Top 10: Best TV shows of the 2010's

Even halfway through the decade we had already seen some incredible television. So, today we are counting down our picks for the top 10 best TV shows of the first half of the 2010’s.

10. The Big Bang Theory (2007- )

You don’t have to be a nerd to enjoy this sitcom, but it probably helps. It centres on four geeky socially awkward scientists and their relationship with Penny, the gorgeous waitress who lives across the hall from two of them.

Enjoying high rating since its debut, The Big Bang Theory is a syndication darling whose success has only increased with time.

The show’s clever references to science and Sci-Fi are hilarious and make the series unique, and the excellent cast chemistry of some of the actors and killer cameos hold it all together.

9. Sherlock (2010- )

This BBC series proves that even though the books that inspired this detective show were written over a hundred years ago, the stories still resonate in a modern setting. The British crime drama brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock and his crime-solving adventures with his sidekick Watson into the 21st century, and the results are thrilling.

The intricate mysteries are fascinating to watch being unravelled, and we cannot get enough of Benedict Cumberbatch’s star-making performance as the titular investigator.

8. Community (2009- )

Though this cult comedy is constantly on the verge of extinction, you would not know it from how hilarious and witty it is. The Dan Harmon show intersperses metahumour and Pop-culture references into its depiction of students at a Colorado Community College, making it feel unlike any series we have seen.

7. House of Cards (2013- )

This political drama is notable for being the first big original series on Netflix, but it would have merited a spot on our list regardless of how it had been distributed. A strong supporting cast has helped the show have award nominations aplenty, including a Golden Globe for Robin Wright, but Kevin Spacey gives an unforgettable turn as Frank Underwood, a ruthless Democrat politician who is willing to do anything for power.

6. Modern Family (2009- )

Families in the 21st century look very different than they once did and true to its name, this sitcom memorably portrays contemporary clans.

Its mockumentary style is the perfect form for depicting the lives of three related families in suburban LA. The ensemble cast is outstanding from top to bottom. Their witty banter is just as entertaining as it is insightful and ensures the show grabbed tons of awards, critical acclaim and viewers galore.

5. Boardwalk Empire (2010- )

Earning 18 prime-time Emmy nominations in its first season alone, this HBO show has received widespread critical acclaim.

After years as a supporting actor Steve Buscemi finally got a starring role as Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician who collude with mobsters and others, in the interest of acquiring power. The gorgeous period set design is the perfect backdrop for the compelling interactions between him and the rest of the stellar cast.

4. Mad Men (2007-2015)

This was the first series after AMC’s formatting chance to prove the channel knew how to do original content. A romantic period drama about people who work in advertising, it is the most fun you will ever have in a history lesson, and the beautiful costumes bring the 1960’s setting to life.

3. The Walking Dead (2010- )

Those zombie’s stories have been told many times, though this series manages to provide a fresh take on the genre, another success for AMC, The Walking Dead is as popular with critics as it is in the ratings.

Adapted from Robert Kirkman’s comic book series of the same name, the show depicts the lives of a group of survivors of a zombie apocalypse, led by the courageous sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes. Their struggles to cooperate make up much of the drama, but it is the impressively gruesome zombie action that really gets us.

2. Game of Thrones (2011- )

The sheer scale of this fantasy adaptation would be enough for it to make our list, but its unpredictable plot twists and compelling characters put it over the top.

Based on George R.R. Martin’s novel, this HBO drama set viewership records, won multiple awards and is consistently the most pirated show online. Whether it is the battles in The North or power struggles in King’s Landing, the show has a wealth of strong stories. Though we hate seeing our favourite characters dying, we know that equally awesome ones will take their place.

1. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Walter White is a school chemistry teacher who starts cooking meth with his former student, Jesse, to provide for his family after he is diagnosed with cancer. Bryan Cranston does an incredible job portraying both Walt’s tenderness and his ferocity, all that makes this the highest rated show ever, as well as an awards juggernaut whose finale did not disappoint.