The past ten years have consistently delivered a handful of shows that make audiences gasp, laugh, cry, and sometimes even question their own sanity. These emotional rollercoasters have broken the rules and blurred genres, proving that TV isn’t merely keeping up with the silver screen but sometimes even setting the pace by pushing the boundaries with their storytelling and high production values.
From dysfunctional family dynasties and dystopian nightmares to sharp comedies with thought-provoking social commentary, these series have helped elevate viewers’ evenings, all while redefining what the genre could actually be. So, without further ado, these are the best television shows of the past decade that are undoubtedly worth checking out.
10
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–2025)
Created by Bruce Miller
Starring Elisabeth Moss in a career-defining lead role, The Handmaid’s Tale is a must-see dystopian drama that redefined what “must-see TV” really means. Adapted from Margaret Atwood‘s iconic novel, it drops audiences into the terrifying world of Gilead, which is ruled by a theocratic dictatorship where women’s rights have been stripped away and fertility is a commodity.
Beyond its incredibly high production and stunning sets, what sets The Handmaid‘s Tale apart from the rest of the shows in its genre is its razor-sharp commentary and the way it dives into themes of gender inequality and bodily autonomy. Far from a comfort viewing, The Handmaid’s Tale is a six-season-long unflinching depiction of trauma and obsession is nonetheless a worthy watch, leaving audiences shaken and providing food for thought.
9
‘The White Lotus’ (2021–)
Created by Mike White
With equal amounts of satire and sunburn, Mike White‘s The White Lotus may be your go-to series this summer. This Max original anthology drops audiences into the lap of a luxurious fictional resort chain, slowly revealing a web of power and privilege that perfectly exposes the contradictions of wealth and entitlement. Each season takes place in a different city (Hawaii, Sicily, Thailand), bringing a fresh ensemble of guests and staff, and a murder mystery for audiences to unravel.
Featuring plenty of unforgettable characters—we’re looking at you, Tanya (brought to life by the iconic Jennifer Coolidge in an Emmy-winning performance)—The White Lotus is far more than just its stunning locales. The series’ razor-sharp writing and biting humor consistently serve up a potent mix of comedy and social commentary, with just the right touch of mystery that keeps viewers hooked.
The White Lotus
- Release Date
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2021 – 2024
- Network
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HBO
-
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Natasha Rothwell
Belinda Lindsey
8
‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese
For fans of mind-bending shows, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese‘s Netflix original is the perfect pick. This sci-fi thriller starts as a missing child case but quickly spirals into a multi-generational saga of time travel, family secrets, and existential dread. Dark delivers a complex narrative that has been regarded as one of the most captivating in recent TV.
However, it isn’t just about the twists—at its core, Dark is an intriguing exploration of fate and free will, and the burden of inherited sins. Anchored by top-notch acting, an immersive setting with top-tier mood, and a soundtrack that truly elevates its narrative, the binge-watchable Netflix series is a must-see if you’re looking for shows that will challenge your brain.
Dark
- Release Date
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2017 – 2020-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
7
‘True Detective’ (2014–)
Created by Nic Pizzolatto and Issa López
For crime drama enthusiasts, this genre-defining Southern Gothic anthology is among the most acclaimed in its genre, especially the first season, which pairs Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart. Their 17-year hunt for a ritualistic serial killer is as much about their own demons as it is about the case, unfolding in perfect non-linear fashion and haunting audiences with its stunning visuals.
True Detective is far from just another cop show—it’s dark, it’s stylish, and it’s a deeply meditative, thought-provoking exploration of the secrets we keep and what we tell ourselves to get through the night. Whether it’s the unforgettable characters or a gripping story, the 2014 show is certainly a great pick, especially for viewers who enjoy complex crime mysteries.
6
‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)
Created by Donald Glover
Created by and starring Donald Glover, Atlanta is arguably one of television’s most underappreciated gems. The genre-defying surrealist comedy-drama set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene follows Glover’s Earn, a Princeton dropout turned music manager, as he navigates the city (and eventually the world) and opportunities alongside his cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry), Darius (Lakeith Stanfield), and his on-again, off-again partner Vanessa (Zazie Beetz).
With standalone “bottle” episodes and a unique willingness to get weird in the best way, the critically acclaimed Atlanta charms with its unpredictability, offering everything from social satire to heartfelt character studies. Add that to the great performances at its center, and it’s far from difficult to feel connected with its lead characters. Furthermore, Glover’s show made history with an all-black writers’ room and a strong commitment to authenticity.
5
‘Severance’ (2022–)
Created by Dan Erickson
Dan Erickson‘s series is a compelling exploration of what it’d be like to leave work stress at the office—only in this case, it’s quite literal. The show imagines a world where employees undergo a controversial procedure to surgically divide their work and personal consciousness, creating two versions of themselves—the “innie,” who only exists at work, and the “outie,” who lives outside of it.
Severance has become a revelation in the sci-fi genre and one of the most promising series of its time. Stylishly directed by Ben Stiller, this retro-futuristic Apple TV+ hit stars the talented Adam Scott as Mark Scout as he teams up with the rest of the team to find out the true purpose of their sinister work. Those who love series that blend existential dread with satire will likely love the unnerving Severance, which is equally addictive and unsettling.
Severance
- Release Date
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February 18, 2022
- Showrunner
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Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman
4
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)
Created by Craig Mazin
When it comes to truly unflinching television, Chernobyl is the gold standard. Created by Craig Mazin and based on the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster in Ukraine and the cleanup that followed, the Max miniseries plunges audiences into the chaos, heroism, and cover-ups that unfolded.
Chernobyl excels on many fronts, including in its meticulous attention to period detail and chillingly atmospheric cinematography. Mazin’s show manages to turn a shocking tragedy into a gripping and human story from the first moments of the explosion to its haunting aftermath. At its core, the critically acclaimed series does not merely recount what happened, but also explores the reasons behind it, exposing the lies, denial, and bureaucratic failures that made an already terrible situation even worse.
Chernobyl
- Release Date
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2019 – 2019
- Network
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HBO
3
‘Better Call Saul’ (2015)
Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould
Those familiar with the legendary crime drama Breaking Bad have already met the morally slippery lawyer Saul Goodman, but Better Call Saul peels back the flashy persona to reveal the man behind the alias in the most intriguing way. This legal thriller spin-off follows Bob Odenkirk‘s character as he transforms from a small-time con artist into the character audiences will come to recognize as Walter’s (Brian Cranston) attorney.
While Better Call Saul‘s connection to Breaking Bad is an undeniable part of its success, what makes it so addictive is the series’ storytelling and the tension it builds along the way. With razor-sharp writing and an incredible lead performance, this acclaimed and fan-favorite show has earned such a large amount of praise that many even argue it surpasses its predecessor.
Better Call Saul
- Release Date
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2015 – 2022-00-00
- Network
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AMC
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Adam Dorn
Self – Songwriter
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Bob Odenkirk
Jimmy McGill
2
‘Fleabag’ (2016)
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag follows the unnamed, fourth-wall-breaking lead as she handles grief, guilt, and disastrous relationships in modern London. The series delivers a running commentary straight to the audience with its rapid-fire humor and willingness to get dark.
But that’s not just what makes Fleabag a must-see—it’s the way Waller-Bridge lets audiences into Fleabag’s chaotic inner world, making them complicit in her worst decisions and glimpses of hope. With an unpredictable structure and even more unpredictable protagonist, this fantastic British comedy does not shy away from depicting Fleabag’s trauma and the realities of being human. It’s equally raw and hilarious and devastating, especially as it navigates her connection with a magnetic—albeit off-limits—priest played by Andrew Scott.
Fleabag
- Release Date
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2016 – 2018
- Network
-
BBC
1
‘Succession’ (2018)
Created by Jesse Armstrong
The ultimate “eat-the-rich” TV series, Jesse Armstrong‘s Succession is ruthless and darkly funny, following the Roy siblings (Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Alan Ruck), owners of the global media empire Waystar RoyCo, as they scheme, backstab, and emotionally sabotage each other in a battle for power and their father’s (Brian Cox) stamp of approval.
Whether it’s the Shakespearean drama or the satire of the ultra-wealthy, Succession is a razor-sharp series with universally stellar performances across the board. Over the years, it has risen beyond just being a show and has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions thanks to its cautionary tale about the price of power and complicated family dynamics. For anyone who loves a well-written drama, this is undoubtedly it.
Succession
- Release Date
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2018 – 2023
- Network
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HBO Max