In the world of television, there are an overwhelming number of shows to choose from, with new series launching every month. One of the key factors many people consider before watching a new show is its ratings, which reflect both critical reception and audience approval. Whether you’re looking for a gripping drama, a thrilling mystery, or a heartwarming comedy, certain series consistently receive high marks from both critics and viewers.
Below is a list of some of the highest-rated TV shows across various genres, offering something for everyone.
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96% (Audience Score)
Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, is often considered one of the greatest TV series of all time. This crime drama follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. As his criminal empire grows, so does his moral decline. The series is praised for its outstanding performances, especially Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White, its intense storytelling, and the way it deconstructs the concept of morality. It has earned numerous accolades, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards.
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96% (Critic Score), 97% (Audience Score)
Chernobyl, created by Craig Mazin, is a historical miniseries that depicts the catastrophic nuclear disaster that occurred in 1986 in the Soviet Union. With a focus on the human and environmental cost of the disaster, the series was praised for its accuracy, acting, and emotional depth. Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson lead a stellar cast in this hauntingly atmospheric show. Chernobyl captivated both critics and audiences with its powerful storytelling and gripping sense of realism, making it one of the highest-rated series in recent years.
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89% (Audience Score)
Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, became a cultural phenomenon. The fantasy drama, which aired on HBO, follows the political and personal struggles of noble families in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. With its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and shocking plot twists, Game of Thrones garnered widespread acclaim, particularly for its first few seasons. While its final season received mixed reviews, it remains one of the highest-rated series of all time due to its compelling early seasons and its large, dedicated fanbase.
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94% (Critic Score), 98% (Audience Score)
Created by David Simon, The Wire is an American crime drama that explores the lives of residents, police, and drug dealers in Baltimore, Maryland. The series is often regarded as one of the most realistic depictions of urban life and systemic corruption. Known for its in-depth character development, social commentary, and intricate storytelling, The Wire has been praised by critics and is frequently mentioned in discussions about the best TV shows ever made.
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91% (Audience Score)
Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, is a sci-fi horror series set in the 1980s that blends supernatural elements with heartwarming coming-of-age themes. The series follows a group of kids who encounter strange and terrifying occurrences in their small town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they search for their missing friend. The show quickly became a global hit, praised for its nostalgic 1980s references, lovable characters, and spine-tingling suspense. Its strong performances, especially from Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, have made it one of the most popular series on Netflix.
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100% (Critic Score)
Fleabag, created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is a British comedy-drama that follows the life of a witty, cynical woman who struggles with relationships, family, and self-identity. The series was a critical darling, particularly due to Waller-Bridge’s sharp writing, relatable characters, and its unique fourth-wall-breaking narrative style. Fleabag won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and became a cultural touchstone for its honest exploration of grief, loneliness, and human connection.
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90% (Critic Score)
The Crown, created by Peter Morgan, is a historical drama series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal challenges she faced as a monarch. The series is lauded for its meticulous attention to historical detail, stunning performances (particularly by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman), and its exploration of British royal life. It has received numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, and is one of Netflix’s flagship shows. The show is a must-watch for fans of history, politics, and royal drama.
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97% (Critic Score)
A prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) from a struggling public defender into the morally dubious lawyer Saul Goodman. With its slow-burn storytelling, brilliant character development, and exceptional performances, Better Call Saul has received universal praise, often regarded as one of the rare cases where a prequel is as good as, or even better than, the original show. The show’s intricate writing and masterful tension-building make it one of the best drama series in recent memory.
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93% (Critic Score), 91% (Audience Score)
The Mandalorian, set in the Star Wars universe, is a space western that follows the journey of a lone bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal) as he navigates the galaxy in the aftermath of the fall of the Galactic Empire. The series has been a massive hit with both Star Wars fans and general audiences, praised for its strong storytelling, high production value, and the introduction of the beloved character Baby Yoda (Grogu). The Mandalorian has helped to reinvigorate the Star Wars franchise and remains one of Disney+’s most popular original series.
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89% (Critic Score)
Narcos is a gripping crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of notorious drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura) in Colombia. The series, based on real-life events, captures the complexities of the drug trade and its impact on society, while delivering intense action and powerful performances. It explores the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and drug cartels, becoming a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and true crime stories.
Conclusion
Television ratings serve as a valuable guide to finding the best shows in various genres. The series listed here represent the pinnacle of television storytelling, offering viewers exceptional performances, innovative writing, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, or sci-fi, these highly rated TV shows are sure to captivate and entertain.