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

153 - Mr. Show with Bob and David​

Comedy
Score: 219
Average Rank: 39.7

This is a sketch-comedy show. The twist here is that all of the sketches (Even the monologue) are connected in some strange way.

List Breakdown

Dan Lambskin 17
Binky 20
Pip's Invitation 26
gr00vus 32
McBokonon 55
Nick Vermeil 59
Dr Octopus 69

I am King **** of **** Mountain.

IYKYK

Just seconds late - literally seconds.

Mike Ness just brooded about it being the story of his life or something. I can relate.
 

156 - The Andy Griffith Show​

Comedy
Score: 208
Average Rank: 29.4

Widower Sheriff Andy and his son Opie live with Andy's Aunt Bee in Mayberry NC. With virtually no crimes to solve, most of Andy's time is spent philosophizing and calming down his cousin Deputy Barney.

List Breakdown

:pickle: AAABatteries 8
:pickle:turnjose7 9
Rand al Thor 23
Tau37 41
simey 66

Just did a re-watch of the Andy Griffith Show and it still cracks me up as much as ever

If you ever wonder why the rest of the country thinks the south is Hicksville, this show is the reason. Never could get into it because it didn't seem remotely real and watching the guys on the White Shadow play hoops was more entertaining.
 
The highlights for me over the last several are Scooby (Yes Tim, they were stoned for sure), clone wars(apparently I like cartoons) and Mr Show......Bob and Dave are two of my faves. Run Ronnie Run!!

I think the take away is I'm fairly unsophisticated, and easily amused.

Shout out to the Golden Girls. Loved it as a kid! I watched it with my mom and bro.
 

157 - The White Shadow​

Drama
Score: 207
Average Rank: 19.3

A white former NBA professional retires from the pro game and gets a job as a basketball coach in a predominantly Black inner-city high school.

List Breakdown

:pickle: zamboni 2
simey 14
gr00vus 17
Yo Mama 44

My third miss, with Burn Notice and Reacher. Would have been near the bottom of my top 70, but definitely in there.
 
Also shocked by some saying they’ve not heard of White Shadow - I’ve never watched and episode but it’s been talked about around here for years.

Yeah...I forgot about this show and wouldn't have ranked it, but it was solid enough to be in the rankings and memorable. Weird.
 
I feel obligated to discuss Andy and the gang as the highest voter.

There’s several reasons I have this ranked so high:
  • The biggest factor is family. I watched this with my Dad a lot as a kid. My parents divorced and Andy was always the Dad I wish I had but never did after the divorce. Years later as an adult we would occasionally talk about the show or on the rare instance we were together we would occasionally watch an episode.
  • In turn, I’ve watched some of it with my kids. When they were young it was one of the few comedies I felt they could watch - something to watch together other than cartoons
  • I’ll die on this hill but Barney Fife is the greatest sidekick in TV history - better than Norton, better than Constanza/Kramer, better than anyone I’ve seen. He made the show what it was.
  • Small town southern charm. Lots of negative stuff has been (deservedly) said about life in the south, especially during the years the show was set but for those of us who have grown up in the south, many of us can relate to Mayberry and the inhabitants thereof.
  • Rewatchability - I still feel like it holds up and can be funny for families today.
  • Life lessons - people rightfully loved Ted Lasso due to the incredible life lessons the show taught us - I think Andy Griffith was that show for me growing up. It teaches us to be kind, be honest, work hard, love your family and friends, and have fun.

Although I didn't have it on my final list, I'm absolutely shocked it wasn't higher in the rankings. Love this write-up!
 
can only stream what you know about or if it randomly pops up in your recomendations. I guess you could theoretically spend eons scrolling through everything! but ain't no one got time for that.

White Shadow isn't even streaming, It looks like someone added it to youtube and you can watch it on xfinity.
 
can only stream what you know about or if it randomly pops up in your recomendations.

Definitely true and I didn’t make my point well.

I just don’t get this idea of “ that was before my time so I’ve never heard of it.” I have the curiosity of wanting to know the best of “before my time” as well as the stuff that might be after my prime viewing years. So over the years I’ve watched the stuff that I wasn’t “there for” as well. Most of that still didn’t make my list, but at least I’m aware of it.

The thing where one participates in an all-time TV ranking but then says they didn’t consider anything but what they saw between a narrow period of their particular existence is what I don’t get.

For instance, “I never watched The White Shadow” is different (and to me, more understandable) than “that show ended before I was born.” To the latter, so what?
 

156 - The Andy Griffith Show​

Comedy
Score: 208
Average Rank: 29.4

Widower Sheriff Andy and his son Opie live with Andy's Aunt Bee in Mayberry NC. With virtually no crimes to solve, most of Andy's time is spent philosophizing and calming down his cousin Deputy Barney.

List Breakdown

:pickle: AAABatteries 8
:pickle:turnjose7 9
Rand al Thor 23
Tau37 41
simey 66

Just did a re-watch of the Andy Griffith Show and it still cracks me up as much as ever

If you ever wonder why the rest of the country thinks the south is Hicksville, this show is the reason. Never could get into it because it didn't seem remotely real and watching the guys on the White Shadow play hoops was more entertaining.
Readers added context they thought people might want to know

Hicksville is in New York.
 
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I just don’t get this idea of “ that was before my time so I’ve never heard of it.” I have the curiosity of wanting to know the best of “before my time” as well as the stuff that might be after my prime viewing years. So over the years I’ve watched the stuff that I wasn’t “there for” as well. Most of that still didn’t make my list, but at least I’m aware of it.
Turner Classic Movies is pretty much based on this model. We've seen a whole bunch of silent movies.
 
The Godfather? Came out before I was born so I’ve no interest in it.
I don't think that's what I'm saying at all. The oldest show on my list is from 1972. I'm just saying that I've never heard of White Shadow since it was before my time and I've never seen in it syndication or heard anyone mention it.
 
The Godfather? Came out before I was born so I’ve no interest in it.
I don't think that's what I'm saying at all. The oldest show on my list is from 1972. I'm just saying that I've never heard of White Shadow since it was before my time and I've never seen in it syndication or heard anyone mention it.
I can understand if one is under 45 years old or so not knowing about The White Shadow. It was only on for three seasons and while it left an indelible impression on several of us growing up and remains a cult classic, it's probably not a household name show that most people always think of from that era - which we'll see as we get further on here.

You Can't Beat Carver
 
can only stream what you know about or if it randomly pops up in your recomendations.

Definitely true and I didn’t make my point well.

I just don’t get this idea of “ that was before my time so I’ve never heard of it.” I have the curiosity of wanting to know the best of “before my time” as well as the stuff that might be after my prime viewing years. So over the years I’ve watched the stuff that I wasn’t “there for” as well. Most of that still didn’t make my list, but at least I’m aware of it.

The thing where one participates in an all-time TV ranking but then says they didn’t consider anything but what they saw between a narrow period of their particular existence is what I don’t get.

For instance, “I never watched The White Shadow” is different (and to me, more understandable) than “that show ended before I was born.” To the latter, so what?

I sort of discussed this before, but with a lot of TV shows (as opposed to movies), if I didn’t catch them in their time and place, or near it, they tend not to hold up enough for me to watch them. I get that is subjective. I do try, though. I tried watching an episode of White Shadow and it just felt really dated and I couldn’t get into it, for example. Homicide:Life on the Streets I made it further, but same thing eventually. Almost any sitcom. It’s the acting, the references, even the editing. There’s exceptions of course.
 
TV shows - I have watched many after the original airing but they tend to age worse than movies (IMO). The older they get, the less likely I am going to be interested in checking them out. I mentioned Homicide:Life on the Streets earlier. I tried this one recently because Peacock started streaming it and I heard great things, like Andre Braugher, etc. but I eventually lost interest. I’m sure it was groundbreaking when it came out so I appreciate it for that, but I’m good without seeing it.

Movies - I’ll watch old ones. Some of my top ten or so movies are from before I was born or right around it (12 Angry Men, Dr. Strangelove, Network). I think it’s just a different art form that can forget about trying to be relevant to a time and place on a weekly basis, I don’t know.
 
I’m also more willing to sit through 90 minutes of a movie that doesn’t grab me right away, especially if it’s lauded, than I am 7 seasons of something that doesn’t grab me, even if it’s lauded.
 
Sorry for the diversion. By the way, I’m surprised to see The White Shadow at this point on this list. It never crossed my mind. Had no idea it had become a cult classic.
 

151 - Suits​

Drama
Score: 223
Average Rank: 26.4

On the run from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant college-dropout, finds himself a job working with Harvey Specter, one of New York City's best lawyers.

List Breakdown

:pickle: Brutal Penquin 8
Shaft41 17
Instinctive 30
Gally 36
AAABatteries 41
I will fully admit this one probably got ranked as high as it did because of recency bias. My wife and I had literally finished watching the last episode of the last season of this right before I compiled my list. We never watched it when it originally aired and watched all 9 seasons on Netflix, as I assume others have. That being said, while the quality and storylines deviated throughout its run, I was consistently engaged by a world I have no concept of, living in a rural area and not involved in any sort of corporate environment. And, while it didn't achieve the same cultural zeitgeist as Seinfeld, I can't imagine Rick Hoffman won't be associated as anyone other than Louis Litt for the rest of his career just like Michael Richards will always be Kramer.
 

152 - SCTV​

Comedy
Score: 221
Average Rank: 34.2

The staff of Melonville's TV station put on programming that is unique in its own silly way.

List Breakdown

Binky 18
Eephus 22
Atomic Punk 25
Pip's Invitation 35
Barry2 37
Yo Mama 68
This was one I was thinking might slip through the cracks but glad to see it got some love. What an incredible cast with characters that lived way beyond the show.
 

152 - SCTV​

Comedy
Score: 221
Average Rank: 34.2

The staff of Melonville's TV station put on programming that is unique in its own silly way.

List Breakdown

Binky 18
Eephus 22
Atomic Punk 25
Pip's Invitation 35
Barry2 37
Yo Mama 68
This was one I was thinking might slip through the cracks but glad to see it got some love. What an incredible cast with characters that lived way beyond the show.
My bad for overlooking this. Probably better than 98% of anything SNL has done, and I might be being too conservative.
 
We never watched it when it originally aired and watched all 9 seasons on Netflix,
This is me as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the quick banter of Harvey and Mike and their interactions with Louis Litt. Donna was tremendous and the Princess was much better at acting that ever though she would be. Just great characters, chemistry and I loved the movie references as well.

My only negative is that as the show went on the over the top blow ups over a misunderstanding early in the episodes and then the resolutions became a bit repetitive but overall it was a great run and entertaining the whole way through. I could have easily had it 5-10 spots higher but it just happened to slot in at 36 as I created my list.
 
can only stream what you know about or if it randomly pops up in your recomendations. I guess you could theoretically spend eons scrolling through everything! but ain't no one got time for that.

White Shadow isn't even streaming, It looks like someone added it to youtube and you can watch it on xfinity.
Thanks for calling out that the episodes are on YouTube. I watched the first couple episodes last night. Word of warning for those giving the show a shot. It appears to have had a tiny operating budget at first until it caught some steam. The first episode looks like it was filmed using a single hand held camcorder. I promise it gets better and it’s worth sticking with.
 

150 - Night Court​

Comedy
Score: 223
Average Rank: 46.2

An eccentric fun-loving judge presides over an urban night court and all the silliness going on there.

List Breakdown

Jayrod 24
Shaft41 30
Hastur 42
gr00vus 44
UncleZen 49
Pip's Invitation 52
Barry2 54
Keith R 59
whoknew 62
Loved it when it was on but It didn't seem to hold up at all. I watched a couple episodes in the recent past and it was not quite there for me. Because of that I didn't have it on my list.
 

150 - Night Court​

Comedy
Score: 223
Average Rank: 46.2

An eccentric fun-loving judge presides over an urban night court and all the silliness going on there.

List Breakdown

Jayrod 24
Shaft41 30
Hastur 42
gr00vus 44
UncleZen 49
Pip's Invitation 52
Barry2 54
Keith R 59
whoknew 62
Great show. Holds up well.

John Larroquette won the Emmy for best performance in a comedy several times in a row, and asked to be removed so others could have a chance of winning.
 

150 - Night Court​

Comedy
Score: 223
Average Rank: 46.2

An eccentric fun-loving judge presides over an urban night court and all the silliness going on there.

List Breakdown

Jayrod 24
Shaft41 30
Hastur 42
gr00vus 44
UncleZen 49
Pip's Invitation 52
Barry2 54
Keith R 59
whoknew 62
Great show. Holds up well.

John Larroquette won the Emmy for best performance in a comedy several times in a row, and asked to be removed so others could have a chance of winning.
What a guy
 
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If you ever wonder why the rest of the country thinks the south is Hicksville, this show is the reason. Never could get into it because it didn't seem remotely real and watching the guys on the White Shadow play hoops was more entertaining.
I've never thought of Mayberry as being some Hicksville town. It's simple living in a small town, which all states have. Not many characters even have a southern accent (which some people find hillbilly or hickish) in it. Andy had a slight one, and he was from NC, which is where Mayberry was located on the show.

In my experience, I always found the small town feel of the show real. Both of my parents are from small towns in the foothills. Change out Floyd the barber for my grandmother's hairdresser Ester. The towns have baking and canning competitions, square dancing on Wednesday nights in the basement of the old rock school, they'd all congregate at a diner, all are church goers and if you were in the choir or joy club that was a big deal, and it was a really big deal if you had the preacher over for dinner. There were fishing holes where people fished, picnicked, or cooled off in the summer. Everybody knows everybody. The sheriff in town would call my mom who lived about an hour and 50 minutes away to tell her that the son of the lady who was taking care of my grandmother was hanging out on my grandmother's front porch with his friends a lot, and that these friends were bad news. She was kept in the loop even though she hadn't lived there in decades. Anyway, my grandparents lived the Mayberry life, and so did my parents until they moved in their 20s. Their hometowns very much remind me of Mayberry.

Mount Airy where Andy is from, and Mayberry is based on, still has its annual Mayberry Days festival. This year it is in September. Some of the actors, writers, producers, and family of the original series have attended over the years. Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou was at most of the festivals, and moved to Mount Airy years ago. She passed there in 2021. Andy lived in Manteo in his older years, and my friend's dad worked for the telephone company, and one day he was outside of Andy's house working on telephone lines. Andy wasn't home, and my friend's dad had to pee real bad, so he urinated on a tree. Andy pulled up when he was peeing, and got out of his car and said something like, "Sometimes when nature calls we have to answer." My friend said her dad was so embarrassed. Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) lived in Siler City, NC, and was originally from New York. Frances had a reputation for being a "Get off my lawn" type person in that town. Andy said a few months before she died, she called and apologized to him for being difficult on the set during their Andy Griffith Show days. He forgave her, and she's probably cooked him and the gang (minus Opie) some Sunday "suppas" up in Mayberry heaven.

Barney Fife is one of my all-time favorite characters. Don Knotts really brought the comedic side to The Andy Griffith Show. Due to that show, I always want to call someone named Andy "Ange," but I don't. It's on the tip of my tongue, though.
 
never seen sctv

watched the first 3 or 4 seasons of Suits and then got pretty bored with it.

watched all of night court and it's ok but didn't feel like it was good enough to include.
 

151 - Suits​

Drama
Score: 223
Average Rank: 26.4

On the run from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant college-dropout, finds himself a job working with Harvey Specter, one of New York City's best lawyers.

List Breakdown

:pickle: Brutal Penquin 8
Shaft41 17
Instinctive 30
Gally 36
AAABatteries 41
This should have been on mine, damn it
 

149 - Hill Street Blues​

Crime
Score: 224
Average Rank: 39

The lives and work of the staff of an inner city police precinct.

List Breakdown

Tau37 12
kupcho1 18
krista4 30
Atomic Punk 41
Rand al Thor 49
BlackCrowes 53
Yo Mama 70
I never saw this all the way through - on my do list - which is why I didn't rank it. Tremendous show - and another top tier theme, with Larry Carlton shredding.
 

151 - Suits​

Drama
Score: 223
Average Rank: 26.4
Suits was great and, like others, my wife and I binged them on Netflix. I especially like characters with hidden special powers or smarts, hence my high rankings for Suits, Bull (which won't be appearing here) and a medical show that might be coming later.

Eta: Oh, and Donna! Can't not mention Donna.
 

149 - Hill Street Blues​

Crime
Score: 224
Average Rank: 39

The lives and work of the staff of an inner city police precinct.

List Breakdown

Tau37 12
kupcho1 18
krista4 30
Atomic Punk 41
Rand al Thor 49
BlackCrowes 53
Yo Mama 70
To me, this is one of the greatest and most ground-breaking TV shows of all time. I'm sure it may looked dated now, but that's only because almost every show worth a damn since ripped it off. That final scene in the very first episode let you know this wasn't something that had been done before.
 
152. SCTV: --/--
151. Suits: 91/87
152. Night Court: --/-- (IMDB: 5.8)
149. Hill Street Blues: 97/85
 

150 - Night Court​

Comedy
Score: 223
Average Rank: 46.2

An eccentric fun-loving judge presides over an urban night court and all the silliness going on there.

List Breakdown

Jayrod 24
Shaft41 30
Hastur 42
gr00vus 44
UncleZen 49
Pip's Invitation 52
Barry2 54
Keith R 59
whoknew 62
Loved it when it was on but It didn't seem to hold up at all. I watched a couple episodes in the recent past and it was not quite there for me. Because of that I didn't have it on my list.
Same experience.
 

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