What are some must watch TV shows before you die?

Here are some highly recommended TV shows that are often cited as must-watches, spanning various genres and eras:

Dramas

The Sopranos

• A groundbreaking show about a New Jersey mob boss trying to balance his criminal empire with his family life, known for its gripping storyline and incredible performances by James Gandolfini and Edie Falco1.

Breaking Bad

• Follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine manufacturer, exploring themes of morality, family, and power with standout performances by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul1.

Game of Thrones

• A fantasy epic based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, known for its stunning cinematography, complex characters, and shocking twists12.

The Wire

• A gritty depiction of life in Baltimore, exploring the societal structures and the interconnectedness of various characters, praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life2.

Mad Men

• Set in the 1960s, this show follows an advertising agency and its creative director Don Draper, offering a rich portrayal of the era's culture and societal changes2.

The Americans

• A spy thriller set during the Cold War, following two KGB spies posing as a married couple in Washington, D.C., known for its thrilling storyline and performances by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys1.

The Last of Us

• An adaptation of the video game, this show follows a man and a young girl navigating a post-apocalyptic world, praised for its emotional depth and strong performances2.

Better Call Saul

• A spinoff of Breaking Bad, this series delves into the backstory of lawyer Saul Goodman, featuring exceptional writing, visuals, and performances2.

Comedies

Friends

• A classic sitcom about six friends navigating their careers, relationships, and personal struggles in New York City, known for its memorable catchphrases and lovable characters12.

The Office (US)

• A mockumentary-style sitcom about the employees of a paper company, led by Steve Carell, known for its humor and heart12.

Seinfeld

• Often described as a "show about nothing," it captures the idiosyncrasies of friendships, work, and daily life, with iconic writing and characters2.

Cheers

• A classic sitcom set in a Boston bar, known for its relatable characters and sharp writing2.

The Golden Girls

• A sitcom about four older women living in Miami, praised for its sharp writing and tackling of serious issues like HIV, suicide, and Alzheimer’s2.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Stranger Things

• A coming-of-age story set in the 1980s, following a group of kids battling supernatural forces in their town, known for its nostalgic charm and engaging characters12.

The Mandalorian

• The first and highly acclaimed Star Wars series, following the adventures of a bounty hunter and his alien companion, praised for its storytelling and visuals2.

The Twilight Zone

• A classic sci-fi series that explores various themes and fears through standalone episodes, influential in the genre2.

Other Notable Mentions

The Leftovers

• A series that begins with a global event where 2% of the population disappears, focusing on the emotional and mental toll on those who remain2.

True Detective

• An anthology series known for its complex mysteries, literary themes, and standout performances2.

ER

• A medical drama that set the standard for the genre, known for its intense and realistic portrayal of hospital life2.

Homeland

• A political and crime series following a bipolar CIA officer as she navigates national security threats and her own mental health2.

Sons of Anarchy

• A drama that combines biker culture with scripted storytelling, featuring strong performances and a gripping narrative2.

These shows have been widely acclaimed for their storytelling, characters, and impact on the television medium.