From debating the best shows of the century to figuring out what deserves a spot on this week's watchlist, there's plenty to talk about in this week's TV Corner Notes.
This week, I'm taking a look at the 10 TV shows I think have defined the 21st century so far, sharing my latest Lanterns thoughts, and highlighting the biggest premieres, finales, and new releases coming our way. It's another packed week of television, so let's get into it.
The 10 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century (So Far)
With The New York Times recently putting together its list of the 100 greatest TV shows of the 21st century, it was only a matter of time before the debate started. A list that big is bound to spark plenty of opinions, especially when some personal favorites inevitably don't make the cut—or don't rank where viewers think they should.
So, naturally, I had to make my own.
Narrowing the best television of the past 25 years to just 10 shows is nearly impossible. We've watched the rise of prestige drama, the streaming revolution, the comeback of network comedies, and some truly unforgettable television along the way. From complicated antiheroes and razor-sharp political satire to gripping police dramas and emotional family stories, these are my 10 picks for the best TV shows of the 21st century so far.
And yes, choosing a #1 wasn't easy.
10. Halt and Catch Fire (AMC, 2014–2017)
A criminally underappreciated drama about four people trying to change the future of technology, only to keep getting in their own way. Halt and Catch Fire is just as interested in its characters as it is in computers and the rise of the internet, and that emotional focus is what makes it so memorable. Lee Pace, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Kerry Bishé are fantastic.
9. Veep (HBO, 2012–2019)
Few comedies move at the speed of Veep. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is phenomenal as Selina Meyer, surrounded by an ensemble that seems incapable of having a normal conversation without turning it into a verbal bloodbath. The political satire is sharp, ridiculous, and still incredibly funny.
8. Not Going Out (BBC One, 2006–Present)
One of Britain's great sitcom survivors, Not Going Out has evolved from a flat-share comedy into a long-running family sitcom without losing its trademark sense of humor. Lee Mack's rapid-fire delivery and the show's love of ridiculous situations have kept it going for nearly two decades. It's also a series I've come to appreciate more as I've worked my way through it.
7. The Pitt (HBO Max, 2025–Present)
The Pitt has quickly become one of the most intense medical dramas on television. Set during a single shift at a Pittsburgh emergency department, the series captures the exhaustion, chaos, ethical dilemmas, and emotional toll of hospital work. Noah Wyle leads an excellent ensemble, but what really makes the show work is how much attention it gives to the entire team.
6. The Blacklist (NBC, 2013–2023)
For 10 seasons, The Blacklist proved that network television could still deliver addictive, high-concept storytelling. James Spader's Raymond Reddington is obviously the show's biggest draw, but the series also built long-running mysteries into its case-of-the-week format. It could be wildly complicated, but that was part of the fun.
5. Line of Duty (BBC One, 2012–2021)
Few police dramas have made an interrogation room feel as exciting as Line of Duty. Jed Mercurio's AC-12 drama turned corruption investigations into edge-of-your-seat television, complete with shocking twists, complicated characters, and those marathon interview scenes. Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar became the heart of one of Britain's most addictive crime dramas.
4. This Is Us (NBC, 2016–2022)
This Is Us brought big emotional family drama back to network television and somehow made viewers cry regularly. Following the Pearson family across generations and timelines, the series explored grief, addiction, marriage, parenthood, and the complicated ways families shape us. Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Chrissy Metz, and Justin Hartley made the Pearsons feel like a family viewers genuinely knew.
3. 30 Rock (NBC, 2006–2013)
Tina Fey's workplace comedy about making a television show remains one of the funniest series of the century. The jokes come at an almost ridiculous pace, but underneath all the absurdity is a surprisingly sharp look at television, corporate culture, ambition, and friendship. Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghy, Tracy Jordan, and Jenna Maroney are an unforgettable comedy quartet.
2. The Wire (HBO, 2002–2008)
David Simon's The Wire expanded what a television drama could be. Instead of focusing on one side of Baltimore, the series examined the institutions that shaped the city, including the drug trade, the police department, the docks, politics, schools, and journalism. It's challenging television, but its characters—including Omar Little, Stringer Bell, McNulty, and Bunk—are impossible to forget.
1. Breaking Bad (AMC, 2008–2013)
Taking the top spot is Breaking Bad, a series that combined incredible character development with some of the most meticulously constructed storytelling television has ever produced. Vince Gilligan's transformation of Walter White from an ordinary teacher to a drug kingpin is unforgettable, while Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul deliver performances that anchor the entire journey. The show could be quiet and deeply emotional one moment, then absolutely terrifying the next.
Five seasons later, it delivered a finale that actually stuck the landing. For me, that's what separates Breaking Bad from so many other great shows: the entire journey feels deliberate, earned, and complete.
That's my list.
What would make your Top 10? Did your favorite show miss the list completely, or is there one you think I ranked way too low? And do you agree with Breaking Bad taking the top spot?
Drop your rankings in the comments and let me know which shows you think belong in the conversation for the best television of the 21st century.
What I Watched This Week
I finally caught up with Episodes 4–6 of Lanterns, and the series continues to impress with its slow-burn mystery, strong character work, and increasingly complicated relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart. With only two episodes left, I'm fully invested in finding out where the mystery goes next. Check out my full review of Episodes 4–6 for the spoiler-filled breakdown.
Lanterns Episodes 4–6: The Mystery Keeps Getting Better
Lanterns continues to be one of the most surprising comic-book shows on television. After three more episodes, the series has successfully balanced its cosmic mystery with grounded character drama, and the relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart remains one of its biggest strengths. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre bring very different energies to their characters, making their complicated mentor-mentee relationship increasingly fascinating as the story develops.The show also deserves credit for taking its time. Rather than rushing from one superhero set piece to another, Lanterns has gradually built its mystery, expanded its world, and allowed the characters to make choices that have real consequences. Episode 6's shift into the present-day storyline adds another layer as the series reconnects with the murder mystery from the premiere and brings Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner into the mix.
With only two episodes left, I'm completely invested in finding out where this story is headed. Lanterns may not quite reach The Penguin territory for me, but the writing, character development, and slow-burn mystery have made this a must-watch every week.
Check out my full review of Episodes 4–6 for a spoiler-filled look at Hal, John, the mystery, and where the season goes from here.
What to Watch This Week
Another packed week of television is here, with season and series finales, new dramas, reality TV, documentaries, comedy specials, and plenty of movies to fill up the watchlist. Here are the premieres, finales, and special events I'm keeping an eye on this week.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Futurama Season 14 Finale (Hulu)
8/7c All American Series Finale (The CW)
9/8c Still Flipping Out (Bravo)
Former Flipping Out star Jeff Lewis returns to reality TV, juggling his SiriusXM show, design empire, employees, and eclectic circle of friends.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
The Creep Tapes Season 3 Finale (AMC+ & Shudder)
The season wraps with two episodes.
LEGO One Piece (Netflix): This two-part special follows Usopp as he tells a very tall tale about the Straw Hats' journey across the East Blue and into the Grand Line.
8/7c The Amazing Race: 25 Years Around the World (CBS): Celebrate 25 years of The Amazing Race with memorable moments, never-before-seen footage, and new interviews hosted by Nischelle Turner.
9/8c Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen: 20th Anniversary Special (CBS)
A two-hour celebration of the long-running comedy series.
Sam Morril: Incorrect (Netflix): The comedian returns with a new stand-up special.
The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue (Paramount+): Retired Israeli general Noam Tibon recounts his harrowing mission to rescue his family during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
The Swan: Behind the Mirror (Hulu): More than 20 years after The Swan, the women who underwent dramatic cosmetic transformations—and the producers behind the controversial reality series—look back at what happened behind the scenes and its lasting cultural impact.
9/8c Miller Night Football (HBO): This documentary short explores comedian Dennis Miller's unlikely arrival in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth in 2000 alongside Al Michaels and Dan Fouts.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Average Joe Season 2 Finale (Paramount+)
Tyler Perry's The Oval — Series Finale (Paramount+)
Sacrifice — Season 2 (Paramount+, two-episode premiere)
Wonka's The Golden Ticket — Season 1 Finale (Netflix, two episodes)
8/7c Scrubs Season 2 (ABC, two-episode premiere)
9/8c — Shark Tank Season 18 (ABC, two-episode premiere)
9:30/8:30c The Amazing Race Season 39 (CBS, two-night premiere)
10/9c Ages of Ice Series Finale (PBS)
The Widower: 'Til Death Do Us Part (Netflix): A journalist and detective uncover the truth about a killer whose charm masked a trail of failed marriages and suspicious deaths spanning more than 30 years.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
East of Eden (Netflix): This seven-episode adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel reimagines the multigenerational Trask family saga, with Florence Pugh taking on the role of the unforgettable Cathy Ames.
8/7c Brother Season 28 Finale (CBS)
8/7c Coven Academy (Freeform, four-episode premiere): Three teenage witches and their dangerously charming warlock classmates attend an elite magic boarding school where power is everything, secrets are deadly, and romance can be dangerous. Tiffani Thiessen and Devon Sawa co-star. All 10 Season 1 episodes arrive on Disney+ and Hulu Friday.
8/7c Trivial Pursuit Returns (The CW)
9/8c Scrabble Returns (The CW)
9/8c War (HBO): Dominic West and Sienna Miller star as a tech mogul and actress whose divorce sends shockwaves through London's boardrooms, bedrooms, and courtrooms.
Soulm8te (Hulu)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Adventure Time: Side Quests Season 2 (Hulu, 20-episode binge)
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Day 1 (Hulu livestream, time TBA)
Kill Jackie (AMC+): Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as a former international drug smuggler who comes out of hiding after learning that seven hitmen have been hired to kill her. Daniel Ings, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Ron Perlman co-star.
87c Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Returns (ABC)
9/8c The Unbelievable With Dan Aykroyd — Season 4 (History)
9:05/8:05c Tip Toe (Starz): Alan Cumming and David Morrissey play Manchester neighbors whose seemingly ordinary lives spiral into lies and violence after one gives the other his spare key.
10/9c Roast My Rental Season 1 Finale (HGTV)
Tyler Perry's Doing Life (Netflix): A single mother and an incarcerated man form an unlikely bond through heartfelt letters, finding hope, redemption, and an unexpected connection.
The Last First: Winter K2 (Apple TV+): This documentary examines the evolving culture of extreme mountaineering through the lens of a dangerous winter expedition on K2.
8/8c For Better or Worse (Lifetime Movie Network): A divorced mother finds love with a charming businessman, but her son discovers a disturbing secret from his new stepfather's past.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Day 2 (Hulu livestream, time TBA)
8/7c Crossroad Springs Midseason Finale (Great American Family)
8/7c A Doctor to Die For: The Sarah Harris Story (Lifetime): A young woman becomes involved with a dangerous surgeon who secretly supplies her with drugs, prompting her family to investigate after tragedy strikes.
8/7c A Knight to Remember (Hallmark Channel): Julie Gonzalo stars as a museum conservator who accidentally brings a centuries-old knight back to life with a kiss. James Trevena and Chris McNally co-star.
And that's another week in the TV Corner! Between debating the best television of the 21st century, catching up with Lanterns, and figuring out what deserves a spot on the watchlist, there's certainly no shortage of TV to talk about. What are you watching this week? Drop your picks in the comments, and I'll see you next time in the TV Corner.
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