30 Favorite Network TV Shows of the Decade

The past decade has brought us a ton of great television, and while cable and streaming services are offering more and more original and award-winning series, network television has held its own with powerful dramas, witty comedies, and shows that aren’t afraid to take a few risks.

From soapy favorites to instant classics, we’re taking a look at some of our favorite network TV shows (shows that aired/are airing on ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and The CW) from the past ten years.

In no particular order, here’s our list of the 30 best network TV shows of the decade:

1. Grey’s Anatomy

Now the longest-running primetime medical drama series, Grey’s Anatomy has given us more memorable moments and made us cry more tears then we’re able to count. The drama has been airing for the entire decade, never failing to surprise its audience, even if that means killing off major characters and taking some incredible risks.

Those things may have kept us engaged (and emotionally victimized, a bit), but what’s made Grey’s so special over the years is how it has continued to offer new ways for its characters to evolve and grow, all while tackling some of the most difficult, yet topical, issues imaginable — and doing so in ways that feel natural. 

2. This is Us

You probably haven’t looked at your slow-cooker in the same way since watching This is Us, and you likely keep tissues stocked by your remote at all times, too.

The NBC series took the world by storm with its powerful and surprising pilot episode in 2016, and we haven’t been the same since. The Pearson family won our hearts, the storytelling continues to remain unique and fresh, leaving the audience wondering what could be coming next.  

3. The Big Bang Theory

One of the most popular comedies of the decade was The Big Bang Theory, which ended earlier this year. The always funny sitcom surrounding a group of scientists has become iconic, particularly with the character of Sheldon Cooper.

And one of the things that made the show even better in its later years was the ways it showed that character try to learn and grow, even getting to the point where he could marry the woman he loved and move out of his apartment with Leonard. But we’d still rather no one else sits in Sheldon’s spot.

4. The Good Place

A comedy that’s taken some big risks, The Good Place is as funny as it is charming and heartfelt, all while keeping its audience on their toes.

The witty series starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson ultimately asks the question, “what does it mean to be a good person?” as it follows a group of characters after they’ve died and gone to what they believe to be “The Good Place.” But that’s only the beginning because we learn early on that the twists will just keep coming on this award-winning comedy.

5. Bones

The long-running procedural starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz is one of the most memorable of the decade. How could we not fall in love with a show as fun and suspenseful as Bones?

Unlike most procedurals, this one focused whole-heartedly on its characters and their relationships, all while pushing the boundaries and continuing to place faith and science up against one another. Seeley Booth and Temperance Brennan shared a chemistry that kept us engaged, and every character brought something different to the table.  

6. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

There was nothing else quite like the musical comedy series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend over the past ten years. The series followed Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom), a woman searching for happiness while struggling with a personality disorder.

The series used darkly funny musical numbers to help tell an important and meaningful story while being bold enough to tackle the kinds of topics we so often don’t want to discuss in public, from the horrifying things women do to make themselves feel beautiful to abortion and mental health medications. The clever series boasted thoughtful writing and incredible performances by its cast, and it ended with a finale that was entirely perfect.  

7. Revenge

Led by Emily VanCamp, Revenge followed Amanda Clarke, a woman who changed her identity and returned to the Hamptons in order to seek revenge on every person responsible for destroying her father including the members of the powerful Grayson family.

With its shocking twists and interesting cast of characters, Revenge offered just enough soapy goodness to keep us hooked through its four seasons. And though the series ended in 2015, talks of a sequel are already in the works.

8. Parenthood

Another drama that had us busting out our box of tissues on a regular basis, Parenthood followed the Braverman family’s four adult siblings, Adam, Sarah, Julia, and Crosby, along with their families and their parents Zeek and Camille, as they all moved through their daily — and complicated — lives.

With powerful performances from its cast members and relatable characters, it was impossible not to become invested in the Braverman clan from the start. The heartwarming series lasted for fantastic six seasons and offered a perfect ending with its finale in 2015. The show is also so beloved, that a Parenthood reunion has been set for the next ATX Television Festival.

9. Superstore

A workplace comedy that centers on a group of retail workers in a big box store, Superstore is smart, funny, and surprisingly poignant.

While the everyday antics at Cloud 9 can bring simple laughs, the show also doesn’t hesitate to address the stressful culture of the workplace, inequality, and workers’ rights. It doesn’t shy away from powerful emotional moments either, including its recent deportation storyline that managed to balance comedy with significant heartbreak.

10. The Good Wife

Airing for seven seasons, The Good Wife was as insightful as it was entertaining. The legal and political drama centered on Alicia Florrick (Juliana Marguiles), the wife of the County Attorney who returns to her law career after 13 years when her husband is put in jail.

With its highly talented cast, intriguing storylines, and willingness to push the boundaries, the popular series received wide acclaim and even inspired a spinoff starring Christine Baranski, The Good Fight.

11. 30 Rock

Another clear choice for comedy on this list is 30 Rock. Created by and starring Tina Fey, the satirical sitcom takes place behind the scenes of a live sketch comedy show and centers on Liz Lemon, the head writer of the fictional show.

The wildly funny series, which won several awards throughout its run, was inspired by Fey’s experiences working on Saturday Night Live and was consistently smart and surreal with hilarious performances by its stellar cast. 

12. Parks and Recreation

This really was quite the decade for great network comedies. Set in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, Parks and Recreation focused on Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), the deputy director of the local Parks and Recreation department. The comedy series really found its legs following the first season, giving its characters more depth and offering storylines that were based on real current events.

It was a comedy that explored politics in meaningful ways while making us laugh out loud thanks to its smart writing and very funny cast. On top of that, Parks and Recreation was heartfelt, with stories of friendship, romance, and loyalty.

13. Arrow

The CW has become known for its range of DC Superhero series, and that all begin with Arrow, which premiered in 2012. The series centers on Oliver Queen, a billionaire playboy who returns home after several years to fight crime as a secret vigilante.

Based on the Green Arrow comic books, Arrow spawned several spinoffs, all of which come together in spinoffs often as part of the “Arrowverse.” The fan-favorite series is currently airing its final season, and so far, that final season has offered some fantastic storytelling.  

14. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

When it comes to TV, this was also a decade of celebratory rescues. It’s no longer the case that a show getting canceled means we won’t see it again, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine is just one example. After the show was canceled by Fox, fans rejoiced when NBC saved the series the following day.

The police comedy series is critically acclaimed thanks to its brilliant writing, its incredibly talented and diverse cast, and its ability to tackle serious issues with humor. The show also shines in the way it portrays members of the LGBTQ+ community.

15. The Office

The legendary comedy The Office ended in 2013. The mockumentary series centered on the employees of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton Pennsylvania and ran for a total of nine seasons, and there has already been some talk about a possible revival.

Adapted from the British version of the series of the same name, The Office already feels like a classic. And while the show changed quite a bit following the departure of Steve Carell, the series ended on a high note with an emotional, funny, perfect series finale.

16. Castle

The fan-favorite police procedural Castle certainly made its mark on this decade. Starring Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle and Stana Katic as Kate Beckett, the series offered a balance of comedy and suspense as it followed the charming writer Castle as he began working with Detective Beckett, a partnership that began so he could find inspiration for his next book.

Their two conflicting personalities only made their chemistry stronger, and Castle and Beckett quickly become a “will they/ won’t they” couple that we couldn’t help but want to see together. Though there was controversy surrounding the end of the series, it still lands as one of our favorites.

17. Chicago Fire

The first of a group of series we now know as “One Chicago,” Chicago Fire centers on the firefighters and paramedics at Firehouse 51, not only as they face impossible situations to save lives, but also as they live their own everyday lives.

The series knows how to offer up shocking cliffhangers and keep its audience in suspense, but Chicago Fire is also a show about found family, friendship, and romance. It uses humor in heartfelt ways to balance out its most dramatic and emotional storylines, and its cast is one we can’t help but love. Chicago Fire also inspired the spinoffs Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.

18. New Girl

A heartfelt comedy about friendship, New Girl is another favorite network comedy to land on this list. The series starred Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day, a woman with an offbeat personality in search of a place to live — and some new friends — after a bad breakup.

Luckily, she found a new family in her new group of roommates. The charmingly funny sitcom ran for seven seasons and boasted a cast with amazing chemistry. It also ended on a high note with a heartwarming and hilarious series finale.

19. Happy Endings

Canceled way too soon, the ensemble comedy Happy Endings was a sitcom that only got better with time. The series followed a group of best friends living in Chicago — all with very different personalities.

The series starts off with the group figuring out their new dynamic after the couple that brought them all together broke up. The critically acclaimed series didn’t get nearly enough attention for its witty storytelling and its excellent cast. We’re still not over that cancellation. 

20. Scandal

The second show created by Shonda Rhimes to make our list, the political drama Scandal made waves with its sharp storytelling, complex characters, and shocking twists.

The series centered on Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and her crisis management firm as well as Pope’s relationship with President Fitzgerald Grant. Scandal was soapy, fun, and intriguing with noteworthy performances, particularly from Washington and her portrayal of Olivia Pope.

21. SEAL Team 

Now in its third season, SEAL Team is a military action drama on CBS starring David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes, the leader of his Navy SEAL Team. This is a show with a lot of heart, an incredible cast, and plenty of action.

Its focus on teamwork and loyalty brings depth, and despite the action and unpredictable, the series manages to be one that’s hopeful. But above all else, the complexities of its characters are what make it stand out. The series is also 6 certified and strives to “accurately portray service members and veterans.”

22. Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights has a cadence and stature that elevates its storytelling from entertaining to personal. The characters of this film turned television series become part of our own families in the best way.

The stories on the Jason Katims creation include timely and controversial topics such as abortion, the stigma of poverty, military service, caring for aging grandparents, and more. The way they are covered always feels intimate. We see the pain, the joy, the loss, and the victory without ever explicitly hearing a moral message.

Truly, the resounding statement that echoes from Friday Night Lights has little to do with football and everything to do with community: it says, be good to each other by showing up for each other.

You know, like Riggins wrapping his jacked arms around Julie during a tornado, Tami putting everything on the line to protect Becky’s right to choose, Tyra committing to herself as a scholar, Jess dutifully doing what’s best for the team, regardless of how thankless. These people are good people, and they are us. They are just, perhaps, a bit better looking.

23. Supernatural

Supernatural has remained a staple of The CW’s weekly lineup for every year of this decade (and more). This sci-fi show (currently in its record-breaking 15th and final season) about brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who fight the good fight against angels, demons, and good ol’ fashioned monsters, has managed to captivate viewers so much so that it survived countless time slot moves and showrunner shake-ups.

What makes Supernatural deserving of a spot on this list is the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew to keep the show fresh season after season. They take risks that sometimes pay off huge (Season 6’s “The French Mistake,” Season 10’s musical episode “Fan Fiction,” Season 13’s animated Scooby-Doo crossover, “ScoobyNatural”) and sometimes not so much (let’s all pretend that Leviathan season didn’t happen, okay?) but in the fifteen seasons the show has aired, they’ve never repeated a storyline, they’ve continued to build their characters year after year, and continue to surprise viewers with stunning effects and heartfelt performances from the cast.

Carry on, Supernatural. You’re doing something extraordinarily special.

24. Fringe

Fringe left its mark on the world of sci-fi television this decade. It is one of the few shows to this day that really managed to explain almost anything weird in our world with some form of science.

The title came from the fact that it focuses on the area of fringe science or science concepts that are at the edges of our realm of reality. There is a little bit of everything which could easily bog down a show, but instead truly enhances this one.

With a winning combination of the creative mind of JJ Abrams and the talents of Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, John Noble, and Lance Reddick we find ourselves sucked into a world of alternate timelines, psychological experimentation, and just simple strange occurrences. This show is one that stands the test of time because some of its solid storytelling is said to be ahead of its time.

25. Hannibal

Fascination comes in many forms, but on NBC’s Hannibal, it comes mutually. Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter have found kindred spirits in one another, carefully bringing out the best and the worst in each other as lines blur and the two grow more entwined in each other’s murderous games.

But on top of the intrigue is a smart, alarmingly beautiful show that takes the grisly and grotesque and turns it into a work of art.

But it all comes down to this wonderfully macabre, malleable friendship between the two leads. Creator Bryan Fuller, along with stars Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen, have made this short-lived show about serial killers and those who hunt them a necessary show of the decade that still holds our fascination beyond its life.

26. Black-ish

The Johnsons may not be the first black family to ever grace network TV, but while previous shows have only subtly threaded racially related arcs into the background of their programs, Black-ish takes those issues and places them right at the forefront of their story.

From dealing with police brutality to the tribulations of living in predominately wealthy white neighborhoods, Black-ish sets out to provide a realistic approach to how it feels to be black in America. It also manages to do these things while being extremely funny.

Black-ish integrates the “spoon full of sugar” method of comedy; making its hard-hitting storylines easier to take with a dose of good-hearted, gentle humor. It’s never funny at the wrong moments, but it knows just when to lighten its load, keeping the audience at full attention. It’s educational, it’s bold, it’s nuanced, and most of all, it’s a whole lot of fun.

27. Person of Interest

Person of Interest starts off as a straight procedural featuring Reese and Finch trying to save lives based solely on a number given by a machine. However, as the series progresses, it takes a more serialized turn and evaluates the implications of surveillance and AIs and places us in a world where two AIs are at war.

The selling point of the show is really the characters.

There’s such care taken in showing these characters grow and progress as the series goes on. In addition to regular storytelling, flashbacks, simulations, and hallucinations are used to show us various facets of everyone’s personalities and emotions.

All of the main characters start out as lone wolves, but they slowly come together, forming wonderful friendships and becoming a family. And by the end of the series, we consider them all our family too.

28. Bob’s Burgers

It’s taken some time, but Bob’s Burgers is currently in its 10th season, so it’s safe to say The Belchers have earned a place in America’s heart. They may be an animated family — but like the rest of us, they’re just trying to get by.

Bob is constantly trying to make ends meet, whether that means applying for a loan, asking Mr. Fischoeder for an extension on rent, or trying to make his sister-in-law’s cat famous. But whether they’re working at the burger shop or on another adventure, there is always fun to be had.

Bob, in particular, tends to follow his family’s lead wherever it takes him, whether he’s trying to find out where Tina’s hormones have taken her, looking for rare mushrooms with Gene, or too deep into a quest with Louise to reunite a former Japanese film star and his daughter to get out.

Linda and Bob support exactly who their children are, no questions or turmoil about it. Gene is thought to be on the LGBTQIA spectrum, Tina’s crush on Jimmy Jr. puts every other middle school crush to shame, and Louise is unapologetically, forcefully herself, bunny ears and all.

It’s also food for the soul — literally. The show’s “burger of the day” from every episode has inspired a seriously delicious cookbook. Plus, Bob’s adventures cooking turkey have inspired some seriously iconic Thanksgiving episodes.

29. Chuck

There is no shortage of words to describe Chuck. Funny, smart, and action-packed are really just the tip of the iceberg. But honestly, the thing that stands out most about the zany adventures of Charles Bartowski is how much the writers understood their audience.

The number of inside jokes and age-related humor really clicked with the viewers making us feel like Chuck and Morgan truly were our peers and close friends. The show taught us to embrace our nerdom instead of hiding it, giving us a sense of community.

30. Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin defies Latinx stereotypes on TV by first wildly embracing them and then sucking all the venom out of them by telling rich stories. The premise of the CW show is perfect for the telenovela construct: a Catholic Latinx woman who is a virgin is accidentally inseminated at her gynecologist exam. She is pregnant without ever having sex!

Yes, the plot points from there on out are zany and overly melodramatic. That cheeky spirit, simultaneously using a format for its fun and subverting it though that use, set this show apart. Jane the Virgin is smart.

The performances on the show are downright fabulous. Gina Rodgriguez is the ideal lead. She manages to be completely sincere and romantic while remaining a certain kind of sturdy that “virginal” types on TV rarely get to be. Like the show, Jane is smart.

Importantly, Jane the Virgin also provides needed Latinx representation on the small screen. The strong voices of Latinx people in different generations are heard loudly and clearly throughout the shows five-season run. In fact, the literal voice of the narrator is second only to Jane herself in regard to the story’s impact. Anthony Mendez is a treasure and we will miss the brilliant character he played.

There will never be another show like Jane the Virgin. We are forever grateful for this romantic, hilarious, breathless, and imaginative telenovela.

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Additional contributions by: Janelle McCammack, Esme Mazzeo, Charles E. Henning, Allison Nichols, Kevin Lever, and Christine Laskodi

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