20 classic TV shows everyone should watch at least once—did your favorite make the list?
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There’s something special about settling in to watch a classic TV show.
Whether it brings back memories of nights in front of the tube or you’re sharing an old favorite with your grandkids, these timeless series still have the power to entertain, comfort, and connect us.
So grab your favorite blanket, settle into your go-to chair, and take a trip down memory lane with 20 of the most beloved classic shows in television history!
What makes a TV show a “classic”?
Classic TV shows stand the test of time.
They don’t just make us feel nostalgic—they’ve shaped entertainment, reflected society, and introduced characters and stories that continue to resonate today.
From groundbreaking comedies to unforgettable dramas, these shows helped pave the way for the television we know now.
Thanks to streaming services, it’s easier than ever to revisit these legendary series—or discover them for the first time.
How these top 20 shows were chosen
Selecting just 20 shows from decades of television history wasn’t easy.
The list reflects a combination of cultural impact, longevity, critical acclaim, and the joy these programs have brought to generations of viewers.
Whether it’s heartfelt storytelling, sharp humor, or timeless characters, each show has earned its place in television history.
So without further ado, here are 20 classic TV shows every American should watch at least once.
Four witty women sharing life, laughs, and cheesecake in Miami—what’s not to love?
The Golden Girls tackled aging, friendship, and tough issues with humor and heart, making it one of TV’s most enduring favorites.
This iconic children’s show blended puppets, music, and real-world lessons in a way that changed educational television forever.
Big Bird, Oscar, Elmo, and the gang continue to teach kindness and understanding across generations.
Mary Richards showed America what an independent, single woman could achieve in a male-dominated newsroom—and she did it with style, grace, and sharp wit.
Part comedy, part commentary on war and humanity, MASH* was one of the most acclaimed series of all time.
Its final episode remains the most-watched broadcast in US history.
Bold, funny, and often controversial, this show used Archie Bunker’s living room as a stage for America’s social debates.
It broke barriers and sparked conversations that are still relevant today.
Though short-lived, this Jackie Gleason classic defined the early sitcom format with unforgettable one-liners and characters who remain TV legends.
Lucille Ball’s genius as a performer turned I Love Lucy into a cultural landmark.
It set the standard for sitcoms and still delivers belly laughs more than 60 years later.
Before ER or Grey’s Anatomy, there was St. Elsewhere. Gritty, emotional, and ahead of its time, the show launched major careers and redefined the medical drama.
Angela Lansbury’s Jessica Fletcher was sharp, charming, and endlessly curious—solving crimes from small-town Cabot Cove to big cities around the world.
For nearly five decades, SNL has shaped comedy, launched stars, and given us unforgettable sketches—from “Weekend Update” to classic character impressions.
Set in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” Cheers was all about friendship, loyalty, and finding your people—even if they’re a bit quirky!
This sitcom about a TV comedy writer blended slapstick, smart writing, and a charming cast.
Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore were an unbeatable duo!
Sketch comedy at its finest.
Carol Burnett and her talented ensemble delivered big laughs, iconic skits, and even bigger heart!
This anthology series took viewers to mysterious, thought-provoking places.
Its stories still feel relevant, and its influence is seen across sci-fi and drama today.
A blended family, catchy songs, and plenty of wholesome drama made The Brady Bunch a mainstay in American pop culture.
Groovy, indeed!
This All in the Family spin-off showed what upward mobility looked like in the 1970s.
Its theme song and bold approach to social commentary are unforgettable!
Bob Newhart’s deadpan delivery and hilarious cast made this show about a Chicago psychologist quietly brilliant.
If something big was happening in entertainment, it probably happened on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Elvis, The Beatles, and more made history on this legendary variety program.
Jim Henson’s lovable puppet crew brought music, mayhem, and celebrity guests to living rooms everywhere—kids and adults alike were charmed.
This “show about nothing” became one of the most influential sitcoms of all time.
Its everyday absurdities and unforgettable characters still inspire laughter (and quotes) today!
Also read: Big changes at NBC: What to know about the 2025 TV lineup
Honorable mentions
We could easily make this a top 50 list!
Bewitched, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gilligan’s Island, Bonanza, Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show—the list goes on.
What’s your favorite?
Why classic TV still matters
Classic television is more than just entertainment—it’s a record of the times, values, and voices that helped shape generations.
These shows remind us of where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and how shared stories can bring us together.
Whether it’s a laugh, a life lesson, or just something comforting in the background, these programs continue to resonate.
Read next: Remembering Wink Martindale: The beloved game show host who brought joy into American homes
Which show on this list do you still love? Did we miss your favorite? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories, memories, or suggestions for must-see classics. There’s always room for one more rewatch!
Whether it brings back memories of nights in front of the tube or you’re sharing an old favorite with your grandkids, these timeless series still have the power to entertain, comfort, and connect us.
So grab your favorite blanket, settle into your go-to chair, and take a trip down memory lane with 20 of the most beloved classic shows in television history!
What makes a TV show a “classic”?
Classic TV shows stand the test of time.
They don’t just make us feel nostalgic—they’ve shaped entertainment, reflected society, and introduced characters and stories that continue to resonate today.
From groundbreaking comedies to unforgettable dramas, these shows helped pave the way for the television we know now.
Thanks to streaming services, it’s easier than ever to revisit these legendary series—or discover them for the first time.
These timeless TV classics continue to entertain, inspire, and bring generations together through unforgettable characters and stories. Image Source: Pexels / KoolShooters.
How these top 20 shows were chosen
Selecting just 20 shows from decades of television history wasn’t easy.
The list reflects a combination of cultural impact, longevity, critical acclaim, and the joy these programs have brought to generations of viewers.
Whether it’s heartfelt storytelling, sharp humor, or timeless characters, each show has earned its place in television history.
So without further ado, here are 20 classic TV shows every American should watch at least once.
1. The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
Four witty women sharing life, laughs, and cheesecake in Miami—what’s not to love?
Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty brought heart and humor to The Golden Girls, a beloved sitcom that redefined friendship in later life. Image Source: YouTube / Corey Newsome.
The Golden Girls tackled aging, friendship, and tough issues with humor and heart, making it one of TV’s most enduring favorites.
2. Sesame Street (1969–present)
This iconic children’s show blended puppets, music, and real-world lessons in a way that changed educational television forever.
For over 50 years, Sesame Street has educated and entertained children with its lovable characters, catchy songs, and meaningful life lessons. Image Source: YouTube / Tiny Dancer.
Big Bird, Oscar, Elmo, and the gang continue to teach kindness and understanding across generations.
Also read: Nostalgia alert! Guess which beloved 70s TV show is coming back after 42 years?
3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
Mary Richards showed America what an independent, single woman could achieve in a male-dominated newsroom—and she did it with style, grace, and sharp wit.
Mary Tyler Moore broke new ground as Mary Richards, a single, career-driven woman navigating life and work with grace, humor, and independence. Image Source: YouTube / MsMojo.
4. MASH (1972–1983)
Part comedy, part commentary on war and humanity, MASH* was one of the most acclaimed series of all time.
Blending humor and heartache, MASH followed the lives of Army medics during the Korean War and became one of the most acclaimed shows in TV history. Image Source: YouTube / KEN STAR X.
Its final episode remains the most-watched broadcast in US history.
5. All in the Family (1971–1979)
Bold, funny, and often controversial, this show used Archie Bunker’s living room as a stage for America’s social debates.
It broke barriers and sparked conversations that are still relevant today.
6. The Honeymooners (1955–1956)
Though short-lived, this Jackie Gleason classic defined the early sitcom format with unforgettable one-liners and characters who remain TV legends.
Also read: A childhood classic is now streaming on Netflix—but that’s not the whole story!
7. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
Lucille Ball’s genius as a performer turned I Love Lucy into a cultural landmark.
Lucille Ball’s unforgettable performance in I Love Lucy set the standard for television comedy and created some of the most iconic moments in TV history. Image Source: YouTube / Paramount Plus.
It set the standard for sitcoms and still delivers belly laughs more than 60 years later.
8. St. Elsewhere (1982–1988)
Before ER or Grey’s Anatomy, there was St. Elsewhere. Gritty, emotional, and ahead of its time, the show launched major careers and redefined the medical drama.
9. Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
Angela Lansbury’s Jessica Fletcher was sharp, charming, and endlessly curious—solving crimes from small-town Cabot Cove to big cities around the world.
10. Saturday Night Live (1975–present)
For nearly five decades, SNL has shaped comedy, launched stars, and given us unforgettable sketches—from “Weekend Update” to classic character impressions.
Also read: What this Brady Bunch star just revealed will change how you see the show forever
11. Cheers (1982–1993)
Set in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” Cheers was all about friendship, loyalty, and finding your people—even if they’re a bit quirky!
George Wendt as Norm Peterson brought laughs and lovable charm to Cheers, where his barstool and one-liners became part of TV legend. Image Source: YouTube / Paramount Plus.
12. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)
This sitcom about a TV comedy writer blended slapstick, smart writing, and a charming cast.
Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore were an unbeatable duo!
13. The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978)
Sketch comedy at its finest.
With sharp wit and unforgettable sketches, The Carol Burnett Show delivered laughter and heart, led by Carol Burnett and her talented ensemble cast. Image Source: YouTube / The Carol Burnett Show Official.
Carol Burnett and her talented ensemble delivered big laughs, iconic skits, and even bigger heart!
14. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
This anthology series took viewers to mysterious, thought-provoking places.
Its stories still feel relevant, and its influence is seen across sci-fi and drama today.
Also read: "M*A*S*H", "The King and I" legend and actor mentored by Gene Kelly passes away at 82
15. The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
A blended family, catchy songs, and plenty of wholesome drama made The Brady Bunch a mainstay in American pop culture.
From blended family antics to groovy fashion, The Brady Bunch became a pop culture staple that captured the spirit of the 1970s. Image Source: YouTube / RetroAlexander.
Groovy, indeed!
16. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
This All in the Family spin-off showed what upward mobility looked like in the 1970s.
Its theme song and bold approach to social commentary are unforgettable!
17. The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978)
Bob Newhart’s deadpan delivery and hilarious cast made this show about a Chicago psychologist quietly brilliant.
18. The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971)
If something big was happening in entertainment, it probably happened on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Elvis, The Beatles, and more made history on this legendary variety program.
19. The Muppet Show (1976–1981)
Jim Henson’s lovable puppet crew brought music, mayhem, and celebrity guests to living rooms everywhere—kids and adults alike were charmed.
With music, mayhem, and a lovable cast of characters, The Muppet Show brought joy to audiences of all ages and became a variety show favorite. Image Source: YouTube / The Muppet Show Vault.
20. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
This “show about nothing” became one of the most influential sitcoms of all time.
Known as the “show about nothing,” Seinfeld became a cultural phenomenon with its sharp humor, quirky characters, and everyday observations. Image Source: YouTube / Sony Pictures Entertainment India.
Its everyday absurdities and unforgettable characters still inspire laughter (and quotes) today!
Also read: Big changes at NBC: What to know about the 2025 TV lineup
Honorable mentions
We could easily make this a top 50 list!
Bewitched, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gilligan’s Island, Bonanza, Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show—the list goes on.
What’s your favorite?
Why classic TV still matters
Classic television is more than just entertainment—it’s a record of the times, values, and voices that helped shape generations.
These shows remind us of where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and how shared stories can bring us together.
Whether it’s a laugh, a life lesson, or just something comforting in the background, these programs continue to resonate.
Read next: Remembering Wink Martindale: The beloved game show host who brought joy into American homes
Which show on this list do you still love? Did we miss your favorite? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories, memories, or suggestions for must-see classics. There’s always room for one more rewatch!
Do you remember what show you saw first? And yes, The Golden Girls truly never gets old! Do you have a favorite character or moment from the show?
