Best (non-comedy) TV shows of all time

[XelaM]

Having just finished Season 3 of "Succession" I feel bereft and looking to find something good to watch.

"Succession" is the best thing I have seen on TV probably ever, but equally great I found
"Breaking Bad" (first 4 seasons); and
"Ozark".

Are there any other shows out there that can rival those three in brilliance of script, acting and twists? Looking for inspiration.

Oops - mustn't forget Callan (if your into spy types)

X-Files
Fringe
You

Chernobyl was incredible. We've watched it three times now.

Yes, this was excellent. A bit like being in the theatre but very good.

I would also say The Hour although I think it was compared somewhat unfavourably with Mad Men which I've not seen.

Also loved Secret Army.

More recently State of Play (UK version), Life on Mars (although it is 16 years since it started so is a little time capsule of its own, never mind the 1970s bit!) and Ashes to Ashes.

Tenko,
X-Files,
Twin Peaks,
Golden Girls,
Better Call Saul,
Sopranos,

So many others have mentioned.

I thought I would be the first to say Tenko - just beaten to it. A superb series that has stood the test of time. So memorable.

I also think I Claudius is hard to beat. Terrfific cast and storytelling at it's very best.

The Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice reamins the best version hands down.

Chernobyl was the best thing on TV in recent years.

In terms of factual programmes I mentioned Sister Wendy's Story of Painting on another thread. It was brilliant. I also really enjoyed the series on ancient Rome by Mary Beard.

I watched Tenko and I, Claudius when I was far too young. My parents just put the tv on and watched what they wanted which meant us kids watching it too. Also MASH. I seem to recall enjoying them all and learning something in the process, but I do think I probably shouldn't have been watching them!

7-Up series (especially the early ones)
Upstairs Downstairs
Das Boot
Rome
The Killing
The Bridge
The Last Kingdom
Chernobyl
Homeland
Hill Street Blues
Lonesome Dove
Life on Earth
A Town Like Alice

Roger & Val Have Just Got In.

Dawn French and Alfred Molina. Not a comedy, yet has some funny parts. Is beautifully acted, poignant touches, and utterly brilliant. It massively went under the radar.

It's exceptional.

Bloody hell how could I have forgotten - The Detectorists. Gentle, charming, amazing cast. It's an absolute gem.

The Killing and The Handmaids Tale (i also loved Breaking Bad and Ozark)

The World At War was extraordinary. It was a comprehensive history of WWII, made in the early 70s when many of the key leaders, generals & people who worked very closely with them on all sides were still alive and willing to be interviewed about the events of the war. One of them was Traudl Junge, who was Hitler’s Private Secretary during the war.

Most of mine have been mentioned but one of the best things I've watched is Human Trafficking with Donald Sutherland and Robert Carlyle. It's a few years old now but was one of those programmes you can't not watch even though the subject isn't one you want to think about. Brilliantly done.

I only discovered this because of recommendations on here. I didn’t mention it before as the OP said non comedy but I guess it’s not your conventional comedy.

I just finished series 3 this week and it’s just so wonderful, so warm, funny, affectionate, with amazing characters and so original.
I love the theme tune too.
Highly recommended. Uplifting and life affirming.

Absolutely agree with this, every one should watch it. We have the series on DVD and once the DC are old enough to appreciate it we’ll be showing it to them,

it’s crazy to think that we are further away now from the series being made (almost 50 years) than the series was from the end of the War (just under 30 years)

Oldies
ER
Hill Street Blues
NYPD Blue

More recent
The Bridge
Chernobyl
Handmaids Tale s1
Line of Duty s1-4
Mare of Easttown

Runners Up
Good Wife
West Wing (fab but dated now)
House of cards

I absolutely adored Blindspot.

The good wife
The tomorrow people (modern version)
Supernatural
Ncis (the original)
Csi (with grissiom)
Covert affairs
Alias
Spooks
Person of interest
The unit
Cake boss
Buffy
La femme nikita
Stargate SG 1
Star trek voyager

Commander in chief

Madame Secretary