What are the most popular TV shows and movies
most popular TV shows and movies
Popularity doesn’t always equate to quality, but some series that soared in ratings have left an impact on the medium. From groundbreaking documentaries to gripping dramas, the best movies and TV shows in popular series combine great storytelling with a memorable hook.
While it might not be quite as high-concept as Breaking Bad, Aaron Sorkin’s White House drama encapsulated what it felt like to be part of the administration. Its mix of wry humor and thoughtful character development made it a hit, and set the bar for political TV drama.
Patrick McGoohan’s second TV series (following Danger Man) was a surreal and haunting look at a disgraced spy’s attempt to live in peace with his new life as a villager. This influential piece of prestige TV combined a compelling plot with thematic elements that would later influence everything from Twin Peaks to Lost.
What are the most popular TV shows and movies
Despite a shorter run than some of our other selections, this sitcom is one of the most iconic in history. It was one of the first shows to embrace the “roommate” concept, and its timeless catchphrases and will-they-or-won’t-they relationship shaped the genre. With an unforgettable theme song, memorable guest stars, and a mysteriously large apartment that inspired many similar shows to follow, the cult classic was a smash hit and is still beloved today.
The Beatles of comedy, if you will, Monty Python’s British sketch series forged the blueprint that modern TV would follow for decades to come. This wildly popular show blended sincere social commentary with self-aware satire and hysterical over-the-top slapstick, creating one of the most influential comedies to ever appear on screen.
Furthermore, popular series often serve as platforms for exploring complex themes and issues relevant to contemporary society. Shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Westworld” tackle topics such as gender inequality, artificial intelligence, and the nature of reality, sparking important conversations about the future of humanity and the ethical implications of technological advancement. By confronting these challenging subjects head-on, popular series have the power to educate, enlighten, and inspire audiences to think critically about the world around them.
Moreover, the success of popular series has reshaped the entertainment industry itself, ushering in a new era of storytelling that prioritizes long-form narratives and serialized storytelling. In the past, movies and TV shows were often viewed as distinct forms of entertainment, with movies typically offering self-contained stories and TV shows consisting of episodic, standalone episodes. However, the rise of popular series has blurred the lines between these mediums, with many series adopting a hybrid approach that combines the best elements of both formats.
Elmore Leonard’s dialogue-focused, character-driven crime stories have been Hollywood fuel for decades — from Mr. Majestyk to Jackie Brown — but this FX drama brought his special brand of wicked wit to the small screen. It was a hit, and Timothy Olyphant’s performance as a Deputy Marshal balancing rage and wisdom with charming crook Boyd Crowder was nothing short of divine. It also helped that the show was shot on a gorgeous backdrop of the historic Atlantic City of Prohibition. It’s a show that could make you weep and laugh in the same episode, a true rarity in the world of television.