TV Shows From the 2010s: History's Best Sellers

Hats off to 2010s! Few tv commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Louie. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Sherlock and Boardwalk Empire, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Louis C.K. and Steven Moffat set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Louie

   Released in 2010 by Louis C.K., FX

   On June 29, 2010, FX premiered "Louie," a series that would redefine the boundaries of the television sitcom. In a landscape where multi-camera, laugh-track-heavy comedies were still prevalent, "Louie" arrived as a breath of fresh, albeit often melancholic, air. Its debut marked the arrival of the 'auteur' comedy on basic cable, granting comedian Louis C.K. unprecedented creative control. This premiere introduced audiences to a wholly unique format that blended his stand-up routines with surreal, cinematic vignettes about his fictionalized life. The show's arrival signaled a shift in television, proving that a deeply personal, artistically ambitious, and genre-bending comedy could find a home and a dedicated audience, paving the way for a new wave of creator-driven series.

2. Sherlock

   Released in 2010 by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, BBC One

   On July 25, 2010, British television delivered a jolt of creative energy with the premiere of 'Sherlock' on BBC One. The episode, titled 'A Study in Pink,' introduced audiences to a 21st-century incarnation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective. In an era saturated with traditional crime procedurals, this modern-day adaptation felt revolutionary. It brought Sherlock Holmes out of the Victorian fog and into the glare of modern London, complete with smartphones, GPS, and forensic science. The date marked the beginning of a global phenomenon, establishing a new high-water mark for literary adaptations and turning its lead actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, into household names overnight.

3. Boardwalk Empire

   Released in 2010 by Terence Winter, HBO

   On September 19, 2010, HBO unveiled its next great prestige drama with the premiere of 'Boardwalk Empire'. The debut was one of the most anticipated television events of the year, largely due to its incredible pedigree: it was created by 'The Sopranos' writer Terence Winter and the pilot episode was directed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Set against the backdrop of Prohibition's dawn in 1920, the premiere introduced viewers to the lavish, corrupt, and dangerous world of Atlantic City treasurer Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson. The episode, costing a reported $18 million, immediately established the show's cinematic scale, complex characters, and unflinching look at the crime and politics of the era, signaling the arrival of a major new entry in television's golden age.

4. Borgen

   Released in 2010 by Adam Price, DR1

   On September 26, 2010, Danish public broadcaster DR1 aired the first episode of 'Borgen,' a political drama that would soon captivate its home nation and eventually the world. This date marked the beginning of a television phenomenon that transcended language barriers, offering a sophisticated look into the world of coalition politics. For viewers in Denmark, it was a timely and engrossing reflection of their own political system. For the international audience that would soon discover it, the premiere was the starting point for a series that would become a flagship of the 'Nordic Noir' wave, introducing the principled and complex Birgitte Nyborg, whose unexpected rise to power became one of television's most compelling modern stories.

5. Downton Abbey

   Released in 2010 by Julian Fellowes, ITV

   On September 26, 2010, British television audiences were introduced to the Crawley family and their servants as the first episode of 'Downton Abbey' premiered on ITV. The debut was highly anticipated, coming from the pen of Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, who had previously explored the British class system in the film 'Gosford Park.' Set in 1912, the premiere immediately established the central conflict: the sinking of the Titanic creates an inheritance crisis for the Earl of Grantham, as his heirs have perished at sea. This date marks the beginning of a television phenomenon that would not only dominate Sunday night viewing in the UK but also become a massive global export, captivating audiences worldwide with its blend of historical drama, romance, and upstairs-downstairs intrigue.

6. Game of Thrones

   Released in 2011 by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss, HBO

   On April 17, 2011, HBO premiered 'Winter Is Coming,' the first episode of what would become a global television phenomenon, 'Game of Thrones'. This date marked the culmination of a lengthy and ambitious development process to adapt George R. R. Martin's sprawling fantasy novel series, 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. In an era of television largely focused on crime procedurals and domestic dramas, HBO took a monumental risk on a high-concept, high-budget fantasy epic. The premiere introduced millions of viewers to the complex world of Westeros, the warring noble houses of Stark, Lannister, and Baratheon, and the exiled Targaryen dynasty across the sea, setting the stage for a decade-defining story of power, betrayal, and survival.

7. Homeland

   Released in 2011 by Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa, Showtime

   On October 2, 2011, Showtime premiered a series that would capture the zeitgeist of post-9/11 America unlike any other. "Homeland" arrived a decade after the attacks, tapping directly into the nation's ongoing anxieties about terrorism, national security, and the psychological cost of the War on Terror. In an era of complex geopolitical tensions, the show's debut introduced audiences to Carrie Mathison, a brilliant but troubled CIA officer, and Nicholas Brody, a returning war hero who may not be what he seems. The premiere set the stage for a high-stakes psychological thriller that blurred the lines between hero and villain, patriot and traitor, immediately establishing itself as must-watch television that was both thrilling and profoundly relevant to the contemporary political landscape.

8. Black Mirror

   Released in 2011 by Charlie Brooker, Channel 4, Netflix

   On December 4, 2011, British television audiences were introduced to a startlingly new and unsettling form of storytelling. On this date, Channel 4 broadcast the first episode of 'Black Mirror', titled 'The National Anthem.' In a television landscape dominated by more conventional dramas and reality shows, Charlie Brooker's creation arrived like a shock to the system. The episode's provocative and disturbing premise immediately established the series as a fearless and prescient commentator on modern life. This debut marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon, an anthology series that would hold a dark, reflective 'black mirror' up to society's relationship with technology, a theme that would only become more urgent and relevant in the years to come.

9. Girls

   Released in 2012 by Lena Dunham, HBO

   On April 15, 2012, HBO premiered "Girls," a series that immediately became a cultural lightning rod. Arriving in the wake of prestige male-centric dramas that defined the network, Lena Dunham's creation was a sharp, provocative departure. Billed as a voice of its generation, the show's debut introduced viewers to the messy, privileged, and often cringe-worthy world of four young women in Brooklyn. Backed by executive producer Judd Apatow, the premiere didn't just launch a TV show; it ignited a sprawling, years-long debate about millennial identity, female friendship, nepotism, and the portrayal of modern life on screen, cementing its place as a landmark television event of the 2010s.

10. Veep

    Released in 2012 by Armando Iannucci, HBO

    On April 22, 2012, during a heated U.S. presidential election year, HBO premiered "Veep," a show that would redefine political satire for a generation. The series debuted at a time of growing political cynicism and media saturation, offering a brutally hilarious and profane look behind the curtain of American power. The premiere introduced audiences to Vice President Selina Meyer and her chaotic, ambitious staff, immediately establishing the show's signature tone of sharp-witted insults and farcical situations. Its arrival marked a significant addition to HBO's prestige comedy lineup, promising a sophisticated, adult-oriented takedown of Washington D.C. that was less about specific policies and more about the absurd, ego-driven pursuit of power itself.

11. The Americans

    Released in 2013 by Joe Weisberg, FX

    On January 30, 2013, the television landscape was forever altered with the premiere of 'The Americans' on FX. This date marked the introduction of Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, a seemingly ordinary suburban couple with a deeply buried secret: they were Soviet KGB spies. Debuting in the golden age of prestige television, the show arrived without immense fanfare but quickly established itself as a critical darling. It offered a fresh, chilling perspective on the Cold War, turning the era's geopolitical paranoia into the backdrop for an intense, intimate drama about marriage, family, and identity. The premiere set the stage for a six-season run that would be hailed as one of the finest series of the 21st century.

12. House of Cards

    Released in 2013 by Beau Willimon, Netflix

    On February 1, 2013, the landscape of television was irrevocably altered with the premiere of 'House of Cards'. In an unprecedented move, streaming service Netflix released the entire 13-episode first season simultaneously, effectively launching the era of binge-watching. This release strategy was a monumental gamble, signaling Netflix's aggressive entry into the original content space and directly challenging the week-to-week release model of traditional broadcast and cable networks. The show's debut was not just a premiere; it was a statement of intent, proving that a streaming platform could produce programming with the cinematic quality and narrative depth to rival prestige television giants like HBO, forever changing how audiences consume media.

13. Hannibal

    Released in 2013 by Bryan Fuller, NBC

    On April 4, 2013, network television took a bold and gruesome turn with the premiere of 'Hannibal' on NBC. This date marked the arrival of a startlingly artistic and psychologically dense horror series, which was highly unusual for a mainstream broadcast channel at the time. Developed by Bryan Fuller, the show reimagined the well-known characters from Thomas Harris's novels, focusing on the intricate relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham and the brilliant, cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Its debut promised a viewing experience more akin to premium cable, challenging the boundaries of primetime content with its cinematic visuals, graphic imagery, and complex, character-driven narrative, immediately setting a new standard for horror on television.

14. Peaky Blinders

    Released in 2013 by Steven Knight, BBC Two, BBC One

    On September 12, 2013, British television audiences were introduced to the gritty, smoke-filled streets of post-WWI Birmingham as the first episode of 'Peaky Blinders' aired on BBC Two. This date marked the arrival of a new kind of period drama, one that swapped staid historical reverence for cinematic swagger, modern music, and brutal violence. The premiere introduced the world to Thomas Shelby and his ambitious family, a gang of bookmakers distinguished by the razor blades sewn into the peaks of their caps. While its initial broadcast was for a UK audience, this first step began the show's slow-burn journey from a critically-acclaimed national drama to a full-blown global cultural phenomenon.

15. Rick and Morty

    Released in 2013 by Justin Roiland & Dan Harmon, Adult Swim

    On December 2, 2013, the landscape of adult animation was irrevocably altered with the premiere of 'Rick and Morty' on Adult Swim. The pilot episode introduced the world to the chaotic dynamic of Rick Sanchez, a sociopathic super-scientist, and his anxious grandson, Morty Smith. This debut was not just the launch of a new cartoon; it was the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. It set the stage for a series that would push boundaries with its blend of high-concept science fiction, nihilistic philosophy, and deeply dysfunctional family comedy, quickly evolving from a cult favorite to a mainstream powerhouse that would redefine success for its network.

16. True Detective

    Released in 2014 by Nic Pizzolatto, HBO

    On January 12, 2014, HBO unveiled a series that would redefine the television crime drama, "True Detective." Arriving at the height of television's 'golden age,' its premiere was a significant cultural event, largely driven by the star power of Matthew McConaughey, then in the midst of his 'McConaissance,' and Woody Harrelson. The debut episode immediately signaled that this was no ordinary procedural. It plunged viewers into a grim, atmospheric Southern Gothic world, introducing the complex, philosophical, and deeply troubled detective Rust Cohle. The premiere set the stage for a national obsession, sparking countless conversations and fan theories as it masterfully unspooled its dark narrative over eight weeks.

17. Fargo

    Released in 2014 by Noah Hawley, FX

    On April 15, 2014, television audiences were reintroduced to the snowy, quirky, and sinister world of the American Midwest with the premiere of 'Fargo' on FX. The date marked a significant gamble for the network and creator Noah Hawley, as they sought to adapt the Coen Brothers' beloved and critically lauded 1996 film into an anthology series. Rather than a remake, the show promised a new 'true crime' story set within the same universe, capturing the film's unique tone of dark humor and brutal violence. The premiere was met with high anticipation and skepticism, as viewers waited to see if a television show could possibly live up to the legacy of its cinematic namesake. This debut began a new chapter for television anthologies, proving the format's narrative power.

18. The Leftovers

    Released in 2014 by Damon Lindelof & Tom Perrotta, HBO

    On June 29, 2014, HBO premiered a series that would redefine how television could explore grief and faith. "The Leftovers" arrived not with a bang, but with a profound and unsettling silence. The first episode, "Pilot," introduced viewers to a world three years after the "Sudden Departure," a global event where 2% of the population inexplicably vanished. The premiere established the show's somber, meditative tone, focusing on the fractured lives of the Garvey family and their neighbors in Mapleton, New York. Rather than offering clues to the central mystery, the debut plunged audiences directly into the emotional and psychological wreckage, setting the stage for a deeply philosophical and challenging journey.

19. BoJack Horseman

    Released in 2014 by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Netflix

    On August 22, 2014, Netflix released the entire first season of 'BoJack Horseman,' marking a pivotal moment for the streaming service and adult animation. At the time, Netflix was building its original content slate with acclaimed dramas like 'House of Cards' and 'Orange Is the New Black.' The debut of 'BoJack Horseman' signaled its ambitious entry into the adult animated comedy space, a genre dominated by broadcast networks. The all-at-once release solidified the binge-watching model, inviting audiences into a deceptively bright and cynical world. This date represents the quiet launch of what would become one of the most critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant television shows of its era, fundamentally challenging perceptions of what a cartoon could be.

20. Better Call Saul

    Released in 2015 by Vince Gilligan & Peter Gould, AMC

    On February 8, 2015, the world of television was captivated by the return to Albuquerque, but from a new perspective. This date marks the highly anticipated series premiere of 'Better Call Saul' on AMC. Coming off the monumental success of its predecessor, 'Breaking Bad,' the spin-off faced immense pressure and expectations. The premiere was strategically launched as a two-night event, with the first episode airing after a new episode of 'The Walking Dead,' AMC's ratings powerhouse. This clever scheduling ensured a massive lead-in audience, curious to see how the story of the fast-talking, morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman began, setting the stage for a show that would defy expectations and carve out its own legendary status.

21. Stranger Things

    Released in 2016 by The Duffer Brothers, Netflix

    On July 15, 2016, Netflix released the entire first season of 'Stranger Things' to a global audience. Unlike many shows that build hype over months, it arrived with relatively modest promotion, relying instead on the platform's binge-watching model to find its audience. This release strategy proved immensely successful. Over that summer weekend, word-of-mouth spread like wildfire on social media, as viewers became captivated by the mystery of Hawkins, Indiana. The show's debut marked a pivotal moment for Netflix, demonstrating its ability to launch a massive, original cultural phenomenon that could dominate the popular conversation and define a new era of streaming-first television blockbusters.

22. Fleabag

    Released in 2016 by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, BBC Three, BBC One

    On July 21, 2016, a daring new voice emerged in television with the premiere of 'Fleabag' on BBC Three. At the time, BBC Three had recently transitioned to an online-only platform, making the show's debut a relatively quiet one. Adapted from Phoebe Waller-Bridge's acclaimed one-woman stage play, the series was initially a cult favorite, championed by critics for its sharp wit and unflinching honesty. This date marks the first time audiences were introduced to the unnamed protagonist's chaotic inner world, laying the groundwork for what would become a global cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its unique blend of comedy and tragedy and for redefining the female-led narrative in modern television.

23. Atlanta

    Released in 2016 by Donald Glover, FX

    On September 6, 2016, television witnessed the arrival of a singular and transformative new voice with the premiere of 'Atlanta' on FX. Created by and starring Donald Glover, an artist already known for his work on 'Community' and as the musician Childish Gambino, the series was his highly anticipated passion project. This date marked a pivotal moment in modern television, introducing a show that would defy genre conventions and offer an authentic, surreal, and often profound look into the lives of young Black men in its titular city. The first two episodes, 'The Big Bang' and 'Streets on Lock,' immediately established the show's unique tone, blending slice-of-life realism with moments of unexpected absurdity, signaling that 'Atlanta' was not just a new comedy, but a groundbreaking cultural event.

24. The Good Place

    Released in 2016 by Michael Schur, NBC

    On September 19, 2016, NBC aired a special one-hour premiere of 'The Good Place,' a series that would redefine the network sitcom. Coming from Michael Schur, the co-creator of 'Parks and Recreation' and 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' the show arrived with high expectations. Its debut immediately set it apart from its peers, introducing a high-concept premise centered on ethics, morality, and the afterlife. In a television landscape crowded with familiar formats, the premiere of 'The Good Place' felt like a breath of fresh air, promising a serialized, philosophical journey that was as intelligent and surprising as it was funny, setting the stage for one of the most acclaimed comedies of the 21st century.

25. The Crown

    Released in 2016 by Peter Morgan, Netflix

    On November 4, 2016, Netflix released the first season of 'The Crown', an ambitious and lavish production that marked a new era for the streaming giant. At the time, it was one of the most expensive television series ever made, signaling Netflix's intent to compete directly with premium cable networks by producing high-end, prestige drama. The show's debut was a major cultural event, arriving at a time of peak fascination with both the British royal family and the burgeoning world of streaming content. It promised an unprecedented, multi-decade look into the life of Queen Elizabeth II, a figure of immense global interest, and its premiere set the stage for one of the most acclaimed and talked-about series of the 21st century.

26. The Handmaid's Tale

    Released in 2017 by Bruce Miller, Hulu

    On April 26, 2017, the streaming service Hulu released the first three episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale," a series that would rapidly become a cultural touchstone. The debut arrived in a politically charged climate, particularly in the United States, following the 2016 presidential election. The show's themes of misogyny, religious extremism, and the erosion of civil liberties felt unnervingly resonant to many viewers. Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel, the premiere was not just a television event but the start of a phenomenon, with its imagery of red-cloaked Handmaids quickly becoming a powerful symbol for women's rights protests worldwide, marking a pivotal moment for Hulu as a creator of prestige television.

27. Barry

    Released in 2018 by Alec Berg, Bill Hader, HBO

    On March 25, 2018, HBO premiered a series that would deftly blur the lines between comedy and tragedy, marking a significant moment in television. The debut of 'Barry' introduced audiences to a wholly unique concept: a depressed, midwestern hitman who finds a new passion in a Los Angeles acting class. The date represents a pivotal career turn for star Bill Hader, who, after years as a beloved 'Saturday Night Live' cast member, revealed himself as a formidable dramatic actor, writer, and director. The premiere set the stage for a show that would become a critical darling, earning numerous awards and acclaim for its complex narrative, tonal shifts, and profound exploration of trauma, identity, and the elusive nature of redemption.

28. Succession

    Released in 2018 by Jesse Armstrong, HBO

    On June 3, 2018, HBO premiered "Succession," a satirical black comedy-drama that would soon become a cultural touchstone. The pilot episode, "Celebration," introduced viewers to the opulent and toxic world of the Roy family, owners of the global media conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. On the occasion of patriarch Logan Roy's 80th birthday, the episode immediately establishes the series' central conflict: the Machiavellian struggle among his children for control of the family empire. The premiere set the stage for a critically acclaimed four-season run, lauded for its sharp writing, complex characters, and biting critique of wealth and power, arriving at a time of heightened public discourse about corporate dynasties and media influence.

29. Chernobyl

    Released in 2019 by Craig Mazin, HBO, Sky Atlantic

    On May 6, 2019, HBO premiered the first episode of 'Chernobyl,' a five-part miniseries that would become a global television event. The date marked the beginning of a haunting and meticulously researched dramatization of the 1986 nuclear disaster. Arriving at a time of heightened global anxiety about truth, disinformation, and institutional competence, the series immediately struck a chord. Its debut was not merely the launch of a new show but the start of a cultural conversation about a real-world catastrophe, its staggering human cost, and the devastating consequences of a political system built on lies. The series premiere set the grim, intense tone that would define the show and captivate millions.

30. Watchmen

    Released in 2019 by Damon Lindelof, HBO

    On October 20, 2019, HBO premiered 'Watchmen,' a series carrying the immense weight of its revered source material, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's iconic graphic novel. The debut was highly anticipated, not only by comic book fans but also by television enthusiasts drawn to the project by creator Damon Lindelof, known for his work on 'Lost' and 'The Leftovers.' Premiering in a politically charged American landscape, the show immediately signaled its bold intent by centering its narrative on the long-suppressed history of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. This date marked the beginning of a nine-week run that would challenge, provoke, and redefine what a superhero story could be on television.