TV Shows From the 2000s: History's Best Sellers

Revisiting 2000s presents a grand parade of tv history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Survivor, Gilmore Girls, and Six Feet Under took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Charlie Parsons and Amy Sherman-Palladino led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Survivor

   Released in 2000 by Charlie Parsons, CBS

   On May 31, 2000, American television changed forever with the premiere of 'Survivor: Borneo' on CBS. In a television landscape dominated by sitcoms and scripted dramas, the arrival of this new 'reality' show was a seismic event. Based on a Swedish format, it brought a radical concept to primetime: a real-life adventure where 16 ordinary Americans were marooned on a remote island to outwit, outplay, and outlast each other for a million-dollar prize. This date marks the beginning of the modern reality competition genre in the U.S., a phenomenon that would reshape network programming, create new kinds of celebrities, and spark national conversations for decades to come.

2. Gilmore Girls

   Released in 2000 by Amy Sherman-Palladino, The WB, The CW

   On October 5, 2000, the television landscape was forever changed with the premiere of "Gilmore Girls" on The WB network. This date marked the first time audiences were welcomed into the quirky, charming town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, and introduced to the fast-talking, coffee-obsessed mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. In an era often defined by high-concept dramas and broad sitcoms, "Gilmore Girls" offered a refreshing alternative. It presented a world grounded in relatable relationships, complex family dynamics, and witty, pop-culture-infused dialogue. The show's debut established a new kind of character-driven family drama that would become a hallmark of the network and a beloved cultural touchstone for a generation.

3. Six Feet Under

   Released in 2001 by Alan Ball, HBO

   On June 3, 2001, HBO introduced a series that would redefine how television approached mortality with the premiere of 'Six Feet Under'. Arriving during HBO's golden age, alongside giants like 'The Sopranos' and 'Sex and the City', the show carved out a unique space by placing death front and center. Created by 'American Beauty' scribe Alan Ball, the first episode introduced the Fisher family, proprietors of the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home, whose lives are thrown into turmoil by the sudden death of their own patriarch. The premiere immediately established the show's signature blend of dark humor, surreal dream sequences, and profound family drama, inviting viewers into a world where the business of death illuminates the complexities of life.

4. The Office

   Released in 2001 by Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant, BBC

   On July 9, 2001, the landscape of television comedy was quietly but irrevocably changed with the premiere of 'The Office' on BBC Two. The first episode, 'Downsize', introduced the world to the Wernham Hogg paper company and its insufferable manager, David Brent. At a time when British sitcoms were dominated by studio audiences and laugh tracks, this new mockumentary style felt revolutionary. Its debut was not a ratings blockbuster; instead, it began a slow burn, building an audience through word-of-mouth and critical praise. This date marks the genesis of a cultural phenomenon that would not only redefine the sitcom genre but also spawn a globally successful franchise, proving that the mundane reality of office life could be a source of profound and painfully funny television.

5. Band of Brothers

   Released in 2001 by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, HBO

   On September 9, 2001, HBO premiered 'Band of Brothers', an event that would unknowingly become a profound cultural touchstone. The debut was the culmination of a massive production effort by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, building on their cinematic success with 'Saving Private Ryan'. It was positioned as the prestige television event of the year. However, its historical context was irrevocably altered just two days later by the September 11th attacks. The series, a tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of the 'Greatest Generation' during World War II, suddenly aired to a nation grappling with a new, contemporary conflict, giving its themes of unity, resilience, and the cost of freedom an unforeseen and powerful resonance.

6. Alias

   Released in 2001 by J.J. Abrams, ABC

   On September 30, 2001, just nineteen days after the September 11th attacks, ABC premiered J.J. Abrams' 'Alias'. The timing was extraordinary. In a national climate of fear, uncertainty, and heightened patriotism, a show about a smart, capable, and determined American CIA agent fighting a shadowy terrorist organization struck a powerful chord. 'Alias' offered audiences a form of cathartic escapism, presenting a world where threats could be confronted head-on by a heroic figure. The series premiere wasn't just another TV debut; it was a cultural event that inadvertently tapped into the zeitgeist, providing a fictional framework for audiences to process real-world anxieties about espionage and global security through the lens of high-octane entertainment.

7. 24

   Released in 2001 by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, Fox

   On November 6, 2001, less than two months after the September 11th attacks reshaped the American psyche, the Fox network premiered '24'. Originally scheduled for an earlier debut, the pilot's airing was postponed due to its subject matter involving a terrorist plot and a bomb on a passenger plane. Its eventual premiere landed in a changed world, one grappling with new fears about national security and terrorism. This real-world context transformed '24' from a high-concept thriller into something deeply, and often uncomfortably, resonant. The show's themes of a nation under threat and the difficult choices made by its protectors were no longer abstract, making its debut a significant and highly debated cultural moment in television history.

8. The Shield

   Released in 2002 by Shawn Ryan, FX

   On March 12, 2002, the landscape of basic cable television was irrevocably altered with the premiere of "The Shield" on FX. At a time when HBO dominated the prestige drama space with shows like "The Sopranos," FX was a network primarily known for reruns. "The Shield" announced its arrival with a raw, visceral, and morally shocking pilot episode that culminated in a moment of violence that left audiences stunned. This debut was not just the start of a new show; it was a declaration of intent from FX, establishing the network as a serious competitor in original programming and pioneering the path for the gritty, ad-supported cable dramas that would follow throughout the decade.

9. The Wire

   Released in 2002 by David Simon, HBO

   On June 2, 2002, HBO premiered a show that would redefine the crime drama genre and set a new standard for literary television. "The Wire" debuted not with a bang, but with a slow, meticulous burn that demanded viewer patience. In an era when HBO was already a home for prestige television with hits like "The Sopranos," this new series, set on the gritty streets of Baltimore, presented a different kind of narrative. It was an unflinching, sprawling examination of a city's failing institutions. Its premiere marked the beginning of a five-season run that, while never a massive ratings hit, would accumulate immense critical acclaim and a devoted following, eventually earning its place in the pantheon of the greatest television shows ever created.

10. American Idol

    Released in 2002 by Simon Fuller, Fox, ABC

    On June 11, 2002, American television was irrevocably changed with the premiere of 'American Idol: The Search for a Superstar' on the Fox network. Based on the hit British show 'Pop Idol,' the series arrived at a time when reality television was still a burgeoning genre. It introduced a novel concept to the mainstream American audience: a nationwide talent search where the public held the ultimate power. By allowing viewers to vote for their favorite contestants via phone, the show created an unprecedented level of interactive engagement. This premiere wasn't just the launch of a new show; it was the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would dominate ratings and pop culture conversations for the next decade.

11. Firefly

    Released in 2002 by Joss Whedon, Fox

    On September 20, 2002, the Fox network introduced viewers to the 'verse with the premiere of 'Firefly'. However, the show's debut was famously fraught with network interference. Instead of airing the two-hour pilot episode, "Serenity," which established the characters and world, the network chose to premiere with the second episode, "The Train Job," believing it to be more action-packed. This decision left many new viewers confused about the backstory and relationships of the crew. This out-of-order airing was an early sign of the network's misunderstanding of creator Joss Whedon's vision, a conflict that would ultimately define the show's short but impactful run.

12. Chappelle's Show

    Released in 2003 by Dave Chappelle & Neal Brennan, Comedy Central

    On January 22, 2003, television comedy was irrevocably altered with the premiere of 'Chappelle's Show' on Comedy Central. In an era of relatively safe network programming, this debut signaled the arrival of a bold, unfiltered new voice. Hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, the first episode immediately established the show's fearless tone, tackling complex social and racial issues through a satirical lens. It wasn't just another sketch show; it was a cultural event in the making. Viewers who tuned in that night witnessed the beginning of a phenomenon that would produce some of the most iconic and quotable comedy of the 21st century, launching Chappelle from a respected comic to a cultural icon.

13. Arrested Development

    Released in 2003 by Mitchell Hurwitz, Fox, Netflix

    On November 2, 2003, American television audiences were introduced to the dysfunctional Bluth family with the premiere of 'Arrested Development' on the Fox network. In an era dominated by multi-camera sitcoms with laugh tracks, this single-camera, serialized comedy felt revolutionary. The pilot episode, which shares the series' title, masterfully set the stage, introducing a sprawling cast of eccentric characters and a rapid-fire, layered comedic style that demanded viewers' attention. While it didn't debut to blockbuster ratings, its airing marked a significant moment for television comedy, launching a show that, despite its initial short run, would go on to be considered one of the most innovative and influential sitcoms of the 21st century, setting a new standard for narrative complexity and joke density.

14. Battlestar Galactica

    Released in 2003 by Ronald D. Moore, David Eick, Sci Fi

    On December 8, 2003, a bold reimagining of a sci-fi classic made its debut, not in its home country, but across the Atlantic. The three-hour 'Battlestar Galactica' miniseries premiered on the UK's Sky One network, a full month before its American broadcast on the Sci Fi Channel. This unusual release strategy turned the miniseries into a global event, generating intense international buzz and critical acclaim. It served as a 'backdoor pilot,' a standalone event designed to gauge audience interest for a full series. Its success was so immediate and profound that the Sci Fi Channel quickly greenlit the 2004 series that would go on to redefine the genre for a new generation.

15. Deadwood

    Released in 2004 by David Milch, HBO

    On March 21, 2004, HBO, already the standard-bearer for prestige television with hits like 'The Sopranos' and 'The Wire', unveiled a series that would redefine the Western genre for a modern audience. The premiere of 'Deadwood' was a landmark event, signaling a departure from the sanitized, heroic myths of the American frontier. In an era where television was becoming increasingly cinematic and thematically ambitious, 'Deadwood' arrived with a cloud of dust and a volley of Shakespearean profanity. It wasn't just another cowboy show; it was a complex, character-driven historical drama that promised to explore the brutal, messy, and opportunistic process of civilization's birth in a lawless land. Its debut on this date marked the beginning of a new chapter for one of America's most enduring genres.

16. Lost

    Released in 2004 by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, ABC

    On September 22, 2004, television audiences were introduced to the wreckage of Oceanic Flight 815 and its enigmatic survivors. The premiere of 'Lost' on ABC was a cultural event, born from the most expensive pilot episode in the network's history. At a time when serialized dramas were a significant gamble, 'Lost' immediately captivated millions with its high-concept premise and cinematic quality. The episode, simply titled 'Pilot', didn't just establish a survival narrative; it masterfully wove in layers of mystery, from the unseen jungle monster to the personal secrets of its characters. This debut marked the beginning of a six-season journey that would redefine 'water cooler' television for the internet age.

17. House

    Released in 2004 by David Shore, Fox

    On November 16, 2004, the landscape of television medical dramas was irrevocably altered with the premiere of 'House' on the Fox network. In an era dominated by the heroic and empathetic physicians of shows like 'ER', 'House' introduced a radically different protagonist: Dr. Gregory House, a misanthropic, pill-popping genius. The debut episode, 'Pilot,' established the show's unique formula—a medical mystery solved through unconventional, often unethical, methods. It signaled a shift towards character-driven procedurals, where the puzzle of the human mind was just as critical as the ailment of the human body. This premiere was not just the launch of a new series; it was the birth of one of television's most iconic and complex anti-heroes.

18. The Office

    Released in 2005 by Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, NBC

    On March 24, 2005, American television audiences were introduced to the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company as NBC aired the pilot episode of 'The Office'. A mid-season replacement, the show arrived with considerable skepticism. It was an adaptation of a critically beloved, but niche, British sitcom of the same name created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The initial reception was lukewarm, with many critics comparing it unfavorably to the original. Few could have predicted that this humble premiere, which directly adapted the UK pilot's script, would be the starting point for one of the most popular and culturally significant American sitcoms of the 21st century.

19. Grey's Anatomy

    Released in 2005 by Shonda Rhimes, ABC

    On March 27, 2005, American television audiences were introduced to a new class of surgical interns when 'Grey's Anatomy' premiered on ABC. Originally scheduled as a mid-season replacement for 'Boston Legal,' the show aired following the network's mega-hit 'Desperate Housewives.' This strategic placement, combined with its compelling blend of medical crises and personal drama, resulted in an immediate ratings success. The premiere episode, 'A Hard Day's Night,' marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon, launching creator Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland production company into prominence and establishing a narrative universe that would captivate viewers for well over a decade, becoming a cornerstone of ABC's primetime lineup.

20. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

    Released in 2005 by Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, FX, FXX

    On August 4, 2005, the landscape of television comedy was irrevocably altered with the premiere of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' on FX. In an era dominated by more traditional, multi-camera sitcoms with laugh tracks and moral lessons, this shoestring-budget show arrived with a blast of cynical, unapologetic, and dark humor. The first episode, 'The Gang Gets Racist,' immediately established the show's confrontational tone and its central theme: five deeply flawed individuals whose vanity, greed, and laziness lead them to disastrous, albeit hilarious, conclusions. This debut was not a ratings blockbuster, but it planted the seed for what would become a massive cult phenomenon and, eventually, the longest-running live-action sitcom in American television history, introducing the world to the wretched hive of scum and villainy known as Paddy's Pub.

21. Friday Night Lights

    Released in 2006 by Peter Berg, NBC, The 101 Network

    On October 3, 2006, NBC introduced American audiences to the small, football-obsessed town of Dillon, Texas, with the series premiere of 'Friday Night Lights.' Based on the acclaimed book by H.G. Bissinger and the successful 2004 film, the television adaptation arrived with high critical expectations. Developed by Peter Berg, who also directed the film, the show promised a deeper, more character-focused exploration of the world he had brought to the big screen. Its debut marked the beginning of a series that, despite perennial ratings struggles, would become one of the most critically beloved dramas of its era, redefining what a sports-centric show could be by focusing intensely on the human stories happening off the field.

22. 30 Rock

    Released in 2006 by Tina Fey, NBC

    On October 11, 2006, NBC premiered a sitcom that would go on to redefine the network comedy landscape for the new millennium. "30 Rock," created by and starring "Saturday Night Live" head writer Tina Fey, debuted to strong critical buzz. At the time, single-camera comedies without laugh tracks were still finding their footing against traditional sitcoms. Fey, fresh off her success with the film "Mean Girls" and her iconic Sarah Palin impersonation on SNL, leveraged her insider knowledge of television production to create a series that was both a workplace comedy and a sharp, meta-satire of the very industry that produced it. The premiere introduced audiences to the chaotic world behind the scenes of a sketch comedy show, setting the stage for one of television's most acclaimed comedies.

23. Mad Men

    Released in 2007 by Matthew Weiner, AMC

    On July 19, 2007, a new era of television began with the premiere of 'Mad Men' on AMC. At the time, AMC was known primarily for airing classic American movies and was just beginning to venture into original scripted programming. The debut of this stylish and slow-burning period drama was a significant gamble for the network. It arrived without the immense hype of an HBO show but quietly introduced viewers to the world of 1960s advertising and the enigmatic Don Draper. This date marks the beginning of a series that would not only redefine its network but also become a cornerstone of television's second 'Golden Age,' proving that cinematic storytelling and complex characters could thrive on basic cable.

24. Breaking Bad

    Released in 2008 by Vince Gilligan, AMC

    On January 20, 2008, a new era of prestige television began as AMC aired the first episode of 'Breaking Bad.' At the time, AMC was still establishing itself as a home for original scripted content, having found success with 'Mad Men' the previous year. The premiere, titled simply 'Pilot,' introduced audiences to Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher whose life takes a dramatic and dark turn. This debut was not a ratings blockbuster, but it planted the seed for what would become a cultural phenomenon. It marked the first step in one of television's most acclaimed character transformations, setting the stage for a narrative that would challenge audience sympathies and redefine the antihero for the 21st century.

25. Parks and Recreation

    Released in 2009 by Greg Daniels & Michael Schur, NBC

    On April 9, 2009, NBC introduced viewers to the small, quirky town of Pawnee, Indiana, with the series premiere of 'Parks and Recreation'. Airing immediately after 'The Office', the show arrived with high expectations, as it was co-created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, key figures behind the American version of 'The Office'. The television landscape was dominated by single-camera sitcoms, and this new entry promised a similar mockumentary style but with a focus on local government. This date marks the first time audiences met the relentlessly optimistic Leslie Knope and her eclectic group of colleagues, setting the stage for a comedy that would evolve from a simple workplace sitcom into a beloved, heartwarming portrait of friendship, public service, and unwavering hope.

26. Community

    Released in 2009 by Dan Harmon, NBC, Yahoo! Screen

    On September 17, 2009, NBC aired the pilot episode of 'Community,' introducing audiences to the quirky Greendale Community College. The show premiered as part of the network's highly acclaimed Thursday night comedy block, alongside established hits like 'The Office' and '30 Rock.' While initially marketed as a more conventional sitcom about a disbarred lawyer forming a study group, its debut hinted at the meta-humor and genre-bending creativity that would define it. The premiere set the stage for a critically acclaimed but ratings-challenged run, quickly fostering a passionate and dedicated fanbase that would fight for its survival for six seasons and beyond, making this date the beginning of a television cult classic.

27. The Good Wife

    Released in 2009 by Robert King, Michelle King, CBS

    On September 22, 2009, CBS premiered a new series that would redefine the broadcast network drama for the modern era. "The Good Wife" arrived at a time when television was increasingly dominated by gritty, serialized cable dramas. While CBS was known for its highly successful and formulaic procedurals, this show offered something different: a sophisticated blend of case-of-the-week legal intrigue with complex, long-form character development. Its debut was remarkably timely, tapping directly into the public consciousness shaped by recent high-profile political scandals, most notably the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal. The premiere introduced audiences to Alicia Florrick, a woman forced to reclaim her life and career after her husband's public downfall, immediately establishing a compelling premise that felt both ripped-from-the-headlines and deeply personal.

28. Modern Family

    Released in 2009 by Christopher Lloyd, Steven Levitan, ABC

    On September 23, 2009, American television audiences were introduced to a new kind of family sitcom with the premiere of "Modern Family" on ABC. Debuting in an era where single-camera comedies were challenging the dominance of the traditional multi-camera, laugh-track format, the show immediately stood out. Its use of the mockumentary style, popularized by shows like "The Office," was innovatively applied to a domestic setting. The pilot episode, which cleverly wove together the stories of three seemingly separate families only to reveal their interconnection in a touching final scene, signaled the arrival of a comedy that was both brilliantly structured and full of heart, setting the stage for a decade-long run that would redefine the genre.