The best 10 TV series of all time ranked - and where to stream them

Long gone are the days of endlessly flicking through the television channels; we are living in a Golden Age for TV. Nowadays, you can watch your favourite shows whenever you feel like it, there's no circling of the times in the TV Mag and making sure no one else wants the TV at the same time. Instead, we have an ever-growing list of streaming platforms at our fingertips. From Disney+, to Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer to Netflix, you could create a watchlist of hundreds of shows between them all. But that all sounds quite overwhelming... here we look at the top 10 best TV shows of all time, as selected by Empire. The publication asked their readers for their thoughts and combined this with critics' ratings, cultural impact and artistic merit to come up with the ultimate watchlist. Here are the top ten best TV shows of all time and where you can stream them.

10. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers, a teenage girl who has been chosen to become a slayer, one in a line of young women destined to fight vampires and other forces of darkness. She struggles with her supernatural calling while trying to live a normal life in the town of Sunnydale, which sits atop a gateway to demonic dimensions. The supernatural drama television series created by Joss Whedon stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy.

Where to watch: ITVX, Amazon Prime and Disney+

9. The OA (2016-2019)

The OA is a metaphysical mystery drama, created by Marling and Zal Batmanglij, and it ran for two seasons but was cancelled before its planned five-part arc could be completed. The series synopsis reads: "Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling), a blind young woman who returns after seven years of disappearance with her sight restored, calling herself "The OA". She recruits a group of locals to tell them her story and her secret mission: to help others who are suffering by harnessing the power of five distinct movements, which are part of a secret, interdimensional dance that can heal the sick and open portals to other realities."

Where to watch: Netflix

8. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Better Call Saul is a spin-off of Breaking

Better Call Saul is a neo-noir legal crime drama television series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould for AMC. It is a spin-off of Gilligan's previous series, Breaking Bad, to which it serves primarily as a prequel, with some scenes taking place during and after the events of Breaking Bad. It stars Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, and Rhea Seehorn. The series follows: "Ex-con artist Jimmy McGill turns into a small-time attorney and goes through a series of trials and tragedies, as he transforms into his alter ego Saul Goodman, a morally challenged criminal lawyer."

Where to watch: Netflix

7. The West Wing (1999-2006)

The West Wing is an American political drama television series created by Aaron Sorkin that is set primarily in the West Wing of the White House. The series synopsis reads: "American president Josiah Bartlet and his administration tackle various political issues in order to maintain peace and harmony in the nation."

Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime

6. Friends (1994-2004)

Friends is an American television sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, spanning ten seasons. The ensemble cast stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, and it is set in New York City. The series synopsis reads: "Follow the lives of six reckless adults living in Manhattan, as they indulge in adventures which make their lives both troublesome and happening."

Where to watch: Netflix

5. Succession (2018-2023)

Succession is a satirical black comedy-drama television series created by Jesse Armstrong that aired for four seasons. The synopsis states: "The Roy family controls Waystar RoyCo, a powerful global media and entertainment conglomerate. However, the unexpected retirement of the company's patriarch ignites a power struggle."

Where to watch: Netflix

4. The Wire

The Wire explores the drug trade and other institutions in Baltimore through the eyes of law enforcement and drug dealers. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city, including the port system, city government, education, and the news media, while following characters and storylines from seasons prior. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of urban life.

Where to watch: NOWTV

3. Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is an impressively engaging fantasy drama series set in the fictional world of Westeros, where noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. The story revolves around political power, warfare, and the looming threat of winter and mythical creatures, with various characters and families involved in the fight for power, betrayals, and quests for dominance.

Where to watch: NOWTV

2. Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad revolves around Walter White, a chemistry teacher who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, turns to manufacturing methamphetamine with his former student Jesse Pinkman. Driven by the need to secure his family's financial future, Walter navigates the dangerous world of drug dealing, transforming from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless criminal. The series explores the consequences of his choices and the lengths you will go to for your family.

Where to watch: Netflix

1. The Sopranos

American crime drama The Sopranos follows a New Jersey-based mob boss, Tony Soprano, as he grapples with the challenges of his criminal life and his family responsibilities. After experiencing panic attacks, Tony begins having therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi, which provides a central narrative device for exploring his internal conflicts and the complex outer dynamics.

Where to watch: NOWTV