Best Drama Series of the 2010s Ranked by Impact and Quality
The best drama series of the 2010s are those that not only captivated audiences but also shaped television storytelling and culture throughout the decade. This ranking is based on clear criteria including critical acclaim, cultural impact, storytelling innovation, and audience reception. Whether you want to watch or discuss these shows, this list highlights the dramas that defined the 2010s with confidence and clarity.
What makes a drama series one of the best of the 2010s?
To identify the best drama series of the 2010s, we considered several key factors. Critical acclaim reflects strong writing, acting, and production values. Cultural influence shows how a series sparked conversations or affected society beyond its episodes. Storytelling innovation includes experiments with narrative structure, character depth, or genre blending that set new standards. Audience reception, such as loyal fanbases and lasting popularity, also matters. The top series usually excel across multiple areas, offering compelling stories that pushed television forward during the decade.
Top 15 drama series of the 2010s ranked and why they stand out
- Breaking Bad – Though it began in the late 2000s, its most acclaimed seasons aired in the 2010s. It redefined antihero narratives with intense storytelling and moral complexity.
- Game of Thrones – This fantasy epic combined cinematic scale with complex political drama, influencing the rise of high-budget, serialized TV storytelling.
- The Wire – Mainly a 2000s series, its influence carried into the 2010s as a benchmark for realistic, layered crime and social commentary.
- Mad Men – A stylish study of 1960s advertising, praised for its writing, period detail, and subtle social critique.
- True Detective (Season 1) – Known for its atmospheric mood and deep psychological themes, especially during its first season.
- The Crown – A lavish historical drama exploring the British monarchy with nuanced performances and rich production values.
- Stranger Things – Mixing supernatural elements with 1980s nostalgia, it revitalized the sci-fi drama genre for a new audience.
- The Handmaid's Tale – A dystopian series that sparked broad discussions about gender and power through its chilling story.
- Succession – A sharp, darkly comic look at family and corporate power struggles, noted for its biting dialogue and complex characters.
- Better Call Saul – A Breaking Bad prequel that expands the original’s universe with strong character development and moral ambiguity.
- Fargo – An anthological crime drama blending dark humor and suspense, praised for reinventing the tone of its source film.
- Westworld – An ambitious sci-fi drama exploring consciousness and free will with a complex, nonlinear narrative.
- Homeland – A tense political thriller addressing contemporary global issues with powerful performances.
- Big Little Lies – A domestic drama combining mystery, social commentary, and strong female leads.
- Narcos – A gripping crime series based on true events, notable for bilingual storytelling and immersive style.
Each show brought something unique to the decade, whether in storytelling, style, or cultural impact.
How different styles of drama shaped the decade’s best shows
The 2010s featured a broad range of drama styles. Crime dramas like Breaking Bad, The Wire, and Narcos focused on gritty realism and moral complexity. Political and corporate dramas such as The Crown, Succession, and Homeland explored intricate power struggles and social issues. Psychological dramas like True Detective and Westworld challenged viewers with layered narratives and themes. Family and domestic dramas including Big Little Lies examined personal relationships and social dynamics with nuance. Supernatural and speculative dramas like Stranger Things and The Handmaid’s Tale merged genre elements with cultural commentary. This diversity kept TV drama fresh and engaging throughout the decade.
Why these drama series mattered beyond entertainment
Many of these series shaped culture and television beyond their stories. Game of Thrones raised the bar for production scale and serialized complexity, prompting networks and streaming platforms to back ambitious projects. The Handmaid’s Tale became a cultural reference point for debates about gender and authoritarianism. Succession’s critique of wealth and power resonated amid political and economic shifts. Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul influenced how antihero stories are told. These dramas also helped streaming services become major players by attracting subscribers with exclusive, high-quality content. Their influence changed what stories TV told and how audiences connected with them.
Where to watch the best drama series from the 2010s today
Most top 2010s drama series are available on major streaming platforms, though availability varies by region and licensing. Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are commonly found on Netflix. Game of Thrones and Succession usually stream on HBO Max. The Crown and Stranger Things are Netflix originals. The Handmaid’s Tale is available on Hulu. Fargo and Homeland often appear on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. Subscribing to multiple services can give access to most of these shows without extra purchase. Availability changes over time, so checking current libraries is recommended. Physical media like Blu-rays or digital purchases are options if streaming is limited.
Conclusion
To explore the decade’s best drama series, start with those that match your interests—whether crime, political intrigue, or psychological depth. These shows not only entertain but also reveal how TV evolved creatively and culturally in the 2010s. Watching them can deepen your understanding of modern drama and enrich your discussions about the medium’s growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drama series from the 2010s had the biggest cultural impact?
Game of Thrones and The Handmaid’s Tale stand out for sparking widespread cultural conversations and influencing TV production. Breaking Bad also left a lasting mark on storytelling style and character complexity.
Are these drama series suitable for binge-watching?
Many series like Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, and Succession work well for binge-watching due to serialized storytelling. Others, such as The Crown or Fargo, may be better enjoyed in shorter sessions or by season because of their pacing or anthology format.