10 Essential Shows That Defined the 2010s, Ranked

We rank the most essential TV shows of the 2010s, from Netflix's Stranger Things to AMC's The Walking Dead.

January 5, 2025 · 1 min · 105 words · Lisa Cruz

Table of Contents

Televisionin the2010ssaw a shift in both how and where viewers would find their favorite show.

Not many shows can instill the feeling of dread asBlack Mirrordoes, even on repeated viewings of certain entries.

With each season striving to outdo the last, fans have high expectations for the fifth and final season.

Image via Netflix

1’Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Created by David Benioff & D.B.

Keep Reading:The 10 Best Comedy Shows of the 2010s, Ranked

The cast of ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ in a glamorous promotional photo for Season 14.

Image via Bravo

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Poster

Liam from The Entire History of You Black Mirror episode trying to cut the grain out of his neck.

Image via Netflix

Raj, Sheldon, Penny, Leonard, and Howard from The Big Bang Theory.

Image via CBS

The Big Bang Theory Poster

Actor Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy looking at his wife Claire (Julie Bowen) in Modern Family.

Image via ABC

Modern Family Poster

Rick and Morty sit on the couch in Rick & Morty.

Image via Cartoon Network

Rick Grimes rides a horse through a ruined city street in the Walking Dead pilot.

Image via AMC

The Walking Dead Season 11 Poster

Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas on bikes looking at an ominous cloud over Hawkins in Stranger Things.

Image via Netflix

Stranger Things Season 4 Poster

Image via AMC

Breaking Bad TV Poster

Robin Wright in her office in House of Cards.

Image via Netflix

Sean Bean as Ned Stark in Game of Thrones.

Image Via HBO

Game of Thrones Poster

Game of Thrones