Top 10 TV Shows Dominating the 2000s

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The 2000s mark the beginning of what many describe as the Second Golden Age of Television. During this intensely creative decade, some of the most iconic television series of all time were brought to life. These shows are noted for their cinematic style, refinement in production, stellar writing, focused direction, and phenomenal acting. From medical dramas to heartfelt comedies to gritty crime TV, there was something for every taste. Some noteworthy examples include Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Grey’s Anatomy, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad.

Such series attracted huge audiences, amassing die-hard fans, even before streaming services were widely available. When discussing shows created at the dawn of the new millennium, it’s probably your favorite series or popular examples like the aforementioned works that come to mind. But when it comes to the most widely watched of the bunch, you might be surprised, as these years also saw a rise in reality TV and contestant shows. These are the 10 most-watched TV shows of the 2000s — series that undeniably became a cultural phenomenon.

10
‘Law & Order’

(1990 – 2010; 2022 – Present)

Created by Dick Wolf, Law & Order is an addictive show full of twists that follows cases “ripped from the headlines.” Thanks to its strategic formula, Law & Order functions as both a thrilling detective show and a captivating courtroom drama. During its initial run, the cast included Chris North, Dann Florek, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jerry Orbach, Jill Hennessy, Benjamin Bratt, George Dzundza, and Angie Harmon. The revival series saw the reprise of two roles by series veterans, District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Detective Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson).

An Enduring Television Legacy

With its iconic introduction and famous “dun-dun” that give way to each episode, Law & Order is undeniably a TV legacy, spawning a franchise that has seven spin-offs that carry its name. As the second-longest running series in said franchise, thanks to its 11-year hiatus, it spans 24 seasons and 515 episodes — and counting. The series has been nominated for 234 awards and has won 42 of them.

9
‘Everybody Loves Raymond’

(1996 – 2005)

From creator Phil Rosenthal, Everybody Loves Raymond is one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ’90s and 2000s. The series ran for a total of nine seasons, during which it was nominated for 69 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning 15 of them. It’s loosely based on the life of comedic talent Ray Romano, who stars as Raymond “Ray” Barone, a sports writer and married family man. Most of the show’s episodes were filmed in front of a live audience.

A Relatable Family Comedy

The series follows Ray and his eccentric family, which includes his wife Debra (Patricia Heaton), daughter Ally (Madilyn Sweeten), twin sons Michael and Geoffrey (Sullivan and Sawyer Sweeten), and his intrusive parents, Marie and Frank (Doris Roberts and Peter Doyle), who live across the street with his older brother Robert (Brad Garrett). Much of the humor arises from their domestic life, extended family dynamics, and their everyday trials and tribulations, painting a hilarious and warm portrait of an average family man.

8
‘Grey’s Anatomy’

(2005 – Present)

From the brilliant mind of Shonda Rhimes, and starring Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy follows the drama and romance at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, later renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Although the show outgrew its main character in Season 19, it’s still going strong with 21 seasons and counting. When it first aired, its cast included Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers, and T.R. Knight. Still standing are veterans Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey, and James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber.

One of the Best Medical Dramas Ever Produced

With its intense, dramatic storylines and compelling, memorable characters, Grey’s Anatomy eclipses other medical dramas. The series has featured its fair share of gripping plot lines, including a mass shooting, a plane crash, a rapist being set on fire, and a two-part bomb episode. In its prime, Grey’s Anatomy was one of the most-watched and critically acclaimed shows on television, receiving numerous nominations and winning multiple awards. Today, it holds the record for the longest-running primetime medical drama ever.

7
‘Desperate Housewives’

(2004 – 2012)

The female-led TV series Desperate Housewives is one of the works that greatly defined the 2000s. Upon its release, it became an immediate sensation, garnering 21.63 million viewers in its pilot episode. That first season closed with 30.62 million viewers tuning into its finale. With talents in the likes of Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross, and Nicollete Sheridan, it’s no wonder Desperate Housewives attracted so many fans.

Dark Secrets Lie Beneath Seemingly Perfect Lives

With an irresistible blend of soapy drama, mystery-filled storylines, and deadpan comedy, the show focuses on the lives of the women living on Wisteria Lane. Behind every white picket fence of the seemingly idyllic suburbia, someone has something to hide. Season 1 opens with one of their own, Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong), dying by an apparent suicide. The rest of the show’s eight seasons brings more gripping mysteries, entertaining humor, and lessons to be learned for all.

6
‘ER’

(1994 – 2009)

There would be no Grey’s Anatomy if it hadn’t been for the show that pioneered mainstream medical drama, Michael Crichton’s ER, which set the standard for every series like it that came after. The award-winning series is known for having catapulted the careers of notable stars like George Clooney, Noah Wyle, Julianna Margulies, Anthony Edwards, and the late Vanessa Marquez. Some recurring and featured guest stars include Ewan McGregor, William H. Macy, and Sally Field.

A Long, Influential Tenure

ER follows the doctors and nurses in the emergency room at Chicago’s County General Hospital. The series ran for a total of 15 seasons, delivering first-rate drama and high-stakes medical cases through phenomenal and emotional storytelling. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy are in for a real treat, and should most definitely add ER to their list of series to watch.

5
‘Friends’

(1994 – 2004)

Friends defined an entire generation with its six main characters who captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. During its 10-season run, the show followed the lives of a group of close-knit friends, New Yorkers Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc).

A Long-Lasting Sensation

With themes like adulthood, friendship, love, and career, 20-year-olds trying to navigate this messy thing called life were able to see themselves through these endearing characters. To this day, Friends remains as relatable (and hilarious) as ever. Friends has left one of the most enduring cultural impressions, with great and memorable episodes like “The One Where Everyone Finds Out,” and iconic lines like Joey’s signature catchphrase “How you doin’.” Much of the show’s success is also largely due to the cast’s incomparable on-screen chemistry.

4
‘Dancing With the Stars’

(2005 – Present)

Dancing With the Stars is the American version of the British show Strictly Come Dancing. The dancing competition series first aired on ABC in the summer of 2005. The show premiered its 33rd season in the fall of 2024, with fans currently waiting on word about its 34th season. The treasured American reality TV series follows celebrities who are paired with professional dancers, with each couple competing against the others for the votes of the judges and audience. Each night features a special theme, and pairs are eliminated until only one remains as victor.

Where Fans Get to Watch Their Favorite Stars

Most of the show’s fun lies in viewers being able to see some of their favorite celebs gradually become better dancers. Dancing With the Stars has featured numerous actors, singers, professional athletes, notorious personalities, and TV stars. Some notable names include Eric Roberts, Adrian Peterson, Mel C, Ilona Maher, Mira Sorvino, Wayne Brady, Tonya Harding, Tinashe, Ariana Madix, and Tori Spelling.

3
‘Survivor’

(2000 – Present)

Created by Charlie Parsons, Survivor is the American entry to the international Survivor franchise, which is based on the Swedish television series Expedition Robinson. With a whopping 48-season run, the show first premiered on CBS in May 2000. Its premise involves placing a group of strangers in a remote location, from the Amazon to the islands of French Polynesia, and leaving the players, referred to as Castaways, to fend for themselves to see who can “Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast” the others.

What Makes It So Great

Set against a picturesque backdrop, Survivor is known for its intense challenges, involving physical and mental obstacles. In order to make it as Sole Survivor and win the $1 million cash prize, contestants must resort to strategic gameplay and alliances. Needless to say, the show is full of unexpected surprises, twists, and betrayals. Despite having to work together, no one can ever fully be trusted in Survivor.

2
‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’

(2000 – 2015)

Created by Anthony E. Zuiker, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, first aired in 2000 and ended in 2015, after a 16-season run. The procedural forensics drama spawned four spin-off series, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, CSI: Cyber, and CSI: Vegas. The original is by far the franchise’s most superior and the most-watched. Its cast includes William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George Eads, Ted Danson, Jorja Fox, Elisabeth Shue, and Laurence Fishburne, among others.

A Compelling, Unique Procedural Drama

CSI focuses on a team of crime scene investigators working for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Each episode revolves around a particular crime, which is, more often than not, a gruesome murder. Deviating from other procedural series, the show emphasizes the use of forensics. It follows the CSI team as they use physical evidence to solve the case, drawing viewers in through their meticulous process and scientific analysis.

1
‘American Idol’

(2002 – 2016; 2018 – Present)

The hit singing competition series American Idol first premiered on Fox in 2002, and was later resurrected by ABC in 2018. Each season begins with an audition round, set in various cities across the U.S. Those who make it then proceed to the next round in Hollywood, where contestants are chosen to make it to the semi-finals. From then on, the aspiring singers perform live on national television, where they’re critiqued by the panel of judges. The winner receives a cash prize and a recording contract.

Known for Its Famous Stars

Season 1’s winner was the now renowned Kelly Clarkson. Other talents that got their big break on American Idol include Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks, Scotty McCreery, and Candice Glover. Notable runner-ups include Adam Lambert and David Archuleta. Artists like Jennifer Hudson have also been featured on the show. Past judges include big names like Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Katy Perry. The current judges are Lionel RIchie, Luke Bryan, and alum Carrie Underwood.

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2025-03-15 20:37