We’re a television generation. Gathering around the box to watch a great show is somewhat ritualistic and commonly practiced in South Africa. Whether it’s on kykNET, DStv or Netflix, we’ve been graced with some epic series over the years. I might even go so far as to say that we’re passionate about our programmes, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson.
Read also: First-ever price hike for SA as Netflix increases monthly subscription fees
Series, unlike movies, creates a unique culture. You’ve got to keep up to avoid spoilers and be included in conversations. Just watching series has become a trend in itself — Netflix and chill?
Television has started movements, influenced fashion, offered critical commentary, and keep viewers coming back for season after season, to name a few things. Whether it’s living alongside the cast of Friends, cooking meth in a Caravan with Breaking Bad or recently, playing children’s games for your life in Squid Game, television has been the defining art form of this era.
Read also: Squid Game on Netflix proves to be more than child’s play
COVID-19 only enhanced television viewership around the globe. Over the past 18 months in particular, we have relied on it for information, entertainment, solace and inspiration in equal measure. So, what has everyone been watching and what are considered the best shows?
The BBC recently polled 206 TV experts from 43 countries in order to find the greatest TV of the 21st Century, and these are the results.
Top 10 countdown:
10. Succession (2018-)
9. The Office (UK) (2001-2003)
8. The Americans (2013-2018)
7. The Leftovers (2014-2017)
6. I May Destroy You (2020)
5. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
4. Fleabag (2016-2019)
3. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
2. Mad Men (2007-2015)
1. The Wire (2002-2008)
The full report revealed 100 of the 21st century’s greatest television shows. Here are the rest:
Read also: Cape Town shines in these international series and films
11. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
12. Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
13. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
14. Atlanta (2016-)
15. Chernobyl (2019)
16. The Crown (2016-)
17. 30 Rock (2006-2013)
18. Deadwood (2004-2006)
19. Lost (2004-2010)
20. The Thick of It (2005-2012)
21. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-)
22. Black Mirror (2011-)
23. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
24. Veep (2012-2019)
25. Sherlock (2010-2017)
26. Watchmen (2019)
27. Line of Duty (2012-2021)
28. Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)
29. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
30. Girls (2012-2017)
31. True Detective (2014-2019)
32. Arrested Development (2003-2019)
33. The Good Wife (2009-2016)
34. The Bridge (2011-2018)
35. Fargo (2014-)
36. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
37. Band of Brothers (2001)
38. The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-)
39. The Office (US) (2005-2013)
40. Borgen (2010-2022)
41. Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)
42. Peep Show (2003-2015)
43. Money Heist (2017-2021)
44. Community (2009-2015)
45. The Good Fight (2017-)
46. Homeland (2011-2020)
47. Grey’s Anatomy (2005-)
48. Inside No 9 (2014-)
49. The Bureau (2015-)
50. Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)
51. Small Axe (2020)
52. This is England 86, 88 and 90 (2010-2015)
53. Call My Agent! (2015-2020)
54. Happy Valley (2014-)
55. The Shield (2002-2008)
56. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
57. The Young Pope (2016)
58. Dark (2017-2020)
59. The Underground Railroad (2021)
60. House of Cards (2013-2018)
61. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
62. The Good Place (2016-2020)
62. Pose (2018-2021)
64. Detectorists (2014-2017)
65. Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
66. Mare of Easttown (2021)
67. RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-)
68. Stranger Things (2016-)
69. 24 (2001-2010)
70. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
71. Enlightened (2011-2013)
72. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
73. Planet Earth (2006)
74. Utopia (2013-2014)
75. Babylon Berlin (2017-)
76. Rick and Morty (2013-)
77. American Crime Story (2016-)
78. The Killing (Denmark) (2007-2012)
79. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
80. House (2004-2012)
81. OJ: Made in America (2016)
82. Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
83. Insecure (2016-2021)
84. Normal People (2020)
84. Narcos (2015-2017)
86. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
87. The Comeback (2005-2014)
88. The OA (2016-2019)
89. Dexter (2006-2013)
90. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-)
91. Westworld (2016-)
92. Show Me a Hero (2015)
93. Treme (2010-2013)
94. Louie (2010-2015)
95. Luther (2010-2019)
96. Catastrophe (2015-2019)
97. Hannibal (2013-2015)
98. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
99. Steven Universe (2013-2020)
100. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
Read also:
Picture: Instagram