30 Best Drama TV Shows Ever
by christian94 | created - 20 Jul 2013 | updated - 2 weeks ago | PublicThe required television drama shows of all time. Genre defining or redefining masterpieces of the small (or now not so small) screen. In order from very best to equally as solid. TV show quality, budget and mastery have gone up over the years, but even in the 1990s and early 2000s, some shows paved the way to high quality drama, action, fantasy an science-fiction.
So below are the 30 best shows aired from 1993-2023 (31 years) and no show before was as compelling. Note that two sci-fi ones were cancelled prematurely and one political drama lost its lead actor in mid-shooting for the last season... for political (cancel culture) reasons!
Beyond US, UK and Canada series, there is also a solid show from Denmark. Many countries' best shows were explored to give the widest range in geography and time. Please comment below for more international suggestions.
1-14 are 10/10 masterpieces
15-29 are 9/10 excellent and engaging
30 is 9/10 and the best ANTHOLOGY series ever
31-32 Bonus related o 2 Shows
13 Runner Ups:
The First (2018) - 1 season - 8 episodes (cancelled)
The Romanoffs (2018) - 1 season - 8 episodes (cancelled)
The Get Down (2016) - 1 season - 11 episodes
Salvation (2017) - 2 seasons - 26 episodes
Rome (2005) - 2 seasons - 22 episodes
Warrior (2019) - 3 seasons - ONGOING
The Newsroom (2012) - 3 seasons - 25 episodes
Battlestar Galactica (2004) - 4 seasons - 73 episodes
Shtisel (2013) - 3 seasons - 30 episodes
BeTipul - aka In Therapy - (2005) - 2 seasons - 80 episodes
Narcos: Mexico (2018) - 3 seasons - 30 episodes
Empire (2015)- 6 seasons - 102 episodes
True Detective (2014) - 4 seasons - 30 episodes
[Seasonal Anthology like Fargo (2014)]
9 Ongoing / Stellar Debut:
Beef (2023)
Your Honor (2020)
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Ethos (2020)
Undone (2019)
The Mandalorian (2019)
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Ozark (2017)
Westworld (2016)
Yet to See:
Atlanta (2016)
The Boys (2019)
BEST HORROR Special Mention
American Horror Story (2011) - 10+ seasons - ONGOING
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. Mr. Robot (2015–2019)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Elliot, a brilliant but unstable cyber-security engineer and vigilante hacker, becomes a key figure in a complex game of global chaos when he and his shadowy allies try to take down the corrupt corporation his company is paid to protect.
Stars: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin, Martin Wallström
Votes: 418,501
4 seasons - 44 episodes
2. Narcos (2015–2017)
TV-MA | 50 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
A chronicled look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years.
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann
Votes: 470,643
3 seasons - 30 episodes
3. Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
A chronicle of the lives of a dysfunctional family who run an independent funeral home in Los Angeles.
Stars: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose
Votes: 149,515
5 seasons - 63 episodes
4. ER (1994–2009)
TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Romance
The doctors who work in the ER at the County General Hospital in Chicago grapple with ups and downs in their personal and professional lives while trying to give apt medical care to their patients.
Stars: Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Eriq La Salle
Votes: 67,784
15 seasons - 331 episodes
See full review here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108757/reviews-49
5. The Wire (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce
Votes: 377,811
5 seasons - 60 episodes
6. Dark Matter (2015–2017)
TV-14 | 42 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
In the dystopian 27th century, six people wake up on a deserted spaceship with no memory of who they are or what they're doing there. They reluctantly team up and set off to find answers with the help of a female android.
Stars: Melissa O'Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr., Jodelle Ferland
Votes: 45,025
3 seasons - 39 episodes (Cancelled - 5 seasons story)
7. Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The apparently-perfect lives of upper-class mothers of students at a prestigious elementary school unravel to the point of murder when a single mother moves to their quaint California beach town.
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz
Votes: 224,396
2 seasons - 14 episodes
8. Succession (2018–2023)
TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
The Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.
Stars: Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Peter Friedman
Votes: 273,486
4 seasons - 40 episodes
9. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
In the vicinity of the liberated planet of Bajor, the Federation space station Deep Space Nine guards the opening of a stable wormhole to the far side of the galaxy.
Stars: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton, Alexander Siddig
Votes: 70,842
7 seasons - 173 episodes
See full review here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106145/reviews-169
10. Euphoria (2019– )
TV-MA | 55 min | Drama
A look at life for a group of high school students as they grapple with issues of drugs, sex, and violence.
Stars: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Maude Apatow
Votes: 242,248
2 seasons - 18 episodes - ONGOING
11. Mad Men (2007–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama
A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.
Stars: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones
Votes: 260,691
7 seasons - 92 episodes
12. How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020)
TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defense professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives.
Stars: Viola Davis, Billy Brown, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King
Votes: 166,771
6 seasons - 90 episodes
13. Vinland Saga (2019–2023)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Following a tragedy, Thorfinn embarks on a journey with the man responsible for it to take his life in a duel as a true and honorable warrior to pay homage.
Stars: Yûto Uemura, Mike Haimoto, Shin'ya Takahashi, Alejandro Saab
Votes: 71,910
2 seasons - 48 episodes - ONGOING
14. Fargo (2014–2024)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Various chronicles of deception, intrigue, and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. All of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota.
Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks
Votes: 422,206
5 seasons - 51 episodes
15. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama
The trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill in the years leading up to his fateful run-in with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian
Votes: 648,207
6 seasons - 60 episodes
16. House of Cards (2013–2018)
TV-MA | 50 min | Drama
A Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him.
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Michel Gill, Robin Wright, Kate Mara
Votes: 531,070
6 seasons - 73 episodes Seasons 1-5 are incredible and 6th regrettable
17. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Votes: 2,138,461
5 seasons - 62 episodes
18. Humans (2015–2018)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Sci-Fi
In a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a 'Synth'--a highly-developed robotic servant that's so similar to a real human--is transforming the way we live.
Stars: Katherine Parkinson, Gemma Chan, Lucy Carless, Tom Goodman-Hill
Votes: 42,462
3 seasons - 24 episodes (Cancelled)
19. Borgen (2010–2022)
TV-14 | 58 min | Drama
A political drama about a prime minister's rise to power, and how power changes a prime minister.
Stars: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Søren Malling, Lisbeth Wulff
Votes: 29,931
3 seasons - 30 episodes
20. Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama
Follows some players in the 80s technological revolution that lead to information society.
Stars: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé
Votes: 35,280
4 seasons - 40 episodes
21. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey
Votes: 2,286,363
8 seasons - 73 episodes Seasons 5-6-7 are amazing
22. Oz (1997–2003)
TV-MA | 55 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A series chronicling the daily activities of an unusual prison facility and its criminal inhabitants.
Stars: Ernie Hudson, J.K. Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Dean Winters
Votes: 106,729
6 seasons - 56 episodes
23. 24 (2001–2010)
TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Counter Terrorism Agent Jack Bauer races against the clock to subvert terrorist plots and save his nation from ultimate disaster.
Stars: Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Carlos Bernard, Dennis Haysbert
Votes: 197,093
8 seasons - 196 episodes
24. New Amsterdam (2018–2023)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama
A new medical director breaks the rules to heal the system at America's oldest public hospital.
Stars: Ryan Eggold, Janet Montgomery, Jocko Sims, Tyler Labine
Votes: 49,153
5 seasons - 89 episodes
25. Billions (2016–2023)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
New money means no mercy as Mike Prince takes the Axe Capital throne. Chuck Rhoades is convinced no one should have that much wealth - or power. As all the players seek out new alliances, only one thing's for certain - wealth means war.
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, Maggie Siff, David Costabile
Votes: 109,561
7 seasons - 84 episodes
26. The Last Kingdom (2015–2023)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Drama, History
As Alfred the Great defends his kingdom from Norse invaders, Uhtred--born a Saxon but raised by Vikings--seeks to claim his ancestral birthright.
Stars: Alexander Dreymon, Eliza Butterworth, Arnas Fedaravicius, Mark Rowley
Votes: 165,852
5 seasons - 46 episodes
27. The West Wing (1999–2006)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama
Inside the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House.
Stars: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, John Spencer
Votes: 85,625
7 seasons - 155 episodes
28. The Empress (2022– )
TV-MA | 55 min | Drama, History, Romance
Two young people meet. A fateful encounter - the proverbial love at first sight. He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, she is Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria and the sister of the woman Franz is to marry.
Stars: Svenja Jung, Melika Foroutan, Philip Froissant, Devrim Lingnau
Votes: 14,674
2 seasons - ONGOING
29. Blue Eye Samurai (2023)
TV-MA | 45 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Driven by a dream of revenge against those who made her an outcast in Edo-period Japan, a young warrior cuts a bloody path toward her destiny.
Stars: Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song
Votes: 66,336
2 seasons - ONGOING
30. Black Mirror (2011– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Featuring stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.
Stars: Wunmi Mosaku, Monica Dolan, Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen
Votes: 640,493
6 seasons - 22 episodes - ONGOING
31. A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote (2020 TV Special)
64 min | Drama
Stage version of the season 3 episode "Hartsfield's Landing"
Director: Thomas Schlamme | Stars: Elisabeth Moss, Samuel L. Jackson, Allison Janney, Sterling K. Brown
Votes: 1,516
BONUS
32.
The Last Kingdom (2015–2023)
Episode:
The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die
(2023)
TV-MA | 111 min | Action, Drama, History
In the wake of King Edward's death, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his comrades adventure across a fractured kingdom in the hopes of uniting England at last.
Director: Edward Bazalgette | Stars: Mark Rowley, Pekka Strang, Zoltan Andrasi, Ingrid García Jonsson
Votes: 35,720
33. Vikings (2013–2020)
TV-MA | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Vikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore--and raid--the distant shores across the ocean.
Stars: Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgård, Alexander Ludwig, Georgia Hirst
Votes: 583,339
34. The Crown (2016–2023)
TV-MA | 60 min | Biography, Drama, History
Follows the political rivalries and romances of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped Britain for the second half of the 20th century.
Stars: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith
Votes: 256,889
35. Au secours de Béatrice (2014– )
45 min | Drama
Béatrice Clément, jolie médecin urgentologue de 48 ans, hyper compétente mais aussi vulnérable et attachante, éprouve depuis quelque temps des troubles physiques inexplicables. Elle passe ... See full summary »
Stars: Sophie Lorain, Gabriel Arcand, Pierre-Luc Brillant, Gabriel Sabourin
Votes: 88
Tell Your Friends