We’re doing a couple of special edition end of the year posts looking back at the previous decade. Today, we’re looking at our favorite shows of the 2010s. The rules are that a majority of the tv shows episode had to air in the 2010s to be considered for our lists. Don’t forget to check out Kenan’s list as well!
15. A Series of Unfortunate Events
A little “out of left-field” choice that probably won’t be on anyone else’s list, but I really loved the books when I was younger and I adored this show. It captured the right tone of “not too dark” and “not too comical” that just made Neil Patrick Harris fun to watch as Count Olaf.
14. The Americans
I’d argue this is probably the most underseen show on this list and more people hopefully should check it out in the years to come. It received a little bit of award recognition in its final years but this is a show that will catch on as more and more people discover it
13. Sherlock
The show that introduced the masses to Benedict Cumberbatch, this modern retelling of Sherlock Holmes is very fun. Its a British series, so each season is 3 episodes plus a special and I’d argue that this is the best Sherlock series that we’ve ever had and one of the top depictions of him on screen. Plus Andrew Scott as Moriarty is terrifying.
12. Veep
Julia Louis Dreyfus is the best comedy tv actress of all time. There, I said it. Veep is a wonderful showcase for her and she deserved each Best Actress Emmy that she deserved. So many creative insults and comedy from this show that focuses on a politician named Selina Meyer who just wants to be president and will go to any extent to do so.
11. Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is the show that I’ll put on just to make me laugh. One of the two Dan Harmon shows on my list, I love this style of comedy. So many classic episodes and a show that I think is only behind The Simpsons and maybe Family Guy on the “list of modern animated shows that has influenced pop culture.” PICKLE RICK
10. The Good Place
I don’t know if there is a smarter comedy out there as far as philosphphy references per minute. I will watch any Michael Schur show and this is one of the best comedies on network tv
9. Black Mirror
A cautionary tale on how technology can influence and consume our society, this twilight zone type show is a great one and I love each episode and some of the best episodes are some of the best episodes on tv of the decade
8. Bojack Horseman.
A comedy about a depressed horse that used to be a pretty big deal in the 90s. Its hard to describe how this show can be one of the funniest things on tv while also one of the most depressing shows. The underwater episode is still one I think about.
7. Better Call Saul
A spin-off of arguably the best television show of all time, its much better than it should be. Bob Odenkirk is long overdue an Emmy for his portrayal of Jimmy McGill.
6. Justified
The second season of Justified goes to the top of any list looking at the top seasons of television. This modern Western follows Raylan Givens and the US Marshalls of Kentucky. A ton of fun and a show that introduced me to Walton Goggins, one of our most underappreciated actors.
5. Fargo
More people should be watching Fargo. Each season is its own thing and each person have their preferences. Its hard to top season 1 with Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman but the second season is also one I love and have seen multiple times.
4. Community
Before there was Rick and Morty, Dan Harmon created this show called Community that centered around a Community College. It introduced a lot of people to some great performers (Donald Glover, Allison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Ken Jeong) and the themed episodes are some of the best satire you’ll ever see.
3. Game of Thrones
The show that dominated pop culture for most of the decade, I love Game of Thrones. I love the lore and the mythology behind and show and look forward to some of the upcoming spin-offs. I have several GOT shirts and even have a miniature Iron Throne. Some people do not like the ending but I loved the whole ride of the show.
2. Parks and Recreation
I kept going back and forth between my top two but in the 2 slot, I have to go Parks and Rec. The show that introduced the world to American National Treasure Nick Offerman, some guy named Chris Pratt and gave us Lil Sebastian and “Treat Yo Self.” I’ve rewatched the series several times and each time is funnier than the last.
1. Breaking Bad
The top show of the decade has to be the best show (in my opinion) that has ever been on television and that is Breaking Bad. With a majority of its episodes being released in 2010s, its eligible for my list. The ride we go on with the transformation of Walter White is unlike anything before on television and opened up the medium to so many excellent shows.