History's Best Selling TV Shows of 2014

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2014 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of tv! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like True Detective and Fargo, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Nic Pizzolatto and Noah Hawley proved their mettle with The Leftovers, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. True Detective

   Released in 2014 by Nic Pizzolatto, HBO

   On January 12, 2014, HBO unveiled a series that would redefine the television crime drama, "True Detective." Arriving at the height of television's 'golden age,' its premiere was a significant cultural event, largely driven by the star power of Matthew McConaughey, then in the midst of his 'McConaissance,' and Woody Harrelson. The debut episode immediately signaled that this was no ordinary procedural. It plunged viewers into a grim, atmospheric Southern Gothic world, introducing the complex, philosophical, and deeply troubled detective Rust Cohle. The premiere set the stage for a national obsession, sparking countless conversations and fan theories as it masterfully unspooled its dark narrative over eight weeks.

2. Fargo

   Released in 2014 by Noah Hawley, FX

   On April 15, 2014, television audiences were reintroduced to the snowy, quirky, and sinister world of the American Midwest with the premiere of 'Fargo' on FX. The date marked a significant gamble for the network and creator Noah Hawley, as they sought to adapt the Coen Brothers' beloved and critically lauded 1996 film into an anthology series. Rather than a remake, the show promised a new 'true crime' story set within the same universe, capturing the film's unique tone of dark humor and brutal violence. The premiere was met with high anticipation and skepticism, as viewers waited to see if a television show could possibly live up to the legacy of its cinematic namesake. This debut began a new chapter for television anthologies, proving the format's narrative power.

3. The Leftovers

   Released in 2014 by Damon Lindelof & Tom Perrotta, HBO

   On June 29, 2014, HBO premiered a series that would redefine how television could explore grief and faith. "The Leftovers" arrived not with a bang, but with a profound and unsettling silence. The first episode, "Pilot," introduced viewers to a world three years after the "Sudden Departure," a global event where 2% of the population inexplicably vanished. The premiere established the show's somber, meditative tone, focusing on the fractured lives of the Garvey family and their neighbors in Mapleton, New York. Rather than offering clues to the central mystery, the debut plunged audiences directly into the emotional and psychological wreckage, setting the stage for a deeply philosophical and challenging journey.

4. BoJack Horseman

   Released in 2014 by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Netflix

   On August 22, 2014, Netflix released the entire first season of 'BoJack Horseman,' marking a pivotal moment for the streaming service and adult animation. At the time, Netflix was building its original content slate with acclaimed dramas like 'House of Cards' and 'Orange Is the New Black.' The debut of 'BoJack Horseman' signaled its ambitious entry into the adult animated comedy space, a genre dominated by broadcast networks. The all-at-once release solidified the binge-watching model, inviting audiences into a deceptively bright and cynical world. This date represents the quiet launch of what would become one of the most critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant television shows of its era, fundamentally challenging perceptions of what a cartoon could be.