When it comes to lists like The New York Times’ “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century,” I have a love-hate relationship. On the one hand, I am drawn to them. There is an element of fun in discovering hidden gems you have never heard of. Furthermore, interesting debates can be had about the merit of what ranks high on these lists and how they compare one’s personal preferences. Contrarily, the false precision and authority that seems to come with these articles can be frustrating.
The NYT’s list an amalgamation of the opinions’ of over “500 influential stars, showrunners and notable names in the world of TV.” Consequently, an industry echo chamber may have been created where votes are shaped by their experience of working in the TV industry. Meanwhile, shows that resonate with a younger and broader audience would have been overlooked. Gilmore Girls, which has a considerable Gen Z fanbase, ranked at only 99th while other impactful coming-of-age shows such as Sex Education and Derry Girls were entirely absent.
Another issue associated with the list is its heavy tilt towards the Anglosphere. Hits such as South Korea’s Squid Game and Japan’s Shōgun are an exception with the list almost entirely consisting of English-speaking shows. Germany’s science-fiction thriller Dark has received widespread, international acclaim meanwhile France’s crime series Lupin was a beloved global hit for Netflix with 76 million household views in its first month on streaming. Around the world, examples such as Turkish and Korean dramas are rising rapidly. So why did barely any of them make the list? The rankings’ Western bias largely conflates the 21st century’s best TV shows with largely American and British productions.
The final flaw with the NYT’s list is its critical bias resulting in a lack of animated series. Only BoJack Horseman made the cut! This entire artistic form being squeezed into only one appearance in the Top 100 TV Shows is unfair. Avatar: The Last Airbender is often universally praised as a masterclass in world-building and complex character development. Some may roll their eyes, but Bluey has been a massive hit with it being beloved by both children and adults.
Of course I know a list such as this cannot please everyone and I enjoyed the highly-ranked Fleabag and Mad Men as much as the next person. These lists are subjective and discussing the composition of them can be both fun and thought-provoking ; they make us consider the landscape of television and how our own favourites fit into it. Seeing the lack of international shows has inspired me to watch more for example. Additionally, I’ll be anticipating to see what the results of the NYT’s reader ballot for the Top Ten Shows of the 21st century are for sure.
The Student’s own Top Ten of the Best TV shows of the 21st century is composed of shows that were absent from the NYT’s one. My list ranges from massive hits to the cult classics.
10. The Summer I Turned Pretty
Stay with me. You may scoff, but the three-season saga of Belly and Conrad had all of us in a chokehold. From the gorgeous summer-house to the frustrating love triangle, it kept us thoroughly entertained.
9. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
This brilliant workplace sitcom strikes the perfect balance between hilarious gags–“title of your sex tape!”–and genuine heart with it addressing issues such as racism and misogyny. Once you’re a few seasons in, it will feel like the precinct is your chaotic, lovable family.
8. Glee
Unhinged is an understatement. This camp musical-comedy drama was truly one of a kind with it focusing on a group of high-school misfits and bringing musical theatre to the mainstream. Not only did the show give birth to a whole host of TikTok soundbites and memes but it most importantly gave us Sue Sylvester.
7. Sex Education
Another heartwarming show, Sex Education helped break taboos and normalise sex on screen. Progressive in its nature, it leaned into focusing on identity and inclusivity. There are a whole range of likable, endearing characters to root for and its optimism is contagious.
6. Lupin
Inspired by the fictional French gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin, the show follows Assan Diop, who is brilliantly characterised by Omar Sy, who is seeking revenge for his father. The clever use of of heists and illusion keep viewers entertained meanwhile the cliffhangers and pacing keep it exciting to watch.
5. New Girl
Anchored by Zooey Deschanel’s quirky charm as Jess, this sitcom has incredible ensemble chemistry. One is never fed up with the antics that Winston, Schmidt and Nick find themselves in with this being the ultimate, feel-good comfort show.
4. Traitors
Who knew that watching either celebrities and everyday people manipulate each other in a gorgeous Scottish castle would make such addictive television? It’s a crowd-pleasing gem of TV and Claudia Winkleman’s perfect theatricality is the cherry on top.
3. Gossip Girl
The ultimate guilty pleasure that had us all wearing headbands. Blair and Serena’s toxic, high-fashion warfare on the Met steps proved that nobody does upper-class teenage melodrama better.
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Although originally designed for younger viewers, this show has built a wide fanbase of all ages. Its rich depiction of a fantasy world alongside beautifully structured narrative arcs makes it a compelling story
1. Derry Girls
This coming-of-age story that takes place against the backdrop of the Troubles seamlessly blends comedy with emotional depth. Each and every character feels so well-written and the show maintains its high quality from start to finish with an amazing soundtrack to accompany it. If you haven’t seen it I would definitely recommend you to go watch it now!
