TV series have always captivated audiences through their long-form, episodic format. Different genres, styles, and formulas each have their own appeal that can gain incredibly loyal fan bases. In an era of streaming services, series that make for good binge content are especially popular with viewers. Some series become so viral that their renewal is almost guaranteed, and can last many seasons.
These series and their success have become household names, making it difficult to avoid discussing them. Everything from long fantasy shows to superhero miniseries make it to the top spot on TV and streaming, and ensure their longevity. Combining great characters with long-running hooks and teasing keeps people coming back for every season, and cements a show's hit status.
9 Peacemaker Started A Viral Trend
Peacemaker served as a sequel to James Gunn's The Suicide Squad and picked up on the story of the titular antihero. Not only was the series an instant hit but its catchy opening theme song (Wig Wam's "Do You Wanna Taste It") sparked a viral trend of people recreating the dance.
Peacemaker almost immediately secured a second season which, thanks to James Gunn's management of the DCEU, is now guaranteed. The series proved James Gunn's ability to take characters unknown by mainstream audiences and make them a hit.
8 The Boys Brought Fans A New Type Of Superhero Show
The Boys gave fans a look at a new type of superhero story. Amazon Prime's adaptation of Garth Ennis' comic book of the same name brought dark comedy, action, and evil superheroes to the screen. It follows Hughie, a young man victimized by superheroes who join vigilantes to bring the "supes" down.
The Boys is one of the most popular superhero TV series made to date, despite casting its super-powered characters as the villains. Characters like Homelander, Billy Butcher, and Starlight helped build the series' popularity and secure several seasons.
7 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Follows The Antics Of A New York Police Precinct
Brooklyn Nine-Nine took after series like The Office and Parks and Recreation in an office place comedy, this time in a New York police precinct, the 99th. Similar to Family Guy, it uses funny cutaways to add to the humor. The show has such a passionate fan base that a petition revived it post-cancelation.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine has already become one of many people's top sitcoms, thanks to its hilarious cast of characters. The comedy of the characters, their unusual cases, and office-place banter made the show one of the best comedies and cop shows.
6 Squid Game Was An Overnight Sensation
Squid Game was a genuinely unexpected hit for fans and Netflix, who produced it. The series was the latest project to prove the strength and popularity of the Battle Royale sub-genre. The horror-action combination made for some of the most shocking moments on Netflix.
Squid Game's success was as unexpected as it was viral. Within a few days of release, social media was fixated on the series, and it became the ultimate binge show of 2022. It follows players in need of cash as they compete in the viral competition to the death.
5 Game Of Thrones Is The Ultimate Fantasy Series
Game of Thrones, along with its prequel series, House of the Dragon, has proven to be the ultimate fantasy franchise of the 2010s. The story of the Iron Throne and the land of Westeros was the greatest show on TV in the minds of countless fans.
Game of Thrones was filled with violence, excellent fantasy elements, and the ongoing political intrigue of who would claim the Iron Throne. The series was particularly helped by good battles, fascinating characters, and mature themes, taking a franchise similar to Lord of the Rings with an R rating.
4 Breaking Bad Gave Fans The Saga Of Walter White
Breaking Bad is still regarded as one of the greatest crime shows of all time, along with The Wire and The Sopranos. It followed a continuing story of its main character, the chemistry teacher Walter White, as he turned to cooking meth after a shocking cancer diagnosis.
Breaking Bad developed a strong fan base as it went on, and built that fan base with each passing season. It was full of excellent character development, tense stories, and twists around every corner. It more than earned its reputation as one of the greatest series of all time.
3 The Walking Dead Came Along At The Height Of The Zombie Craze
When The Walking Dead debuted, it hit right at the height of the horror genre's zombie craze, following such films as Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later. From the very first episode, millions of fans were hooked on the story of Rick and his fellow survivors of the zombie apocalypse.
The Walking Dead gained and maintained an incredibly strong fan base, putting it through the emotional wringer with shocking deaths. It brought human drama and explored the zombie apocalypse beyond the undead threats. Its characters and the question of who would survive kept viewers intrigued.
2 The Big Bang Theory Became America's Favorite Sitcom
For many younger and modern viewers, The Big Bang Theory is their most important and longest-running sitcom. It focuses on a group of nerdy guys in California and their friend, Penny, who helps them navigate social life away from their hobbies and science.
The Big Bang Theory, for many, is the definitive sitcom of their youth, with many people having grown up with it. Its characters affected culture, and fans even today will reference aspects of the show, such as Sheldon's popularization of Schrodinger's Cat or "Bazinga!"
1 The Mandalorian Is The Peak Of Disney's Star Wars Projects
The Mandalorian's success was built on the conclusion to Disney's sequel trilogy. The merger of the Star Wars universe and western themes was a smash hit from the outset, and most fans cite it as Disney's best project from the franchise.
The Mandalorian follows the titular hero, Din Djarin, on his bounty hunter adventures with "baby Yoda" Grogu in tow. The series managed to play on fan nostalgia in a way the sequel films fumbled, bringing fans a brand-new character they could follow.