The Top 300 Greatest TV Shows of All Time: FBG Consensus: 50 Lists received. 2: Seinfeld 1: Breaking Bad (14 Viewers)

[zamboni]

How many television shows came from commercials?

Some of the most notables:
Ted Lasso
the Geico Caveman
The California Raisin Show
Hey Vern, It's Ernest!

Max Headroom was another IIRC

 

[B Maverick]

30 - The Americans​

Drama
Score: 774
Average Rank: 25.5

Two Soviet intelligence agents pose as a married couple to spy on the American government.

List Breakdown

McBokonon 2
Gally 9
KarmaPolice 10
zamboni 14
Scoresman 15
Chaos34 18
shuke 20
Don Quixote 20
BlackCrowes 20
simey 20
Yo Mama 24
Binky 28
Tau37 39
AAABatteries 44
Sullie 49
The Gator 50
Psychopav 51

ive tried starting this 3x and have quit each time. i don't know why i stop, as it is captivating. going to have to stick with it one of these times.

I think I am somewhere near the end of S4. Or maybe started S5? Sadly it got repetitive and not as fun and I just couldn't keep going. I may have to revisit with how many saying how good the ending is.

 

[Todem]

32 - Survivor​

Reality
Score: 742
Average Rank: 27.4

A reality show where a group of contestants are stranded in a remote location with little more than the clothes on their back. The lone survivor of this contest takes home a million dollars.

List Breakdown

Shaft41 2
Instinctive 3
krista4 9
Maik Jeaunz 12
UncleZen 12
Rand al Thor 16
Nick Vermeil 16
Yo Mama 17
simey 18
Pip's Invitation 19
Runkle 21
Atomic Punk 21
Scoresman 56
AAABatteries 56
steelerfan1 61
Gally 63
turnjose7 63

I only watched the first season of Survivor and while i did like it, I liked it because it was so different. Never had any desire to watch subsequent seasons.

29 - Ted Lasso​

Comedy
Score: 788
Average Rank: 31.6

American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.

List Breakdown

Gally 1
Bottomfeeder Sports 10
The Gator 10
krista4 15
steelerfan1 15
Hastur 16
Don Quixote 21
AAABatteries 22
Atomic Punk 23
turnjose7 23
Yo Mama 34
Scoresman 36
KarmaPolice 36
Dr Octopus 38
gr00vus 47
McBokonon 50
BlackCrowes 54
whoknew 56
Nick Vermeil 57
Rand al Thor 68

Survivor.....one giant MEH for me. Watched the first season like everyone did.....and never again. Just not my thing. Now Naked and Afraid....different story LOL.

Ted Lasso......fantastic 3 seasons of pure heart. Just missed my top 70 as I nostalgia'd probably a little too much. Lasso is awesome. We need more shows like Ted Lasso.

 

[titusbramble]

Yeah, I just never wanted to watch Survivor, Big Brother, Date My Grandma Island, etc. type shows. Not surprised Survivor is way up here, though.

Same. I watched the first series of Big Brother over here as it was almost entirety a completely new concept at the time, and it attracted (and the producers selected) more or less a group of normal people. After that it just immediately became wannabes and contestant selections which were made purely to generate reactions and the entire thing became fake and pointless overnight.

Probably the only thing of a similar ilk that worked for me that lasted for more than one season, and was a top ten pick for me and 99.99999% certainly not picked by anyone else, was late 90s game show Wanted. Basically imagine the plot of the book version of the Running Man, except:

a) the runners needed to do a task each day and not get spotted to earn any money
b) they had to see out the hour of the weekly live show in a phone booth without being found by the trackers
c) the trackers only needed to find them, not kill them

 

[simey]

I think The Americans is a perfect example of a show that never jumped the shark, stayed consistently good throughout it's run, and absolutely nailed the ending.

We’ve talked about great endings a few times along the way - this one has to rank way up there.

It's a top 5 favorite series finale for me.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Yep, unless this proposed and wildly unnecessary season surprises me, Ted Lasso might drop out of my Top 75 altogether. I have it at 50 on the strength of the first season and then the mild decline in the subsequent seasons, but felt they stuck the landing. Overall, like most, I was surprised by what the show ended up being in a good way.

It's a great one season show for me. Came at the perfect time during Covid - exactly what I needed that year. I felt it dropped off a cliff starting early in season 2 and I didn't get more than a few episodes in before dropping it, despite Hannah Waddingham's spectacularly massive butt.

 

[Hastur]

Yep, unless this proposed and wildly unnecessary season surprises me, Ted Lasso might drop out of my Top 75 altogether. I have it at 50 on the strength of the first season and then the mild decline in the subsequent seasons, but felt they stuck the landing. Overall, like most, I was surprised by what the show ended up being in a good way.

It's a great one season show for me. Came at the perfect time during Covid - exactly what I needed that year. I felt it dropped off a cliff starting early in season 2 and I didn't get more than a few episodes in before dropping it, despite Hannah Waddingham's spectacularly massive butt.

Shame! Shame!

/GOT

 

[Rand al Thor]

30 - The Americans​

Drama
Score: 774
Average Rank: 25.5

Two Soviet intelligence agents pose as a married couple to spy on the American government.

List Breakdown

McBokonon 2
Gally 9
KarmaPolice 10
zamboni 14
Scoresman 15
Chaos34 18
shuke 20
Don Quixote 20
BlackCrowes 20
simey 20
Yo Mama 24
Binky 28
Tau37 39
AAABatteries 44
Sullie 49
The Gator 50
Psychopav 51

ive tried starting this 3x and have quit each time. i don't know why i stop, as it is captivating. going to have to stick with it one of these times.

I think I am somewhere near the end of S4. Or maybe started S5? Sadly it got repetitive and not as fun and I just couldn't keep going. I may have to revisit with how many saying how good the ending is.

Same here. I think I made it through season 2 but for whatever reason, I just lost interest. But then again, I couldn't finish season1 of Mad Men either.

 

[UncleZen]

A reality show at 32?

Only seen the first season of the americans though

The question is, Is it the last reality show to appear...?

Uh. No. Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew hasn't been listed yet. That's the show when we realized how awesome Gary Busey was.

I thought we had Celebrity Apprentice for that!

 

[UncleZen]

Regarding Survivor, yes, at times it seems rather "lather, rinse, repeat" but it changes just enough every season to keep it interesting. In fact, on the last episode in the middle of season 48, they just had a 15 minute segment of the best there has ever been on Survivor.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

A reality show at 32?

Only seen the first season of the americans though

The question is, Is it the last reality show to appear...?

Uh. No. Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew hasn't been listed yet. That's the show when we realized how awesome Gary Busey was.

I thought we had Celebrity Apprentice for that!

You're fired

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Did you read that in a trump voice, uncle?

 

[steelerfan1]

ive tried starting this 3x and have quit each time. i don't know why i stop, as it is captivating. going to have to stick with it one of these times.

My wife was in this group as well. We must have watched the first 3 episodes 4 times over the years, and she always bailed. When she ended up being out of town for a couple of weeks, I binged the entire series (all 75 episodes). I didn't put together a list, but it probably would have been in my Top 5. I thought it was consistently good throughout. IMO, there are too many shows that are good for the first few seasons and then start to taper off. I can't think of anything I didn't enjoy about it.

I currently am in the beginning episodes of Twin Peaks, but this may be up next. The Wire started slow for me but stuck with it due to people here, and it would have ranked really high for me.

 

[steelerfan1]

30 - The Americans​

Drama
Score: 774
Average Rank: 25.5

Two Soviet intelligence agents pose as a married couple to spy on the American government.

List Breakdown

McBokonon 2
Gally 9
KarmaPolice 10
zamboni 14
Scoresman 15
Chaos34 18
shuke 20
Don Quixote 20
BlackCrowes 20
simey 20
Yo Mama 24
Binky 28
Tau37 39
AAABatteries 44
Sullie 49
The Gator 50
Psychopav 51

ive tried starting this 3x and have quit each time. i don't know why i stop, as it is captivating. going to have to stick with it one of these times.

I think I am somewhere near the end of S4. Or maybe started S5? Sadly it got repetitive and not as fun and I just couldn't keep going. I may have to revisit with how many saying how good the ending is.

Same here. I think I made it through season 2 but for whatever reason, I just lost interest. But then again, I couldn't finish season1 of Mad Men either.

Mad men didn’t do it for me either.

 

[steelerfan1]

Regarding Survivor, yes, at times it seems rather "lather, rinse, repeat" but it changes just enough every season to keep it interesting. In fact, on the last episode in the middle of season 48, they just had a 15 minute segment of the best there has ever been on Survivor.

Got a little dusty in my living room for sure.

 

[zamboni]

Unrelated to the countdown, but Just watched Adolescence and can't recommend it enough. Only four episodes, but man was it powerful and an unbelievable gut punch as a parent.

I hope this gets enough play to make it in future countdowns here - it's that good IMO.

ETA: I see that it was discussed a bit in the Netflix thread and earlier here, so apologies for already covered ground.

 

[Hastur]

Dear Mr. Scoreman,

As tempting as it may be, utilizing April Fools Day in this thread and throwing 'Mr. Belvedere' out there today is unacceptable and will be met with harsh judgement and at least 5 'golf clap' emoji's.

Your adoring fans,
Hastur

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I cannot fathom how Small Wonder got four seasons and NINETY SIX episodes!

And if that's spotlighting - shame on you all.

 

[zamboni]

I cannot fathom how Small Wonder got four seasons and NINETY SIX episodes!

And if that's spotlighting - shame on you all.

Syndicated shows not on the major networks were pretty rare in those days and probably not too expensive - so they probably milked them for all they could.

 

[FarFromHome]

I cannot fathom how Small Wonder got four seasons and NINETY SIX episodes!

And if that's spotlighting - shame on you all.

Syndicated shows not on the major networks were pretty rare in those days and probably not too expensive - so they probably milked them for all they could.

Obviously you haven't seen the scene where Vicki picks up a car or throws a washing machine. That was top notch expensive CGI. Cutting edge stuff. Ha ha

 

[Hastur]

I cannot fathom how Small Wonder got four seasons and NINETY SIX episodes!

And if that's spotlighting - shame on you all.

This was early/mid eighties. The target audience was 11 year olds. They were keylatch kids. The parents were both out running down that dollar. The t.v. execs were up in the ivory tower calling the shots while blowing thru a full pound of booger sugar right there on the conference table.

It was no holds barred and it was glorious. Until they finally messed up and green-lit 'Cop Rock'.

 

[zamboni]

There are probably more Cop Rock references in this thread than on this entire board over the previous 20+ years.

 

[Hastur]

There are probably more Cop Rock references in this thread than on this entire board over the previous 20+ years.

It is the gold standard of "Somebody is gonna get fired for this".

 

[Scoresman]

28 - Here Comes Honey Boo Boo​

Reality
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

A reality-TV show featuring the life of "Toddlers and Tiaras" competitor Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson and her overweight family through their day-to-day lives.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

 

[zamboni]

There are probably more Cop Rock references in this thread than on this entire board over the previous 20+ years.

It is the gold standard of "Somebody is gonna get fired for this".

For most, yes, but Stephen Bochco already had enough street cred to wash that filth away and remain unscathed.

 

[zamboni]

28 - Here Comes Honey Boo Boo​

Reality
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

A reality-TV show featuring the life of "Toddlers and Tiaras" competitor Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson and her overweight family through their day-to-day lives.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

Interesting - the only Boo Boo I expected to see here was Yogi Bear's sidekick.

 

[krista4]

4/1/25

 

[zamboni]

4/1/25

Right - duh

 

[kupcho1]

Thanks for reminding me not to use Spotify's DJ feature today.

 

[The Gator]

 

[Scoresman]

Well that kind of fell falt because you all knew what day it was. Real # 28 up next.

 

[Hastur]

Well that kind of fell falt because you all knew what day it was. Real # 28 up next.

Sorry, I absolutely spoiled your fun. My bad. I'll go sit in the corner until either my #1 shows up or another reality show that I will not be able to resist commenting on.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Well that kind of fell falt because you all knew what day it was. Real # 28 up next.

I thought it was well played anyway. The worst show ever. Mr Belvedere just can't compare.

 

[The Gator]

Well that kind of fell falt because you all knew what day it was. Real # 28 up next.

i chuckled

 

[Todem]

28 - Here Comes Honey Boo Boo​

Reality
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

A reality-TV show featuring the life of "Toddlers and Tiaras" competitor Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson and her overweight family through their day-to-day lives.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

April Fools joke right? RIGHT!!!!

 

[Yo Mama]

28 - Here Comes Honey Boo Boo​

Yo Mama 47

How dare you!

 

[Scoresman]

28 - The Brady Bunch Variety Hour​

Comedy
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

 

[Dr. Octopus]

28 - Here Comes Honey Boo Boo​

Reality
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

A reality-TV show featuring the life of "Toddlers and Tiaras" competitor Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson and her overweight family through their day-to-day lives.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

April Fools joke right? RIGHT!!!!

My 53 show is much better. It hasn't showed up yet, but I'm not sure it will at this point.

 

[Yo Mama]

28 - The Brady Bunch Variety Hour​

Comedy
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

I told you I had a bunch of variety shows on my list. Loved the chemistry between these kids. Was a must watch growing up.

 

[Yo Mama]

I think I can guess the real 28 if those are the real rankings for it.

 

[zamboni]

It happened...with fake Jan

 

[steelerfan1]

28 - The Brady Bunch Variety Hour​

Comedy
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

There's an error Scores, I had this #15...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I think I can guess the real 28 if those are the real rankings for it.

Oh - maybe my show will make the list then.

 

[Hastur]

28 - The Brady Bunch Variety Hour​

Comedy
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

I am officially stepping away from this thread until tomorrow.

How do we know what is real

 

[kupcho1]

Please make it stop.

 

[Scoresman]

Ok ok ok enough of that.

Those two weren't randomly chosen. My wife and I did watch Honey Boo boo. It was a highly entertaining train wreck at the very least.

And I did make it halfway through the BB Variety Hour back in the day. I really like the Brady Bunch.

 

[Scoresman]

28 - Justified​

Drama
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

Old-school U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is reassigned from Miami to his childhood home in the poor, rural coal-mining towns in Eastern Kentucky.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

 

[KarmaPolice]

Is the lack of pickles justified?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Season 1 is tough to get through because there’s a lot of one off episodes but once it finds its stride it’s really good

 

[Shaft41]

28 - Justified​

Drama
Score: 793
Average Rank: 33.2

Old-school U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is reassigned from Miami to his childhood home in the poor, rural coal-mining towns in Eastern Kentucky.

List Breakdown

Gally 13
landrys hat 16
Instinctive 18
Maik Jeaunz 18
whoknew 18
Shaft41 19
Dan Lambskin 19
Chaos34 24
Sullie 25
steelerfan1 30
shuke 31
Nick Vermeil 35
McBokonon 36
Binky 38
BlackCrowes 39
Yo Mama 47
Tau37 48
The Gator 51
Dr Octopus 53
UncleZen 59
AAABatteries 61

Yes, I had this in a 3 way tie in Honey Boo Boo and Greg Brady. Weird.