2010s Shows
The 2010s revolutionized television as we know it, ushering in an unprecedented golden age where the small screen rivaled cinema in scope, ambition, and cultural impact. This carefully curated selection of the best 2010s shows showcases the decade's most exceptional achievements in serialized storytelling, from prestige dramas that commanded watercooler conversations to groundbreaking nature documentaries that redefined the genre with stunning cinematography. Whether you're seeking critically acclaimed series that swept major awards, gripping limited series that became instant classics, or innovative streaming originals that changed how we consume content, these top-rated television programs represent the pinnacle of what the decade had to offer. The 2010s gave us unforgettable characters, revolutionary narrative structures, and bold creative risks that paid off spectacularly, cementing television's place as the premier medium for long-form storytelling. From epic fantasy sagas and tense historical dramas to awe-inspiring explorations of our natural world, these must-watch shows from the 2010s captivated millions of viewers worldwide and continue to influence the television landscape today, making them essential viewing for anyone looking to understand the decade that transformed TV forever.
Nature documentary filmmaking reaches breathtaking new heights in this BBC series that captures the planet's diverse habitats with unprecedented intimacy and technical mastery. Narrated by David Attenborough, the six episodes traverse islands, mountains, jungles, deserts, grasslands, and cities, revealing animal behavior never before filmed. The production team's dedication—spending years in remote locations with cutting-edge camera technology—results in sequences that seem almost impossible: a snow leopard hunt in the Himalayas, baby marine iguanas fleeing racer snakes, lions battling a giraffe on the savanna. Hans Zimmer's score elevates already powerful imagery into something transcendent. Beyond mere spectacle, the series tells compelling stories about adaptation and survival. Every frame is meticulously composed, every sequence building dramatic tension. This represents the pinnacle of what television can achieve—transporting viewers to places they'll never visit while revealing the extraordinary within our natural world.
Here, iconic horror host Joe Bob Briggs returns in glorious form, reviving his cult-classic brand of film commentary for Shudder's streaming platform with remarkable wit and encyclopedic genre knowledge. Each marathon-length episode features Briggs introducing and dissecting exploitation, horror, and B-movies with his trademark "drive-in totals" tallying the body counts, gratuitous elements, and practical effects that define these films. Accompanied by the delightful Darcy the Mail Girl, Briggs transforms movie-watching into an educational and hilarious experience, offering behind-the-scenes stories, cultural context, and appreciation for filmmaking craftsmanship often dismissed by mainstream critics. His tangential monologues covering everything from censorship history to regional filmmaking create a rich tapestry around each feature presentation. The series perfectly captures the communal joy of discovering weird cinema with knowledgeable friends, making even the most obscure grindhouse oddities accessible and entertaining. Whether you're a longtime horror devotee or curious newcomer, Briggs' infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for these misunderstood films makes this essential viewing that elevates its subjects while delivering non-stop entertainment.
Twenty-four hours of pure horror movie heaven—that's what Joe Bob Briggs delivers in this marathon resurrection of his legendary show. The iconic drive-in critic returns to dissect a killer lineup of cult classics and obscure gems, armed with his signature blend of film history, irreverent humor, and "drive-in totals" that tally up the body counts and other crucial statistics. Shudder struck gold by bringing back Briggs and his sidekick Darcy the Mail Girl for this epic event that proved there was massive appetite for his particular brand of horror hosting. Each film gets the full Joe Bob treatment with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, connections to broader cinema history, and plenty of laughs between the scares. This marathon isn't just nostalgia—it's a masterclass in appreciating horror cinema that reignited an entire format.
Somber, meticulous, and utterly gripping, this documentary series from creator Stephen Michaels stands as the definitive television examination of World War I. Across ten episodes, the show combines newly restored archival footage, letters read by accomplished voice actors, and insights from leading historians to create an immersive chronicle of the conflict. What distinguishes this from other historical documentaries is its commitment to showing the war from multiple perspectives—British, German, French, Ottoman, and others—refusing to simplify the complex web of causes and consequences. The restored footage is remarkable, colorized and speed-corrected to give these century-old images startling immediacy. Producer David Chen's team has crafted something that works both as comprehensive history and powerful human drama. This is essential viewing that illuminates how the Great War shaped the modern world, presented with the gravity and care the subject demands.
This is about truth, courage, and the devastating cost of lies, told through the lens of humanity's worst nuclear disaster. Craig Mazin's meticulously researched miniseries chronicles the 1986 Chernobyl explosion and its aftermath with such unflinching honesty that every episode feels almost unbearably tense. Jared Harris delivers a stunning performance as scientist Valery Legasov, racing against time and Soviet bureaucracy to prevent even greater catastrophe, while Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson provide equally powerful support. The attention to historical detail is extraordinary, from the production design to the moral complexity of every decision. What could have been simple disaster drama instead becomes a profound meditation on institutional failure, individual heroism, and the price paid by those who dare speak truth to power. It's haunting, essential television that lingers long after the final frame.
The central conflict here isn't between characters but between humanity and our relationship with Earth's oceans—a battle for understanding and preservation that's never been more urgent. Sir David Attenborough returns to narrate this stunning follow-up to the groundbreaking original series, taking viewers deeper into the world's seas with technological advances that capture never-before-seen behaviors and creatures. The BBC Natural History Unit's cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, from intimate coral reef ecosystems to the mysterious depths of the ocean floor. Each episode reveals astonishing marine life while subtly emphasizing the fragility of these environments and the impact of human activity. The combination of Attenborough's authoritative yet compassionate narration, Hans Zimmer's evocative score, and truly remarkable footage makes this essential viewing that transcends typical nature documentary programming.
This Australian animated series is a masterpiece of children's programming that adults will genuinely love watching. Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey follows a six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy and her family as they turn everyday moments into imaginative adventures. What sets this show apart is its profound understanding of childhood development and family dynamics—each seven-minute episode captures the magic of play while addressing real parenting challenges with warmth and wisdom. Voice actors David McCormack and Melanie Zanetti bring Bluey's parents, Bandit and Chilli, to life as genuinely engaged, sometimes imperfect parents who prioritize connection over perfection. The animation is vibrant and expressive, while the writing balances humor with surprisingly emotional moments that might make you tear up. Whether Bluey and her sister Bingo are playing "Keepy Uppy" or learning about disappointment, the series celebrates the importance of presence, creativity, and unconditional love in ways that resonate across generations.
Four Brazilian comedians dissect pop culture with razor-sharp wit and infectious chemistry in this outstanding comedy show that's become a cultural phenomenon. Maurício Meirelles, Marcelo Adnet, Rogerio Morgado, and Leandro Hassum create magic as they analyze movies, TV shows, and cultural trends through their hilariously absurd lens. What sets Choque de Cultura apart is its commitment to the bit—each host embodies a distinct persona that plays off the others brilliantly, creating comedic moments that feel both spontaneous and expertly crafted. The show's deep-dive into Brazilian pop culture references might challenge international audiences, but the physical comedy and timing transcend language barriers. Whether they're delivering mock-serious film critiques or breaking into unexpected tangents, the quartet maintains an energy level that's absolutely captivating from start to finish.
This culinary travelogue is an absolute feast for the senses, taking viewers on an unforgettable journey through Romania's diverse regional cuisines. Host and chef Radu Anton Roman brings infectious enthusiasm to every episode as he explores everything from Transylvanian hearty stews to Danube Delta seafood traditions, meeting local cooks, farmers, and artisans who've preserved centuries-old techniques. Created by Maria Popescu, the series beautifully captures not just the food but the cultural stories behind each dish, showing how geography, history, and tradition shape what appears on Romanian tables. The cinematography makes every meal look utterly irresistible, and Roman's genuine curiosity and respect for his subjects shines through. Whether you're a foodie or simply curious about Eastern European culture, this series will leave you hungry and booking flights.
Narrated by the incomparable David Attenborough, this breathtaking nature documentary examines how each of Earth's seven continents developed unique ecosystems and wildlife after the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. The BBC's stunning cinematography captures everything from Antarctic penguin colonies to Asian jungle predators to South American wetlands, demonstrating how isolation shaped evolution in dramatically different directions. Each episode focuses on a single continent, revealing both the distinctive species that call it home and the environmental challenges they face in our changing climate. The production team's technical achievements are remarkable—underwater photography, aerial drone footage, and patient observation yield moments of animal behavior rarely captured on film. While Attenborough's environmental message is clear, it never overwhelms the sense of wonder at the natural world's diversity. This is prestige documentary filmmaking at its finest, essential viewing for nature enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister leads an extraordinary ensemble through David Benioff and D.B. Weiss's magnificent adaptation of George R.R. Martin's fantasy epic. This isn't your typical medieval drama—it's a ruthlessly intelligent exploration of power, loyalty, and survival where noble houses clash for control of the Iron Throne in the richly detailed realm of Westeros. The production values are absolutely stunning, from the sweeping landscapes to the intricately choreographed battle sequences. Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, and Lena Headey deliver career-defining performances in a series that fearlessly subverts fantasy tropes. With political intrigue as sharp as a Valyrian steel blade and shocking twists that kept audiences breathless for eight seasons, this remains essential viewing for anyone seeking television that operates on an operatic scale.
Neil deGrasse Tyson assumes Carl Sagan's role as our guide through the universe in this breathtaking revival of the landmark science documentary series, proving that educational television can be both intellectually rigorous and emotionally stirring. Executive producers Seth MacFarlane, Ann Druyan, and Brannon Braga crafted a 13-episode journey through space and time that makes complex scientific concepts accessible without ever dumbing them down, using stunning visual effects that transform abstract ideas into comprehensible imagery. The series covers everything from cosmic evolution to climate change, with Tyson's enthusiastic narration striking the perfect balance between authoritative and approachable. The "Cosmic Calendar" framing device and animated historical sequences provide memorable ways to grasp incomprehensible timescales and celebrate scientific pioneers. This isn't just a documentary series—it's a passionate argument for curiosity, skepticism, and the scientific method itself, delivered with such infectious wonder that it might genuinely change how viewers see their place in the cosmos.
In this series, comedian and game master Brennan Lee Mulligan leads an ever-rotating cast of performers through wildly imaginative tabletop roleplaying campaigns that showcase the absolute best of collaborative storytelling. Each season explores completely different settings—from high fantasy to noir detective stories to candy-covered kingdoms—with professional comedians and improvisers bringing characters to life with hilarious voice work and genuine emotional depth. The production values continuously improve across seasons, adding impressive sets, costumes, and battle maps that enhance rather than overshadow the performances. What makes this essential viewing is the cast's chemistry and Mulligan's brilliant ability to craft narratives that honor player choices while delivering satisfying story arcs. This is actual play content at its finest, proving the medium's capacity for entertainment that rivals scripted television.
Following BTS across Europe during their 2018 Love Yourself World Tour, this intimate docu-series captures the global phenomenon at a pivotal moment in their career. The six episodes offer unprecedented backstage access, showing the members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—reflecting on their meteoric rise, the pressures of fame, and their deep connection with ARMY. What makes this essential viewing is the genuine vulnerability on display; these aren't polished promotional interviews but raw, exhausted conversations after grueling performances. The cinematography beautifully captures both the spectacle of sold-out stadiums and quiet moments of introspection. For fans, it's an invaluable window into the emotional reality behind the synchronized choreography and chart success, while newcomers will understand why this group inspires such devotion worldwide.
When a YouTube investigation team receives mysterious invitations to spend the night in the supposedly haunted Morriton Manor, they expect to create entertaining content for their channel—what they get instead is a masterfully crafted interactive mystery that blurs the line between reality and performance. This innovative web series from Jack Howard and Dean Dobbs throws viewers directly into the action, with real-time decision points that genuinely affect the narrative outcome. The interactive format feels fresh rather than gimmicky, as the mystery itself is cleverly constructed with genuine stakes and satisfying reveals. The cast commits fully to the concept, maintaining the uncertain tone that keeps audiences guessing what's staged and what's spontaneous. Production values impress for a digital-first series, with atmospheric lighting and sound design that would suit theatrical horror. It's a brilliant example of how new platforms can enable storytelling formats that traditional television could never attempt, and it's enormous fun to experience with friends making choices together.
When a respected British surgeon is accused of murdering a young Afghani woman, detectives uncover a web of secrets involving military contractors, government cover-ups, and institutional corruption that extends far beyond a single death. This gripping thriller moves at a relentless pace, with each episode revealing new layers of conspiracy while maintaining focus on the human cost of political expediency. David Morrissey delivers an exceptional performance as the detective determined to pursue truth regardless of pressure from above, and the supporting cast—including Nathaniel Parker and Rosie Day—matches his intensity. Creator Frank Spotnitz crafts a narrative that earns its twists rather than relying on cheap misdirection, building genuine tension as investigators face increasingly dangerous opposition. The production captures both the institutional corridors of power and the grittier streets where consequences play out. It's conspiracy thriller television executed with precision and intelligence, the kind of series that justifies binge-watching.
This groundbreaking documentary series follows host Ahmad Al-Shugairi as he travels across the world, exploring different cultures and examining how societies function through the lens of Islamic values and universal human principles. What makes Khawater extraordinary is its ability to inspire meaningful reflection about personal development, social responsibility, and civic engagement without ever feeling preachy or didactic. Al-Shugairi's genuine curiosity and respectful approach to every culture he encounters creates a viewing experience that's both enlightening and deeply moving. Each episode tackles substantial topics—from Japanese work ethics to Scandinavian environmental practices—presenting them in accessible ways that encourage viewers to think critically about their own communities. The series has influenced an entire generation across the Arab world, sparking conversations about progress, tradition, and what it means to build better societies together.
Jarrad Wright's anarchic animated web series has evolved from crude MS Paint beginnings into one of Australia's most beloved underground comedy phenomena, following the surreal misadventures of Lez and his bizarre housemates in the suburbs. The show's deliberately rough aesthetic belies surprisingly sophisticated absurdist humor that riffs on Australian culture, drug experiences, and existential confusion with gleeful irreverence. What makes The Big Lez Show remarkable is how it builds genuine mythology and character development within its chaotic comedy, with recurring elements and callbacks rewarding longtime viewers. The voice work, performed primarily by Wright and collaborators, commits fully to each ridiculous character, from the paranoid Sassy to the philosophical Clarence. The humor is definitely not for everyone—it's profane, drug-soaked, and intentionally offensive—but for those on its wavelength, it's brilliantly funny and oddly heartfelt. The series has cultivated a devoted fanbase who quote its bizarre dialogue and celebrate its DIY ethos.
In the sun-scorched suburbs of Australia, a sasquatch named Lez navigates trippy adventures with his mates Sassy, Quinton, and Donny in this gloriously bizarre animated series. Created by Jarrad Wright, who voices multiple characters with manic energy, "The Big Lez Show" is a cult phenomenon that deserves every bit of its devoted fanbase. What starts as crude MS Paint animation evolves into something surprisingly profound, blending absurdist humor with genuine emotional moments and surprisingly epic storytelling. The show's willingness to embrace its lo-fi aesthetic while telling increasingly ambitious stories—including interdimensional travel and existential themes—is nothing short of brilliant. It's crude, weird, and absolutely addictive, with a finale that somehow delivers real catharsis. If you're willing to embrace its chaotic energy and rough-around-the-edges production, you'll discover one of the internet's hidden treasures.
Follow BTS as they escape their rigorous idol schedules for adventures across stunning international destinations in this absolutely delightful reality series! Each season drops the seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—into a new country where they navigate everything from grocery shopping to local transportation with infectious enthusiasm and genuine chemistry. What sets Bon Voyage apart from typical celebrity travel shows is its authenticity; these aren't carefully curated tourism ads but real moments of friendship, occasional chaos, and cultural discovery. The members' personalities shine as they cook meals together, explore hidden gems, and simply enjoy being twenty-somethings on vacation. For ARMY, it's an essential watch that reveals the group's dynamics beyond the stage, while newcomers will find themselves charmed by their warmth and humor.
Exploring themes of duty, sacrifice, and humanity's fight for survival, this stunning fan-made animation set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe represents a triumph of independent filmmaking. Creator Syama Pedersen crafted something extraordinary: a visual feast that rivals big-budget productions while telling a focused, intense story of Space Marine Astartes on a critical mission. The action sequences are breathtaking, with meticulous attention to weaponry, armor mechanics, and combat tactics that fans of the franchise will deeply appreciate. What's remarkable is how much storytelling is conveyed through pure visual language—minimal dialogue, maximum impact. The sound design deserves special mention for its visceral power. Even viewers unfamiliar with Warhammer lore will find themselves captivated by the craftsmanship and intensity. This is essential viewing that demonstrates what passionate creators can achieve.