The Top 300 Greatest TV Shows of All Time: FBG Consensus: 50 Lists received. 5: The Wire (145 Viewers)

[Dr. Octopus]

I'm not sure if either Taxi clip was all that great. The dmv made me chuckle a little but the pac man was was just so silly.

my Taxi memory is when Nardo gets an awful haircut so they decide to go and confront the stylist. Nardo takes the high road and leaves, Louise lingers and dumps water on the stylist than on his way out grabs the receptionist and kisses her.

Hairdresser is Ted Danson.

 

[Hastur]

I'm not sure if either Taxi clip was all that great. The dmv made me chuckle a little but the pac man was was just so silly.

my Taxi memory is when Nardo gets an awful haircut so they decide to go and confront the stylist. Nardo takes the high road and leaves, Louise lingers and dumps water on the stylist than on his way out grabs the receptionist and kisses her.

Hairdresser is Ted Danson.

1982 was a good year for him. A taxi guest spot, the movie Creepshow, and Cheers first season.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Some have recency bias, some have nostalgia bias. Potato potatoe.

I have good show bias.

 

[UncleZen]

The Bear is decent but there's some recency bias going on with that ranking.

Well in 20 years, we can redo this countdown and see if it holds up.

Does Hell have wifi?

I certainly hope so.

 

[Nigel]

Would think The Bear is more highly ranked by FBGs/people in general who worked in restaurants at some point in lives, much less relatable otherwise.

 

[kupcho1]

Would think The Bear is more highly ranked by FBGs/people in general who worked in restaurants at some point in lives, much less relatable otherwise.

In my case, you would be wrong.

 

[zamboni]

No chance of B.J. and the Bear following The Bear here, I take it.

 

[Hastur]

If B.J. and the Bear isn’t next, this whole countdown is out of order.

Cop Rock has got to be popping up soon, right?

 

[Jayrod]

If B.J. and the Bear isn’t next, this whole countdown is out of order.

Cop Rock has got to be popping up soon, right?

I think Fraggle Rock has a better chance.

 

[rockaction]

I think Fraggle Rock has a better chance.

Cast your cares away/Worries for another day/Let the music play/Down at Fraggle Rock

My good friend used to refer to me as 'The Fraggle' in college. Don't know why, but it almost stuck.

 

[Ilov80s]

46 - Taxi​

Comedy
Score: 584
Average Rank: 34.5

The staff of a New York City taxicab company go about their job while they dream of greater things.

List Breakdown

ilov80s 1
Dr Octopus 4
gr00vus 7
Yo Mama 15
kupcho1 19
titusbramble 20
Pip's Invitation 25
Chaos34 31
Todem 34
Hastur 35
Nick Vermeil 48
Brutal Penquin 59
Eephus 62
Bottomfeeder Sports 63
Psychopav 64
UncleZen 65

Absolutely love Taxi and wish it landed a little higher here but pretty sure it was 3, not my 1. That’s ok though

 

[Ilov80s]

Arguably the greatest scene in sitcom history:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Never could get into it...that clip doesn't even move the funny needle for me.

ETA - Not a knock at anyone in particular for their personal taste, just a possible reason why this wasnt a top 20 show.

I was too young when this aired. Recall some reruns being on growing up, but If that's the funniest scene in the show, I won't go any further.

It’s very likely that 40+ years from now that someone who watches one scene from a current popular comedy might not find it that funny. That’s assuming we’re not all underwater or roaming a nuclear wasteland scrounging for provisions.

What made Taxi so great imo is the heart. It was very funny with a loaded a cast as any show that will appear here: Danny Devito, Christopher Lloyd, Tony Danza, Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Andy Kaufman, Jeff Conway, Carol Kane and even Rhea Perlman briefly. As great as that was, what made Taxi different was how sad it was. This was a show about a bunch of people who were never going to see their dreams come true and were stuck driving crappy cabs out a dingy garage for a ****ty boss and low pay. They made the best of it but the show was bittersweet, like life.

 

[Ilov80s]

Arguably the greatest scene in sitcom history:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Never could get into it...that clip doesn't even move the funny needle for me.

ETA - Not a knock at anyone in particular for their personal taste, just a possible reason why this wasnt a top 20 show.

Wow

A Shuke GM eat off is 10x more funny than a guy acting like a moron.

He’s drug addled.

The flashback episode to him in college before he became a hippie was so freaking funny.

 

[rockaction]

Teri Copley - there are some names one hasn’t said for decades but can recall in a heartbeat.

Missed this yesterday. Yes indeed that is her name. Teri Copley.

 

[rockaction]

Jeff Conway - Bobby Wheeler - Always found it funny in an ironic way the guy who played a struggling actor in the show would go on to be the 'least famous' of the bunch. He did the movie Grease, and then did well in the show Babylon 5.

Jeff Conaway had addiction issues like Ignatowski. He was on Dr. Drew's sobriety show, I think. He was one of the best actors on Taxi. His turn in Grease was memorable. Shame.

Yes, he was on Dr. Drew, who has been called exploitative of people because of the use of reality television for the treatment and care for addicts. I'm sure he claims it's a public service. I don't know how I feel about it, but on the show Conaway invoked feelings of pity and sadness. He was permanently stuck and had little control over his life. It was painful to watch.

 

[Ilov80s]

41 - The Bear​

Drama
Score: 622
Average Rank: 42.7

A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop.

List Breakdown

Eephus 17
Yo Mama 25
Dr Octopus 27
Barry2 28
krista4 28
Frostillicus 29
The Gator 31
shuke 34
Atomic Punk 37
timschochet 37
steelerfan1 41
Maik Jeaunz 41
McBokonon 46
landrys hat 49
Scoresman 53
Hastur 55
BlackCrowes 56
Dan Lambskin 56
BLOCKED PUNT 57
Psychopav 61
Nick Vermeil 64
Pip's Invitation 68

Great show not sure why it didn’t make my list. Perhaps I thought I did put it there. Hmmm but highly recommend and it deserves a spot in the top 100.

 

[Ilov80s]

I think the first season of The Bear was great. Season 2 dips a little and I haven't even finished season 3. Shows like The Bear and movies like Anora or Uncut Gems that are just loud chaotic curse fests grate on me after awhile. I really enjoy the drama part and running the restaurant and the issues with that.

Interesting I think the consensus is that season 2 was the best (I agree with that). However the Christmas episode was like the most yelling I’ve seen in a show so I can see if you don’t that kind of dysfunctional loud communication it wouldn’t work for you. I thought the episode that focused on Richie and his growth was the best the show had ever been. “I wear suits now” is a great motto/example for anyone looking to make a radical change in their life.

 

[rockaction]

I think the first season of The Bear was great. Season 2 dips a little and I haven't even finished season 3. Shows like The Bear and movies like Anora or Uncut Gems that are just loud chaotic curse fests grate on me after awhile. I really enjoy the drama part and running the restaurant and the issues with that.

Interesting I think the consensus is that season 2 was the best (I agree with that). However the Christmas episode was like the most yelling I’ve seen in a show so I can see if you don’t that kind of dysfunctional loud communication it wouldn’t work for you. I thought the episode that focused on Richie and his growth was the best the show had ever been. “I wear suits now” is a great motto/example for anyone looking to make a radical change in their life.

I just ordered a collared dress shirt for $7.98 from the Banana Republic factory store. Haven’t worn a dress shirt in years. Does that count as a radical change?

:/

 

[rockaction]

No chance of B.J. and the Bear following The Bear here, I take it.

B.J. McKay and his best friend Bear

 

[FarFromHome]

I think the first season of The Bear was great. Season 2 dips a little and I haven't even finished season 3. Shows like The Bear and movies like Anora or Uncut Gems that are just loud chaotic curse fests grate on me after awhile. I really enjoy the drama part and running the restaurant and the issues with that.

Interesting I think the consensus is that season 2 was the best (I agree with that). However the Christmas episode was like the most yelling I’ve seen in a show so I can see if you don’t that kind of dysfunctional loud communication it wouldn’t work for you. I thought the episode that focused on Richie and his growth was the best the show had ever been. “I wear suits now” is a great motto/example for anyone looking to make a radical change in their life.

I just ordered a collared dress shirt for $7.98 from the Banana Republic factory store. Haven’t worn a dress shirt in years. Does that count as a radical change?

:/

At our age that is for sure a radical change. Yesterday I got my haircut and asked for a 3 on the sides instead of the normal 4. That was a big radial change in my life. New pants? Huge change. Collared shirt in your case is massive.

 

[Jayrod]

I think the first season of The Bear was great. Season 2 dips a little and I haven't even finished season 3. Shows like The Bear and movies like Anora or Uncut Gems that are just loud chaotic curse fests grate on me after awhile. I really enjoy the drama part and running the restaurant and the issues with that.

Interesting I think the consensus is that season 2 was the best (I agree with that). However the Christmas episode was like the most yelling I’ve seen in a show so I can see if you don’t that kind of dysfunctional loud communication it wouldn’t work for you. I thought the episode that focused on Richie and his growth was the best the show had ever been. “I wear suits now” is a great motto/example for anyone looking to make a radical change in their life.

I just ordered a collared dress shirt for $7.98 from the Banana Republic factory store. Haven’t worn a dress shirt in years. Does that count as a radical change?

:/

At our age that is for sure a radical change. Yesterday I got my haircut and asked for a 3 on the sides instead of the normal 4. That was a big radial change in my life. New pants? Huge change. Collared shirt in your case is massive.

I switched from 100% jeans everyday to 50/50 golf slacks and jeans this winter.

I'm like a freaking fashion model nowadays and my wife can't keep her hands off me.

 

[Todem]

41 - The Bear​

Drama
Score: 622
Average Rank: 42.7

A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop.

List Breakdown

Eephus 17
Yo Mama 25
Dr Octopus 27
Barry2 28
krista4 28
Frostillicus 29
The Gator 31
shuke 34
Atomic Punk 37
timschochet 37
steelerfan1 41
Maik Jeaunz 41
McBokonon 46
landrys hat 49
Scoresman 53
Hastur 55
BlackCrowes 56
Dan Lambskin 56
BLOCKED PUNT 57
Psychopav 61
Nick Vermeil 64
Pip's Invitation 68

41 - The Bear​

Drama
Score: 622
Average Rank: 42.7

A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop.

List Breakdown

Eephus 17
Yo Mama 25
Dr Octopus 27
Barry2 28
krista4 28
Frostillicus 29
The Gator 31
shuke 34
Atomic Punk 37
timschochet 37
steelerfan1 41
Maik Jeaunz 41
McBokonon 46
landrys hat 49
Scoresman 53
Hastur 55
BlackCrowes 56
Dan Lambskin 56
BLOCKED PUNT 57
Psychopav 61
Nick Vermeil 64
Pip's Invitation 68

if s3 was as good as the first two I would've had it top 10.

Season 3 we tapped out half way thru.

Seasons 1 and 2 was some outstanding television. It just got same ol same ol and totally formulatic quickly.

But those first two seasons are extremely great.

 

[Ilov80s]

I think the first season of The Bear was great. Season 2 dips a little and I haven't even finished season 3. Shows like The Bear and movies like Anora or Uncut Gems that are just loud chaotic curse fests grate on me after awhile. I really enjoy the drama part and running the restaurant and the issues with that.

Interesting I think the consensus is that season 2 was the best (I agree with that). However the Christmas episode was like the most yelling I’ve seen in a show so I can see if you don’t that kind of dysfunctional loud communication it wouldn’t work for you. I thought the episode that focused on Richie and his growth was the best the show had ever been. “I wear suits now” is a great motto/example for anyone looking to make a radical change in their life.

I just ordered a collared dress shirt for $7.98 from the Banana Republic factory store. Haven’t worn a dress shirt in years. Does that count as a radical change?

:/

At our age that is for sure a radical change. Yesterday I got my haircut and asked for a 3 on the sides instead of the normal 4. That was a big radial change in my life. New pants? Huge change. Collared shirt in your case is massive.

Funny I just went with a 3 as well. Had longer more of a side part hair cut maybe 3-4 inches long. I did keep it a bit longer on top. Hadn’t done the whole barber clippers and a fade in prolly 10 years. Looks good though and have gotten lots of compliments.

 

[Hastur]

Jeff Conway - Bobby Wheeler - Always found it funny in an ironic way the guy who played a struggling actor in the show would go on to be the 'least famous' of the bunch. He did the movie Grease, and then did well in the show Babylon 5.

Jeff Conaway had addiction issues like Ignatowski. He was on Dr. Drew's sobriety show, I think. He was one of the best actors on Taxi. His turn in Grease was memorable. Shame.

Yes, he was on Dr. Drew, who has been called exploitative of people because of the use of reality television for the treatment and care for addicts. I'm sure he claims it's a public service. I don't know how I feel about it, but on the show Conaway invoked feelings of pity and sadness. He was permanently stuck and had little control over his life. It was painful to watch.

I didn't know about any of that. Thank you.

 

[Scoresman]

40 - Veep​

Comedy
Score: 634
Average Rank: 25.7

Former Senator Selina Meyer finds that being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she hoped and everything that everyone ever warned her about.

List Breakdown

landrys hat 6
Instinctive 8
John Madden's Lunchbox 11
whoknew 13
kupcho1 14
Frostillicus 18
McBokonon 22
Nick Vermeil 24
Don Quixote 26
ilov80s 27
gr00vus 29
Runkle 32
BlackCrowes 64
Dr Octopus 66

 

[Scoresman]

Someone sell me on Veep. Never really considered watching it but this is pretty high. Is it more comedy than drama?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Someone sell me on Veep. Never really considered watching it but this is pretty high. Is it more comedy than drama?

It's a pure comedy.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Someone sell me on Veep. Never really considered watching it but this is pretty high. Is it more comedy than drama?

It has a great cast and offers intelligent humor. Gary Cole in particular cracked me up.

You also get some insight into how the White House operates.

 

[guru_007]

I liked The Bear pretty well. Some really good episodes, and acting was solid across the board. But, I haven't even had any want to start season 3 after watching the first two seasons. If this series came out 25 years ago, it would be ranked a good 50-100 spots lower. Not a single vote in the top 10 from anyone, I think it's been awhile since no pickles.

Never saw Veep, still no real interest.

Dexter was decent, but really fell off a cliff as was previously mentioned. Really had a thing for Deb

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Always wanted to watch Veep

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Always wanted to watch Veep

If only there was some way.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Always wanted to watch Veep

If only there was some way.

hey thanks! I assume this is you volunteering to give me $10 to buy season 1/the max app

 

[Scoresman]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

 

[FarFromHome]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

Yes!!!! Great show. I stumbled on this well after it was over and binged it hard. Great cast. Solid storyline. My type of show. Might have to rewatch this banger.

 

[Scoresman]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

Yes!!!! Great show. I stumbled on this well after it was over and binged it hard. Great cast. Solid storyline. My type of show. Might have to rewatch this banger.

I remember giving this a shot when Season 1 first came out but found it boring after a few episodes. I might need to revisit. At the time I was expecting Sopranos 2.0 which I dont think was very realistic.

 

[steelerfan1]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

thought this would be higher. generally not my type of show with the time period and all, but wife and I binged this and loved it.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I always thought it was pretty wild that a mainly comedic actor (or atleast that's how I perceived him) was the lead

 

[guru_007]

Will probably binge up Boardwalk Empire next month.
Always back burnered it - seemed like it would be okay, but I mean #39 of the top shows of all time can't be wrong!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Always wanted to watch Veep

If only there was some way.

hey thanks! I assume this is you volunteering to give me $10 to buy season 1/the max app

If you really needed $10 that badly, sure. Where should I send?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

I have two friends that were on this show - unfortunately one of them passed due to a stroke a few years back at only 46 years old. He was Garreth Murray one of Buscemi’s body guard.

My other friend is a dwarf so he played one of the midget boxers in one episode and one of the leprechauns in another.

 

[Scoresman]

38 - Parks and Recreation​

Comedy
Score: 674
Average Rank: 37.3

The absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.

List Breakdown

Don Quixote 10
Rand al Thor 12
McBokonon 13
landrys hat 13
Psychopav 14
Dr Octopus 20
ilov80s 33
Instinctive 36
KarmaPolice 37
Nick Vermeil 39
Yo Mama 39
turnjose7 41
Barry2 42
whoknew 45
Frostillicus 50
Atomic Punk 55
Maik Jeaunz 55
Binky 57
zamboni 67
The Gator 68

 

[AAABatteries]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

Loved this - I’ve always been fascinated by mobsters and the mafia so having a show with some of the most well known mobsters ever was a great touch. Last season was a little uneven with the Cuba stuff but the whole ride was enjoyable. Be warned - lots of violence and sex.

Also, the actor who played Capone is the Dad on the new Adolescence show and he’s great.

 

[kupcho1]

I always thought it was pretty wild that a mainly comedic actor (or atleast that's how I perceived him) was the lead

Oh boy, can't wait til we get to Albuquerque

 

[Nick Vermeil]

38 - Parks and Recreation​

Comedy
Score: 674
Average Rank: 37.3

The absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.

List Breakdown

Don Quixote 10
Rand al Thor 12
McBokonon 13
landrys hat 13
Psychopav 14
Dr Octopus 20
ilov80s 33
Instinctive 36
KarmaPolice 37
Nick Vermeil 39
Yo Mama 39
turnjose7 41
Barry2 42
whoknew 45
Frostillicus 50
Atomic Punk 55
Maik Jeaunz 55
Binky 57
zamboni 67
The Gator 68

Since submitting my list, we have started watching this with our kids (9/13). It's such a great show. They love it too, particularly Andy and Ron.

 

[zamboni]

I always thought it was pretty wild that a mainly comedic actor (or atleast that's how I perceived him) was the lead

Oh boy, can't wait til we get to Albuquerque

I doubt that obscure show makes it.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Parks & Recreation is a riot.

Any dog under 50 pounds is a cat, and cats are pointless.​

 

[KarmaPolice]

The Bear? Veep?

Dumb names, I'm not watching those.

 

[Yo Mama]

38 - Parks and Recreation​

Comedy
Score: 674
Average Rank: 37.3

The absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.

List Breakdown

Don Quixote 10
Rand al Thor 12
McBokonon 13
landrys hat 13
Psychopav 14
Dr Octopus 20
ilov80s 33
Instinctive 36
KarmaPolice 37
Nick Vermeil 39
Yo Mama 39
turnjose7 41
Barry2 42
whoknew 45
Frostillicus 50
Atomic Punk 55
Maik Jeaunz 55
Binky 57
zamboni 67
The Gator 68

Now this is a star-studded cast.

 

[Todem]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

Now here is one I totally brain farted on.

Love this show.

 

[Todem]

39 - Boardwalk Empire​

Drama
Score: 651
Average Rank: 32.7

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

List Breakdown

steelerfan1 9
Dan Lambskin 18
ilov80s 18
Rand al Thor 19
Keith R 19
Chaos34 19
AAABatteries 23
Binky 24
kupcho1 28
Sullie 29
Maik Jeaunz 36
The Gator 42
McBokonon 42
Dr Octopus 49
BLOCKED PUNT 54
Instinctive 61
shuke 66

Loved this - I’ve always been fascinated by mobsters and the mafia so having a show with some of the most well known mobsters ever was a great touch. Last season was a little uneven with the Cuba stuff but the whole ride was enjoyable. Be warned - lots of violence and sex.

Also, the actor who played Capone is the Dad on the new Adolescence show and he’s great.

Adolescence was gripping. Only 4 episodes.

But very very powerful.