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In today's time, viewers have the privilege of watching the most popular shows, easily. Consistently unique plots and ever-improving production value have made shows that are comparable to watching cinema. It's no wonder that 'binging' is now considered an exclusive hobby and pastime.
Yet, even amidst so many programs, there come a few from time to time, that grab the attention of viewers and rule in their category. Creativity is at an all-time high and complex characters and intriguing stories have been churned out by some of the most brilliant minds in the past few years.
Here's a list of eight such series that hold the mantle of the most popular shows according to their viewership numbers, audience ratings, and lasting cultural impact, ranked in no particular order.
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Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and other most popular shows one needs to watch
- Breaking Bad
- The Sopranos
- Seinfeld
- Mad Men
- Succession
- Game of Thrones
- I Love Lucy
- Stranger Things
1) Breaking Bad (Available on Netflix)
Starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this show holds a 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story of a timid chemistry teacher turning into a ruthless drug lord has captivated audiences worldwide. The series garnered praise for a variety of reasons including, its plot, acting, and the commentary on what lengths a man goes to when he is desperate—making it one of the most popular shows.
Breaking Bad has received multiple accolades and the duo of Cranston and Paul has been much admired. Their hilarious mishaps and dangerous encounters with the cartels lend a chaotic but tense atmosphere that keeps the viewers glued to the screens. So much so, that the series finale saw a record 10.3 million viewers tuning in, according to Reuters.
2) The Sopranos (Available on Amazon Video)
Holding a 9.2 rating on IMDb, The Sopranos has been voted twice as the greatest TV show of all time according to Rolling Stone. Even averaging a viewership of 12 million according to the Television Academy. As viewers watch the protagonist Tony Soprano juggle his family life with his professional life as a mobster, one gets a fascinating look inside the world of the mafia.
The show has been admired for its layered character portrayal, emotional substance in each episode, and excellent soundtrack. One of the most popular shows, it is frequently referenced in pop culture and has spawned a variety of books, albums, and merchandise.
3) Seinfeld (Available on Netflix)
Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, this classic American sitcom is rated 92% on Rotten Tomatoes by audiences is one of the most popular shows of the 90s.
Often quoted as a 'show about nothing', the series set in New York, follows the lives of Jerry, his best friend George, his ex-girlfriend Eleine, and next-door neighbor Cosmo—who all became household names. The show provides sharp commentary on daily life with a section on Jerry's stand-up comedy.
Seinfeld's dialogues have become famous catchphrases and it has received widespread acclaim over the years, with many publications like TV Guide, naming it one of the best shows. It also brought in record viewership with the series finale in 1998, drawing in a jaw-dropping 76.3 million viewers, according to IndieWire.
4) Mad Men (Available on Apple TV+)
Set in 60s New York, Mad Men revolves around Don Draper who is a charismatic ‘ad man’ in the city’s cut-throat advertising business. The show also looks at the lives of other employees at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency, while also following Draper’s professional and personal struggles.
Holding a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, Mad Men is widely regarded as one of the most popular shows with a series finale viewership of 4.65 million according to Hollywood Reporter. The series accurately showcased the rapidly changing 1960s American society and started a conversation around gender roles.
5) Succession (Available on Apple TV+)
A modern classic, Succession gained massive popularity and holds an 88% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Centered around the wealthy Roy family, the show offers a piercing look into family politics and dynamics when there’s a fortune to be inherited. Created by Jesse Armstrong, the show features an ensemble cast with Brian Cox playing the role of the Roy patriarch.
A winner of multiple awards, it is one of the most popular shows currently, and has been applauded for its realistically flawed characters, dark satire, and fashion choices, and provides a critique of capitalism and its benefactors. The show's final season had an average viewership of 8.7 million according to HBO's claims as noted by Forbes.
6) Game of Thrones (Available on Amazon Video)
A show that needs no introduction, Game of Thrones ruled the TV industry during its run from 2011 to 2019. Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, the HBO show has a rating of 9.2 on IMDb and has received a record 59 Emmy Awards. A show of epic proportions with shooting locations around the world, Game of Thrones features multiple storylines and actors but it centers around the fight for the Iron Throne.
The show boasts of record viewership, with 19.3 million viewers tuning in for the season 8 finale according to Forbes. Even though the final season was heavily criticized, it is one of the most popular shows due to a mind-bogglingly universal fanbase, the medieval charm of its fictionalized universe, and epic duels.
7) I Love Lucy (Available on Apple TV+)
A show that is more than 65 years old, I Love Lucy has left a cultural stamp that can't be erased. Starring Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo, the show follows her hilarious attempts at entering the show business or getting attracted to wild schemes. Set in New York, the program includes other characters such as Lucy's husband, her best friends, and landlords, who all end up becoming a part of her newest schemes.
One of the most popular shows, the program drew in record viewership numbers with one particular episode, Lucy Goes to the Hospital, getting 44 million views in 1953, according to a report by Vulture. The show's popularity rested on Lucille's brilliant comic timing and her naive and hilarious portrayal of Lucy which won the hearts of many viewers.
8) Stranger Things (Available on Netflix)
Holding a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the Netflix original, Stranger Things is 80s nostalgia packed in a series, making it one of the most popular shows to have come out recently.
The show’s premise revolves around the fictional town of Hawkins, where a young boy is abducted mysteriously. This sets the stage for a plethora of secrets that point to a larger plot involving illegal government experiments, portals, and supernatural monsters.
Starring Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, and others, Stranger Things has evolved into a massive pop culture phenomenon with its two-part season 4 bringing in over one billion viewing hours, according to Variety. The show's music, costumes, yesteryear references, and a nod to 80s films make it one of the most popular shows.
From dark satire in Succession to the grandiose setting of Game of Thrones, each of the popular programs in this list has something for everyone. So, enjoy a session of binge-watching with these most popular shows of all time.
