# New York Times best 21st-century TV shows list

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-times-best-21st-century-tv-shows-list
> Updated: 2026-09-27T16:24:37.000Z. Sources: 69. Developments: 2.

The New York Times released a list of the 100 best television series of the 21st century, based on votes from over 500 industry professionals, including actors, writers, producers, and executives. To be eligible, shows must have debuted on or after January 1, 2000.

Breaking Bad secured the top position. The top five rankings include The Wire in second, Mad Men in third, Succession in fourth, and Fleabag in fifth. Other notable entries in the top ten include Game of Thrones, Veep, 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Atlanta. The spinoff series Better Call Saul was also recognized, landing at number 27 on the list.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Breaking Bad named best TV series of the 21st century

Vince Gilligan’s ‘Breaking Bad’ was voted the best TV series of the 21st century in a poll of over 500 experts and creators conducted by The New York Times.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/breaking-bad-named-best-tv-series-of-the-21st-century-2

### 2026-09-25: Breaking Bad tops New York Times list of 100 best 21st-century TV shows

The New York Times ranked the 100 best TV series of the 21st century via industry professional votes, with Breaking Bad taking first place, followed by The Wire and Mad Men.

67 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/breaking-bad-named-best-21st-century-series-by-the-new-york-times

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Cite as: New York Times best 21st-century TV shows list. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-times-best-21st-century-tv-shows-list