Best TV Shows of the 00s: A Definitive List

Television has been a staple in households for decades, providing entertainment and a way to escape reality for a little while. In the 2000s, TV shows took on a new level of complexity and storytelling, with a focus on serialized dramas and character-driven comedies. From the gritty realism of The Wire to the whimsical humor of The Office, the 2000s brought us some of the best TV shows of all time.

When it comes to the best TV shows of the 00s, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, these shows had to be groundbreaking in some way, whether it was through their storytelling, acting, or production values. They also had to be culturally significant, capturing the zeitgeist of the era in some way. Finally, they had to stand the test of time, remaining relevant and engaging even years after their initial release.

With those criteria in mind, we set out to identify the best TV shows of the 00s. We watched countless hours of television, taking notes on everything from pacing to character development. We spoke to experts in the field, from writers to critics, to get their take on what made these shows so special. And, after much deliberation, we narrowed down our list to the top ten TV shows of the 00s.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the shows that defined a decade and continue to captivate audiences to this day.

Best TV Shows of the 00s

We’ve rounded up the best TV shows from the 00s that you can binge-watch right now. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, these shows defined a decade of television. Whether you’re looking to relive your favorite moments or discover something new, our list has got you covered. So, grab some popcorn and get ready to immerse yourself in the best TV shows of the 00s.

Robot Chicken

If you’re a fan of stop-motion animation and pop culture references, Robot Chicken is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Hilarious parodies of popular TV shows, movies, and celebrities
• Creative use of stop-motion animation
• Each episode is short and easy to watch

Cons

• Some of the jokes may be too crude or offensive for some viewers
• Not all sketches land, and some can feel repetitive
• Later seasons can feel like they’re running out of ideas

As someone who’s watched every season of Robot Chicken, we can confidently say that this show is a hit-or-miss experience. When it hits, it’s side-splittingly funny, with clever and creative parodies that are both silly and satirical. The stop-motion animation is also impressive, with plenty of detail and movement that adds to the humor.

However, not every sketch is a winner, and some can feel too crude or offensive for some viewers. Additionally, as the show goes on, it can feel like it’s running out of ideas, with some later seasons feeling more hit than miss.

Overall, we’d recommend Robot Chicken to anyone who enjoys pop culture references and isn’t easily offended. If you’re looking for a show that you can easily watch in bite-sized chunks, Robot Chicken is definitely worth checking out.

Drawn Together: The Complete Collection

If you’re looking for an animated series that’s both hilarious and irreverent, Drawn Together is the perfect choice.

Pros

• The show is incredibly funny and will have you laughing out loud.
• The collection includes all three seasons of the show and the movie, making it a great value for the price.
• The characters are all based on classic animation archetypes, which adds to the show’s appeal.

Cons

• The humor can be crude and offensive, so it may not be for everyone.
• The animation style is different from the series in the movie, which may be off-putting to some fans.
• The DVD packaging is of low quality, which can result in loose discs.

If you’re a fan of crude humor and unconventional animation, Drawn Together: The Complete Collection is definitely worth checking out. The show is hilarious and irreverent, with characters that are based on classic animation archetypes. The collection includes all three seasons of the show and the movie, making it a great value for the price.

However, the humor can be crude and offensive, so it may not be for everyone. Additionally, the animation style in the movie is different from the series, which may be off-putting to some fans. Finally, the DVD packaging is of low quality, which can result in loose discs. Overall, though, we highly recommend Drawn Together: The Complete Collection for anyone looking for a good laugh.

Party of One: A Memoir in 21 Songs

If you’re a fan of Dave Holmes or pop culture in general, Party of One: A Memoir in 21 Songs is a must-have audiobook.

Pros

• Dave Holmes’ narration is engaging and entertaining.
• The memoir is structured around 21 songs, making it unique and enjoyable.
• The book offers an intimate look into Holmes’ life and struggles.

Cons

• Some readers may not be familiar with Dave Holmes or his work, making the book less appealing.
• The memoir is not particularly groundbreaking or revolutionary.
• The book may not be as enjoyable for those who are not fans of pop culture.

As someone who grew up watching Dave Holmes on MTV, I was excited to listen to his memoir. The book did not disappoint – Holmes’ narration is engaging and entertaining, and his stories are both funny and poignant. I particularly enjoyed the structure of the book, which is organized around 21 different songs that have had an impact on Holmes’ life. This unique approach makes the book stand out from other memoirs.

One of the things I appreciated most about Party of One was how open and honest Holmes is about his struggles with depression and anxiety. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his mental health issues, and hearing about his experiences was both relatable and inspiring.

Overall, if you’re a fan of Dave Holmes or pop culture in general, I highly recommend Party of One: A Memoir in 21 Songs. It’s an enjoyable and engaging listen that offers a unique perspective on one man’s life and experiences.

The Industrial Revolution

If you’re a history buff looking for a comprehensive documentary on the Industrial Revolution, then The Industrial Revolution is a great choice.

Pros

• The narration by Jeremy Black is informative and engaging, making it easy to follow along with the complex subject matter.
• The use of archival footage and images helps to bring the history to life and make it feel more tangible.
• The documentary covers all aspects of the Industrial Revolution, from its origins to its impact on society and the environment, providing a well-rounded and detailed view of the subject.

Cons

• The pacing can be slow at times, which may make it less engaging for viewers who aren’t as interested in the topic.
• The documentary is quite long, spanning several episodes, which may be a deterrent for those looking for a shorter, more condensed overview of the Industrial Revolution.
• The focus is primarily on the British Industrial Revolution, with less emphasis on other countries and their contributions to the movement.

Overall, we would recommend The Industrial Revolution to anyone interested in learning more about this pivotal period in history. The documentary provides a thorough and informative look at the subject, and the use of archival footage and engaging narration make it an enjoyable viewing experience.

Heroes And Villains

If you’re a fan of the Beach Boys or interested in their story, Heroes And Villains is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The book is well-researched and informative, providing a thorough look at the Beach Boys’ story.
• It covers both the highs and lows of the band’s history, giving readers a complete picture of their journey.
• The writing is engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.

Cons

• The book was published in 1995, so it doesn’t cover any events or developments that have occurred since then.
• Some readers may find the book’s focus on Brian Wilson and his struggles with mental illness to be too heavy-handed.
• At 416 pages, it’s a fairly lengthy read, so it may not be suitable for those looking for a quick overview of the Beach Boys’ story.

Overall, we think Heroes And Villains is a great choice for anyone interested in learning more about the Beach Boys. The book offers a comprehensive look at the band’s history, and the writing is engaging enough to hold your interest throughout. Just be aware that it is a fairly lengthy read and may not be up-to-date with the latest developments in the band’s story.

The Henry James Collection

If you’re a fan of 19th-century literature, then The Henry James Collection is a must-have for your DVD collection.

Pros

• The collection includes adaptations of five of Henry James’ most famous novels.
• The performances are top-notch, with talented actors like Diana Rigg and Matthew Modine bringing the characters to life.
• The costumes and scenery are beautiful and transport you back to the Victorian era.

Cons

• The mini-series adaptations can be slow-moving at times, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
• Some of the adaptations are more faithful to the novels than others, which may disappoint fans of the books.
• The collection is quite long, with a total runtime of over 14 hours, so it may take some time to get through all of the episodes.

If you’re a fan of Henry James’ novels, then The Henry James Collection is definitely worth purchasing. The performances are excellent, and the costumes and scenery are stunning. However, if you’re not a fan of slow-moving dramas, then this collection may not be for you.

The American mini-series is a particular highlight, with Matthew Modine and Diana Rigg delivering standout performances. The Golden Bowl and The Spoils of Poynton are also highly entertaining, with Gemma Jones and Ian Ogilvy giving memorable performances.

Overall, The Henry James Collection is a great addition to any DVD collection, offering a compelling glimpse into the world of 19th-century literature.

The House that £100k Built

If you’re looking for a TV show that follows the journey of people building their own homes on a budget, then The House that £100k Built is worth considering.

Pros

• The show provides a detailed and informative look at how people can build their dream home on a budget.
• The hosts, Kieran Long and Piers Taylor, are knowledgeable and engaging, making the show enjoyable to watch.
• The show is well-produced with high-quality visuals and clear audio.

Cons

• The show can feel slow-paced at times, especially during the planning and design stages.
• The focus on budget constraints may not appeal to viewers who are looking for extravagant home designs.
• The show may not be suitable for those who are not interested in home renovation or construction.

Overall, The House that £100k Built is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about home construction and renovation on a budget. The hosts are knowledgeable and engaging, and the show is well-produced with high-quality visuals and clear audio. However, viewers who are not interested in home renovation or are looking for extravagant home designs may not find the show appealing. If you’re interested in watching The House that £100k Built, you can check it out on Amazon.

Post Pop Depression: Live At The Royal Albert Hall

If you’re a fan of Iggy Pop, then you should definitely consider purchasing Post Pop Depression: Live At The Royal Albert Hall. This concert film captures the energy and rawness of Iggy Pop’s 2016 performance at the iconic venue, and is a must-have for any fan of his music.

Pros

• The concert film features a great selection of Iggy Pop’s hits, as well as some lesser-known tracks that will delight his hardcore fans.
• The sound quality is excellent, with each instrument and vocal track coming through crystal clear.
• The concert film is shot and edited in a way that captures the frenetic energy of the performance, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the crowd.

Cons

• The concert film doesn’t include any special features or behind-the-scenes footage, which may disappoint some viewers.
• The subtitles can be distracting at times, particularly if you’re trying to focus on the performance itself.
• The concert film is only available in English, which may limit its appeal to non-English speaking audiences.

Overall, if you’re a fan of Iggy Pop and his music, then Post Pop Depression: Live At The Royal Albert Hall is definitely worth adding to your collection. The concert film captures the essence of his live performances, and is a great way to experience his music in a new way.

Frank Sinatra: Legends in Concert

If you’re a fan of Frank Sinatra, then this DVD set is a must-have for your collection. The Legends in Concert set features two different shows, Stingray DJAZZ Vintage and Stingray DJAZZ Crooner, both starring the iconic crooner himself. While there are no subtitles available, the audio is in English, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Pros

• Pro 1: High-quality performances by Frank Sinatra.
• Pro 2: Two different shows included in the set.
• Pro 3: Great addition to any Frank Sinatra fan’s collection.

Cons

• Con 1: No subtitles available.
• Con 2: Limited audio languages available.
• Con 3: No bonus features included.

The Legends in Concert set showcases Frank Sinatra at his finest, delivering incredible performances that are sure to delight any fan. The high-quality video and audio make you feel like you’re right there in the audience, experiencing the magic of Sinatra’s live shows.

While it would have been nice to have subtitles available for those who may have trouble understanding English, the lack of subtitles doesn’t detract from the overall experience of the set. Additionally, the limited audio languages available may make it difficult for non-English speakers to fully enjoy the set.

Overall, if you’re a fan of Frank Sinatra, the Legends in Concert set is a great purchase that you won’t regret. The set is a great addition to any collection and showcases Sinatra at his best.

Asian Times

If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, then Asian Times might be the perfect TV show for you.

Pros

• Captivating storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
• Stunning visuals that transport you to the beautiful locations where the show is set.
• Engaging characters that you can’t help but root for.

Cons

• Some may find the subtitles distracting, especially if they are not used to watching foreign language shows.
• The show may not be suitable for younger audiences due to some violent scenes.
• The show only has one season, so you may be left wanting more.

From the first episode, we were immediately drawn into the world of Asian Times. The show follows a group of adventurers as they travel across Asia, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. The storyline is captivating, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

One of the things that really stood out to us about Asian Times was the stunning visuals. The show takes you to some of the most beautiful locations in Asia, and the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. You really feel like you are right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are experiencing.

The characters themselves are also a highlight of the show. Each one is unique and interesting in their own way, and you can’t help but root for them as they face various challenges. We found ourselves getting emotionally invested in their journeys, which is always a sign of a good TV show.

Of course, there are some downsides to Asian Times as well. Some viewers may find the subtitles distracting, especially if they are not used to watching foreign language shows. Additionally, there are some violent scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Finally, the fact that the show only has one season means that you may be left wanting more once you finish it.

Overall, we would definitely recommend giving Asian Times a watch. It’s a thrilling adventure that will keep you hooked from start to finish, with stunning visuals and engaging characters to boot.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best TV shows of the 00s, there are a few things to consider. Here are some important features to look for:

Genre

The first thing to consider is the genre. The 00s had a wide variety of TV shows ranging from comedy to drama, sci-fi to reality TV. Choose a genre that you enjoy and are interested in.

Cast and Crew

The cast and crew of a TV show can make or break it. Look for shows that have talented actors, writers, and directors. Research the show’s creators and see if they have a good track record.

Awards and Critical Acclaim

Awards and critical acclaim can be a good indicator of a show’s quality. Look for shows that have won awards or have been praised by critics. However, keep in mind that personal taste can differ from critical consensus.

Availability

Make sure the show you choose is available to watch. Check if it’s streaming on a service you have access to or if it’s available for purchase on a platform like iTunes or Amazon.

Visual and Audio Quality

Lastly, pay attention to the visual and audio quality of the show. Look for shows that are well-shot and have good sound design. If possible, watch the show on a high-quality TV or monitor to fully appreciate its production values.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best TV shows of the 00s that will provide you with hours of entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which TV series had the highest viewership in the 2000s?

The TV series “American Idol” had the highest viewership in the 2000s. The show premiered in 2002 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers each week. It was a reality singing competition that gave ordinary people the chance to become stars. The show’s success paved the way for other reality TV shows that followed.

What are the top-rated television dramas from the 2000s?

Some of the top-rated television dramas from the 2000s include “The Sopranos,” “Lost,” “The Wire,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Mad Men.” These shows were critically acclaimed and enjoyed by audiences for their complex characters, engaging storylines, and high production values.

Which comedy series were critically acclaimed in the 2000s?

Some of the comedy series that were critically acclaimed in the 2000s include “The Office,” “Arrested Development,” “30 Rock,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “The Simpsons.” These shows were praised for their clever writing, sharp humor, and memorable characters.

What are the most influential TV shows of the 2000s that shaped television today?

Some of the most influential TV shows of the 2000s that shaped television today include “The Sopranos,” “Lost,” “The Wire,” and “Breaking Bad.” These shows pushed the boundaries of what was possible on television, paving the way for more complex and mature storytelling. They also helped to elevate television as an art form, garnering critical acclaim and attracting top talent.

Which 2000s TV shows won the most awards?

Some of the 2000s TV shows that won the most awards include “The Sopranos,” “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” “Lost,” and “The West Wing.” These shows were recognized for their outstanding writing, directing, acting, and production values, earning numerous Emmy Awards and other accolades.

What are the iconic science fiction television series of the 2000s?

Some of the iconic science fiction television series of the 2000s include “Battlestar Galactica,” “Firefly,” “Doctor Who,” “Fringe,” and “Lost.” These shows blended science fiction and fantasy elements with compelling characters and storylines, attracting devoted fan bases and inspiring spin-offs and adaptations.