Top 20 TV Shows of All Time

The original paranormal team

I don't watch television nearly as much as film, but there are some truly sensational series. Here are my top 20 television shows of all time:

1. The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)

            This show was ground breaking in so many ways. I loved the Monster-of-the-Week episodes best.

2. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

            The funniest show on television. Also had great characters.

3. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-1999, 2017-Present)

            Invented riffing. Just awesome and only getting better.

4. Paranormal Witness (2011-Present)

            Most paranormal themed tv shows are trash. This one, which relied on first hand accounts, was not only thrilling but educational.

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

            Hindu and Taoist philosophy combine with a lighthearted tone in this sensational epic with extraordinarily well developed characters.

6. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

            Every aspect of the production from editing to writing to acting was stellar, even if not all the characters were always likable.

7. The Walking Dead (Seasons 1 and 2, 2010-2012)

            The first two seasons were wonderfully because they continually added to the mythology. After that, it fell apart.

8. Futurama (1999-2013)

            All the topical humor of The Simpsons but with heart.

9. Once Upon a Time (Seasons 1 and 2, 2011-2013)

            I’ve never wanted to binge a show more than the first season of this classic. Think Lost but more entertaining.

10. The Good Place (2016-Present)

            This is the only tv show I know that takes place in the afterlife. It helps that it’s so quirky and charming.

11. The Twilight Zone (1958-1964)

            An amazing collection of sci-fi short stories about human nature.

12. Life is Worth Living (1952-1957)

            Think Catholic Answers Live except hosted by a saint.

13. The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005-2014)

            Easily the best talk show. The last few seasons with Geoff, Secretariat, Alfredo Sauce, and the others is perhaps the funniest television ever created.

14. Dinosaurs (1991-1994)

            Think Family Guy except more topical and way funnier.

15. Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009)

            One of the few musical television shows. Its deadpan humor was hilarious.

16. Westworld (Season 1, 2016)

            The first season of this HBO drama was mysterious, thrilling, and packed with great acting and art direction.

17. Monster Quest (2007-2010)

            A fun albeit silly cryptozoology show.

18. Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969-1974)

            This is the definitive comedy sketch series. SNL is funny but second fiddle.

19. Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015)

            It’s always the same, but it’s always awesome.

20. Stranger Things (Season 1, 2017)

            This is a fun take on 80s nostalgia with some of the best child acting of any film or television show. Also, Steve is the man. Nancy doesn’t deserve him.