38. The Handmaid's Tale (2017–Present)
36. Band of Brothers (2001)
36. Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
35. Fargo (2014–Present)
34. The Bridge (2011–2018)
33. The Good Wife (2009–2016)
32. Arrested Development (2003–2019)
31. True Detective (2014–2019)
30. Girls (2012–2017)
29. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
28. Friday Night Lights (2006–2011)
27. Line of Duty (2012–2021)
26. Watchmen (2019)
25. Sherlock (2010–2017)
24. Veep (2012–2019)
23. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
22. Black Mirror (2011–Present)
21. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–Present)
20. The Thick of It (2005–2012)
18. Deadwood (2004–2006)
17. 30 Rock (2006–2013)
16. The Crown (2016–Present)
15. Chernobyl (2019)
14. Atlanta (2016–Present)
13. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
12. Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
11. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
When the owner of a vast media empire begins to age, a power struggle ensues among his children for control of the company. Family relationships become entangled with power, money, and betrayal. Each character strives to step out of their father's shadow. The series depicts how ambition and familial ties can morph into a toxic brew in the modern world.
It narrates the everyday life of office workers in a documentary-style. Amidst mundane office tasks, tedious meetings, and inept managers, humorous situations arise. The comedy stems from the embarrassing realism of the characters. It showcases just how bizarre an ordinary work environment can be.
During the Cold War era, it is revealed that a couple living in America are actually Russian agents. Their marriage and family life become entwined with their mission. Loyalty, trust, and identity are constantly put to the test. The series places human relationships at the heart of the spy narrative.
Two percent of the world's population vanishes without a trace, all at once. Those left behind embark on a quest for meaning in the aftermath of this loss. The series probes into matters of faith, despair, and the fragile aspects of human nature. Rather than providing answers, it leaves the viewer grappling with a profound emotional void.
A young writer residing in London realizes she has been sexually assaulted after a night out. Struggling to recall the incident, she embarks on a journey to rebuild not only her body but also her identity. The series tackles the subjects of trauma and consent in a bold and candid manner. It narrates the profound difficulty of setting personal boundaries, the act of remembering, and the process of healing.
In a world reminiscent of the Middle Ages, various families wage war for the Iron Throne. The unfolding events, revolving around themes of power lust, betrayal, and loyalty, form part of a grand battle. Dragons, magic, and prophecies infuse the narrative with a legendary aura. This perilous world, where no character is safe, starkly illustrates the price of power.
A young woman residing in London is emotionally shattered following a recent loss. As she grapples with love, family, and feelings of guilt while trying to navigate her life, she shares her thoughts by directly addressing the audience. In a manner that is both tragic and humorous, she explores themes of modern femininity and loneliness.
Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, embarks on a journey of illicit drug production after discovering his terminal illness, with the noble intention of leaving behind money for his family. Initially appearing as a well-meaning decision, this choice gradually morphs him into a ruthless criminal. As he delves deeper into the underworld, he loses sight of his moral boundaries. The series demonstrates how the lust for power and control can dramatically alter a person.
Set in the New York of the 1960s, the series delves into the lives of employees at an advertising agency. The creative director, Don Draper, appears successful on the outside, yet internally grapples with a sense of emptiness and identity issues. The show skillfully explores societal changes of the era, gender roles, and the hypocrisy of the American dream. It also powerfully captures and reflects the ambiance of the period through its visuals.
The series narrates the tale of crime, corruption, and societal decay in the city of Baltimore, through the lens of characters from diverse walks of life. Police officers, drug dealers, politicians, and journalists are all ensnared within the same system. Each season delves into a different area within the city, such as the streets, the harbor, schools, and the media. Through its realistic language, it depicts the unraveling of modern society.