Best Drama Series Ever
by KaDaWe | created - 31 Oct 2013 | updated - 20 Apr 2017 | PublicMy favorite DRAMA series of all time.
For my favorite COMEDY series use the following link:
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls052123719/
There are only series included where I have seen at least one season.
As I want a certain consistency over the whole duration of a show to rate it high, I reduce the OVR Score by 4 if I have only watched one season, 3 if only two, and 2 if only three. Obviously this won't be the case if the series was cancelled earlier.
NEW ON THE LIST:
- Carnivále
- The 100
- Power
- Empire
- Justified
ON THE RISE:
- Hannibal
- Luther
- The Sopranos
- The Shield
- Mad Men
IN DECLINE
- Homeland
- The Walking Dead
- House of Cards
- Sherlock
- Hell on Wheels
SOON ON THE LIST (right now watching season one)
- TURN (4 out of 10 episodes)
- Generation Kill (3/7)
- Daredevil (3/13)
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. The Wire (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce
Votes: 377,828
OVERALL: 99/100 (GRADE: A+++)
Season 1: 95
Season 2: 100
Season 3: 100
Season 4: 100
Season 5: 100
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (5W, 6N)
WIN --- Outstanding Drama Series
WIN --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Maestro Harrell as Randy Wagstaff
WIN --- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
WIN --- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
WIN --- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by Idris Elba as Russell 'Stringer' Bell
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by Andre Royo as Reginald 'Bubbles' Cousins
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Jermaine Crawford as Duquan 'Dukie' Weems
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Julito McCullum as Namond Brice
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Tristan Wilds as Michael Lee
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Design for a Drama Series
2. Carnivàle (2003–2005)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
During the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farm boy and a charismatic minister learn that they are key players in a proxy war being fought between Heaven and Hell.
Stars: Michael J. Anderson, Adrienne Barbeau, Clancy Brown, Debra Christofferson
Votes: 46,884
OVERALL: 97.5/100 (GRADE: A+)
Season 1: 97
Season 2: 98
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Music Composition
3. True Detective (2014– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
Stars: Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch
Votes: 657,017
OVERALL: 96/100 (GRADE: A+)
Season 1: 100
Season 2: 98
Temporary Deduction (only 2 seasons): -3
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (3W, 7N)
WIN --- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Matthew McConaughey as Rust Cohle
WIN --- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
WIN --- Outstanding Music Composition
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Woody Harrelson as Marty Hart
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by Rachel McAdams as Ani Bezzerides
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series by Michelle Monaghan as Maggie Hart
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Design for a Drama Series
4. Deadwood (2004–2006)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, History
A show set in the late 1800s, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota; a town of deep corruption and crime.
Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Brad Dourif
Votes: 117,727
OVERALL: 95.7/100 (GRADE: A+)
Season 1: 98
Season 2: 91
Season 3: 98
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (1W, 7N)
WIN --- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series by Keith Carradine as Wild Bill Hickock
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Ian McShane as Al Swearengen
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series by Robin Weigert as Calamity Jane
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Design for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
5. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Votes: 2,138,573
OVERALL: 95.4/100 (GRADE: A+)
Season 1: 88
Season 2: 89
Season 3: 100
Season 4: 100
Season 5: 100
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (2W, 7N)
WIN --- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman
WIN --- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series by Anna Gunn as Skyler White
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Bryan Cranston as Walter White
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo Fring
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by Dean Norris as Hank Schrader
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Emily Rios as Andrea Cantillo
6. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey
Votes: 2,286,477
OVERALL: 95/100 (GRADE: A+)
Season 1: 95
Season 2: 95
Season 3: 96
Season 4: 97
Season 5: 91
Season 6: 96
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (1W, 10N)
WIN --- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series by Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Child Performer in a Drama Series by Joffrey Baratheon
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series by Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series by David Bradley as Walder Frey
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Oona Chaplin as Talisa Stark
7. The Newsroom (2012–2014)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
A newsroom undergoes some changes in its workings and morals as a new team is brought in, bringing unexpected results for its existing news anchor.
Stars: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr., Alison Pill
Votes: 124,749
OVERALL: 94.7/100 (GRADE: A)
Season 1: 97
Season 2: 89
Season 3: 98
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Jane Fonda as Leona Lansing
8. Bloodline (2015–2017)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Thriller
A family is forced to face their past secrets and scars when the black sheep returns home.
Stars: Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Sissy Spacek
Votes: 58,624
OVERALL: 93/100 (GRADE: A)
Season 1: 97
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
9. House of Cards (2013–2018)
TV-MA | 50 min | Drama
A Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him.
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Michel Gill, Robin Wright, Kate Mara
Votes: 531,078
OVERALL: 90.3/100 (GRADE: A)
Season 1: 98
Season 2: 95
Season 3: 83
Season 4: to be determined (thru 12 episodes: 85)
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (1W, 7N)
WIN --- Outstanding Main Title Design for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series by Robin Wright as Claire Underwood
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Music Composition
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series by Reg E. Cathey as Freddy Hayes
10. American Crime (2015–2017)
TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama
Seasonal anthology series. Season 1: The lives of the participants in a trial with significant racial motives are forever changed during the legal process.
Stars: Felicity Huffman, Regina King, Timothy Hutton, Richard Cabral
Votes: 10,155
OVERALL: 90/100 (GRADE: A)
Season 1: 94
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
11. The West Wing (1999–2006)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama
Inside the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House.
Stars: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, John Spencer
Votes: 85,628
OVERALL: 88/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 92
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Season 6: n/a
Season 7: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
12. Rectify (2013–2016)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama
Daniel Holden must put his life back together after serving 19 years on Georgia's Death Row before DNA evidence calls his conviction into question.
Stars: Aden Young, Abigail Spencer, J. Smith-Cameron, Adelaide Clemens
Votes: 27,657
OVERALL: 88/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 92
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Music Composition
13. Olive Kitteridge (2014)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama
A middle-school math teacher Olive and her marriage with Henry which spans 25 years.
Stars: Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, Ann Dowd, Ken Cheeseman
Votes: 26,119
OVERALL: 88/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 88
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by Francis McDormand as Olive Kitteridge
14. Sherlock (2010–2017)
TV-14 | 90 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The quirky spin on Conan Doyle's iconic sleuth pitches him as a "high-functioning sociopath" in modern-day London. Assisting him in his investigations: Afghanistan War vet John Watson, who's introduced to Holmes by a mutual acquaintance.
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves
Votes: 999,427
OVERALL: 87.7/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 94
Season 2: 93
Season 3: 82
Special: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 3 seasons): -2
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series
15. Broadchurch (2013–2017)
TV-MA | 1,143 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.
Stars: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan
Votes: 127,374
OVERALL: 86/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 90
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 3N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by Olivia Colman as Ellie Miller
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Music Composition
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
16. John Adams (2008)
TV-14 | 71 min | Biography, Drama, History
The life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years.
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, John Dossett, Stephen Dillane
Votes: 36,654
OVERALL: 86/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 86
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by Laura Linney as Abigail Adams
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for a Drama Series
17. Treme (2010–2013)
TV-MA | 55 min | Drama, Music
Life after Hurricane Katrina as the residents of New Orleans try to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their unique culture in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in the USA.
Stars: Khandi Alexander, Rob Brown, Kim Dickens, Melissa Leo
Votes: 15,910
OVERALL: 85/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 89
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Music Composition
18. The Shield (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Drama series following the lives and cases of dirty cop Vic Mackey and the corrupt LAPD unit under his command.
Stars: Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins, Michael Jace
Votes: 88,182
OVERALL: 85/100 (GRADE: A)
Season 1: 95
Season 2: to be determined (thru 6 episodes: 75)
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Season 6: n/a
Season 7: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -3
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series by Michael Kelly as Sean Taylor
19. Marco Polo (2014–2016)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, "Marco Polo" is based on the famed explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th century Mongolia.
Stars: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Joan Chen, Remy Hii
Votes: 78,722
OVERALL: 85/100 (GRADE: A-)
Season 1: 89
Special: n/a
Season 2: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series
20. Hell on Wheels (2011–2016)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Western
The Civil War is past, but former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon can't put it behind him. Fresh are the memories of the death of his wife, killed at the hands of Union soldiers, an act that sets him on a course of revenge.
Stars: Anson Mount, Colm Meaney, Robin McLeavy, Phil Burke
Votes: 55,782
OVERALL: 84.3/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 90
Season 2: 82
Season 3: 87
Season 4: 78
Season 5: n/a
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
21. Mad Men (2007–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama
A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.
Stars: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones
Votes: 260,707
GRADE: 84/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 88
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Season 6: n/a
Season 7: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
22. Fargo (2014–2024)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Various chronicles of deception, intrigue, and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. All of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota.
Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks
Votes: 422,224
GRADE: 84/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 88
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
23. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama
The trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill in the years leading up to his fateful run-in with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian
Votes: 648,269
OVERALL: 84/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 88
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
24. Gomorrah (2014–2021)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Ciro disregards tradition in his attempt to become the next boss of his crime syndicate. The internal power struggle puts him and his entire family's life at risk.
Stars: Salvatore Esposito, Marco D'Amore, Ivana Lotito, Cristiana Dell'Anna
Votes: 44,481
OVERALL: 84/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 88
Season 2: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
25. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.
Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Votes: 471,891
OVERALL: 83/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 87
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Season 6: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
26. Orphan Black (2013–2017)
TV-MA | 44 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her.
Stars: Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard
Votes: 117,011
OVERALL: 83/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 87
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (1W, 1N)
WIN --- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning and others
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Design for a Drama Series
27. State of Play (2003)
TV-14 | 52 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Journalists uncover a government conspiracy when a young politician's assistant and mistress is killed.
Stars: John Simm, David Morrissey, Kelly Macdonald, Bill Nighy
Votes: 10,532
OVERALL: 83/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 83
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
28. Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.
Stars: Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham
Votes: 203,227
OVERALL: 82.5/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 83
Season 2: 88
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 2 seasons): -3
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series by Kelly Macdonald as Margaret Schroeder
29. The 100 (2014–2020)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Set 97 years after a nuclear war destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity's lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth, hoping to repopulate the planet.
Stars: Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos, Isaiah Washington
Votes: 276,305
OVERALL: 82/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 85
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
30. Band of Brothers (2001)
TV-MA | 59 min | Drama, History, War
The story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.
Stars: Scott Grimes, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Shane Taylor
Votes: 527,731
OVERALL: 82/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 82
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (1W, 1N)
WIN --- Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
31. Power (2014–2020)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
James "Ghost" St. Patrick, a wealthy New York nightclub owner who has it all; dreaming big, catering to the city's elite, and living a double life as a drug kingpin.
Stars: Omari Hardwick, Lela Loren, Naturi Naughton, Joseph Sikora
Votes: 52,422
OVERALL: 80/100 (GRADE: B+)
Season 1: 84
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
32. Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
TV-MA | 59 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Convicted of a decade-old crime of transporting drug money, ordinarily law-abiding Piper Chapman is sentenced to 18 months behind bars and quickly discovers the realities of life-changing prison time.
Stars: Taylor Schilling, Danielle Brooks, Taryn Manning, Emma Myles
Votes: 320,285
OVERALL: 79/100 (GRADE: B)
Season 1: 83
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Madeline Brewer as Tricia Miller
33. Luther (2010–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
John Luther is a brilliant homicide detective with a knack for getting inside the minds of murderers. Unfortunately, his unconventional methods and personal demons put him at odds with his team.
Stars: Idris Elba, Dermot Crowley, Michael Smiley, Warren Brown
Votes: 154,407
OVERALL: 79/100 (GRADE: B)
Season 1: 83
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
34. Hannibal (2013–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
Explores the early relationship between renowned psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter and a young FBI criminal profiler who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers.
Stars: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas, Laurence Fishburne
Votes: 276,790
OVERALL: 79/100 (GRADE: B)
Season 1: 75
Season 2: 89
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 2 seasons): -3
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series by Michael Pitt as Mason Verger
35. Narcos (2015–2017)
TV-MA | 50 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
A chronicled look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years.
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann
Votes: 470,665
OVERALL: 77/100 (GRADE: B) Season 1: 85 Season 2: 75 Temporary Reduction (only 2 seasons): -3
36. Chosen (2013–2014)
22 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Ian Mitchell discovers a mysterious box on his doorstep containing a gun and a photo of a stranger he must kill in the next three days. If he doesn't kill him, he'll be endangering the safety of himself and his family.
Stars: Caitlin Carmichael, Chad Michael Murray, Nicky Whelan, Sarah Roemer
Votes: 3,885
GRADE: 76/100 (GRADE: B)
Season 1: 81
Season 2: 80
Season 3: 73
Temporary Deduction (only 3 seasons): -2
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
37. The Leftovers (2014–2017)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Three years after the disappearance of 2% of the global human population, a group of people in a small New York community try to continue their lives while coping with the tragedy of the unexplained nature of the event.
Stars: Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler
Votes: 112,436
OVERALL: 76/100 (GRADE: B)
Season 1: 80
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
38. The Knick (2014–2015)
TV-MA | 58 min | Drama, History
A look at the professional and personal lives of the staff at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early part of the twentieth century.
Stars: Clive Owen, André Holland, Jeremy Bobb, Juliet Rylance
Votes: 52,569
OVERALL: 75/100 (GRADE: B)
Season 1: 79
Season 2: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
39. The Americans (2013–2018)
TV-MA | 44 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
At the height of the Cold War, two Russian agents pose as the average American couple, complete with family.
Stars: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Keidrich Sellati, Holly Taylor
Votes: 111,394
OVERALL: 74/100 (GRADE: B-)
Season 1: 78
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
40. Mob City (2013)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
1947, Los Angeles. Cop Joe Teague walks the line between the LAPD, led by William Parker, and the mob, led by Bugsy Siegel.
Stars: Jon Bernthal, Milo Ventimiglia, Neal McDonough, Alexa Davalos
Votes: 7,701
OVERALL: 74/100 (GRADE: B-)
Season 1: 74
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 1N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for a Drama Series
41. Empire (2015–2020)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Music
A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.
Stars: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray
Votes: 41,066
OVERALL: 73/100 (GRADE: B-)
Season 1: 77
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
42. Justified (2010–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Enforcing his own brand of justice, U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a strong-willed, quiet law-man haunted by his past, returns to his native town to see that justice is served to those in need.
Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts
Votes: 118,826
OVERALL: 73/100 (GRADE: B-)
Season 1: 77
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Season 6: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
43. Murder in the First (2014–2016)
TV-MA | 42 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A single murder case is dissected from the committing of the crime through to the investigation, arrest and trial.
Stars: Taye Diggs, Kathleen Robertson, Ian Anthony Dale, Raphael Sbarge
Votes: 7,855
OVERALL: 72/100 (GRADE: B-)
Season 1: 78
Season 2: to be determined (thru 1 episode: 72)
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 2 seasons): -3
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
44. Longmire (2012–2017)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Walt Longmire is the dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming. Widowed only a year, he is a man in psychic repair but buries his pain behind his brave face, unassuming grin and dry wit.
Stars: Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman
Votes: 40,034
OVERALL: 68/100 (GRADE: C+)
Season 1: 72
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
45. The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller
Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.
Stars: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan
Votes: 1,082,880
OVERALL: 66.5/100 (GRADE: C+)
Season 1: 82
Season 2: 57
Season 3: n/a
Season 4: n/a
Season 5: n/a
Season 6: n/a
Season 7: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 2 seasons): -3
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
46. Black Mirror (2011– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Featuring stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.
Stars: Wunmi Mosaku, Monica Dolan, Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen
Votes: 640,530
OVERALL: 61/100 (GRADE: C+)
Season 1: 65
Season 2: n/a
Season 3: n/a
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
47. Fortitude (2015–2018)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Fortitude is one of the safest towns on earth. There has never been a violent crime here. Until now.
Stars: Richard Dormer, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Sienna Guillory, Mia Jexen
Votes: 23,621
OVERALL: 56/100 (GRADE: C)
Season 1: 63
Season 2: cancelled (-3 of OVR)
Temporary Deduction (only 1 season): -4
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 0N)
48. Homeland (2011–2020)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A bipolar CIA operative becomes convinced a prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda and is planning to carry out a terrorist attack on American soil.
Stars: Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, Damian Lewis, Rupert Friend
Votes: 361,050
OVERALL: 52/100 (GRADE: C)
Season 1: 75
Season 2: 53
Season 3: 38
Season 4: 66
Season 5: cancelled (-3 of OVR)
Season 6: cancelled (-3 of OVR)
MY ALL-TIME PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS (0W, 2N)
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison
NOMINEE --- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Marin Ireland as Aileen Morgan
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