The 2000s were a golden era for television shows, producing some of the most iconic and memorable shows that we still can’t stop watching to this day. From explosive dramas to uproarious comedies, here are some of the most iconic shows from the 2000s that continue to entertain us.
1. The Office (U.S.) – 2005-2013
The American version of the British TV show is a fan favorite and a classic sitcom that we can never get enough of. Starring Steve Carell, this workplace comedy gave us a chance to peek into the lives of Dunder Mifflin employees day in and day out.
2. Grey’s Anatomy – 2005-Present
With a solid fan following for over 16 seasons, Grey’s Anatomy has become an institution of its own. The medical drama follows the lives of doctors and their personal and professional lives, making for an engaging and heartwarming watch while still keeping viewers on their toes with plot twists and hyper-realistic medical treatment scenes.
3. Lost – 2004-2010
This fantasy drama that aired for six years didn’t just captivate viewers with its twisted, sci-fi plot – it also had them coming back week after week for more. With a diverse cast that kept everyone interested, the show was a complex storytelling masterpiece with an emphasis on character development.
4. Breaking Bad – 2008-2013
This intense drama about a high school chemistry teacher who starts cooking and selling meth to provide for his family captivated a wide audience with its engrossing plot, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable performances by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
5. Friends – 1994-2004
This evergreen sitcom might have premiered in 1994, but it closed the series in 2004 with a bang. Following the lives of six friends in New York City, this show spawned catchphrases and famously memorable scenes that continue to be passed down from one generation of fans to another. As a fresh batch of viewers discovers Friends on Netflix each year, the show is still a factor in pop culture, especially when it comes to discussing the plight of the ‘90s generation.
6. The Sopranos – 1999-2007
This show is often credited with ushering in the era of prestige TV, and set the tone for a new form of pointed, edgy, and sometimes uncomfortable storytelling that has since characterized much of TV, particularly in the streaming era. Following the trials of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), it won rave reviews and numerous accolades for its writing.
In conclusion, the 2000s were an era of the best TV shows with remarkable scripts, unforgettable characters, and their ability to take larger risks with the storytelling. These gems from the 2000s, along with many others, remain some of the best examples of modern television programming that continue to appeal to audiences of all ages.
