TV Shows You Must Watch Before You Die

There are television series that change how stories are told on the small screen. These shows built worlds with layered characters, distinctive voices, and bold creative choices that still shape what we watch today. You will find crime sagas, political dramas, sci-fi trailblazers, animated institutions, and limited series that distilled a complete narrative into just a few hours.

Each entry below includes core details that help you decide what to queue up next. You will see creators, main cast members, format notes, and useful context like episode counts, awards, and key production facts. Network information is included naturally so you know where each series originally lived.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

David Chase created this crime drama about New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini, with Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli in pivotal roles. The series uses therapy sessions as a narrative spine and blends domestic life with organized crime across six seasons and eighty six episodes. It premiered on HBO and became a touchstone for serialized storytelling.

Production took place largely in New Jersey and New York with extensive location work that grounded the world in real diners, houses, and storefronts. The show accumulated dozens of major awards including multiple Emmys for acting and writing. Its prequel film expanded the backstory of several characters and drew from the same creative team.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Vince Gilligan’s drama follows Walter White, a chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine, played by Bryan Cranston, with Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman and Anna Gunn as Skyler. The show ran for five seasons and sixty two episodes and used a tight cause and effect structure that tracked the consequences of every decision. It debuted on AMC, which later aired its companion series.

Filming centered in Albuquerque with careful visual motifs tied to color and setting. The production earned multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, and introduced supporting characters who would anchor a legal drama spin off. Physical media releases include extensive commentaries and behind the scenes features that detail the practical effects work.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Created by former journalist David Simon with Ed Burns, this series explores institutions in Baltimore through intersecting perspectives of police, longshoremen, city hall, schools, and the press. It spans five seasons with story arcs that reset focus while maintaining continuity across characters like McNulty, Stringer Bell, and Bunk. The show aired on HBO with an ensemble cast that included many local actors.

Writers prioritized authenticity by drawing on real cases and civic reporting. The production used on location shooting and a documentary style approach to sound and editing. Academic courses often assign episodes for their analysis of systems and policy, and the show’s structure rewards viewing a full season as a single novel.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Based on novels by George R. R. Martin, this fantasy epic follows rival houses across the continents of Westeros and Essos. The production mounted large scale battles, multilingual dialogue, and complex visual effects across eight seasons. It aired on HBO and featured an ensemble including Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey.

Filming spanned locations in Northern Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, and Morocco with recurring sets like Winterfell and King’s Landing built at scale. The series won many Emmys for production design, costumes, and stunt coordination. A prequel expanded the franchise with a new timeline while retaining the core creative partners.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

Matthew Weiner’s period drama follows advertising executives in New York with Jon Hamm as Don Draper and Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson. The series covers workplace dynamics, identity, and the evolution of marketing practices across seven seasons and ninety two episodes. It originally aired on AMC and was produced by Lionsgate Television.

Costume and production design replicate mid century offices and homes with meticulous prop sourcing. The writers room consulted historical materials and industry archives to frame campaigns and client needs. The show received multiple Emmys and a Peabody Award and its scripts are frequently used in screenwriting classes to illustrate character driven structure.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989)

Matt Groening’s animated sitcom centers on the Simpson family in the town of Springfield with voice performances by Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith. The show utilizes a flexible format that ranges from satire to musical numbers and has produced hundreds of episodes. It premiered on Fox as a primetime animation milestone.

The production uses a writers room that generates dense joke layering, sight gags, and cultural references in every act. Guest stars from film, music, and sports contribute voices that tie episodes to real world events. The series has a feature film, shorts, and themed merchandise, and it maintains a digital archive of couch gags and opening variants.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, this sitcom follows four friends in New York and emphasizes observational humor and interlocking story threads. The show ran for nine seasons and produced iconic episodes centered on everyday situations. It aired on NBC with a main cast of Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards.

Writers developed a no hugging, no learning approach that kept character traits consistent while escalating scenarios. Exterior establishing shots were filmed in Manhattan while interior sets were built on a studio lot. Syndication structured episodes for reruns, and the series bible detailed rules for character behavior and story construction.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

This ensemble sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman follows six friends living in Manhattan with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. It spans ten seasons and two hundred thirty six episodes with centralized settings like Central Perk and two neighboring apartments. The series aired on NBC and became a flagship of its Thursday lineup.

Production included multi camera taping before a studio audience with episodes edited for timing and musical tags. The show produced seasonal events, guest star arcs, and character specific bottle episodes that are easy to revisit in any order. International broadcasts spurred localized dubbing and edits to accommodate regional standards.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

Adapted from the British format by Greg Daniels, this mockumentary follows employees at Dunder Mifflin Scranton with Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer. The single camera style incorporated talking head interviews and handheld framing across nine seasons. NBC aired the series and later released extended episode cuts.

Writers leveraged a rotating cast of directors drawn from the ensemble and the writing staff. Episodes used workplace procedures and human resources scenarios as story engines. The production emphasized improvisation within scripted outlines and compiled webisodes that expanded side characters.

‘Fargo’ (2014)

Inspired by the film by Joel and Ethan Coen, this anthology crime series created by Noah Hawley presents new casts and time periods across seasons with recurring thematic links. Major ensembles have included Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Chris Rock, and Juno Temple. It airs on FX with seasons produced as self contained stories.

The production shoots on location to capture Midwestern winters and uses meticulous sound design to depict quiet landscapes and sudden violence. Each season builds a case file of crimes, investigations, and family connections. The show’s format supports fresh entry points since plots reset with new characters.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This biographical drama created by Peter Morgan chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II with a rotating cast portraying the royal family at different ages. It consists of multiple seasons that each focus on a stretch of historical events and private relationships. The series released on Netflix and used feature level production values.

Costume and set departments rebuilt recognizable locations with attention to protocol and ceremony. Episodes integrate public speeches and private conversations drawn from research and previous Morgan scripts. The show received awards for acting, directing, and craft categories across its run.

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Craig Mazin’s limited series dramatizes the nuclear disaster and the response from scientists, workers, and officials with Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson. It is a five part production that reconstructs events through procedural detail and human testimony. It aired on HBO with coproduction from Sky.

Filming used locations in Lithuania to stand in for plants and government buildings. Practical effects and historical props recreate control rooms and equipment. The production released companion materials that explain scientific concepts and the decision making that shaped containment efforts.

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

This limited series produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg adapts Stephen E. Ambrose’s nonfiction account of Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The ten part production follows training, deployment, and major European operations with a large ensemble cast. It premiered on HBO with extensive battlefield staging.

The series used military advisers and boot camp preparation to align drills, tactics, and unit cohesion. Filming built large outdoor sets and relied on practical pyrotechnics. The production schedule allowed for directorial variety while maintaining a consistent visual palette across episodes.

‘The West Wing’ (1999–2006)

Aaron Sorkin created this political drama set in the White House with Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, and Richard Schiff. The show ran for seven seasons with walk and talk scenes that stitched together policy, staffing, and personal storylines. It aired on NBC and maintained a regular production footprint on studio stages.

Research teams collaborated with former officials to vet terminology and procedural details like briefings and press interactions. Scripts balanced episodic crises with longer arcs about campaigns and legislation. The show’s music, lighting, and set design established a recognizable visual identity for the West Wing corridors.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, this modern adaptation stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman across feature length episodes. The series presents case puzzles with visual text overlays and rapid deductions. It aired on BBC One with international distribution through partnerships.

Production alternated between location filming in London and studio stages in Wales. The creative team incorporated nods to Arthur Conan Doyle stories while inventing new threads. Soundtrack cues and editorial techniques helped convey Sherlock’s pattern recognition and memory palace sequences.

‘True Detective’ (2014)

Nic Pizzolatto’s anthology crime series presents self contained investigations with new casts and settings in each season. Notable leads include Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Mahershala Ali, and Jodie Foster. It airs on HBO with directors shaping distinct visual approaches for each installment.

The format uses extended interviews, nonlinear timelines, and region specific details to build cases. Production scouts remote locations and crafts long takes for critical sequences. The show’s structure allows viewers to start with any season since plots reset with new detectives and crimes.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016)

Created by the Duffer Brothers, this sci fi adventure follows kids and families in the town of Hawkins with Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, and Finn Wolfhard. The series combines supernatural threats with government experiments and small town life across multiple seasons. It streams on Netflix and releases in seasonal batches.

Production emphasizes practical creature work blended with visual effects, and it uses period accurate props and music. The show films in Georgia with standing sets for the town’s key locations. Tie in books, games, and soundtracks expand the story world beyond the main episodes.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023)

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann adapted the narrative of a post outbreak journey with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the lead roles. The series balances tense survival sequences with character focused storytelling over a season format. It airs on HBO with episodes directed by a rotating slate of filmmakers.

Filming took place across Canadian locations that provided diverse environments from cities to winter landscapes. Practical set builds and prosthetics supported the depiction of infected and collapsed infrastructure. The production worked closely with game composers and actors to align tone and world building.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Created by Jesse Armstrong, this drama follows the Roy family and their media conglomerate with Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin. It spans four seasons with episodes that move through boardrooms, shareholder meetings, and private negotiations. The series aired on HBO with a consistent creative team.

Cinematography uses long lenses and a roving camera to capture spontaneous reactions in crowded rooms. Music by Nicholas Britell provides recurring themes tied to corporate events and family shifts. The show filmed in New York and international locations for retreats and deal making episodes.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan created this legal drama that traces Jimmy McGill’s path toward Saul Goodman with Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, and Jonathan Banks. It ran for six seasons and sixty three episodes with a focus on law practice, cons, and the New Mexico setting. AMC broadcast the series and coordinated release windows with its companion show.

Writers mapped timelines and character intersections to maintain continuity across both series. Production incorporated detailed courtroom procedures and legal documents to ground cases. The creative team highlighted practical stunts and prop builds that mirrored the original show’s approach.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959–1964)

Rod Serling’s anthology presents standalone stories that explore morality, technology, and human behavior with twist endings. The black and white production featured notable guest stars and directors across multiple seasons. It aired on CBS and became a staple of genre television.

Episodes were shot on soundstages and backlot streets with stylized lighting and narration. The series drew from literature and contemporary anxieties to shape allegories. Its structure influenced later anthologies and continues to be broadcast in themed marathons.

‘Twin Peaks’ (1990–1991)

Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, this mystery drama investigates the death of Laura Palmer with Kyle MacLachlan as Agent Dale Cooper. It combined small town characters with surreal sequences over two seasons. The show premiered on ABC and developed a passionate following.

Production used North Bend and Snoqualmie locations that provided forests, waterfalls, and diners central to the atmosphere. Music by Angelo Badalamenti established recurring motifs, and the pilot cut exists in multiple versions. Official home releases include alternate edits and international versions.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2002)

Chris Carter’s series follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they pursue paranormal cases and government conspiracies with David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. It balances monster of the week episodes with mythology arcs across nine seasons. The show aired on Fox and became a signature of its lineup.

Filming took place largely in Vancouver before later production moved to Los Angeles, which created distinct visual eras. The series produced feature films, comics, and tie in materials that extend cases beyond television. Practical effects, prosthetics, and atmospheric lighting delivered a cinematic feel on a weekly schedule.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Created by J. J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber, this ensemble drama follows survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious island. It runs for six seasons and uses flashbacks, flash forwards, and character centric storytelling. ABC broadcast the series and coordinated large scale season premieres.

Hawaii locations provided beaches, jungles, and built sets for bunkers and facilities. Writers maintained a show bible to track character connections, artifacts, and station names. The production developed interactive websites and in world media that supported audience engagement between seasons.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta adapted the novel about a global departure event that leaves families searching for meaning with Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Regina King. The series spans three seasons and shifts settings while following a core group of characters. It aired on HBO with consistent creative oversight.

The show’s music, production design, and use of quiet scenes emphasize personal grief and community rituals. Filming moved across states and countries as the story evolved, with each location providing distinct architecture and landscapes. Commentaries and interviews document how scripts balanced adaptation with original material.

Share your own essentials in the comments and tell us which series you would add to this must watch list.