When you think of popular TV series, what comes to mind? Of course, there are a few that come to mind and stand out more than the others. They are probably the ones that you never miss an episode when they air! If you’re looking for an all-time favorite show finale to watch or something new to binge-watch, this article has a list of the most popular American shows of all time.
The Most Popular TV Shows of All Time
TV shows come and go, but there are a select few that have truly stood the test of time. These are the most popular American TV shows of all time, according to Nielsen ratings.
The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
This classic sitcom starred Bill Cosby as Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, a loving father and husband who was also a successful OB/GYN. The show depicted the Huxtable family’s life in Brooklyn, New York, and tackled important social issues like racism, sexism, and classism.
All in the Family (1971-1979)
This groundbreaking sitcom featured the Bunker family, a working-class family living in Queens, New York. The patriarch of the family, Archie Bunker, was an infamously bigoted character, but the show handled controversial topics with humor and sensitivity.
M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
This long-running comedy/drama series followed a team of doctors and nurses stationed at a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. The show was both hilarious and heartwarming, dealing with themes of war, loss, love, and friendship.
The Simpsons (1989-present)
This animated sitcom has been on the air for over 25 years, making it the longest-running American scripted TV series of all time. The show follows the dysfunctional Simpson family, and has satirized everything from American culture to politics.
Cheers (1982-1993)
This popular sitcom took place in a Boston bar called Cheers, and centered around the bar’s employees and regulars. The show was known for its talented cast, clever writing, and memorable catchphrases.
Seinfeld (1989-1998)
This hugely successful sitcom followed the lives of four single friends living in New York City. The show was unique for its focus on the minutiae of everyday life, and its clever humor.
Friends (1994-2004)
This beloved sitcom followed a group of six friends living in New York City. The show dealt with important topics like love, friendship, and careers, while also being incredibly funny.
ER (1994-2009)
This medical drama was set in the emergency room of a Chicago hospital and followed the lives of the doctors and nurses who worked there. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of the medical field, and for its strong ensemble cast.
NYPD Blue (1993-2005)
This gritty police drama followed the detectives of the 15th Precinct in New York City. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of police work, and for its use of strong language and violence.
10. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)
This popular police procedural followed a team of crime scene investigators in Las Vegas. The show was known for its innovative use of forensic science, and for its dark and suspenseful storylines.
The Simpsons: The most popular American TV Show
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical depiction of working-class life, epitomized by the Simpson family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The show is set in the fictional town of Springfield and parodies American culture and society, television, and the human condition.
The Simpsons are the longest-running American animated sitcom and the longest-running American scripted primetime television series. The Simpsons Movie, a feature-length film, was released in theaters worldwide on July 27, 2007. The first episode of The Simpsons aired on December 17, 1989. As of 2021, 662 episodes have aired.
The show has been nominated for 43 Primetime Emmy Awards and 31 Annie Awards and has won 28 of each. It has also been nominated for 11 Golden Globe Awards and has won seven times. Time magazine named it the 20th century’s best television series, and Erik Adams of The A.V. Club named it “television’s crowning achievement regardless of format”. On January 14, 2000, the Simpson family was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Friends: The most popular American Sitcom show
Friends are one of the most popular American TV shows of all time. The show is about a group of friends who live in New York City. The show aired for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 and was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman. Friends were one of the first American sitcoms to air on NBC.
The show was popular for its relatable characters, humor, and storylines. Friends were nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards and won six times. The show also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2002. In 2013, TV Guide ranked Friends as the number one greatest TV sitcom of all time.
If you’re looking for a classic American sitcom to watch, then check out Friends.
Breaking Bad: One of the best TV series of all time
If you’re looking for a television show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Breaking Bad is the one for you. This crime drama series follows the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking meth in order to make money for his family after he is diagnosed with cancer. The show is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and features an amazing cast that includes Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, and Giancarlo Esposito.
Breaking Bad has won numerous awards, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and 2 Golden Globes. It is one of the most popular American TV shows of all time and has been praised for its writing, directing, acting, and cinematography. If you haven’t seen Breaking Bad yet, then you’re definitely missing out!
The Walking Dead: Zombie apocalypse thriller
The Walking Dead is one of the most popular American TV shows of all time. The show is a zombie apocalypse thriller that follows a group of survivors as they try to escape a world overrun by zombies. The show is known for its suspenseful and often gruesome plotlines, as well as its strong characters and emotional storytelling.