My Top 5 TV Shows of All Time

Looking For a New Show To Watch? Look No Further Than My Best Suggestions...

Jan 26, 2025

For me, it’s very rare to find a TV show that I fall completely, incandescently in love with—one that I commit to watching week in and week out. But on those rare occasions when I do, every show I’ve indulged in has been incredible. Whether it’s a limited series or something that spans 4–5 seasons, I have a handful of TV shows that feel so personal to me that, if I could, I’d gatekeep them—but I’d also happily recommend them to anyone.

In recent years, I’ve discovered a few series I couldn’t stop watching, whether because of the characters, the themes, or the story itself. These shows have truly piqued my interest and stayed with me. So, whether you’re looking for something to binge-watch in one sitting, savor at your own pace, or turn into a weekly tradition, here are my top 5 TV shows of all time—in no particular order.

5. Stranger Things

No show in recent years has had a greater impact on the world or been more popular than Netflix’s Stranger Things. Since the first season debuted in 2018, audiences have been captivated by its playful and lovable characters, gripping storylines, and consistently intense season finales that always leave viewers wanting more. This is exactly why I’ve completely fallen in love with the show and return every year to immerse myself in the latest season. I’m especially attached to the characters—like Eleven, Will, and Max—who single-handedly drive the narrative forward. The dynamic between all the characters is incredible, and I’ve loved watching them grow and evolve over the past five seasons.

From the very first episode—when Will disappeared—the story has been utterly captivating. The endless twists and turns throughout the series have always kept me hooked, even long after the credits rolled. One of my favorite aspects is how every villain ties back to the Upside Down in such a clever and seamless way, adding layers of intrigue to the overarching narrative.

Beyond the emotionally raw undertones, Stranger Things is visually stunning. Its cinematography has given us some of the most iconic scenes and memorable lines of dialogue in recent TV history—moments that have cemented the show as a pop culture phenomenon. These elements ensure that Stranger Things will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

4. Brooklyn Nine Nine

When you think of iconic comedies that can be binge-watched for hours on end without ever losing their charm, you might immediately think of series like The Office, Parks and Recreation, or Abbott Elementary. But for me, Brooklyn Nine-Nine stands out as one of—if not my absolute favourite—comedy TV series of all time. Brooklyn Nine-Nine will forever be my guilty pleasure show, the one I’ll never tire of rewatching. There’s something so effortlessly brilliant about how, over eight seasons, every episode brought something fresh and new. Even in episodes where the narrative stretched across multiple storylines, the characters always had something happening that added energy and kept the story exciting.

I absolutely adore the connections between all the characters in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and how we see everyone evolve over the years. In particular, the growing relationship between Jake and Amy—one of my favorite on-screen couples ever—is so well done. The same goes for the father-son dynamic between Jake and Captain Holt, which adds so much heart to the show. Beyond the characters’ personalities, the comedic timing and iconic cold opens are absolutely fantastic. Every one-liner, delivered so effortlessly, never fails to bring laughter.

Yet, what makes this show truly special is how it brilliantly tackles important issues like racism, sexuality, the treatment of women, and discrimination. The way these topics are addressed is both thoughtful and impactful, and it’s one of the many reasons the show deserves so much praise. Here’s to the Nine-Nine!

3. The Last of Us

When I heard that one of my favorite video games of all time was being adapted into a TV show, I had my initial worries about how well Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann would handle the original source material. There were bound to be fans who’d critique every detail. But I was so pleasantly surprised by this faithful adaptation of The Last of Us. After watching season one, the show immediately shot into my top picks of all time. It stayed true to its roots and was such an enjoyable watch.

I absolutely loved Pedro Pascal as Joel. With his pure grit, downbeat attitude, and contrasting worldview, he perfectly captured the essence of Joel as we know him from the game. The hospital scene at the end of season one was a powerful reminder that there is nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he cares about. On the other hand, Bella Ramsey was equally brilliant as Ellie. Any skepticism people may have had about their casting was quickly silenced once we saw their incredible performance. Bella brought a strong-willed, layered, and deeply emotional portrayal to Ellie’s character.

In addition, the show is packed with absolutely incredible references to the game, with some scenes mirroring the cutscenes we know so well. Even the dialogue stays true to the original, down to the smallest details—something that truly deserves praise. If you haven’t already, I’d recommend doing a bit of research into the game before watching, then revisiting the show to fully appreciate the brilliance of The Last of Us.

2. The Penguin

Read my full review of The Penguin here!

This is the only limited-series TV show on my list, and it’s arguably one of the best crime dramas I’ve ever watched. Following up on the phenomenon that was Matt Reeves’s The Batman was never going to be an easy task, but with Colin Farrell reprising his role as Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, alongside Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, this show was set up for greatness—and it absolutely delivered, with fans demanding a season 2 before the inevitable release of The Batman 2.

Picking up where The Batman left off, the series dives into the power struggle between Oz and Sofia as they fight for control of Gotham - and the dynamic between these two characters is utterly captivating. Watching them manipulate and outwit each other in pursuit of their own ambitions, all while battling their personal demons behind closed doors, such as Sofia’s mental health and Oz caring for his mum and Vic, is nothing short of spectacular. Farrell and Milioti deliver stellar performances that are just one of the many reasons this show is so exceptional.

Beyond the incredible lead performances, the ensemble cast does an amazing job of driving the heart-pounding narrative forward, adding depth to the gritty, dark world of Gotham as we know it. The pacing of each episode is spot-on, and the cliffhangers will leave you desperate for more. This is truly a masterful piece of television.

1. Succession

firmly believe that anyone who didn’t enjoy Succession simply didn’t understand the show. I’ll forever stand by this: it’s one of the greatest shows I’ve ever watched. From where we began in season one to the final moments with the Roy siblings, this series showcased nothing less than masterful storytelling and character development. Watching these characters evolve over four years was nothing short of exceptional television.

Character dynamics—especially family dynamics—are a driving force in storytelling, and Succession is the ultimate proof of how effective this can be. The complex, power-driven, and often conflicting relationships between Kendall, Roman, Shiv, and their father, Logan, lead to powerhouse performances and unforgettable scenes across all four seasons. The tension and interplay between the characters are further elevated by a brilliant ensemble cast, with Tom and Cousin Greg providing standout moments as they bounce perfectly off the main cast.

The pacing of every episode is exceptional, keeping you hooked as the story seamlessly flows from one episode to the next. With its blend of drama, emotion, and humor, the show never lets up. If you want to witness sheer brilliance, look no further than season 4, episode 3. You won’t want to miss out on Succession.