The acclaimed crime drama Breaking Bad secured first place on the ranking of the greatest television programs of the 21st century published by The New York Times on Friday (25). A total of 516 television industry professionals, including directors, actors, showrunners, screenwriters, and network executives, submitted individual ballots to select 100 defining titles broadcast since 2000.
The series outperformed celebrated dramas The Wire and Mad Men, which completed the top three positions. James Poniewozik, chief television critic for the publication that conducted the poll, emphasized the narrative evolution achieved across its run: “With bravura acting and meticulous cinematography, ‘Breaking Bad’ evolved from its premise — a nerd gone bad — into a great American story of hubris and greed. There was science to its emotional reactions, its tragic chemistry. But above all, there was art.”
Balloting process engaged 516 actors and industry creators
Eligibility guidelines required programs to have debuted on or after January 1, 2000, excluding prominent late-1990s releases such as The West Wing and The Sopranos, both of which premiered in 1999. Among the 516 industry figures participating in the selection were Bryan Cranston, who starred as Walter White opposite Aaron Paul, alongside performers Elisabeth Moss, Adam Scott, Rose Byrne, Colman Domingo, and Jason Bateman. Prominent screenwriters and showrunners including Damon Lindelof, Lena Dunham, Lena Waithe, and Noah Hawley also contributed their choices to the survey.
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Leading ten spots highlight celebrated dramas and comedies
The opening ten positions showcased prominent drama and comedy productions that drew widespread critical notice over the past two decades. British comedy Fleabag earned fifth place, standing out as the highest-rated European production featured anywhere on the international list:
- 1st place: Breaking Bad
- 2nd place: The Wire
- 3rd place: Mad Men
- 4th place: Succession
- 5th place: Fleabag
- 6th place: Game of Thrones
- 7th place: Veep
- 8th place: 30 Rock
- 9th place: Curb Your Enthusiasm
- 10th place: Atlanta
Prequel series and diverse television formats claim positions
In addition to the top overall spot earned by the primary title, the fictional universe established by showrunner Vince Gilligan earned another appearance in the 100-entry ranking with Better Call Saul finishing in 27th place. The prequel series tracked the career of the defense attorney portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, reinforcing the narrative reach of the franchise across modern television. The ranking recognized multiple storytelling formats as well, placing the American adaptation of The Office in 11th, the original British version of The Office in 16th, Andor in 32nd, Watchmen in 39th, and Twin Peaks: The Return in 47th.
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Milestones of the franchise span television and cinema
Originally broadcast by AMC between 2008 and 2013, Breaking Bad earned 16 Emmy Awards across five seasons and 62 episodes, establishing a multi-format legacy:
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- 2008 — Premiere of Breaking Bad on AMC introducing the story of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
- 2013 — Broadcast of the fifth season finale on television in the United States, concluding the original 62 episodes.
- 2015 — On-air debut of prequel series Better Call Saul, which ran through 2022.
- 2019 — Release of the feature-length film El Camino, expanding the franchise into streaming cinema.
- 2026 — Release of the 100 best television shows of the 21st century by The New York Times on September 25, 2026.
