The New York Times TV rankings spark controversy

The New York Times has released a list of the “100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century,” a ranking compiled by surveying hundreds of industry experts, including actors, showrunners, and executives. The list has drawn significant criticism regarding its methodology and specific omissions.

Critics have pointed out that the exclusion of iconic series like “The Sopranos” is due to the list’s strict criteria of series premiering after January 1, 2000, despite much of the show airing within that timeframe. Other criticisms focus on the inclusion of niche comedies and miniseries at the expense of major hits such as “The Walking Dead,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “24.”

Furthermore, observers have questioned the validity of ranking vastly different genres—such as reality television, comedy, and drama—on a single scale. While some placements, such as “Girls” and “Arrested Development,” received praise, the overall ranking has sparked debate over how to meaningfully compare diverse television formats in the streaming era.