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

[Scoresman]

Struggling to get to 50, much less 70. I expect to get there, but it's harder than I expected...

I think we're supposed to list OUR favorites - not just popular shows. I am going to gauge things based on "was this a MUST WATCH" back in the day. Like "Dallas" was a big deal ...never watched it - won't be on my list.

I have over 70 comedy related shows after a couple of google searches -

over 50 drama type shows and another 25+ docs and misc. shows


and some questions ... @Scoresman can you lay this out for us?

* Ken Burns docs - treat each series separately but not each episode within those series?

* Doc series that deal with similar subject matter but have different episodes (like Blue Planet, Planet Earth, The World At War, various Costeau docs, Cosmos, etc) - treat them as ONE show?

* Where did we land on the separate seasons for True Detective and Fargo seasons?

Each Ken Burns' doc series would be its own entry.

Yes to the Planet Earth stuff. Treat Planet Earth as a show, Blue Planet as a show, etc. Each individual title is its own show. If I'm understanding this right.

No separating out seasons for things like True Detective because it would bloat the lists and be too complicated. I know its tough with those shows because of the difference in quality between seasons, but try your best.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Are people including series that are not yet complete? I have at least one that I would put on there, but if it runs off the rails in the future then I'd regret it.

Yes I’m ranking them based on how I like it so far fully aware my ranking might change in the future.

I’ve got completed shows on my list that crapped the bed down the stretch. If I’m considering a current show top 70 now it might survive a Shark Jump. So it should be considered.

 

[Frostillicus]

I didn't know if I'd be able to come up with 70. I came up with 96. I'm in.

 

[shuke]

lets just shame people that list a reality show

Define "reality show". There are definitely a few shows that will be on my list but maybe they could be considered game shows.

And one of these I bet a lot of people have forgotten about and are going to say "oh **** I should have included that".

 

[Don Quixote]

lets just shame people that list a reality show

Define "reality show". There are definitely a few shows that will be on my list but maybe they could be considered game shows.

And one of these I bet a lot of people have forgotten about and are going to say "oh **** I should have included that".

I’m not sure the show talking about… but the one that came to mind is one that would have made my top 70 if you and GM made it on there.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Define "reality show". There are definitely a few shows that will be on my list but maybe they could be considered game shows.

I think competition shows are still considered "reality" but straddle that fence between that and game show. When I think of reality I think of something like the "Kardashians" or "Real Housewives" amd things like that. I think you could argue that some of the stuff on TLC straddles that line between reality and documentry. My stance is if you like it and think it's 1 of the best 70 tv shows you add it and don't care about what I think (no one else does!)

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

lets just shame people that list a reality show

Define "reality show". There are definitely a few shows that will be on my list but maybe they could be considered game shows.

And one of these I bet a lot of people have forgotten about and are going to say "oh **** I should have included that".

I figured this was disqualified as sports. Oh, and stop before the commercials kick in as the first one is political.

 

[zamboni]

Hoping for a surprising countdown appearance by It's Your Move.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

lets just shame people that list a reality show

Define "reality show". There are definitely a few shows that will be on my list but maybe they could be considered game shows.

And one of these I bet a lot of people have forgotten about and are going to say "oh **** I should have included that".

I figured this was disqualified as sports. Oh, and stop before the commercials kick in as the first one is political.

Oh man I might have to include that one where Kobayashi tries to eat more hotdogs than a bear

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Also do I get the entire run of Press Your Luck or is the Elizabeth Banks one treated separately?

 

[Barry2]

I'll give it a go scoresman. I understand everyone has not seen everything but there are some big shows I haven't seen.

 

[the moops]

Ehh, dont overthink this.

This. If there is a show you want to put it on your list, whether you haven't finished watching it, or whether the show is still in production, or whether it is technically a series of short movies, or whatever. Just put the damn show on your list and stand your ground friends.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

My biggest struggle will probably be leaving out a few good shows for some underrated personal favorites, although, I figure those shows may not match up with anyone else and not make the final 250 or however many he decides to roll out anyway. So I’ll probably just mention them afterwards

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Also I have 7 Sketch Comedy shows under consideration. Probably can’t include them all

 

[shuke]

I really wish we could submit 100.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

 

[The Gator]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

gtfo

 

[zamboni]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

 

[Gally]

clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

Bite your tongue

 

[Gally]

Hoping for a surprising countdown appearance by It's Your Move.

I was planning on having it on the list but it barely fell below the line once I started ranking things. I mean it was either that or Charlies's Angels and obviously I had to go with the Angels.

(It's not that far off of what actually happened during my list making)

 

[McBokonon]

lets just shame people that list a reality show

I doubt it will make my Final Cut, but first few seasons of Survivor were pretty captivating

Yeah there's a few that fall under "Reality" that are not complete trash.

The Real World will almost certainly be on my list. It was revolutionary and spawned a genre, after all. Fight me!

I dunno - seems like celebrating a serial killer just because he spawned a bunch of copycats.

 

[Gally]

And one of these I bet a lot of people have forgotten about and are going to say "oh **** I should have included that".

Spoiler: Guesses

Who Wants to be a Millionaire or To Tell the Truth or Match Game (I almost included this one)

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

gtfo

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

Bite your tongue

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Well I’ve got 58 must have shows, I’ve got to pull 12 out of another 82 I have on my list
Then I can start ranking

 

[The Gator]

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

Reported

 

[Gally]

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

It had been awhile since I watched it and I was worried that it would be dated and it would be an issue. I was pleasantly surprised that it held up and was still great. I think the Caddyshack comparison is not close either as the issue with Caddyshack is that the non sketch comedy gets too much in the way on a rewatch making it better to just remember the lines and bits than watch the movie. Not at all the same as Cheers.

 

[Hastur]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

gtfo

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

Bite your tongue

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

Are we safe to assume, then, there won't be any tv shows prior to 1980 on your list?

 

[zamboni]

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

It had been awhile since I watched it and I was worried that it would be dated and it would be an issue. I was pleasantly surprised that it held up and was still great. I think the Caddyshack comparison is not close either as the issue with Caddyshack is that the non sketch comedy gets too much in the way on a rewatch making it better to just remember the lines and bits than watch the movie. Not at all the same as Cheers.

Whether or not one enjoys the show, Cheers had some of the best/sharpest writing you'll find in TV history.

 

[Scoresman]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

This. We’re at 20+. I bet even 70 is too much but just trying to be safe.

 

[Tau837]

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

It had been awhile since I watched it and I was worried that it would be dated and it would be an issue. I was pleasantly surprised that it held up and was still great. I think the Caddyshack comparison is not close either as the issue with Caddyshack is that the non sketch comedy gets too much in the way on a rewatch making it better to just remember the lines and bits than watch the movie. Not at all the same as Cheers.

Whether or not one enjoys the show, Cheers had some of the best/sharpest writing you'll find in TV history.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

gtfo

I really wish we could submit 100.

Yeah, but with 10+ likely submitting I feel like those bottom ones won’t get enough points to make the countdown anyway since all the boomers will clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

clog it up with trash like MASH and Cheers and The Andy Griffith Show

Bite your tongue

Cheers will not be on my list. I’d be surprised if anyone under 50 has it
It’s the Caddyshack of TV Shows IMO

Are we safe to assume, then, there won't be any tv shows prior to 1980 on your list?

Maybe a handful, very few

 

[Shaft41]

I'm all in on just putting down what you have enjoyed watching, no matter the consensus on how "cultured" it is. When I look at lists of the highest ranked TV shows of all time, there's usually a bunch of the heavy hitters I've never seen a minute of. So, I'm putting crap on there that I've enjoyed, whether it's mindless or not, and I doubt most of them will get any other mentions, so they won't make the compiled list, but so be it. I didn't think I'd even get to 70 to consider, but I'm at 75 and should probably still dig deeper from my younger days on some crap I've forgotten about.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I really wish we could submit 100.

Opposite here. I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion, so this doesn't need my ignorant input. Didn't even watch talk shows or SNL, FFS.

 

[Gally]

So, I'm putting crap on there that I've enjoyed, whether it's mindless or not, and I doubt most of them will get any other mentions, so they won't make the compiled list,

I am right there with you. I already turned in my list and this is exactly how I ranked them. We will see if some of the more mindless ones make it or not.

 

[Hastur]

I'm all in on just putting down what you have enjoyed watching, no matter the consensus on how "cultured" it is. When I look at lists of the highest ranked TV shows of all time, there's usually a bunch of the heavy hitters I've never seen a minute of. So, I'm putting crap on there that I've enjoyed, whether it's mindless or not, and I doubt most of them will get any other mentions, so they won't make the compiled list, but so be it. I didn't think I'd even get to 70 to consider, but I'm at 75 and should probably still dig deeper from my younger days on some crap I've forgotten about.

This is where I'm at right now. I Love Lucy is iconic, pioneered the sitcom format, and invented the concept of syndication. I've watched several dozen episodes in my life. I like it. It's funny. However, it didn't make my list.

I guess it depends on how you define the word "greatest". I define it as my personal favorites. The ones that either significantly impacted me, enjoy watching over and over, or otherwise hold dear.

 

[Gally]

I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion,

You don't have to watch a show to completion to know if it is good or not.

 

[Gally]

I guess it depends on how you define the word "greatest". I define it as my personal favorites. The ones that either significantly impacted me, enjoy watching over and over, or otherwise hold dear.

I have plenty of shows in my list that match the bold. To me, the desire to watch a show over and over was a significant factor in my ranking.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion,

You don't have to watch a show to completion to know if it is good or not.

It's weird to me to rank something I haven't finished or watched.

 

[shuke]

And one of these I bet a lot of people have forgotten about and are going to say "oh **** I should have included that".

Spoiler: Guesses

Who Wants to be a Millionaire or To Tell the Truth or Match Game (I almost included this one)

No. Although I considered that third one.

 

[krista4]

I prefer the list to be a list of our personal favorite shows of all time.

This is where I'm at right now. I Love Lucy is iconic, pioneered the sitcom format, and invented the concept of syndication. I've watched several dozen episodes in my life. I like it. It's funny. However, it didn't make my list.

I guess it depends on how you define the word "greatest". I define it as my personal favorites. The ones that either significantly impacted me, enjoy watching over and over, or otherwise hold dear.

The first quote above is from the initial post. The title of the thread says "greatest," but I agree with Hastur and Shaft and, if I do this, in keeping with the first post it will be a list of personal favorites, greatness be damned.

 

[Gally]

It's weird to me to rank something I haven't finished or watched.

I don't think you can rank anything that you haven't watched at all. But not having finished it is fine. For example, I haven't seen every Columbo episode out there but I have seen enough to know that I wanted it on my list. Where I haven't seen any of Sopranos so it didn't make my list.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Opposite here. I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion, so this doesn't need my ignorant input. Didn't even watch talk shows or SNL, FFS.

That's a thing. SNL has at times been a favorite, but I probably have seen 10 to 20% of all the episodes so if I do this, I couldn't really consider it. But I guess since Fridays lasted so briefly in a sweet spot for me* I'm sure I've seen them all. (Wouldn't make the list.) Someone mentioned "70s". Sitcoms from that era would have a huge advantage over other shows since they lived on for decades in syndication. So something like Kolchak: The Night Stalker which I fondly remember scaring a certain 10 year old but have no idea if 50 years ago I saw 3 episodes or all 20. Or even if it completely sucked as a show beyond occasionally scaring a 10 year old.because hasn't been seen in 50 years, but it's 8.4 on IMDB suggests it might not be upper echelon, but others fondly remember it also.


* when a radio station was broadcasting full albums at midnight with enough of a commercial break between sides to flip the cassette and rewind

 

[Shaft41]

I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion,

You don't have to watch a show to completion to know if it is good or not.

It's weird to me to rank something I haven't finished or watched.

Knowing I missed a couple of episodes of Herman's Head back in '94 ain't stopping me from doing the right thing.

 

[KarmaPolice]

It's weird to me to rank something I haven't finished or watched.

I don't think you can rank anything that you haven't watched at all. But not having finished it is fine. For example, I haven't seen every Columbo episode out there but I have seen enough to know that I wanted it on my list. Where I haven't seen any of Sopranos so it didn't make my list.

I think more accurately is probably to say i was surprised by how little tv i have watched. Huge titles i've never watched or seen more than an episode or two of like Sopranos or SNL or Cheers or MASH, etc. When i do start something, even if i like it, i seem to only get to about S2 and flake out. 1/2 the ones i have completed, i didn't seem to like much at the end like GoT and True Blood.

I am interested in the results and countdown though.

 

[timschochet]

OK I’ll do this I think

 

[Scoresman]

I prefer the list to be a list of our personal favorite shows of all time.

This is where I'm at right now. I Love Lucy is iconic, pioneered the sitcom format, and invented the concept of syndication. I've watched several dozen episodes in my life. I like it. It's funny. However, it didn't make my list.

I guess it depends on how you define the word "greatest". I define it as my personal favorites. The ones that either significantly impacted me, enjoy watching over and over, or otherwise hold dear.

The first quote above is from the initial post. The title of the thread says "greatest," but I agree with Hastur and Shaft and, if I do this, in keeping with the first post it will be a list of personal favorites, greatness be damned.

With so many lists, I figure a list of personal bests WILL be great. I just don’t want everyone’s list to look the same because they are ranking things based on where popular consensus thinks they should be ranked.

That said, I feel like the popular consensus best shows are all really good shows that people like so I don’t expect anything too extreme.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion,

You don't have to watch a show to completion to know if it is good or not.

It's weird to me to rank something I haven't finished or watched.

Knowing I missed a couple of episodes of Herman's Head back in '94 ain't stopping me from doing the right thing.

I get what you are saying. For me its more likely ive only seen 2 episodes of something, not missed a few.

 

[Scoresman]

I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion,

You don't have to watch a show to completion to know if it is good or not.

It's weird to me to rank something I haven't finished or watched.

There’s a ton of unfinished shows though that deserve a spot IMO. I just rank based on how much of the show has been released.

I did not rank any show I haven’t watched or only watched one or two episodes of.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I tried to put a list together, but realized I have seen about 10 shows to completion,

You don't have to watch a show to completion to know if it is good or not.

That's what all my ex girlfriends would say.

 

[Gally]

OK I’ll do this I think

does Woody Allen do TV shows?

(kidding, kidding...hahaha)