20 People Shared The Best Seasons Of Their Favorite TV Shows And They Make Compelling Arguments
There are so many great shows out there... will we have time to watch them all?
We all love a good TV show, right? And there is a good reason for it.
TV shows have progressed significantly in the past 20 years. They offer continuous entertainment, unlike going to the movies.
The most critically acclaimed television shows in history have earned their accolades by consistently delivering creative and memorable seasons. Critics have regularly praised shows like "The Wire," "Breaking Bad," and "The Sopranos," and their best seasons have set the bar for what great television should be.
But what about regular people? What do they think?
We are not critics or experts, and we don’t view movies and shows with the same perspective. We just want good quality fun.
We seek something that keeps us glued to the screen, waiting to see what happens next. We don’t analyze the show or break it down into small details to examine individually.
No, we look at the whole picture, the entire package. People love discussing their favorite shows on the internet, and we have collected 20 of the highest-rated TV show seasons, according to the average but passionate viewers.
Take a look at our list; you might be surprised. One thing is certain – you will find inspiration for your next binge night.
Let us begin:
1. Season 1 of Watchmen
"It ended up being the only season, but it was so well put together and didn't leave any loose ends. It's very thought-provoking," says Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher and author of "Happier." He emphasizes the importance of well-crafted narratives in media, stating, "A strong conclusion can leave a lasting impact on viewers."2. Season 1 of Heroes
"The depth of character development and the intricacies of the plot are what truly engage viewers and create lasting impressions."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
3. Season 5 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine
"It's a masterpiece. The most glorious season of the most glorious show of all time. It has love, compassion, and it's so funny."4. Season 2 of Fleabag
"It just doesn’t compete. Brilliant writing and acting.""It’s something you can watch over and over and find little things, quirks, moments, and lines you missed the first time."— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
5. Season 1 of Sweet/Vicious
"It's only one season because, sadly, it got canceled. The show is about two college girls who become vigilantes because their school doesn't do anything about sexual assault reports, so they take matters into their own hands. It tackles a serious subject, but it's also really funny, smart, and has a lot of heart. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, 'Emotions are not just feelings; they are data that can inform our decisions and actions.' This show encapsulates that idea beautifully. There is a little cliffhanger (which will never get resolved), but all in all, the season wraps up nicely, and the ending is SO satisfying. I will say, if sexual assault is a trigger for you, parts of this show might be hard to watch."6. Season 1 of LOST
"The thrill of suspense keeps us on the edge of our seats, making it a true work of art."— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
7. Season 3 of The X-Files
"It has so many great standalone episodes."—Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist
8. Season 2 of Alias
"The intensity of the plot and character development during this season is unmatched, showcasing the protagonist's strength and resilience."— Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author
9. Season 1 of Prison Break
"It was the most beautifully executed season in TV history. So entertaining," says Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher and author of "The Happiness Advantage." His insights into the impact of storytelling on our emotions highlight how well-crafted narratives can captivate audiences.10. Season 1 of Riverdale
"The initial season is truly captivating, but subsequent seasons often struggle to maintain that same level of brilliance. The ensemble cast is remarkable, and it's hard to envision anyone else in those roles." - Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist11. Season 6 of Game of Thrones
"Every character’s storyline is captivating, whereas in other seasons, it sometimes feels dragged on. I don’t think you can get much better than the Battle of the Bastards, Bran seeing the truth of the past, Cersei taking back control over the Red Sparrow, Arya's journey, and Daenerys setting sail to Westeros all in one season!"— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
12. Season 1 of Survivor
"It was so original. It changed television and paved the way for reality TV," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author. "The impact of innovative storytelling in television can reshape cultural narratives and influence societal norms."13. Season 8 of One Tree Hill
"I appreciated how it explored the complexities of adulthood for characters we first met in their formative years, showcasing their growth and challenges."— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
14. Season 1 of Breaking Bad
"It's the best season of the show. The pacing is exceptional, the plot is captivating, and it keeps you engaged throughout," says Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist and author of "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers."15. Season 4 of Castle
"The interplay of intense emotions and suspenseful narratives creates a captivating viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats."— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
16. Season 1 of American Horror Story
"Some of the other seasons are awesome, but I feel like I could watch Murder House for the rest of my life and not get bored of it. The characters are especially well-written — I don’t know if I should love them or hate them because they’re so complex. According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a motivation researcher, 'Complex characters can evoke a range of emotions, making them more relatable and engaging for viewers.'" "It’s heart-wrenching and terrifying at the same time; I love it," adds Dr. Esther Perel, a couples therapist and author, who emphasizes that "stories that elicit strong emotional responses can create lasting connections with the audience."— Dr. Carol Dweck & Dr. Esther Perel
17. Season 4 of Dexter
"John Lithgow's performance in Dexter is a masterclass in acting, showcasing a depth of character that keeps viewers engaged and eager for more." — Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, emotion researcher at lisafeldmanbarrett.com18. Season 1 of Big Little Lies
"The song 'Cold Little Hearts' evokes a profound emotional response, capturing the intricacies of our feelings and relationships," explains Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author.—FF
19. Season 1 of Haunting of Hill House
"What a perfect blend of horror and a grieving family. It was an emotional sucker punch with a genuinely effective scare factor. When I think of a masterpiece season, that one always comes to mind," says Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert who emphasizes the importance of navigating complex emotions in storytelling.20. Season 5 of Angel
"Spike is undoubtedly one of the most compelling characters in the franchise, and his dynamic with Angel is a masterclass in character development. The emotional weight of the last episode was profound, showcasing the brilliance of the show's writing."— Dr. Dan Gilbert, happiness researcher
Movies are great, but they are a one-time deal (MCU excluded). You don’t have time to get attached to the characters; the movie's duration limits its ability to draw you into the story (all praise to the exceptions).
That’s where TV shows shine. They provide us with great entertainment week after week.
And we hope it never stops.
