1. The Sopranos
This was it. HBO threw down, proving television could be as cinematic and complex as any feature film. Tony Soprano wasn't a hero, but a deeply flawed, utterly human anti-hero, anchoring a sprawling serialized narrative. It wasn't just violence; it was family, therapy, and the existential dread of the American dream, all pushing boundaries for what a series could do. Suddenly, Sunday night meant appointment viewing.
2. The Wire
Forget procedural, this was an entire ecosystem. Baltimore wasn't just a backdrop; it was a character, explored through an ensemble cast spanning cops, dealers, politicians, and journalists. Its meticulous, novelistic storytelling demanded attention, building a serialized world where cause and effect resonated across seasons. It proved television could tackle systemic issues with uncompromising realism, moving beyond episodic wraps to profound, lasting impact.
3. Lost
A cultural phenomenon that redefined water cooler talk. Its intricate, serialized mythology, cliffhangers, and sprawling ensemble cast kept viewers guessing and theorizing weekly. It wasn't just a show; it was an event, pushing the boundaries of network television with its cinematic scope and complex narratives. You *had* to watch to keep up, or risk being left behind.
4. The Office
This mockumentary didn't just break the fourth wall; it built a whole universe behind it. Its cringe-comedy, character-driven humor, and relatable workplace dynamics made it instantly iconic. The show perfected the mockumentary format, making mundane office life feel hilariously authentic, paving the way for a new brand of comedy that relied on subtle glances and uncomfortable silences.
5. Mad Men
Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce became a masterclass in period detail and character study. Don Draper, enigmatic and deeply flawed, navigated the shifting sands of 1960s America. The show's cinematic visuals, subtle writing, and focus on internal struggle elevated it beyond simple drama, showcasing the power of prestige serial storytelling to explore deeper themes of identity and societal change.
6. 24
Talk about adrenaline. This show reinvented the procedural with its real-time format, making every minute count. Jack Bauer's relentless pursuit of threats, alongside its serialized, high-stakes plotlines, created a relentless, cinematic thrill ride. It was television as a continuous, urgent event, proving that network TV could deliver edge-of-your-seat serialized drama with blockbuster intensity.
7. Sex and the City
This was revolutionary. Four women openly discussing sex, relationships, and career in New York City wasn't just bold; it was a cultural touchstone. HBO proved cable could push boundaries with adult themes and complex female characters, offering a serialized look at modern womanhood that resonated globally. It normalized conversations previously confined to private spaces.
8. The West Wing
Aaron Sorkin's rapid-fire dialogue and intelligent storytelling brought the White House to life with unprecedented idealism and complexity. This ensemble drama, with its serialized political narratives, made policy debates genuinely compelling. It was appointment viewing for anyone who believed in the power of good governance, proving smart writing could elevate network television into prestige territory.
9. Arrested Development
A comedy ahead of its time. Its dense, serialized humor, callback gags, and mockumentary style rewarded rewatching—perfect for the nascent on-demand era. The Bluth family’s dysfunctional antics were brilliantly crafted, creating a unique comedic language that was both absurd and surprisingly heartfelt. It proved that smart, intricate comedy could sustain a serialized narrative.
10. Oz
Before *The Sopranos*, HBO laid the groundwork with this brutal, unflinching look inside an experimental prison unit. Its ensemble cast navigated power struggles, moral dilemmas, and the sheer grit of survival. It was raw, serialized, and unapologetically dark, showcasing cable's willingness to take risks and explore mature themes long before other networks dared. A true pioneer.
