Being a perfectionist is usually considered a trait. Being organized, making doctors’ appointments, and remembering birthdays? That’s great. Having a Type A personality and never feeling proud of what you accomplish because you think you could have done something better? Not so great. However, a perfect TV show is something to celebrate.
More than a few compelling TV shows have been released in the last 10 years, but not all of them can be called “perfect.” Usually, that’s thanks to a final season that goes in a different direction than anyone wanted. Stranger Things Season 5 isn’t entirely satisfying, and many found fault with some aspects of the last season of The Boys. (Maybe fifth seasons are hard?) Whether they have a high Rotten Tomatoes score, engaging storytelling, and/or characters you’re thrilled to spend more than one season with, I’ve picked 10 series — premiering between 2016 and 2026 — that I think are flawless.
10
‘Reacher’ (2022-)
If we take “perfect” to mean a show that is always entertaining, then Reacher falls into that category. If you love the Amazon Prime Video action thriller starring Alan Ritchson, you enjoy his performance as Jack Reacher and like seeing him stroll into various locations with more confidence than most characters on pretty much any TV show do. You also don’t have to wait that long, as it follows a fairly quick release schedule, which is welcome these days.
Whether watching an episode of an action show like Reacher or a procedural about doctors, members of law enforcement, and lawyers, you want to see familiar characters in familiar situations. Sure, Reacher isn’t exactly a “comforting” show, at least not when compared to the cheesy music montages of Grey’s Anatomy, but it’s a huge hit for a reason.
9
‘From’ (2022-)
I used to say there were two types of TV fans: those who watched Ted Lasso and those who recommended it to people they know. I would say the same thing is true of The Pitt, and also of From, the four-season sci-fi horror MGM+ series about residents who are stuck in a chilling small town.
Too many series within this genre have plot holes and moments that don’t make any sense, no matter how much you try to come up with theories or explanations. From follows in the tradition of thrillers like Twin Peaks, where sometimes, it’s okay to lean into the confusion and just enjoy the ride. However, since horror doesn’t appeal to everyone (although it pains me to say that as a huge fan of the genre), other shows might be considered more flawless.
8
‘Slow Horses’ (2022-2025)
There are countless spy dramas and thrillers. Unlike in a movie with a clear hero, obvious villains, and a satisfying ending, a TV series doesn’t always tell a compelling spy story for more than one season. That’s why Slow Horses, the Apple TV hit, made this list.
Adapted from the novel series by Mick Herron, Slow Horses follows characters who aren’t talented enough to become MI5 agents, so they end up in “Slough House.” They solve crimes anyway, which is hilarious and fun. There’s something special and refreshing about a story about people who are judged by others and who do their best to move forward. I don’t think it’s quite as good as some other entries on this list, but it’s still worth mentioning.
7
‘Succession’ (2018-2023)
Since watching Don Draper’s seven-season character arc on Mad Men, I’m always interested in a TV show about characters who you don’t like but can’t stop watching. That’s exactly what Succession is. Since 2016, there have been many popular series about wealthy people or families who can’t stand each other, and they could have made this list. The White Lotus is another solid HBO show that fits in that category.
Succession is about the ups and downs (mostly downs) of a family business, Waystar RoyCo, which the Roy siblings fight over. The opposite of a warm and cozy story, it can be uncomfortable to watch, which makes it somewhat realistic. Not everyone works with their parents and siblings, but everyone has most likely experienced some family conflict.
6
‘Severance’ (2022-)
Does anyone ever say anything negative about Severance? There are almost too many compliments to give this series, from the cool premise about “innies” and “outies” to the talented performances to the overall intense, stylish, and mysterious tone. Severance may not be the only incredible sci-fi show on Apple TV, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting.
With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, Severance is one of the most flawless popular shows released in the last decade. While other shows get talked about the same amount, they can’t match the writers’ ability to craft exciting reveals at just the right moment. There’s only one problem, though, and that’s the wait for Season 3. If new episodes are released soon, then the show will truly be perfect.
5
‘The Bear’ (2022-)
When The Bear premiered in June 2022, I was immediately drawn into Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) intense character arc, and if we could travel back in time, I would rank it as number one on this list. It makes you laugh, cry, and think hard about mental health struggles and the creativity and passion of restaurant work. It charts the different yet similar experiences of working in fine dining and fast food, asks questions about ambition, and features smart and vulnerable characters who take risks.
However, since Season 3 doesn’t have enough of a focus, and Season 4 makes the mistake of not moving Sydney’s (Ayo Edebiri) arc forward enough, I can’t call it the most perfect show of the past 10 years. Every plotline is still compelling, though. Even a lackluster season of The Bear is some of the most wonderful storytelling I’ve ever seen.
4
‘Mindhunter’ (2017-2019)
No chat about Netflix thrillers is complete without mentioning the beloved series Mindhunter, which has two seasons and is set in the Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Anna Torv plays a psychologist, and Holt McCallany and Jonathan Groff portray FBI agents working on the cases of serial killers. It’s also a series that is more interesting to look at than most crime thrillers, thanks to David Fincher’s direction.
I appreciate one unique element of Mindhunter: how it not only explores the minds of each killer, along with their disturbing motivations, but it also makes you think about the victims, the victims’ families, and what it’s really like to work in such a harrowing environment. It’s no wonder that it’s not easy to accept that Mindhunter Season 3 still hasn’t been made. (While we’re asking for more great TV, can there be a surprise sixth season of You?)
3
‘Shōgun’ (2024)
I don’t think anyone can say a TV show with a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating isn’t perfect, so this one had to be included here. Shōgun also has an 85% Audience Score, which proves that anyone who has watched thinks the same thing: it’s a nicely crafted example of high-quality TV storytelling, and it needs another season. Thankfully, Season 2 is in the works.
Shogun’s setting is feudal Japan in 1600, and the series tells the story of John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who arrives in Japan from Britain, and Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). It’s a fascinating, intense, and devastating story about politics, class, and the dynamics between the three main characters, which include Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai). Since Shōgun is one of the best historical series released in the last decade, and that can be a tricky genre, it had to be ranked higher than the other shows on this list. The series also won the 2024 Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.
2
‘The Good Place’ (2016-2020)
Before I watched The Good Place, I had never imagined that a sitcom could explore philosophy, the meaning of life, how to accept death, and also take on celebrity, fame, ego, and how to be a good person. It’s been a few years since the beautiful and satisfying series finale, and it’s still one of the most memorable stories I’ve seen.
The Good Place doesn’t have dull episodes or unnecessary moments. It has my second-favorite TV twist of all time (after the Hulu thriller Paradise), endearing characters like sweet philosopher Chidi (William Jackson Harper) and confident socialite Tahani (Jameela Jamil), and clever guest appearances from stars like Maya Rudolph, who plays a hilarious judge.
1
‘The Pitt’ (2025-)
I write a lot about how impressive The Pitt is, and so I really couldn’t rank any other TV show as number one on this list. When compared to other medical dramas, The Pitt doesn’t have boring episodes, ridiculous characters, melodramatic storylines, or confusing dialogue. When compared to other TV shows from the last 10 years, The Pitt is so much higher quality, it’s not even a contest.
I love The Pitt because it makes you feel the fear of being a patient at a hospital and not knowing what’s wrong with you, the pain of losing a loved one, and the satisfying experience (and the stress) of having a career you enjoy and that makes you feel useful. Yes, that’s a lot to think about, all from one TV show, but HBO Max’s series is as intelligent as it is compassionate and entertaining.
There are so many great TV shows from the past decade that it’s tough to choose them all. Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
