Years after its controversial finale, Game of Thrones continues to prove its place in television history. The HBO fantasy phenomenon has been ranked the sixth-best TV show of the 21st century by The New York Times, placing it alongside some of the most acclaimed dramas and comedies ever made. Even more impressively, the ranking was determined by more than 500 actors, showrunners, writers, executives, and other television industry figures, making it one of the largest industry polls of its kind.
Quick read:
- Game of Thrones ranked No. 6 overall.
- More than 500 TV insiders voted.
- Breaking Bad claimed the top spot.
Westeros stands among television’s elite
The New York Times assembled its list after polling more than 500 influential figures from across the television industry and asking them to select the best shows that premiered after January 1, 2000. When the final rankings were revealed, Game of Thrones secured the No. 6 position, placing it ahead of celebrated series such as Veep, 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Atlanta.
The achievement is particularly notable because the series remains one of the few fantasy dramas ever to break into conversations typically dominated by prestige dramas and comedies. Despite ongoing debates about its ending, the show’s cultural impact, performances, production scale, and storytelling ambitions clearly left a lasting impression on industry professionals.
Image: HBO
The century’s top 10 TV shows
According to The New York Times poll, the top 10 television shows of the 21st century are:
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- Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
- The Wire (2002–2008)
- Mad Men (2007–2015)
- Succession (2018–2023)
- Fleabag (2016–2019)
- Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
- Veep (2012–2019)
- 30 Rock (2006–2013)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
- Atlanta (2016–2022)
For Westeros fans, the ranking is another reminder of just how influential the series became. More than a decade after its premiere, Game of Thrones remains one of the defining television events of the modern era, and according to hundreds of the industry’s most accomplished voices, it deserves a place among the very best shows of the century.
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