The Top 300 Greatest TV Shows of All Time: FBG Consensus: 50 Lists received. 2: Seinfeld 1: Breaking Bad (17 Viewers)

[BrutalPenguin]

Cheers is nowhere near the greatest theme song. Off the top of my head, The Rockford Files, Taxi, The Odd Couple, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, all better. And there’s probably a lot I’m not thinking of at the moment.

No lyrics, but the Mission Impossible theme is pretty catchy.

 

[shuke]

there were much more interesting sitcoms to a 6-12 year old like Alf, Small Wonder, etc.

Stop with the spoilers until the countdown is over please.

 

[timschochet]

Cheers is nowhere near the greatest theme song. Off the top of my head, The Rockford Files, Taxi, The Odd Couple, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, all better. And there’s probably a lot I’m not thinking of at the moment.

No lyrics, but the Mission Impossible theme is pretty catchy.

Yep. And that made me think of Peter Gunn, so classic.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Cheers is nowhere near the greatest theme song. Off the top of my head, The Rockford Files, Taxi, The Odd Couple, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, all better. And there’s probably a lot I’m not thinking of at the moment.

No lyrics, but the Mission Impossible theme is pretty catchy.

Yep. And that made me think of Peter Gunn, so classic.

Best theme song hands down

It takes a lot to make a stew…

 

[shuke]

Starred in a show no one likes but me called Grounded for Life

Was in a pretty solid show that no one has heard of named Terriers

I liked both these shows, but not enough to rank.

 

[shuke]

But it should have been half that many episodes. I mean there is a whole thread here about how bad it got.

But here's the thing. It really has been about the same forever.

 

[Tick]

SNL is an American Institution. Definitely deserves top 10 ranking.

I got to grow up into the 80's, and 90's staying up late with my buddies watching the Church Lady, Matt Foley motivational speaker, Bill Swerski"s superfans (daaaaa Bearsss!), Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy, weekend update with Dennis Miller, Wayne's World.....the list goes on and on...

I'm not sure I've ever laughed as hard as I did when I saw the first Matt Foley sketch. David Spade and Christina Applegate, playing the kids Foley was trying to motivate, couldn't contain themselves either.

Years later I realized another layer of what made it funny -- pretty much every motivational speaker I've ever seen or heard of is doing that gig AFTER they overcame whatever challenges they had. But Foley had overcome nothing, he was still living in a van down by the river.

Chris Farley could kill you with a facial expression. Or hiking up his pants.....best physical comedian of all time. Still miss that guy a lot......I spose his inner demons were part of what made him who he was

I don't know about all that...

Name one better......and Belushi was not better

For physical comedy I would go with either Peter Seller's or John Ritter

no Carey?

Or Steve Martin, or Chevy Chase, or Rowan Atkinson, or JOHN BELUSHI. I said it. Fight me.

The list is long and debatable, no bout adout it. Just because Farley is dead doesn't mean we have to crown his ***. (too soon?)

Chippendales made people vomit from laughing so hard (I assume).

Sure, but does that makes Chris Farley the best physical comedian of all time?

Okay, second behind Mike Wazowski.

 

[Manster]

SNL is an American Institution. Definitely deserves top 10 ranking.

I got to grow up into the 80's, and 90's staying up late with my buddies watching the Church Lady, Matt Foley motivational speaker, Bill Swerski"s superfans (daaaaa Bearsss!), Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy, weekend update with Dennis Miller, Wayne's World.....the list goes on and on...

I'm not sure I've ever laughed as hard as I did when I saw the first Matt Foley sketch. David Spade and Christina Applegate, playing the kids Foley was trying to motivate, couldn't contain themselves either.

Years later I realized another layer of what made it funny -- pretty much every motivational speaker I've ever seen or heard of is doing that gig AFTER they overcame whatever challenges they had. But Foley had overcome nothing, he was still living in a van down by the river.

Chris Farley could kill you with a facial expression. Or hiking up his pants.....best physical comedian of all time. Still miss that guy a lot......I spose his inner demons were part of what made him who he was

I don't know about all that...

Name one better......and Belushi was not better

For physical comedy I would go with either Peter Seller's or John Ritter

no Carey?

These guys are all great. Farley was better.

 

[shuke]

Can I write in Curly Howard?

Soitently.

I had The Three Stooges listed as #24 on my list. Yes, I know they started out as shorts between movies in the 39's and 40's. 99% of people know them from television though. Same for Bugs Bunny.

Everyone in this thread needs to step back and reevaluate their lives for not putting these geniuses on their list. They are the bridge between vaudville and television. In terms of iconic television milestones, it goes

#62 for me

 

[Instinctive]

Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Arrested Development, Barry)

Great choice. He's also in Parks and Rec

By far the best option for me of anything listed. I would happily watch any of these and probably laugh my *** off in the process.

He's also in Royal Pains isnt he?

 

[Gally]

Cheers is nowhere near the greatest theme song.

Wrong

 

[Scoresman]

Cheers may or may not be the best, but I know for sure Friends is the worst.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Cheers may or may not be the best, but I know for sure Friends is the worst.

not according to this

 

[northern exposure]

Cheers may or may not be the best, but I know for sure Friends is the worst.

Best post in the entire thread.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Cheers is nowhere near the greatest theme song. Off the top of my head, The Rockford Files, Taxi, The Odd Couple, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, all better. And there’s probably a lot I’m not thinking of at the moment.

I eagerly await the inevitable countdown where you reveal the actual #1 is actually Fawlty Towers.

 

[Hastur]

Cheers is nowhere near the greatest theme song. Off the top of my head, The Rockford Files, Taxi, The Odd Couple, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, all better. And there’s probably a lot I’m not thinking of at the moment.

I eagerly await the inevitable countdown where you reveal the actual #1 is actually Fawlty Towers.

You take Fawlty Towers out of our mouth! I swear to God, I will drive to wherever you live and challenge you to whatever challenge you use. Pizza, wings, burgers, I don't care.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Since we are sharing our lists of what didn't make it...sorry, it's so long but I didn't try to match my shows with other peoples. Really just a different viewing experience with no HBO growing up and haven't gotten the max or apple tv apps yet...



Condor is a spy thriller based on this movie.
Tyrant is a fish out of water story about an American family that goes to live in the middle east. Drama
Better Things has Anora's Mikey Madison with slightly more clothing. Pamela Adlon is great too.
Ash vs Evil Dead is very funny show starring the great Bruce Campbell.
Wings very very shocked this didn't make the top 300. Well maybe not, it only has a 7.3 rating but I thought it was funny and enjoyable. Thought it might be right up your guys alley being an early 90's show w/ nick at nite syndication.
Robot Chicken funny animated sketch comedy show that lasted a decade.
Full House another slight shocker to me. I grew up watching this and all the actors involved are semi popular and well know (or at least that was my perception) so I thought it might be a shared experience. It does have a 6.8 so maybe it's not that well liked.
The Path Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame is in a cult. Hijinks occur. Drama. Really liked Hugh Dancy in this.
American Crime Story Anthology crime docudrama.
Legion Kinda trippy but well acted, IMHO. Has Aubrey Plaza.
The Food That Built America The joke is that the History Channel doesn't do history anymore. Mostly true. The last time I turned to it it was back to back episodes of Pawn Stars until infomercials at night but they aren't as bad as MTV and still dip into their roots. I like history and documentaries so something like this is right up my alley. All their ..... that built America series are good but I particularly enjoy this.
Dark Side of the Ring see above. I also used to like wrestling as a kid.
Hatfields & McCoys Docudrama about the Hatfield–McCoy feud that took place from 1863-1891 and Stars Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton.
Casual Rauncy comedy
Genius Anthology docudrama about famous people.
Manhattan drama set during WW2 in Los Alamos
The Outer Limits (1995) I've never seen the one from the 60's so I don't know if this is a straight up remake of the same stories or if it's just a reboot of a scfi anthology that borrows the same name.
Trust docudrama about John Paul Getty III and his vacation in Italy.
You're the Worst I know that at least one other person listed this. Dark romcom.
Dead Like Me I've mentioned it before.
Home Improvement another 90's show gen xers hate
The Legend of Vox Machina Animated fantasy comedy. I thought the last few seasons haven't been as good but I'd still recommend watching it.
Are You Being Served? my grandma used to love this show and that's where I first saw it. Didn't care for it. Starting watching it on PBS as an adult and find it very enjoyable.

 

[titusbramble]

17 - 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown UK 2012-
Mixing two TV shows, the serious game show Countdown with the irreverent 8 out of 10 Cats is genius.
Jimmy Carr hosts, but the comedic talent makes this show a riot.

The vanilla game show was on my list. Since they changed the format to have a higher ratio of numbers to letters rounds I swear I'd literally only lose to an octochamp level player

Also a bit surprised that Blackadder got zero love, but that was only number two in the list of Britain's greatest sitcoms. And number one isn't on the list either...

 

[Ilov80s]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

The only theme song I don’t ever skip over is “All in the Family”.

 

[Ilov80s]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

The only theme song I don’t ever skip over is “All in the Family”.

Yeah that’s a great call as well.

 

[Instinctive]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

Maybe passed thsi crowd by but the two Pokemon themes - the original, and the pokerap, are both totally legendary if you were born in the 90s.

 

[zamboni]

We've mentioned a lot of themes, but another top one is Baretta. And then there's the released version with added lyrics by Sammy Davis, Jr.

 

[Gr00vus]

We already talked about the White Shadow opening song, another favorite of mine from that era is the closing credits song from WKRP In Cincinnati. No idea what the lyrics are.

 

[zamboni]

We already talked about the White Shadow opening song, another favorite of mine from that era is the closing credits song from WKRP In Cincinnati. No idea what the lyrics are.

Lot of great '70s/'80s guest stars in that clip.

 

[steelerfan1]

some of the older ones, maybe not the best, but iconic are chips, hawaii five-o, magnum pi, rockford files.

 

[zamboni]

And can't forget this icon.

You knew you were in for a good episode here with Horshack, Tessio, and Rosie the quicker-picker-upper.

 

[Ilov80s]

some of the older ones, maybe not the best, but iconic are chips, hawaii five-o, magnum pi, rockford files.

Oh yeah Magnum PI rips

 

[Ilov80s]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

Maybe passed thsi crowd by but the two Pokemon themes - the original, and the pokerap, are both totally legendary if you were born in the 90s.

Definitely missed me with this. There’s also one show which obviously won’t make the list now that I bet if we did this with a crowd 40 and under only might go top 10. I don’t even think it’s been mentioned yet. It’s like the most iconic show of millennials and gen Z. I’m a millennial but on the old end so I totally missed it’s run.

 

[whoknew]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

Greatest American Hero deserves a mention.

 

[zamboni]

Best TV themes?

Cheers comes to mind. Taxi as well. Got to have Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Miami Vice as well. Rounding it I’ll go Game of Thrones. The music in general on that show was just a different level for what usually get on TV.

Greatest American Hero deserves a mention.

William Kaat recovered nicely from this incident a few years earlier.

 

[kupcho1]

Best theme song hands down

It takes a lot to make a stew…

Top notch, top notch I say!

The song and visuals were great, but the actor names ... chef's kiss.
Gwydion Lashlee-Walton

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Best theme song hands down

It takes a lot to make a stew…

Top notch, top notch I say!

The song and visuals were great, but the actor names ... chef's kiss.
Gwydion Lashlee-Walton

Smarf

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Miami Vice theme actually made the radio rotations.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

My ranked shows that did not make the Top 300

12. Odd Couple - previously discussed
36. Guys Grocery Games - I watch this everyday while I make and eat lunch. I like cooking competitions and this one, with it's odd challenges is so much fun.
43. Nathan For You - love the odd comedy and akward situations
51. Welcome to Wrexham - I'm an EPL fan so it's a nice sneak peak into the lower levels of English football, and Rob and Ryan have great chemistry
52. Barney Miller - great cast and guest appearances and so damn funny
59. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom - This was a staple of my childhood and I still love nature shows.
63. American Gothic - Gary Cole starred as a small town sheriff that may just be the devil - and only one child can stop him. Only lasted one season or may be Top 10.
64. Pushing Daises -cancelled after two seasons or it would be higher, Visually stunning and a unique story that played like a live action cartoon.
68. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - made me want to travel to these places to eat some of those meals
70. The OA - another show cancelled before its conclusion but so interesting and unique it makes the list,

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[Don Quixote]

some of the older ones, maybe not the best, but iconic are chips, hawaii five-o, magnum pi, rockford files.

There are a lot of great ones from that era of the 70s/80s. Even when you get down to the less iconic ones, like the theme to Maude, and you’ve got Donny Hathaway on the vocals.

I had started pulling together a list of my favorite TV theme songs for the MAD theme round, but cast it aside. Part of it was Spotify was a bit spotty on the songs and those are about the playlists. Maybe I could resurrect something as might work better as something separate from the MAD.

 

[zamboni]

52. Barney Miller - great cast and guest appearances and so damn funny

That was another great theme song I was going to mention. Slap dat bass...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I remain steadfast.

It's Cheers.

 

[kupcho1]

I had started pulling together a list of my favorite TV theme songs for the MAD theme round, but cast it aside. Part of it was Spotify was a bit spotty on the songs and those are about the playlists

I've been compiling a Spotify playlist on and off for years

TV Theme Songs

Playlist · kupcho1 · 87 items

open.spotify.com

 

[Instinctive]

My ranked shows that did not make the Top 300

12. Odd Couple - previously discussed
36. Guys Grocery Games - I watch this everyday while I make and eat lunch. I like cooking competitions and this one, with it's odd challenges is so much fun.
43. Nathan For You - love the odd comedy and akward situations
51. Welcome to Wrexham - I'm an EPL fan so it's a nice sneak peak into the lower levels of English football, and Rob and Ryan have great chemistry
52. Barney Miller - great cast and guest appearances and so damn funny
59. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom - This was a staple of my childhood and I still love nature shows.
63. American Gothic - Gary Cole starred as a small town sheriff that may just be the devil - and only one child can stop him. Only lasted one season or may be Top 10.
64. Pushing Daises -cancelled after two seasons or it would be higher, Visually stunning and a unique story that played like a live action cartoon.
68. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - made me want to travel to these places to eat some of those meals
70. The OA - another show cancelled before its conclusion but so interesting and unique it makes the list,

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Where can you stream the grocery games one?

 

[kupcho1]

My ranked shows that did not make the Top 300

I thought we were only up to #9

I was going to post my list of shows that didn't make it, but then I realized that I shouldn't. I've got a show ranked below my top show that didn't make the 300 that's an absolute certainty to be somewhere in 1-8. I won't say what it is "out loud", but here it is in a spoiler

Get a Life

So I'll hold off and look forward to chiming in when it's revealed.

 

[zamboni]

Those in my top 70 that didn't make the top 300. Mostly nostalgia-related.

What's Happening!!

Eight is Enough

ABC Afterschool Specials

Thirtysomething

The Baseball Bunch

Holocaust (miniseries)

Land of the Lost

Diff'rent Strokes

My So-Called Life

Picket Fences

Solid Gold

Underdog

It's Your Move

Herman's Head

Degrassi Junior High

Emergency!

Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Salem's Lot (miniseries)

Woody Woodpecker Show

Party of Five

Vega$

​

 

[zamboni]

My ranked shows that did not make the Top 300

I thought we were only up to #9

I was going to post my list of shows that didn't make it, but then I realized that I shouldn't. I've got a show ranked below my top show that didn't make the 300 that's an absolute certainty to be somewhere in 1-8. I won't say what it is "out loud", but here it is in a spoiler

Get a Life

So I'll hold off and look forward to chiming in when it's revealed.

I put in those I know that had no shot at being among the ones left.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

My ranked shows that did not make the Top 300

12. Odd Couple - previously discussed
36. Guys Grocery Games - I watch this everyday while I make and eat lunch. I like cooking competitions and this one, with it's odd challenges is so much fun.
43. Nathan For You - love the odd comedy and akward situations
51. Welcome to Wrexham - I'm an EPL fan so it's a nice sneak peak into the lower levels of English football, and Rob and Ryan have great chemistry
52. Barney Miller - great cast and guest appearances and so damn funny
59. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom - This was a staple of my childhood and I still love nature shows.
63. American Gothic - Gary Cole starred as a small town sheriff that may just be the devil - and only one child can stop him. Only lasted one season or may be Top 10.
64. Pushing Daises -cancelled after two seasons or it would be higher, Visually stunning and a unique story that played like a live action cartoon.
68. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - made me want to travel to these places to eat some of those meals
70. The OA - another show cancelled before its conclusion but so interesting and unique it makes the list,

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Where can you stream the grocery games one?

They are on HULU. I think MAX also.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I thought we were only up to #9

I wasn't the first person that started listing them -

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Assuming I didn’t miss these in the Top 300 these didn’t make the cut for me

42 - Eastbound and Down - Danny McBride as a washed up ex baseball closer. Typical McBride stuff but good supporting cast with Steve Little as Stevie and Katy Mixon before she bulked up

54 - you’re the worst - already covered

60 - You Can't Do That On Television -sketch comedy for kids on Nickelodeon that I grew up with. Not sure how it holds up but I let the nostalgia get this one in there

61 - The Deuce - David Simon project (The Wire Guy) about the porn industry in 1970s New York. Really good characters and you can just feel the grime of the city. Highly recommend this one

64 - Tales from the Crypt - HBO horror anthology series from the early 90s

65 - Preacher - can’t remember if this Ken made the top 300? A preacher who literally has the voice of god. But there’s also vampires and battle angels and cults and stuff. It’s really out there but good story and good fight scenes with a little dark humor

68 - The State - MTV sketch comedy show with lots of familiar faces. I need to find this one and give it a rewatch.

69 - Hardcore TV - already covered this one, HBO r-rated sketch comedy. If you didn’t watch it yet check out the Raging Bullwinkle skit

 

[zamboni]

60 - You Can't Do That On Television -sketch comedy for kids on Nickelodeon that I grew up with. Not sure how it holds up but I let the nostalgia get this one in there

I don't know about this one - seemed a bit watered down.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

60 - You Can't Do That On Television -sketch comedy for kids on Nickelodeon that I grew up with. Not sure how it holds up but I let the nostalgia get this one in there

I don't know about this one - seemed a bit watered down.

very slimy

 

[Gally]

It's Your Move

This is the Bateman show that should have been top 25

 

[Barry2]

I believe Cheers would be even more highly regarded if it ended with Sam's "Have a good life." The show was still solid with Rebecca but Diane was so good.

TWIB had my favorite theme music.