Breaking Bad Named Best TV Show of Century
The New York Times ranked the top television series of the 21st century following a poll of industry professionals.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Television
Live Poll
Do you consider television shows from the 21st century superior to those from previous decades?
The New York Times has named Breaking Bad the best television show of the 21st century. The ranking follows a wide-ranging poll of 516 television industry professionals who evaluated scripted and unscripted programming.
Why it matters
The list provides a definitive look at the most impactful television of the modern era as determined by industry peers. It highlights the shows that have most shaped the cultural landscape since the turn of the millennium.
The survey polled 516 industry professionals who each nominated up to 10 shows that premiered on or after January 1, 2000. Breaking Bad, which ran from 2008 to 2013, secured the top spot in the final ranking.
The players
The New York Times
This major American news organization conducted the industry poll to determine the greatest television shows of the century.
The details
The ranking encompasses a diverse array of content including scripted dramas, comedies, reality programs, documentaries, and digital series. Following the top-ranked Breaking Bad, other acclaimed series like The Wire, Mad Men, and Succession were recognized as leading contenders in the top 10.
Timeline
Eligible television shows premiered from January 1, 2000 onwards.
Breaking Bad aired its original broadcast run from 2008 to 2013.
The New York Times released the official television show ranking on September 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The ranking illustrates a shift in critical consensus that highlights prestige drama as the primary driver of television excellence over the last two decades. This recognition follows the long-term cultural legacy established since the 2013 conclusion of the Breaking Bad series.
Readers can use this list to identify high-quality series available across various streaming platforms for their next viewing experience. The ranking offers a curated roadmap for audiences looking to catch up on the most influential shows of the modern era.
The takeaway
The industry preference for Breaking Bad underscores the enduring impact of long-form, character-driven storytelling on modern television standards. Viewers seeking quality content can use this ranking as a primary guide for navigating the vast landscape of 21st-century prestige series.
Further reading
For more on the current state of programming, explore the Television section.
Live Poll
Do you consider television shows from the 21st century superior to those from previous decades?
