TV Shows Of The 2010s — Photos

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December 8, 2019 10:53PM EST

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Biggest TV Show Of The Decade — ‘Game Of Thrones’ & More

Biggest TV Show Of The Decade — ‘Game Of Thrones’ & More — This list of shows isn’t all about the *best* TV shows of the decade or the highest-rated. The shows on this list dominated the conversation in some way. From social media to just word of mouth, these shows had a major impact in this decade. Note: The series included had to premiere within the decade.

When people think back on the 2010s when it comes to TV, ‘Game of Thrones’ is going to come to mind. The show premiered in 2011 and has transformed TV as we know it. ‘Game of Thrones’ wasn’t just a TV show, it became a TV event week after week. The show was epic in scale with the formidable Battle of Winterfell taking 3 months of night shoots to film. You can’t deny that this show changed everything when it comes to television. Even though the final season was controversial, we won’t see the likes of a show like this for a long time. See more of the biggest TV shows of the decade in our gallery now.

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‘Stranger Things’

‘Stranger Things’ — No one could have predicted the popularity of the Netflix series, which is still the streaming service’s biggest show to date. The young and talented cast of ‘Stranger Things’ is the reason for the show’s explosive success. ‘Stranger Things’ is the perfect mix of nostalgia and sci-fi. Season 4 is going to be quite the ride.

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‘This Is Us’

‘This Is Us’ — ‘This Is Us’ follows one family over generations and it has found such a special place in our hearts. The focus on family and major twists over the past 4 seasons had kept fans watching week after week.

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‘Pretty Little Liars’

‘Pretty Little Liars’ — ‘Pretty Little Liars’ helped kick off the decade when it premiered in 2010. Over the course of its 7 seasons, the ‘PLL’ fandom became one of the most powerful fandoms. Every episode had ‘Pretty Little Liars’ trending on Twitter and fans theorizing as to who the elusive and dangerous ‘A’ would be in the end.

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‘Scandal’

‘Scandal’ — No show of the 2010s did twist, crazy, good like ‘Scandal.’ The ABC series skyrocketed in popularity after the first season and the Gladiators dominated the conversation for the show’s 7 seasons. ‘Scandal’ also helped solidify ABC’s Thursday night ‘TGIT’ lineup. Olivia Pope will remain an icon for all of eternity.

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‘Arrow’

‘Arrow’ — ‘Arrow’ premiered in 2012 and kicked off the Arrowverse on The CW. The show’s impact is immense. The CW wouldn’t be what it is today without it. Even after 8 seasons, Stephen Amell and the rest of cast are still keeping us on our toes.

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‘The Walking Dead’

‘The Walking Dead’ — ‘The Walking Dead’ was an instant phenomenon when it debuted in 2010. The show put us in full blown zombie mania. At one point, the show was being watched by over 17 million people.

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‘Outlander’

‘Outlander’ — ‘Outlander’ already had a massive fan base thanks to Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling books. The fandom only increase when the TV adaptation premiered in 2014. Caitriona Balfe & Sam Heughan are the perfect Claire and Jamie, whose romance transcends time and all other obstacles.

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‘American Horror Story’

‘American Horror Story’ — ‘American Horror Story’ first premiered in 2011 with the theme ‘Murder House.’ There wasn’t on TV quite like it and there still isn’t. Each season is a different theme and has featured some incredible actors like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Kathy Bates. The big tenth season will air in 2020.

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‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ — ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ had quite the roller coaster ride in the 2010s. The show first premiered on FOX in 2013 and was canceled in 2018 after 5 seasons. After immense fan backlash, including major celebrities, NBC saved the show. The show has already been renewed for season 8. ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ proved that it’s not over until it’s over and never underestimate the power of fans.

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‘Downton Abbey’

‘Downton Abbey’ — ‘Downton Abbey’ premiered in 2010 and became everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure. The show transported us back in time to the early 20th century and we fell in love with the glitz and glamour of the show. ‘Downton Abbey’ left us shook with shocking twists — RIP Matthew & Sybil — and incredible dinner parties. The long-awaited ‘Downton Abbey’ movie debuted in 2019 and proved to us all that this was really the Decade of Downton.

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‘The 100’

‘The 100’ — Six seasons in and ‘The 100’ remains one of The CW’s best shows. The series premiered in 2014 and continued to push the boundaries season after season. ‘The 100’ fans have kept the hype about this show at an all-time high.

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‘Empire’

‘Empire’ — ‘Empire’ combined two things we loved most: music and a family drama. The Lyons kept our jaws on the floor week after week in those early seasons and became a ratings juggernaut for FOX. Even though the show has been shaken up about by offscreen drama, there’s no denying the impact ‘Empire’s had this decade. All hail Taraji P. Henson and Cookie Lyon!

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‘Riverdale’

‘Riverdale’ — After ‘Gossip Girl’ ended in 2012, the TV world waited for another juicy teen drama. ‘Riverdale’ debuted in 2017 and introduced a whole new generation who hadn’t read the Archie Comics to Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead. The show exploded in popularity and made KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse, and Lili Reinhart household names. Regardless of how crazy the show gets, ‘Riverdale’ always commands the conversation on social media.

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‘Shameless’

‘Shameless’ — There’s no TV quite like the Gallaghers. The U.S. version premiered in 2011 after the U.K. version became a hit. Over the past 10 seasons, ‘Shameless’ continues to be a ratings juggernaut for Showtime and stars like Emmy Rossum, William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, and Cameron Monaghan continue to give some of the best TV performances.

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‘Teen Wolf’

‘Teen Wolf’ — Never underestimate a teen fandom. ‘Teen Wolf’ became a bonafide hit when it premiered in 2011. The show garnered an intense and passionate fanbase that took over social media — Twitter, tumblr, and more. Even though it’s been over 2 years since the show’s series finale aired, ‘Teen Wolf’ still has so much social media impact.

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‘Power’

‘Power’ — ‘Power’ has been one of the most underrated shows of the decade. The series has always been at the top of its game since it premiered in 2014 and has never been afraid of epic twists or killing off characters. The show has dominated social media and has one passionate fandom. ‘Power’s final episodes will air in 2020 and they will be nothing short of jaw-dropping.

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