TV Shows with Wildly Passionate Fan Bases

The television: a luxury during its initial inception, its ability to capture reality and display it in a modestly sized box has made it an essential amenity in the modern home. Historic moments have taken place on TV, whether it’s the first presidential candidate debate or the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, the latter of which was the first live sporting event to be televised. Over time, TV would bind us together, disparate strangers connected by one television series, one unifying interest that seems representative of our innermost personalities. From conventions and message boards to livestreams and social media groups, fandoms have developed for all sorts of shows. Here are some of the most passionate (but not necessarily the most toxic…).

20 Firefly (2002)

Director Joss Whedon ruled science fiction and fantasy TV for nearly a decade between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly. The latter takes place in the deep future, acting as a tribute to science fiction and Westerns in an eclectic combination of the two genres. The series itself follows Captain Mal (Nathan Fillion) and his crew onboard the Serenity space vessel as they travel across the galaxy, living on the edge of society while aiding those they can.

Firefly Was Ahead of Its Time

Firefly aired for one season on Fox, but the storytelling, characters, and union of science fiction and Westerns made it a fan favorite and cult classic over time. When combined with Whedon’s signature writing style, it’s a fascinating precursor to the world of modern TV. Though it would be prematurely canceled, a sequel film, Serenity, would eventually be produced in 2005, acting as Whedon’s feature-length directorial debut in addition to continuing Firefly‘s narrative. It’s hard to understand how this one hasn’t returned in any form. You can stream Firefly on Hulu.

19 Gravity Falls (2012–2016)

Disney’s Gravity Fall s is easily one of the unique shows they’ve ever greenlit. Set in the titular Oregon town of Gravity Falls, twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are left in the care of their great uncle, or “Grunkle,” Stan Pines. Grunkle Stan is a bit of a conman, as he runs a middling tourist trap that peddles supernatural trinkets and other oddities. However, Mabel and Dipper soon discover that Gravity Falls is more than just a podunk town in the middle of nowhere, with secrets behind every shadowy corner.

Gravity Falls Toyed with Its Fans

Part of Gravity Falls’ appeal was its mystery components. It’s one of the most notable examples of a series actively toying with its fans, teasing out information for theory crafting and frequently alluding to something bigger behind the scenes. Combine that with its occasional forays into darker storytelling, and you have a series that still lives on in the hearts and minds of its viewers long after its original conclusion. It was a perfect example of a show made for adults and kids alike. You can stream Gravity Falls on Disney+ or Hulu.

18 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

Avatar: The Last Airbender is easily one of the most well-known Nickelodeon shows from the 2000s, and has a generation of fans who grew up with it. Co-created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, this all-ages animated series showcases the fantastical journey of Aang, the last living Airbender. Set in a world where the four major elements – water, earth, air, and fire – can be manipulated by specially trained “benders,”Avatar: The Last Airbender sees Aang and his handful of friends attempting to master all four elements to put a stop to the monstrous Fire Lord Ozai. The series drew significant attention for its impressive animation and mature subject, rarely talking down to its audience and presenting a story with some legitimate stakes behind it.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Is Still Beloved

To this day, Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most iconic shows in Nickelodeon’s lineup. Its impressive worldbuilding, charismatic characters, and willingness to dive into darker territory made it an incredible success in the ratings department. This would ultimately lead to the development of a sequel, The Legend of Korra, in addition to a live-action film adaptation, multiple re-releases, and a live-action Netflix series. It’s a fantasy series that has rarely been topped since it debuted in 2005. You can stream Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix or Paramount+.

17 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–Present)

The historic city of Philadelphia is home to Mac, Dennis, his sister, Dee, their father Frank, and Charlie. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows their caustic misadventures throughout Philadelphia and beyond as they craft get-rich-quick schemes, selfishly put themselves over others, and ultimately get their comeuppance by the end of nearly every episode. The series would be a stepping stone for actors like Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Kaitlin Olson, with Danny DeVito showcasing his broad range as one of the main cast from season two onward.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Is Incredibly Crass

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is one of television’s most-watched comedies because of its caustic characters and the ludicrous situations they get into. Each one of our main protagonists is despicable in a unique way, yet their poor understanding of the world around them makes for exemplary comedy. Having gone on for almost 20 seasons, the show has even developed a self-aware edge, purposefully exaggerating the cast’s personalities to an absurdly hilarious degree. The series’ reliance on royalty-free music and the unconventional setting of Philadelphia also makes it stand out from its contemporaries. You can stream It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Hulu.

16 Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

The Caped Crusader got his animated series inspired by the live-action films by director Tim Burton. Batman: The Animated Series may be a bit toned down compared to Burton’s original films, but there’s a level of respect for both the source material and the audience that you’ll rarely find elsewhere. This mature animated series ran from 1992 to 1995, with creative direction provided by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski. The series follows Batman, billionaire Bruce Wayne by day, a masked vigilante at night, as he takes on the colorful comic villains of Gotham City. The series is notable for being the first entry in the DC Animated Universe, and for featuring numerous villains from Batman’s lore that hadn’t seen the limelight at the time.

Batman: The Animated Series Was Influential

Batman: The Animated Series would be integral in shaping the Batman franchise as we know it today. For instance, the character of Harley Quinn was originally a creation exclusive to this animated series, later becoming one of Batman‘s most famous icons. Mark Hamill’s performance as the main villain, The Joker, remains a beloved depiction of the Clown Prince of Crime, opening the door for his continued involvement in future DC projects. The series would adapt many storylines from Batman‘s comic run and even introduce Kevin Conroy as one of Batman’s most recognizable voices. A generation of kids became superhero and comic book fans thanks to the show, and would later feed the box offices of the MCU and DCU. You can stream Batman: The Animated Series on Prime Video.

15 Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

What can be said about Breaking Bad that hasn’t been said already? A part of AMC’s golden age alongside Mad Men and The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad marked a dramatic departure for lead actor Bryan Cranston. Instead of acting in a silly comedy, Breaking Bad sees Cranston playing Walter White: a cancer-riddled high school teacher who, in a bid to provide for his family, takes up distributing meth with one of his former students, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). What follows, however, is a gradual rise to power that shows the true motivations behind Walter White’s illicit occupation.

Breaking Bad Is a Crime Classic

Like The Sopranos before it, Breaking Bad is one of the pinnacle crime dramas, complete with an anti-hero protagonist who you gradually love to hate. Though its ratings were relatively modest during its first few seasons, the availability on Netflix that coincided with its grim fourth and fifth seasons set the stage for a bona fide phenomenon. Cranston and Paul play an impressive duo throughout, with the former’s manipulative nature playing well into the latter’s deep-seated innocence. The series was so successful, it would eventually spawn a prequel in the form of Better Call Saul, and a feature-length continuation in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. Streaming on Netflix.

​​

14 M*A*S*H (1972–1983)

Considered groundbreaking television at the time of its release, M*A*S*H used the backdrop of the Korean War to offer a more reflective comedy series that focused on contemporary issues. The series touched on the social unrest around the war and allowed an outlet to make it more approachable for the masses. Following the exploits of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, focusing on the lives of army surgeons and a diverse cast of characters that orbited the hospital, the series blended drama with comedy.

Over 60% of Americans Tuned in for the Finale

This was the start of the dramedy genre, and it showed the ability of a comedy series to tackle larger issues and blend heartfelt moments, tragedy, and laughs. The series would be successful, running eleven seasons and picking up 14 Emmy Awards. The finale of M*A*S*H remains one of the most watched episodes ever, attracting approximately 105.97 million total viewers, which is over 60% of all households in America. Thanks to syndication, it remains one of the most-watched and loved shows of all time. You can stream M*A*S*H on Hulu.

13 Sherlock (2010–2017)

The BBC struck gold with their most popular crime drama series, Sherlock. Based on the novels and characters initially created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock sees Benedict Cumberbatch portraying Sherlock Holmes, the self-proclaimed high-functioning sociopathic detective, with Martin Freeman portraying his writer/doctor companion Dr. John Watson. For four seasons, we follow modern-day Sherlock and company as they take on murder investigations, social intrigue, and the malevolent antics of Sherlock’s rival, Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott). Steven Moffat co-created this series after serving as a writer on the modern Doctor Who revival.

Sherlock Was a British Phenomenon

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were a winning combination. Though the series has only 12 episodes total, along with a one-off special, the series was lauded for its dedication to Conan Doyle’s original works and the individual performances of its cast members. The series would secure 42 awards across a plethora of institutions, with Cumberbatch and Freeman winning an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries, respectively. The relationship between Sherlock and Moriarty was also a prominent point of discussion among fans and casual viewers alike, contributing to the show’s overall popularity. You can stream Sherlock on Hulu.

12 Rick and Morty (2013–Present)

Rick and Morty is an animated science-fiction series originally co-created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. Both a self-aware, bonkers comedy and a compelling drama series, Rick and Morty follows the titular duo of Rick and Morty Sanchez, with the former being a drunken mad scientist and the latter being a fretful, hesitant teenager. Between domestic family squabbles and harrowing examinations of existentialism, the series follows Rick and Morty as they go on various intergalactic adventures, often laced with biting parodies of tired tropes or perverse shenanigans.

Rick and Morty Is an Important Adult Swim Series

It wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that Rick and Morty is an essential series for Adult Swim. The first three seasons of the show saw an incredible response from critics and audiences alike, subsequently earning two Emmy wins for Outstanding Animated Program and briefly becoming the highest-viewed television comedy for younger adults. We’re not even going to mention the many memes Rick and Morty created in its lengthy run so far, or the real-life wildness it has caused. Though the series has been through some notable ups and downs over the past few years, it has become a staple of Adult Swim’s programming lineup. You can stream Rick and Morty on Max.

11 Bluey (2018 – Present)

Didn’t think you’d see a children’s show here, did you? Bluey became a surprising hit among older audiences, quickly rising to popularity in the 2020s. An Australian series, Bluey follows the day-to-day lives of a Cattle Dog family living in Queensland, Australia. Bluey, the titular dog of the series, utilizes her imagination to go on a plethora of silly adventures with her loving family in tow.

Bluey is an Animated Show That’s Also Popular With Adults

Shockingly, while Bluey is primarily aimed at kids, its strength has also appealed to adults. The characters of Bandit and Chilli, Bluey’s parents, are an incredible representation of positive parenting. The family dynamic featured in the series is a rare example of authentic representation in today’s age. Both parents regularly work, contribute to household duties, and communicate with Bluey in a way that validates her fluctuating emotions. It’s a refreshingly family-forward series regarding children’s entertainment, no doubt contributing to its overall popularity with all age groups. You can stream Bluey on Disney+.

10 Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Though its legacy may have been tarnished with one of the worst final seasons in television history, Game of Thrones was a flagship series for HBO for more than a few reasons. Based on the series of books by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones is a sweeping dark fantasy series that paints an entire world of intense geopolitical conflict, graphic wars, powerful intrigue, and monstrous creatures. Primarily set on the two continents of Westeros and Essos, the series follows the warring factions spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms as international threats and a horde of malevolent undead soldiers begin their dreaded advance.

Game of Thrones Was an Essential HBO Series

Game of Thrones encapsulated what HBO had to offer during the 2010s. Aside from the on-the-surface, adult material, Game of Thrones was infamous for its tense storytelling. It illustrated a living, breathing world full of dramatic twists and fascinating characters. The first season was particularly famous for taking what was presumed to be the protagonist character, Ned Stark (Sean Bean), and killing him off before season two, setting an uncomfortable standard that meant any character could die at any moment. Though it ended a few years ago, its impact can still be felt in the ongoing spin-off series, House of the Dragon. You can stream Game of Thrones on Max.

9 Dragon Ball Z (1996–2003)

While this sentiment can be extended to the entire Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball Z was an internal part of many anime fans’ introduction to Japanese cartoons. The number of kids who tuned in regularly to sit through all 291 episodes, which included entries like thirty minutes of Goklu powering up a spirit bomb, is a testament to how infectious the series was in building up these epic battles. Many would carry this passion into adulthood, with the series continuing to grow through spin-off series and movies.

The West’s First Major Introduction to Anime

Anime is now an institution that competes with, and often beats out, American animation. Dragon Ball was the start of anime’s dominance in the West, and it acted as a precursor to an influx of other anime that are not now considered classics: One Peace, Naruto, Pokemon, and the list goes on. While drawn out, the action sequences made fans obsessed with Goku and his friends and family as they battled forces from other worlds. There was always an escalation of powers, and each Saiyan evolution brought new baddies to push the series into more epic battles. Dragonball Z is streaming on Crunchyroll.

8 Friends (1994–2004)

Friends is one of the most memorable sitcoms from the 1990s. Set in the heart of New York City, Friends follows a group of six friends as they live their days in the hustle and bustle of the city, simply trying their best to get by. Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer portray various personalities that occasionally clash but ultimately find the best in one another in the sprawling urban landscape. A reunion special for the very quotable series, Friends: The Reunion, aired in 2021.

Friends Was a 1990s Staple

Friends is notable not only for its infectiously catchy intro theme but also for its impact throughout the 1990s. Like Seinfeld, it highlighted an unrepresented portion of life on the small screen. But, instead of focusing on a central character, each of our six friends was given ample focus, allowing each to grow and change as the series went on. It’s not a new concept nowadays, but it was certainly novel for the time, which drew in significant attention from fans and casual viewers alike. Combine that with the frequent on-and-off again romances littered throughout Friends‘ 10 seasons, and you have a sitcom that still lingers on in the minds of fans almost two decades after its original conclusion. You can steam Friends on Max.

7 The Wire (2002–2008)

You’ve probably heard it called the greatest show of all time, maybe by a pretentious person; whatever you think about them, they happen to be right. The Wire takes a deliberately cold look at the world of organized crime. The Wire focuses on Baltimore, with each season showing a different institution of the city and its attempts to solve the various socioeconomic problems plaguing it. Under the direction of David Simon, the series examines issues like the illegal drug trade, Baltimore’s corrupt port system, the failing school system, and other prominent topics. An ensemble cast featuring Dominic West, Michael K. Williams, Lance Reddick, Idris Elba, and more are featured throughout the entire series.

The Wire Is an Incredible Watch

In opting to highlight the different districts of Baltimore instead of a single set of characters, The Wire accomplishes what other crime drama shows can’t: it paints a clear picture of how broken the system can be at every stage of its operations. Though every season comes with its cast of incredible characters, The Wire uses them more as a means to an end than its central focus, telling an incredible, thought-out story throughout five seasons. While ratings during its initial run would be eclipsed by its modern reappraisal period, it has since developed a passionate fan base that continues to proselytize for it and call it the greatest TV show ever made. You can stream The Wire on Max.

6 The Sopranos (1999–2007)

The Sopranos is arguably one of the most influential television shows ever made. Set in New Jersey, The Sopranos tells the story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), patriarch of the Soprano family and the New Jersey mafia. Throughout six seasons and 86 episodes, Tony faces conflicts on all fronts – be it from his career of choice or his demons – while attempting to better himself with numerous therapy sessions. The series is notable for kickstarting the acting careers of names like Edie Falco, Tony Sirico, and Michael Imperioli, in addition to being one of the most prolific examples of quality HBO programming.

The Sopranos Was Incredibly Influential

James Gandolfini’s depiction of Tony Soprano is incredibly layered, made all the more authentic by his sheer devotion to the character, which kept viewers actively engaged throughout. Though you were meant to despise Tony for his casual views on murder and extortion, viewers found themselves in love with his character, prompting the development of future television icons like Walter White and Vic Mackey. Tony would ultimately be the catalyst for characters whose mixed morality made for incredible drama. We have to make a quick mention of the controversial ending of The Sopranos as well, which still prompts discussion over what happened to Tony to this day. You can stream The Sopranos on Max.

5 Seinfeld (1989–1998)

One of the top comedies of the 1990s is Seinfeld. Co-created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the series sees the latter playing a comically exaggerated version of himself, all while living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. We follow Seinfeld’s various misadventures throughout the city, which often take place in the company of his friends: George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). The series was notable for its interstitial stand-up comedy segments, performed by Jerry Seinfeld, and its overall focus on everyday inconveniences turned into hilarious extremes.

A Show About Nothing

To say that Seinfeld has become a pop culture staple would be an understatement. The best episodes of Seinfeld, like “The Chinese Restaurant,” “The Parking Garage,” and “The Contest,” were renowned not only for their humor but for the overall quality of writing on offer throughout. Across 180 episodes, the series received 131 separate award nominations, taking home 10 Emmys for categories like Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Editing for a Series, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Its series finale, as infamous as it was, is still burned into the minds of those who tuned in for it live. Because of its massive popularity in syndication, fans of the show still watch it every week. You can stream Seinfeld on Netflix.

4 The Office (2005–2013)

The Office is a worthy contender for one of the most-watched TV shows. Set in the middle of Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Office follows the day-to-day operations of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, led by the eccentric Michael Scott. The series was originally based on the British series of the same name, but it later found its footing as a charming, Americanized sitcom. The Office has inspired a podcast featuring former cast members Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, numerous board games, and even a dedicated mobile phone game more than a decade after it officially ended.

The Office Was Peak Cringe Comedy

Along with popularizing character confessionals, which would later be used in shows like Parks and Recreation, The Office would become closely linked with the advent of streaming culture, sparking outrage when it was eventually removed from Netflix in favor of being hosted on Peacock. A lovable cast of memorable characters carries the cringe comedy of this series to its timely end, with Steve Carell and Ed Helms famously getting their start here before fully transitioning to Hollywood. Character feuds, on-and-off romances, and an incredible number of memorable quotes make this series a top TV show. You can stream The Office on Peacock.

3 The Simpsons (1989-Present)

As one of the longest-running animated series, we would be remiss to not mention The Simpsons. Initially created by cartoonist Matt Groening for The Tracey Ullman Show, The Simpsons follows the numerous misadventures of the Simpson family, who live in the nebulous city of Springfield. The family is made up of: Homer, the well-meaning but dim-witted earner of the family; Marge, the loving stay-at-home mother; Lisa, the intelligent and socially-conscious daughter; Bart, the rebellious and immature son; and Maggie, the youngest of the family. Though the series initially focused on each member of the Simpson family, it would gradually expand to feature more and more of Springfield’s eccentric residents, forming a gargantuan ensemble cast that persists to this day.

The Simpsons Are an American Icon

The Simpsons was originally envisioned as a riff on the typical sitcoms that ruled television at its release, purposefully painting a satirical caricature of Middle America with its over-the-top antics and hilarious characters. Fascinatingly, over 35 years and counting, The Simpsons has since become the archetypal sitcom it originally meant to parody. Though the show was mired in controversy in its early years, mainly due to the popularity of Bart Simpson’s rambunctious personality, it would become an instrumental series in shaping broader cultural changes throughout the 1980s and 1990s, eventually becoming one of the most iconic American properties next to Mickey Mouse and Superman. Just the sheer amount of merchandising that’s been sold and exists in the world shows that there’s an army of fans out there. You can stream The Simpsons on Disney+.

2 Doctor Who (1963-Present)

For 60 years, on and off, Doctor Who has garnered generations of passionate fans thanks to its ingenious narrative device that allows the heroic time-traveling Doctor to regenerate into different forms, thus bringing in new actors. As such, there are many different eras of the show, with each fan loving certain ones (and certain Doctors) more than others.

Who’s Writing Doctor Who & Who Is the Doctor?

The most important thing in the franchise is who is helming the show, with fans and detractors of each different showrunner. Some think that Russell T. Davies has killed the show, and that the last two Doctors have been reflective and the show’s liberal agenda. Some people prefer Davies, though, or gravitate toward Steven Moffat instead. Whoever is the Doctor, and whoever is running the show, will certainly get the fanbase talking, and the passion varies based on that. But one thing’s for sure — the Doctor has a very special place in many people’s hearts. Stream on Tubi, Britbox, and Disney+.

1 Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

It’s hard to pick just one Star Trek series, but we might as well go with what the consensus of Trekkies regard as the best of the franchise, The Next Generation. Sci-fi and fantasy shows generally have the most passionate fan bases because those genres can create deeper lore and more expansive world-building. Star Trek is certainly one of the biggest examples of this, but it’s the characters and intelligent writing that makes The Next Generation so special.

A Major Expansion of the Star Trek Universe

The Next Generation was responsible for multiplying the fan base, growing in viewership each year until its finale reached 30 million live viewers. Picard has become arguably just as famous and maybe even more beloved than Kirk, and the villains throughout have remained iconic.