A new poll has named HBO’s Game of Thrones as the greatest TV show of the 21st century. For years, the fantasy series, which is based on author George R.R. Martin’s novels, was a dominant force in pop culture. However, a shaky and controversial final season seemed to tarnish, in some way, the show’s legacy. Be that as it may, viewers have voted and GoT came out on top, besting the likes of Stranger Things and Breaking Bad to land at number one.
The poll took in nearly 3,000 votes, with Game of Thrones besting the competition. The series made its debut in 2011 and quickly became a monstrous hit with both critics and viewers. Its popularity only grew in the ensuing years, ending up as one of the most-watched shows worldwide. The show ran for a total of eight seasons and more than 70 episodes. However, season 8 managed to serve as a deeply unsatisfying end for many fans, with creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss coming under fire for the storytelling choices.
Ultimately, at least in the eyes of the fans who voted in this poll, a questionable final season wasn’t enough to erase the show’s legacy entirely. Coming in just behind Game of Thrones was Netflix’s massive sci-fi hit Stranger Things. The show had somewhat humble beginnings as an 80s throwback that has since blossomed into a pop culture monster. Season 4 is currently in the works and is waiting in the wings to start production again once it is safe to do so. Doctor Who, which was given a modern makeover beginning in 2005 courtesy of Steven Moffat, came in at number three.
BBC’s Sherlock, also a Steven Moffat creation, came in at number four. The series starred Benedict Cumberbatch as the famed Sherlock Holmes, with Martin Freeman along for the ride as John Watson. Somewhat surprisingly, it finished ahead of AMC’s Breaking Bad, which took the five spot. Created by Vince Gilligan and starring Bryan Cranston as Walter White, the tale of a school teacher turned infamous meth dealer is widely regarded as one of the greatest shows of all time. A sequel movie, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Story, was released by Netflix last year. the spin-off, Better Call Saul, has equally been met with widespread acclaim.
As for Game of Thrones, the world of Westeros will return in the future. HBO is currently developing a spin-off/prequel titled House of the Dragon. Casting for the series is currently underway and it is expected to premiere sometime in 2022. It is the second spin-off the network has attempted. A previous iteration, which would have starred Naomi Watts, filmed a pilot but did not move forward. You can check out the full list of the top ten below. This news comes to us from Digital Spy.
- Top 10 Greatest Shows of the 21st Century
- 1. Game of Thrones
- 2. Stranger Things
- 3. Doctor Who
- 4. Sherlock
- 5. Breaking Bad
- 6. The Great British Bake Off
- 7 . Killing Eve
- 8. Gavin & Stacey
- 9. Line of Duty
- 10. Chernobyl
