Famous TV Shows

Scandal (2012-present)

"Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes Story: Olivia Pope, a former media consultant to the president, is ready to move on with her life and opens her own crisis-management firm, but she can't seem to shake ties with her past. Olivia's staff includes Quinn Perkins, who has a complicated history, and hacker extraordinaire Huck. As she moves forward it becomes clear that, while her staffers may specialize in cleaning up the lives of other people, they can't seem to do the same for themselves. Main Characters: Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) Abby Whelan (Darby Stanchfield) Quinn Perkins (Katie Lowes) Huck (Guillermo Diaz)

The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)

Comedian and stage actress Carol Burnett, who first gained popularity during her stint on "The Gary Moore Show," hosted this one-hour variety series. Her talented supporting players included Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence (who got the job based on her resemblance to Burnett) and Lyle Waggoner. Skits often featured guest stars, such as Mama Cass of the Mamas and the Papas or singer Steve Lawrence. One sketch, "The Family" (which featured Lawrence as the persnickety Mama and Burnett as her hotheaded daughter) was later spun-off into it's own sitcom.

Six Feet Under (2001-2005)

Created by Alan Ball Story: Before Nathaniel Fisher Sr. dies, he hands over the control of his funeral home business to his sons Nathaniel Samuel Jr and David. But the brothers and the entire family are caught in a conflict. Main Characters: Nate Fisher (Peter Krause) David Fisher (Michael C. Hall) Ruth Fisher (Frances Conroy) Claire Fisher (Lauren Ambrose) Federico Diaz (Freddy Rodriguez)

True Blood (2008-2014)

Created by Alan Ball. Story: Description Small-town Louisiana waitress Sookie Stackhouse already is viewed as an oddball by her friends and neighbours, since she can read the minds of those around her. She doesn't exactly help her reputation, though, when she falls for Bill Compton, a 173-year-old vampire who has `come out of the coffin' along with many of his undead comrades now that a new synthetic blood has made it possible for vampires to survive without preying on humans. Still, the conservative locals aren't wild about mortal-vampire liaisons, especially Sookie's boss, Sam Merlotte, who carries a torch for her. `Six Feet Under' creator Alan Ball is behind this series adaptation of best-selling novels by Charlaine Harris. Setting: Bon Temps, Louisiana. Main Characters: Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwante) Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley

Scrubs (2001-2010)

Created by Bill Lawrence Story: A new group of medical students arrives to learn the ropes at Sacred Heart Hospital, where J.D., Turk, Kelso, and acerbic Dr Cox are their instructors. J.D. continues to romance Elliot as he imparts wisdom to a new class, which includes Lucy, Drew, Cole and Maya. Setting: Sacred Heart Hospital Main Characters: J.D. Dorian (Zach Braff) Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke) Christopher Turk (Donald Faison) Janitor (Neil Flynn) Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins) Perry Cox (John McGinley) Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes)

The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)

Created by David Davis Story: finds the comic playing Bob Hartley, a Chicago psychologist living with wife Emily in a highrise. Bob is forced to deal with crazy patients, his wife and their friends. Setting: Chicago Main Characters: Robert Hartley (Bob Newhart) Emily Hartley (Suzanne Pleshette) Howard Borden (Bill Daily) Carol Kester Bondurant (Marcia Wallace)

Ally McBeal (1997-2002)

Created by David E. Kelley Story: who joins a prestigious law firm with a highly sexual environment and whose staff includes Ally's ex-boyfriend. The series contains fantasy sequences, flashbacks and voiceovers to reveal what Ally is really thinking. Many episodes contain an appearance by singer Vonda Shepard, who performed the show's theme song. Setting: fictional Boston law firm Cage and Fish Main Characters: Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart) Elaine Vassal (Jane Krakowski) Richard Fish (Greg Germann) Nelle Porter (Portia de Rossi) John Cage (Peter MacNicol)

Family Ties (1982-1989)

Created by Gary David Goldberg Story: Steven and Elyse Keaton, once 1960s radicals, now find themselves in Reagan-era American trying to raise a traditional suburban family. Son Alex P. Keaton is an ambitious young Republican, and his sister Mallory is a shallow victim of the corporate culture, obsessed with music, clothes and boys. Their only normal kid is young Jennifer, a bit of a tomboy. In later seasons, the Keatons add a fourth child, Andrew. Most of the comedy arose from the conflict between the liberal parents and the conservative children. Setting: Columbus Ohio during Reagan Administration Main Characters: Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) Mallory Keaton (Justine Bateman) Elyse Keaton (Meredith Baxter) Steven Keaton (Michael Gross) Jennifer Keaton (Tina Yothers)

Parenthood (2010-2015)

Created by Jason Katims and based on 1989 Ron Howard film Story: The four grown Braverman siblings -- Adam, Sarah, Crosby and Julia -- share the joys, heartaches and headaches of parenthood in their California hometown. As their parents deal with life and marital issues, the four lean on one another while tackling the challenges of modern family life in an updated reimagining of the 1989 film by the same name. Setting: Berkeley, CA Main Characters: Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham) Amber Holt (Mae Whitman) Adam Braverman (Peter Krause) Julia Braverman-Graham (Erika Christensen) Crosby Braverman (Dax Shepard) Kristina Braverman (Monica Potter) Zeek Braverman (Craig T. Nelson)

The Muppet Show (1976-1981)

Created by Jim Henson Story: A fantastic medley of sweet and mischievous, Jim Henson's Muppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, produce a weekly variety show with a range of famous guests. Along for the ride are Gonzo, Fozzie the bear and Scooter -- who is the closest thing to a human puppet this series has. Main Characters: Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) Fozzie Bear (Frank Oz) Miss Piggy Gonzo (Dave Goelz) Scooter (Richard Hunt)

The Americans

Created by Joe Weisberg Story: Philip and Elizabeth Jennings are two KGB spies in an arranged marriage who are posing as Americans in suburban Washington, D.C., shortly after Ronald Reagan is elected president. The couple have two children, teenager Paige and preteen Henry, who are unaware of their parents' true identities. The complex marriage becomes more passionate and genuine each day but is continually tested as the Cold War escalates. As Philip begins to warm up to America's values and way of life, his relationship with Elizabeth becomes more complicated. Further complicating things is the arrival of the Jennings' new neighbor, FBI agent Stan Beeman, who is part of a new division of the agency tasked with fighting foreign agents on U.S. soil. Setting: Falls Church, Virginia during the Cold War Main Characters: Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) Paige Jennings (Holly Taylor) Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich)

Firefly (2002-2003)

Created by Joss Whedon Story: Set 500 years in the future after a universal civil war, the crew of a small transport spaceship takes any job so long as it puts food on the table. The disparate men and women just want to survive and maybe have better lives, but they face constant challenges on the new frontier, such as the Reavers -- flesh-eating mongrels who live on the fringes of the universe. Main Characters: Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres) Wash Washburne (Alan Tudyk) Inarra Serra (Morena Baccarin)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Created by Joss Whedon Story: based on the film of the same title, which starred Kristy Swanson. Buffy is a Slayer, one in a long line of young women chosen for a specific mission: to seek out and destroy vampires, demons and other forces of darkness. Unlike her predecessors, Buffy establishes a group of supportive friends who aids her in her battles with evil, including Willow, Xander and Cordelia. Her battles with evil are frequent, since Sunnydale, where Buffy and friends live, sits atop a gateway to the realm of the demons. Main Characters: Buffy Anne Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellars) Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) Angel (David Boreanaz) Spike (James Marsters) Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) Dawn Summers (Michelle Trachtenberg) Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon)

Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

Created by Julian Fellowes Story: his historical drama follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants in the family's Edwardian country house. The programme begins with the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, which leaves Downton Abbey's future in jeopardy, as Lord Grantham's presumptive heir -- his cousin James -- and his son, Patrick, die aboard the ship, leaving him without a male offspring to take over the throne upon his death. As a result, Lord Grantham must search for a new heir. As the programme progresses through the decade, other historical events happen leading up to Lord Grantham declaring in 1914 that Britain is at war with Germany, marking the beginning of World War I, which becomes a major plot on the programme. Main Characters: Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) Lady Rose MacClare (Lily James)

Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)

Created by Marc Cherry Story: Behind the facade of a postcard-perfect subdivision live four women whose lives are anything but idyllic. Klutzy Susan is divorced and the mother of teenage Julie. Lynette is married to Tom and the frazzled mother of four rambunctious children. Bree is the neighbourhood's Martha Stewart, whose perfection masks major dysfunction. Ex-model Gabrielle, married to handsome and successful Carlos, wants to have her cake and eat it too. Looking down on it all is Mary Alice, who took her own life but comments on the lives of her former neighbours Setting: Wisteria Lane, a street in the fictional town of Fairview in the fictional Eagle State Main Characters: Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria) Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman) Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher) Bree Van de Kemp (Marcia Cross Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong)

South Park (1997-present)

Created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker The animated series is not for children. In fact, its goal seems to be to offend as many as possible as it presents the adventures of Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman. The show has taken on Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, politicians of every stripe and self-important celebrities. Oh, and Kenny is killed in many episodes; set in a Colorado town Main Characters: Stan Marsh (Trey Parker) (blue and red) Kyle Broflovski (Matt Stone) (green hat) Kenny McCormick (Matt Stone) (orange suit) Eric Cartman (Trey Parker) (teal and red) Token Black (Adrien Beard)

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)

Created by Philip Rosenthal Story: Ray Barone is a successful sports writer and family man who deals with a brother and parents -- who happen to live across the street. Mom Marie loves to meddle in his life, while older brother Robert sometimes resents his success, and Dad Frank just makes comments and raids the fridge. Nevertheless, Ray manages to keep a bright outlook and a sense of humor, leaving the hard issues to his more-practical wife, Debra. Setting: Long Island Main Characters: Ray Barone (Ray Romano) Debra Barone (Patricia Heaton) Marie Barone (Doris Roberts) Robert Barone (Brad Garrett) Frank Barone (Peter Boyle)

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-Present)

Created by Rob McElhenney Story: follows "The Gang," the owners of the unsuccessful Paddy's Pub; a group of degenerates who loves nothing more than to scheme, conspire, and mostly revel in each other's misery. Whether gaming the welfare system, exploiting dumpster babies, pretending to be crippled, impersonating officers, or faking funerals, The Gang never stoops too low in the name of making a buck. Setting: Paddy's Pub, Philadelphia Main Characters: Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day) Dennis Reynolds (Glenn Howerton) Mac McDonald (Rob McElhenney) Sweet Dee Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson Frank Reynolds (Danny Devito)

The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

Created by Rod Serling Story: the brainchild of Emmy Award-winner Rod Serling, who served as host and wrote more than 80 episodes of the original show's 150-plus episode run. It's a strange mix of horror, science-fiction, drama, comedy and superstition. Serling introduced each episode, and many of the black and white episodes concluded with a surprise ending. Actors such as Burt Reynolds, Roddy McDowell and Robert Redford made appearances in some of the more well-known stories.

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) original was (1970s)

Created by Ronald D. Moore and originally Glen Larson Story: This update of the late-1970s programme takes a decidedly darker tone as what's left of humankind struggles for survival against the robot Cylons, who have killed millions. The Galactica, led by William Adama, protects a patched-together fleet of civilians - led by de facto president Laura Roslin - in search of a mythical planet called Earth. Setting: the Twelve Colonies Main Characters: Number Six (Tricia Helfer) Kara Thrace (Katee Sackhoff) Sharon "Athena" Agathon (Grace Park) William Adama (Edward James Olmos) Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) Lee Adama (Jamie Bamber)

The Rockford Files (1974-1980)

Created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell Story: an ex-con and private detective. He was falsely convicted of a crime he didn't commit, but that doesn't stop him from using his ex-con buddies to help him solve crimes. Nothing comes easy for Rockford, but he works hard and usually gets shot at or beat up at least once per episode. Setting: California (San Quentin Prison) Main Characters: Jim Rockford (James Garner) Rocky Rockford (Noah Beery Jr.) Sergeant Dennis Becker (Joe Santos)

The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

Created by Sherwood Schwartz Story: Here's the story ... of a man named Brady, an architect widower with three sons: oldest Greg, middle son Peter and youngest Bobby. He meets and marries Carol, with three daughters of her own: oldest Marcia, middle girl Jan and little one Cindy. Tending to them is a wacky maid named Alice. They all live in a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the Los Angeles suburbs. The story lines deal with boy problems, sharing bathrooms, lost hamsters, the occasional football to the nose, and attempts at pop music stardom. Setting: two-story house in an LA suburb Main Characters: Marcia Brady (Maureen McCormick) Greg Brady (Barry Williams) Cindy Brady (Susan Olsen) Peter Brady (Christopher Knight) Jan Brady (Eve Plumb) Mike Brady (Robert Reed) Carol Brady(Florence Henderson)

30 Rock (2006-2013)

Created by Tina Fey Story: centres on young Liz Lemon, currently head writer for a live sketch-comedy show in New York. Complications follow when the network's new president orders Liz to hire mentally unstable movie star Tracy Jordan to join the cast, throwing neurotic leading lady (and Liz's best friend) Jenna Maroney into a tizzy. Liz tries to juggle all the egos around her while trying to chase her own dream. Main Characters: Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin)

The Flintstones (1960-1966)

Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera Story: The Flintstones were the modern Stone Age family. Residing in Bedrock, Fred Flintstone worked an unsatisfying quarry job, but returned home to lovely wife Wilma and eventually daughter Pebbles. Fred, a big fan of golf and bowling, also enjoyed bullying neighbor Barney Rubble, while Barney's saucy wife Betty was best friends with Wilma. During the show's run, Barney and Betty would adopt an unnaturally strong son, Bamm-Bamm, who would become friends with little Pebbles. "The Flintstones," heavily inspired by "The Honeymooners," convinced a generation of children that dinosaurs and humans occupied the planet at the same time. Main Characters: Fred Flintstone Wilma Flintstone Pebbles Flintstone Dino Barney Rubble Betty Rubble Bamm-Bamm Rubble

Lost (2004-2010)

Created/Directed by J.J. Abrams Story: The survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 were 1,000 miles off course when they crashed on a lush, mysterious island. Each person possesses a shocking secret, but they've got nothing on the island itself, which harbors a monstrous security system, a series of underground bunkers and a group of violent survivalists hidden in the shadows. Main Characters: Kate Austen (Evangeline Lilly) Hurley Reyes (Jorge Garcia) Sawyer Ford (Josh Holloway) Boone Carlyle (Ian Somerhalder) Jack Shepard (Matthew Fox) Claire Littleton (Emilie de Ravin)

Roseanne (1988-1997, 2018)

Explore life, death and everything in between through the relatable, hilarious and brutally honest lens of the working-class Conner household, which is located in the drab, fictional exurb of Langford, Ill. With the inimitable Roseanne Barr at its epicenter as the family's matriarch, the series tackles current issues with fresh stories and even more laughs. Roseanne is joined by her husband, Dan, and their children, D.J., Darlene and Becky. Roseanne's warm, but neurotic, sister Jackie rounds out the core of the family. Main Characters: Roseanne Connor (Roseanne Barr) Dan Connor (John Goodman) Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf) D.J. Connor (Michael Fishman) Darlene Connor Healy (Sara Gilbert)

Veep (2012-2019)

Story: "Politics is about people," former Sen. Selina Meyer is fond of saying. Unfortunately, the people Meyer, a charismatic leader and rising star in her party, meets after becoming vice president are nothing like she expected, but everything she was warned about. The show follows the VP as she puts out political fires, juggles her public schedule and private life, and does everything within her limited powers to improve her dysfunctional relationship with the chief executive. Meyer's trusted -- and some not-so-trusted -- sidekicks include chief of staff Amy, one-time spokesperson Mike, and right-hand man Gary. Main Characters: Selina Meyer (Julie Louis-Dreyfus) Amy Brookheimer (Anna Chlumsky) Gary Walsh (Tony Hale) Dan Egan (Reid Scott) Jonah Ryan (Timothy Simons)

Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)

Story: A gritty, realistic look at the life of cops in a large (and unnamed) metropolitan city. Led by Capt. Frank Furillo, the cops of the Hill Street Station kept the peace - though there were plenty of casualties along the way. Focusing more on those within the precinct than on the cases they were trying to solve, "Hill Street Blues" cast of characters featured public defender Joyce Davenport (who later married Furillo), gruff Sgt. Phil Esterhaus (who always cautioned his charges to "be careful out there"), eccentric Lt. Howard Hunter, Officer Lucy Bates and Sgt. Mick Belker (who sometimes resorted to injuring the felons he apprehended). Main Characters: Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti) Joyce Davenport (Veronica Hamel) Sgt. Esterhaus (Michael Conrad) Det. Mick Belker (Bruce Weitz)

Moonlighting (1985-1989)

Story: After being cleaned out by her no-good manager, model Maddie Hayes is about to sell one of her few remaining assets, the Blue Moon Detective Agency - until snarky employee David Addison talks her out of it, saving his job and launching a new career for her Main Characters: Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepard) David Addison (Bruce Willis) Agnes DiPesto (Allyce Beasley) Herbert Viola (Curtis Armstrong)

Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)

Story: And now for something completely different -- and how. The brainy members of the Python troupe present sketches from the absurd to the obscure, and milk humor out of anything they come across. Just mention the "Dead Parrot" sketch, the "Ministry of Funny Walks" or "Spam," and you'll get a chorus of Python fans chiming in with the best lines. Main Characters: The "It's" Man (Palin) The Gumbys The Knight with Raw Chicken (Gilliam) The Pepper Pots

House (2004-2012)

Story: At fictional Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey, prickly genius Dr. Gregory House tackles health mysteries as would a medical Sherlock Holmes, all the while playing mind games with colleagues that include his best friend, oncologist James Wilson. House, an acerbic infectious disease specialist, solves medical puzzles with the help of a team of young diagnosticians. Flawless instincts and unconventional thinking help earn House great respect, despite his brutal honesty and antisocial tendencies. Main Characters: Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) Dr. Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps)

Castle (2009-2016)

Story: Bored with his success, celebrated mystery novelist Rick Castle teams with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to solve the case of a copycat killer who re-creates murder scenes from Rick's novels. While solving the case, the two realize that their unorthodox partnership has its benefits and decide to continue working together. Combining his writer's intuition with her creative detective work, they investigate strange homicides in New York, all the while building a strong, if complicated, relationship with each other. Main Characters: Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) Javi Esposito (Jon Huertas) Kevin Ryan (Seamus Dever)

True Detective (2014-present)

Story: Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch star in Season 2, which weaves a web of conspiracy and betrayal around a bizarre murder in the scorched landscapes of Southern California. The disappearance of a city manager ignites an investigation involving Ray Velcoro, a police detective torn between his job and those he serves in the Mafia; Frank Semyon, a criminal/entrepreneur in danger of losing his empire; Ani Bezzerides, a sheriff's detective whose resolute ethics are unpopular; and Paul Woodrugh, a war veteran and highway patrol motorcycle cop with a troublesome past; The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles, takes place in Louisiana and follows a pair of Louisiana State Police detectives, and their pursuit of a serial killer over a 17-year period; The third season aired in 2019, starring Mahershala Ali, Carmen Ejogo, Stephen Dorff, Scoot McNairy, and Ray Fisher, takes place in the Ozarks over three separate time periods as a pair of Arkansas State Police detectives investigate a macabre crime involving two missing children.

Frasier (1993-2004)

Story: Dr. Frasier Crane, a successful Boston therapist, moves to Seattle to get a new start on life; he has a radio talk show, which he uses to relay his wit and wisdom to others, but at times he struggles with his own problems with his salt-of-the-earth father, his pretentious brother and his friends and co-workers; spinoff of "Cheers" Main Characters: Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves) Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin) Martin Crane (John Mahoney) Eddie the Dog

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

Story: Featuring a bigger and better USS Enterprise, this series is set 78 years after the original series -- in the 24th century. Instead of Capt. James Kirk, a less volatile and more mature Capt. Jean-Luc Picard heads the crew of various humans and alien creatures in their adventures in space -- the final frontier. Main Characters: Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) Worf (Michael Dorn)

The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

Story: Four mature women live together in Miami and experience the joys and angst of their golden years. Strong-willed Dorothy, spacey Rose, lusty Southern belle Blanche and matriarch Sophia, Dorothy's mom, occasionally clash but are there for one another in the end. After all, when the show's theme song is titled `Thank You for Being a Friend', the ladies have to remain friendly with one another. Main Characters: Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur) Rose Nylund (Betty White) Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan) Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty)

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Story: Growing up circa 1980, a misfit high-school student and his pals are probably destined to become new media millionaires, but right now they're stuck in school, where all the girls are a foot taller and bullies terrorize the gym class. Meanwhile, his older sister is flirting with the dope-smoking bad boys, cutting classes and questioning the point of getting good grades. Main Characters: Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) Sam Weir (John Francis Daly) Daniel Desario (James Franco) Neal Schweiber (Samm Levine) Ken Miller (Seth Rogen) Nick Andopolis (Jason Segel) Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr)

Sherlock (2010-2017)

Story: In this contemporary version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories, Dr. John Watson is a war vet just home from Afghanistan. He meets the brilliant but eccentric Holmes when the latter, who serves as a consultant to Scotland Yard, advertises for a flatmate. Almost as soon as Watson moves into the Baker Street flat, they are embroiled in mysteries, and Sherlock's nemesis, Moriarty, appears to have a hand in the crimes. Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) Professor Moriarty (Andrew Scott) Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss)

Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)

Story: Lovable schemer Zack Morris leads his pals on adventures at California's Bayside High School. The friends navigate relationships, final exams, school dances, breakups and more while frequently frustrating their principal, Mr. Richard Belding, who does his best to keep them in check. The Bayside gang is rounded out by cheerleader Kelly, jock Slater, feminist Jessie, fashion expert Lisa and nerd Screech, and although the teens' jealousy and rivalry sometimes get the best of them, at the end of the day, their friendship overcomes all; follow-up of Good Morning, Miss Bliss. Main Characters: Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen) Screech Powers (Dustin Diamond) Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley A.C Slater (Mario Lopez) Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies) Stacey Carosi (Leah Remini) Richard Belding (Dennis Haskins)

I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Story: Lucy Ricardo is the wacky wife of Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo. Living in New York, Ricky tries to succeed in show business while Lucy -- always trying to help -- usually manages to get in some kind of trouble that drives Ricky crazy. Their best friends are Fred and Ethel Mertz, who are also their landlords. Usually, Ethel becomes Lucy's less-than-willing partner in crime. Ricky and Lucy welcomed little Ricky in 1953, whose birth was a national TV event. Later in the show's run, the Ricardos (and the Mertzes) moved to Hollywood, where Ricky tried to become a movie star. Main Characters: Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance) Fred Mertz (William Frawley) Ricky Ricardo Jr. (Richard Keith) Margie Liszt (Shirley Mitchell)

Mork and Mindy (1978-1982)

Story: Mork, an alien from the planet Ork on a mission to Earth to study human behavior, travels to 1970s Boulder, Colo., where he meets up with Mindy, a young journalism graduate, after his egg-shaped spacecraft lands there. The bumbling alien is trying to get a handle on Earth culture, and his frequent dispatches back to his home planet give him the opportunity to sound off on human foibles. This spinoff of "Happy Days" features Robin Williams as Mork in an early starring role for the comic actor. As Mork would say, "Na-nu, na-nu! Main Characters: Mork (Robin Williams) Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber) Fred McConnell (Conrad Janis)

Murphy Brown (1988-1998, 2018-2019)

Story: Murphy Brown is the star reporter of "FYI," a newsmagazine series. Murphy is sarcastic, ambitious, often self-involved and bossy -- but she is also dedicated and ethical. She and her co-workers -- including Jim, Frank and Corky -- are often at one another's throats, even though they care about one another. Eldin, Murphy's house painter and confidant, never seems to finish his painting contract at Murphy's house (before leaving the show). The comedy series tackles some serious topics, including Murphy being a single mother and being treated for breast cancer. Main Characters: Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford) Phil (Pat Corley) Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough) Eldin Bernecky (Robert Pastorelli)

I Dream of Jeannie (1965-1970)

Story: Rescued from a bottle (and a deserted island) by a U.S. astronaut, a scantily clad genie named Jeannie becomes his slave and eventually falls in love with him. But unlike most genie stories, there are no three wishes rule - so Jeannie uses her magic all the time, often without talking to her rescuer about it first. Main Characters: Jeannie (Barbara Eden) Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) Roger Healey (Bill Daily) Dr. Alfred Bellows (Hayden Rorke)

Bewitched (1964-1972)

Story: Samantha falls in love with New York ad exec Darrin Stephens and marries him in the first episode of the sitcom. Then Darrin finds out that his new bride is one of a secret society of powerful witches and warlocks and that a twitch of her nose brings magic results. Thoroughly befuddled, Darrin makes her promise never to use her powers. She agrees and tries to settle into being the perfect suburban housewife. Her mother, Endora, however, has a different agenda. She hates that Samantha has married a mortal and continually tries to break them up. Sam's other spellbinding friends and family pop in and out of the Stephens household as Sam tries (and most of the time fails) to live without magic. Main Characters: Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) Darrin Stephens (Dick York/Dick Sargent) Endora (Agnes Moorehead) Larry Tate (David White)

Orphan Black (2013-2017)

Story: Sarah is a street-wise woman with a troubled past as an English orphan who bounced around foster homes before being taken in by Mrs. S, who uprooted her and her foster brother, Felix, to North America. She has made bad decisions in her life but always strives to do right by daughter Kira. When Sarah witnesses the suicide of Beth, a woman who looks like her, she decides to steal Beth's identity -- boyfriend and money included -- in an attempt to begin a new life for herself and Kira, with whom Sarah hopes to reunite. But assuming Beth's life -- Sarah eventually learns that Beth was her clone -- doesn't go as smoothly as she anticipates because Beth was a cop caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy, making Sarah the new target. Sarah must fight to stay alive while trying to escape from the complex web. As more threads appear, Sarah is pulled deeper, and Felix becomes her one true confidant. Main Characters: Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) Paul Dierden (Dylan Bruce) Fe Dawkins (Jordan Gavaris) Art Bell (Kevin Hanchard)

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-present)

Story: Seinfeld' co-creator Larry David plays a version of himself on the improvised series. He faces a constant barrage of life's little annoyances, which in David's sometimes well-meaning but terminally fumbling hands don't tend to stay small for very long. Main Characters: Larry David (Larry David) Jeff Greene (Jeff Garlin) Cheryl David (Cheryl Hines) Susie Greene (Susie Essman) Leon Black (J.B. Smoove)

Happy Days (1974-1984)

Story: Set in 1950s and 1960s Milwaukee, this series tells the story of the Cunningham family -- father Howard, mother Marion, son Richie and daughter Joanie. Howard owns a hardware store, while Marion stays at home. Richie's best friends are Potsie and Ralph. Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli is the local bad boy, riding a motorcycle and filling his days with fixing cars and dating girls. During the show's run, Richie leaves home to join the U.S. Army. Main Characters: Ritchie Cunningham (Ron Howard) Potsie Weber (Anson Williams) Marion Cunningham (Marion Webster) Howard Cunningham (Tom Bosley) Fonzie Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler)

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Story: Set in a storybook Connecticut town (Stars Hollow) populated by an eclectic mix of dreamers, artists and everyday folk, this multigenerational drama about family and friendship centres around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory. Lorelai owns the town's bed-and-breakfast, the Dragonfly Inn, with best friend/chef Sookie, and contends with weekly dinners with eccentric, well-off parents Richard and Emily Gilmore (who always have something to say about their daughter's life). After high school, Rory attends Yale University but frequently returns to Stars Hollow to visit her mom. Main Characters: Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) Luke Danes (Scott Patterson) Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) Richard Gilmore (Edward Herrmann) Sookie St. James (Melissa McCarthy)

Doctor Who (1963-1989)

Story: The Doctor is called a `Time Lord', a time-travelling scientist from a far off planet, who travels through time and space in a shop known by the acronym TARDIS. A TARDIS is a machine that is larger on the inside than the outside and is supposed to change its appearance based on its surroundings. The Doctor is also able to evolve his biology, so he appears as many different people throughout the series. The Doctor loves Earth, so he makes many trips here to save the planet, or to enlist earthlings to help him with tasks in the galaxy. Main Characters: Doctor Who (Tom Baker) [4th, most episodes] Doctor Who (William Hartnell) [1st] Doctor Who (Peter Capaldi) [12th] Doctor Who (Jodie Whittaker) [13th, present]

Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962)

Story: The familiar "plink, plink" of the theme song, accompanied by the line drawing of a man in profile immediately identifies the show. The famed director opens almost every episode with the words "Good evening ..." After a joke -- usually about the evening's sponsor -- Hitchcock lays the groundwork for that episode's freestanding story of suspense and terror. Main Characters: Alfred Hitchcock

Homeland (2011-2020)

Story: When Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody returns home following eight years in captivity, CIA agent Carrie Mathison thinks he has turned and is connected to a terror plot to be carried out on American soil, so she engages him in a dangerous game of cat and mouse that puts America's national security at risk. Later on, Carrie gets a promotion and returns to the front lines overseas. She is assigned to one of the CIA's most volatile and dangerous stations in the Middle East, where she is in the heart of battle in the war on terror. Years later, after being disillusioned and placing herself in a self-imposed exile in Berlin, Carrie becomes estranged from the CIA, eventually returning stateside where she works for a foundation providing aid to Muslims living in America. Main Characters: Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) Nicholas Brody (Damien Lewis) Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin) Jessica Brody (Morena Baccarin) Tasneem Qureishi (Nimrat Kaur)

The Good Wife (2009-2016)

Story: When a very public sex and political-corruption scandal lands her husband, Peter, in prison, Alicia Florrick (Emmy-winner Julianna Margulies ) must get past the humiliation and betrayal and assume responsibility for her family. She resumes her career as a defense attorney, shedding her persona as the embarrassed wife of a politician, and takes charge of her destiny. Years later, after Peter wins the gubernatorial election, Alicia must balance her evolving career and family responsibilities with her new position as first lady of Illinois. Main Characters: Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) Cary Agos (Matt Czuchry) [zoo-kree] Kalinda Sharma (Archie Panjabi) Zach Florrick (Graham Phillips) Grace Florrick (Makenzie Vega) Will Gardner (Josh Charles) Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Story: Will Smith more or less plays himself in this good-natured NBC sitcom. As the show's popular theme song explains, fictional Will's mom sends him away from his rough Philadelphia neighborhood to live with wealthy Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian in Bel-Air. Will often has fun at the expense of stuck-up cousins Carlton and Hilary. Main Characters: Will Smith (Will Smith) Philip Banks (James Avery) Vivian Banks (Janet Hubert-Whitten) Carlton Banks (Alfonso Ribeiro) Hilary Banks (Karyn Parsons)

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)

Story: centers on the personal and professional lives Rob Petrie, a writer on the fictional Alan Brady Show. He's happily married to former dancer Laura, and they have a young son, Ritchie. The plots generally revolve around problems at work -- where Rob got into various comedic jams with fellow writers Buddy Sorrell, Sally Rogers and producer Mel Cooley -- or at home. Main Characters: Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) Laura Petrie (Mary Tyler Moore) Buddy Sorrell (Morey Amsterdam) Sally Rogers (Rose Marie) Ritchie Petrie (Larry Mathews)

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Story: follows the main character, Ted Mosby, and his group of friends in New York City's Manhattan. As a framing device, Ted, in the year 2030, recounts to his son and daughter the events that led him to meet their mother. It is a joint production by Bays & Thomas Productions and 20th Century Fox Television and syndicated by 20th Television. Main Characters: Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel) Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan)

The Wonder Years (1988-1993)

Story: tracks life in the turbulent late 1960s and early '70s through the eyes of the increasingly less innocent Kevin Arnold. Narrated by an adult Kevin, the show follows him as he faces first love and the obstacles of life with best friend Paul. Main Characters: Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) Jack Arnold (Dan Lauria) Norma Arnold (Alley Mills) Paul Joshua Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano)

Taxi (1978-1983)

Story:This Emmy-winning sitcom follows the lives of a group of cabbies in New York. The employees of the Sunshine Cab Company are a motley crew, including frustrated actor Bobby, struggling boxer Tony, art gallery receptionist Elaine, and tyranical dispatcher Louie. For almost everyone, the cab company is just a temporary job that can be left behind when they make it in their chosen professions. The core of the company is disillusioned Alex (Judd Hirsch), who's sure he will be driving a cab for the rest of his life. Burned-out ex-hippie minister Reverend Jim and mechanic Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman) round out the group. Main Characters: Alex Reiger (Judd Hirsch) Bobby Wheeler (Jeff Conaway) Louie De Palma (Danny DeVito) Elaine O'Connor Nardo (Marilu Henner) Tony Banta (Tony Danza) Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman) Iggy Ignatowski (Christopher Lloyd)

Get Smart (1965-1970)

The program was created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry Story: Maxwell Smart, a.k.a. Agent 86, works for CONTROL, a Washington, D.C.-based counterintelligence agency. Totally inept as a secret agent, Smart can barely use the gadgetry the agency provides him (including a phone embedded in his shoe). Nevertheless, he and his fellow agents always seem to thwart the operations of KAOS, an organized crime outfit dedicated to evil. Agent 99 is Smart's smarter partner, a resourceful agent who eventually marries her bumbling cohort. Smart and Agent 99's boss is a man known only as The Chief. Main Characters: Max Smart, Agent 86 (Don Adams) Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon) The Chief (Edward Platt) Agent Larabee (Robert Karvelas)

Cheers (1982-1993)

The show's main theme song, co-written and performed by Gary Portnoy, lent its refrain "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" as the show's catchphrase Story: Sam Malone, a former relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, owns and runs Cheers, a cosy bar in Boston. Somewhat snobby, beautiful and intelligent Diane Chambers - forced to become a waitress when her fiance jilts her - constantly bickers with Sam. Eventually, they fall in love. Several wacky characters make the bar their home-away-from-home, including sarcastic waitress Carla, beer-loving accountant Norm and know-it-all letter carrier Cliff. A few seasons later, after Diane leaves Boston, Sam sells the bar to buy a boat and sail around the world. But his boat sinks and he returns to bartending. Rebecca Howe, the new (more ambitious) manager, hires him back. They love to hate each other and eventually get together as well. Main Characters: Sam Malone (Ted Danson) Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) Coach Ernie Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto) Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman) Norm Peterson (George Wendt) Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) Frasier Crane (Kesley Grammer) Rebecca Howe (Kirstie Alley) Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson)

The Office (2005-2013)

adapted for American television by Greg Daniels Story: his US adaptation, set at a paper company in Scranton, Pa., has a similar documentary style to that of the Ricky Gervais-led British original. It features the staff of Dunder-Mifflin, a staff that includes characters based on characters from the British show (and, quite possibly, people you work with in your office). There's Jim, the likable employee who's a bit of an everyman. Jim has a thing for receptionist-turned-sales rep Pam (because office romances are always a good idea). There's also Dwight, the successful co-worker who lacks social skills and common sense. And there's Ryan, who has held many jobs at the company. Main Characters: Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton) Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling) Ryan Howard (BJ Novak) Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker)

Sex and the City (1998-2004)

an adaptation of Candace Bushnell's 1997 book of the same name; Created by Darren Star Story: A sex columnist, Carrie Bradshaw, and her three friends -- Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda -- explore Manhattan's dating scene, chronicling the mating habits of single New Yorkers. Not surprisingly, the ladies have a number of beaus throughout the series' run. Main Characters: Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) Mr. Big (Chris Noth) Steve Brady (David Eigenberg)

The Walking Dead (2010-present)

based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard Story: Description Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman, this gritty drama portrays life in the months and years that follow a zombie apocalypse. A group of survivors travel in search of safety and security, constantly on the move in search of a secure home. But the pressure each day to stay alivesends many in the group to the deepest depths of human cruelty, and they soon discover that the overwhelming fear of the survivors can be more deadly than the zombies walking among them. At times, the interpersonal conflicts present a greater threat to their continuing survival than the walkers that roam the country. Main Characters: Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) Shane Walsh (Joe Bernthal) Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan)

Entourage (2004-2011)

created and largely written by Doug Elli Story: an actor deemed the next big thing, four buddies migrate west from Queens, N.Y. Usually within his reach are his less successful half brother, Drama; Vince's best friend, Eric; and their irrepressible pal, Turtle. As the foursome adjusts to Tinseltown's fast pace and frantic deal-making, Vince's take-charge agent, Ari, exerts his influence -- often to Eric's annoyance. Main Characters: Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) Eric Murphy (Kevin Connolly) Sloan ( Emmanuelle Chriqui) Turtle (Jerry Ferrera)

The Wire (2002-2008)

created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon. Story: This series looks at the narcotics scene in Baltimore through the eyes of law enforcers as well as the drug dealers and users. Other facets of the city that are explored in the series are the government and bureaucracy, schools and the news media. The show was created by former police reporter David Simon, who also wrote many of the episodes. Main Characters: Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) Omar Little (Michael K. Williams) Kima Greggs (Sonja Sohn) Cedric Daniels (Lance Reddick) Bubbles (Andre Royo) Bunk Moreland (Wendell Pierce)

Gilligan's Island (1964-1967)

created and produced by Sherwood Schwartz Story: Seven people set sail on what is scheduled to be a three-hour sightseeing tour on the charter boat The Minnow, get caught in a storm and end up stranded on an uncharted tropical island together. The comedy comes from the failed attempts at escaping the island and the interaction of the very diverse group: comprised of a rotund but happy-go-lucky skipper, Jonas Grumby (known as "The Skipper" ); his bumbling but well-meaning first mate, Gilligan; a snobby well-to-do millionaire, Thurston Howell III and his wife, Lovey; a buxom sexy movie star bombshell, Ginger; a high-school science professor, Roy Hinkley (called "The Professor" ); and a nice country girl, Mary Ann. Viewers of the venerable series would be correct to ponder the impossible number of guests who visited the islands, the incredible versatility of the common coconut and the fact that the castaways somehow managed to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Main Characters: Gilligan (Bob Denver) The Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) Thurston Howell III (Jim Backus) Lovey (Natalie Schafer) Ginger Grant (Tina Louise) Professor Roy Hinckley (Russell Johnson) Dawn Wells (Mary Ann Summers)

The West Wing (1999-2006)

created by Aaron Sorkin Story: Cutthroat presidential advisers get their personal lives hopelessly tangled up with professional duties as they try to conduct the business of running a country. Fictional Democratic President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet suffers no fools, and that policy alienates many. He and his dedicated staffers struggle to balance the needs of the country with the political realities of Washington, D.C., working through two presidential terms that include countless scandals, threats and political scuffles, as well as the race to succeed Bartlet as the leader of the free world. Main Characters: Jed Bartlett (Martin Sheen) Leo McGarry (John Spencer) Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff) Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney) Charlie Young (Dule Hill) Donna Moss (Janel Moloney) Abbey Bartlett (Stockard Channing)

House of Cards (2013-2018)

created by Beau Willimon Story: U.S. Rep. Francis Underwood of South Carolina starts out as a ruthless politician seeking revenge in this Netflix original production. Promised the post of Secretary of State in exchange for his support, his efforts help to ensure the election of Garrett Walker to the presidency. But Walker changes his mind before the inauguration, telling Underwood he's too valuable in Congress. Outwardly, Underwood accepts his marching orders, but secretly he and his wife Claire, an environmental activist, make a pact to destroy Walker and his allies. As the series progresses, Underwood ascends through the ranks of the government -- until his death, at which point Claire gains power. Based on the U.K. miniseries of the same name, the U.S. version offers a look behind the scenes at the greed and corruption in American politics. A number of real-life media figures make cameo appearances. Main Characters: Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) Peter Russo (Corey Stoll)

The X Files (1993-2018)

created by Chris Carter Story: one of the longest-running science fiction series in network TV history, FBI special agents investigate unexplained, mind-bending cases known as "X-Files." Though the government is convinced that the outlandish reports are false, conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and realist Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), for most of the series, stop at nothing to prove that "the truth is out there." Series creator Chris Carter also serves as executive producer of the thrilling pop-culture phenomenon. Main Characters: Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) John Doggett (Robert Patrick) Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi)

Modern Family (2009-2020)

created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan Story: Told from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, the series offers an honest, often-hilarious perspective of family life. Parents Phil and Claire yearn for an honest, open relationship with their three kids. But a daughter who is trying to grow up too fast, another who is too smart for her own good, and a rambunctious young son make it challenging. Claire's dad, Jay, and his Latina wife, Gloria, are raising two sons together, but people sometimes believe Jay to be Gloria's father. Jay's gay son, Mitchell, and his partner, Cameron, have adopted a little Asian girl, completing one big -- straight, gay, multicultural, traditional -- happy family. Main Characters: Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) Gloria Delgado (Sofia Vergara) Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) Alex Dunphy (Ariel Winter)

The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady Story: Mensa-fied best friends and roommates Leonard and Sheldon, physicists who work at the California Institute of Technology, may be able to tell everybody more than they want to know about quantum physics, but getting through most basic social situations, especially ones involving women, totally baffles them. How lucky, then, that babe-alicious waitress/aspiring actress Penny moves in next door. Frequently seen hanging out with Leonard and Sheldon are friends and fellow Caltech scientists Wolowitz and Koothrappali. Will worlds collide? Does Einstein theorize in the woods? Setting: Pasadena, CA Main Characters: Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) Penny (Kaley Cuoco) Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) Leslie Winkle (Sara Gilbert)

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss Story: George R.R. Martin's best-selling book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" is brought to the screen as HBO sinks its considerable storytelling teeth into the medieval fantasy epic. It's the depiction of two powerful families -- kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and honest men -- playing a deadly game for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and to sit atop the Iron Throne. Martin is credited as a co-executive producer and one of the writers for the series, whose shooting locations include Northern Ireland, Malta, Croatia and Spain. Main Characters: Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) Jon Snow (Kit Harington) Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie)

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

created by David Chase Story: Tony Soprano juggles the problems of his fractious family with those of a "Family" of a different sort - the mob. He sees a therapist to deal with his professional and personal problems, which bring on panic attacks. He deals with personal and professional power struggles, affairs, violence, the threat of exposure and betrayal, and a whole bunch of people being whacked. Theme Song: Woke up this morning Main Characters: Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) Carmela (Edie Falco) Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) AJ (Robert Iler) Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi) Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) Paulie Gualtieri (Tony Sirico)

Friends (1994-2004)

created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman Story: Three young men and three young women -- of the BFF kind -- live in the same apartment complex and face life and love in New York. They're not above sticking their noses into one another's business and swapping romantic partners, which always leads to the kind of hilarity average people will never experience -- especially during breakups. Main Characters: Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) Gunther (James Michael Tyler)

Law & Order (1990-2010)

created by Dick Wolf Story: Filmed on location in New York, the drama showcases the sometimes-complex process of determining guilt or innocence, while lives hang in the balance. Often inspired by the latest headlines, the plots highlight legal, ethical or personal dilemmas to which people can relate. Setting: New York City Main Characters: Adam Schiff (Steven Hill) Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson) Jack Mccoy (Sam Waterston) Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin)

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present)

created by Dick Wolf for NBC Story: The detectives that are part of the NYPD's Special Victims Unit investigate crimes of sexual nature. While the focus of the other shows in the `Law & Order' franchise largely deal with murder cases, the SVU detectives frequently deal with crimes, such as rapes, in which the victim survives and assists authorities in the investigation. The series features a cast of veteran actors, including Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer, Dann Florek and, after the first season, rapper Ice-T. Occasional crossover episodes feature detectives from other series in the `Law & Order' franchise. Main Characters: Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T) Dominick Carisi Jr (Peter Scanavino)

Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)

created by Gene Roddenberry Story: follows the crew of the starship USS Enterprise as it completes its missions in space in the 23rd century. Captain James T. Kirk -- along with half- human/half-Vulcan science officer Spock, ship Dr. "Bones" McCoy, Ensign Pavel Chekov, communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura, helmsman Lt. Hikaru Sulu and chief engineer Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery "Scotty" Scott -- confront strange alien races, friendly and hostile alike, as they explore unknown worlds. Main Characters: Captain Kirk (William Shatner) Lieutenant Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy) Dr. Bones Mccoy (DeForest Kelley) Scotty (James Doohan) Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nicols) Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) Pavel Chekhov (Walter Koenig)

Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. Story: Leslie Knope, a midlevel bureaucrat in an Indiana Parks and Recreation Department, hopes to beautify her town (and boost her own career) by helping local nurse Ann Perkins turn an abandoned construction site into a community park, but what should be a fairly simple project is stymied at every turn by oafish bureaucrats, selfish neighbours, governmental red tape and a myriad of other challenges. Leslie's colleague Tom Haverford, who delights in exploiting his position for personal gain, is as likely to undermine her efforts as to help her, while her boss, Ron Swanson, is adamantly opposed to government in any form, even though he's a bureaucrat himself. Main Characters: Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones) Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari) Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza) Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt) Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe)

Alias (2001-2006)

created by J. J. Abrams Story: A young woman learns she has a familial history of undercover work and agrees to become an international spy for a supposed secret branch of the CIA. The secrecy complicates her social and love lives, but it's nothing compared to what happens when she finds out her employer has no ties to the CIA. Main Characters: Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Gardner) Arvin Sloane (Ron Rifkin) Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan) Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper)

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)

created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns Story: Mary Richards is a thirty-something single woman who settles in Minneapolis after breaking up with a boyfriend. She lands a job as an associate producer of the evening news at WJM-TV, which happens to be the area's lowest-rated station. Her boss, Lou Grant, hates her spunk but often looks to her to solve newsroom (or even personal) problems. Mary's other coworkers include news writer Murray Slaughter, egomaniacal anchorman Ted Baxter and "Happy Homemaker" Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White). Mary's home is a modest studio apartment -- and her upstairs neighbor, Rhoda Morgenstern, quickly becomes a good friend. Later in the series, Mary moves to a plush high-rise apartment before leaving Minneapolis and WJM for good. Main Characters: Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) Lou Grant (Edward Asner) Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod) Ted Baxter (Ted Knight) Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White)

Full House (1987-1995)

created by Jeff Franklin Story: When Danny Tanner's wife dies, the San Francisco sportscaster gets support in the form of two new roommates: brother-in-law and party boy Jesse, and his stand-up comic friend, Joey. The duo helps out with raising the three Tanner daughters: D.J, Stephanie and Michelle. Main Characters: Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos) Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier) D.J. Tanner (Candace Cameron) Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) Michelle Turner (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen) Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis, "Aunt Becky" (Lori Loughlin)

Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)

created by Jenji Kohan; based on Piper Kerman's memoir Story: Piper Chapman is a public relations executive with a career and a fiance when her past suddenly catches up to her. In her mid-30s she is sentenced to spend time in a minimum-security women's prison in Connecticut for her association with a drug runner 10 years earlier. This Netflix original series is based on the book of the same title. Forced to trade power suits for prison orange, Chapman makes her way through the corrections system and adjusts to life behind bars, making friends with the many eccentric, unusual and unexpected people she meets. Setting: Litchfield Penitentiary all-female prison Main Characters: Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) Alex Vause (Laura Prepon) "Crazy Eyes" Warren (Uzo Aduba) Nicky Nichols (Natasha Lyon) "Pennsatuckey" Doggett (Taryn Manning) Lorna Morello (Yael Stone) Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley)

Sesame Street (1969-present)

created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett. Story: bridges many cultural and educational gaps with a fun program. Big Bird leads a cast of characters teaching children numbers, colors and the alphabet. Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch and Grover are just a few of the other creatures involved in this show, set on a city street full of valuable learning opportunities. Main Characters: Elmo (Kevin Clash) Cookie Monster (David Rudman) Big Bird (Caroll Spinney) Bert (Frank Oz) Grover (Eric Jacobson) Count von Count (Matt Vogel) Oscar the Grouch (Caroll Spinney) Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) Abby Cadabby (Leslie Carrara-Rudolph)

24 (2001-2010)

created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran Story: Counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer fights the bad guys of the world, a day at a time. With each week's episode unfolding in real time, it covers a single day in the life of Bauer each season. Jack deals with assassination attempts, nuclear attacks, bioterrorism, torture, traitors, sleeper cells, other bad guys and the alarming tendency for his romances to end badly -- very badly. Main Characters: Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) Teri Bauer (Leslie Hope) Nina Myers (Sarah Clarke) Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert) David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert)

Seinfeld (1989-1998)

created by Larry David Story: Four single friends -- comic Jerry Seinfeld, bungling George Costanza, frustrated working gal Elaine Benes and eccentric neighbor Cosmo Kramer -- deal with the absurdities of everyday life in New York City. Main Characters: Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld) George Constanza (Jason Alexander) Elaine Benes (Julie Louis-Dreyfus) Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards)

Saturday Night Live (1975-present)

created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol. Story: Live from New York for more than four decades, celebrity hosts join an award-winning ensemble cast to perform comedic sketches, satirical news and digital shorts, alongside popular musical acts. Capturing the pop-culture zeitgeist, the show's sketches and segments often go viral the next day. Over the years, cast members have included Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon, Seth Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig, and many more, as well as recurring guests such as Alec Baldwin, Melissa McCarthy and Steve Martin. From executive producer Lorne Michaels, "SNL" is widely considered an American late-night institution and continues to earn critical praise.

Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

created by Mark Frost and David Lynch Story: A crime drama mixed with healthy doses of the surreal, this series is about FBI Agent Dale Cooper, who travels to the small logging town of Twin Peaks to solve the murder of seemingly innocent high schooler Laura Palmer. Almost nothing is as it seems, however, and the show's sometimes eerie visuals, oddball characters and wild dream sequences drive the point home Setting: Washington State Main Characters: Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) Shelly Johnson (Madchen Amick) Benjamin Horne (Richard Beymer) Donna Hayward (Lara Flynn Boyle) Audrey Horne (Sherilyn Fenn) Leland Palmer (Ray Wise) Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee)

The Simpsons (1989-present)

created by Matt Groening Story: This long-running animated comedy focuses on the eponymous family in the town of Springfield in an unnamed U.S. state. The head of the Simpson family, Homer, is not a typical family man. A nuclear-plant employee, he does his best to lead his family but often finds that they are leading him. The family includes loving, blue-haired matriarch Marge, troublemaking son Bart, overachieving daughter Lisa and baby Maggie. Other Springfield residents include the family's religious neighbor, Ned Flanders, family physician Dr Hibbert, Moe the bartender and police chief Clancy Wiggum. Main Characters: Homer (Dan Castellaneta) Marge (Julie Kavner) Bart (Nancy Cartwright) Lisa (Yeardley Smith) Maggie (Nancy Cartwright) Santa's Little Helper (dog) Ned Flanders (Harry Shearer) Apu (Hank Azaria) Milhouse Van Houten (Pamela Hayden) Krusty the Clown (clown)

Mad Men (2007-2015)

created by Matthew Weiner Story: In 1960s New York, alpha male Don Draper struggles to stay on top of the heap in the high-pressure world of Madison Avenue advertising firms. Aside from being one of the top ad men in the business, Don is also a family man, the father of young children. Main Characters: Don Draper(Jon Hamm) Peggy Olson (Elizabeth Moss) Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) Betty Francis (January Jones) Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) Roger Sterling (John Slattery) Lane Pryce (Jared Harris)

Will & Grace (1998-2020)

created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. Set in New York City, the show focuses on the friendship between best friends Will Truman (Eric McCormack), a gay lawyer, and Grace Adler (Debra Messing), a straight interior designer. Story: In the original eight-season run of this groundbreaking sitcom, best friends Will, a meticulous corporate lawyer, and Grace, a neurotic interior decorator, share a New York apartment after Grace leaves her fiancé at the altar. Will and Grace, along with their pals Karen, an outspoken socialite, and Jack, a free-spirited actor, face the highs and lows of life in Manhattan together. From sex, dating and divorce to cutting cultural commentary, nothing's off limits -- and all is fair game -- in this Emmy-winning comedy. Main Characters: Will Truman (Eric McCormack) Grace Adler (Debra Messing) Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) Rosario Salazar (Shelley Morrison)

Married...with Children (1987-1997)

created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt. Story: The antithesis of the loving "Cosby Show" family, "Married ... With Children" focused on the Bundys, a suburban Chicago family who would rather eat nails than say a kind word to one another. Al, the patriarch, is a misogynistic shoe salesman, whose wife, Peggy, is a housewife who does no work around the house. Saying their children, Kelly and Bud, do not have a lot going for them is an understatement. This biting comedy focuses on the couple's constant verbal sparring over their slacker kids, their lack of money, success and intimacy. Main Characters: Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) Peggy Bundy (Katey Sagal) Marcy Rhoades (Amanda Bearse) Steve Rhoades (David Garrison) Kelly Bundy (Christina Applegate) Bud Bundy (David Faustino) Jefferson D'Arcy (Ted McGinley)

Arrested Development (2003-present)

created by Mitchell Hurwitz Story: Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr., is sent to prison for committing white-collar crime. He tries to juggle the wants and needs of his spoiled and eccentric family while being a good role model for his teenage son, George Michael. Main Characters: Narrator (Ron Howard) Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) George Michael (Michael Cera) George Bluth Senior (Jeffrey Tambor) Lucille (Jessica Walter) Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) Gob Bluth (Will Arnett) Lindsay (Portia de Rossi) Tobias Funke (David Cross)

Family Guy (1999-present)

created by Seth MacFarlane Sick, twisted and politically incorrect, the animated series features the adventures of the Griffin family. Endearingly ignorant Peter and stay-at-home wife Lois reside in Quahog, R.I., and have three kids. Meg, the eldest child, is a social outcast, and teenage Chris is awkward and clueless when it comes to the opposite sex. The youngest, Stewie, is a genius baby bent on killing his mother and destroying the world. The talking dog, Brian, keeps Stewie in check while sipping martinis and sorting through his own life issues. Main Characters: Peter Griffin (Seth Macfarlane) Lois Griffin (Alex Borstein) Stewie Griffin (Seth Macfarlane) Brian Griffin (Seth Macfarlane) Glenn Quagmire (Seth Macfarlane) Meg Griffin (Mila Kunis)

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

created by Vince Gilligan Story: Mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White thinks his life can't get much worse. His salary barely makes ends meet, a situation not likely to improve once his pregnant wife gives birth, and their teenage son is battling cerebral palsy. But Walter is dumbstruck when he learns he has terminal cancer. Realizing that his illness probably will ruin his family financially, Walter makes a desperate bid to earn as much money as he can in the time he has left by turning an old RV into a meth lab on wheels. Main Characters: Walter White (Bryan Cranston) Skyler White (Anna Gunn) Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) Hank Schrader (Dean Norris) Marie Schrader (Betsy Brandt) Walter "Flynn" White Jr. (RJ Mitte) Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito)

ER (1994-2009)

created by novelist and medical doctor Michael Crichton Story: Set in Chicago, this medical drama deals with the personal and professional crises of the doctors in the emergency room at County General Hospital. From the exciting to the mundane, a day in the frantic hospital serves up many interesting dilemmas as well as heartrending choices for everyone on staff. Main Characters: Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney) Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) John Carter (Noah Wyle) Dr. Peter Benton (Eriq La Salle)

Dexter (2006-2013)

inspired by a series of novels by Jeff Lindsay Story: Dexter Morgan is a Miami-based blood splatter expert who doesn't just solve murders; he commits them too. In fact, he's a serial killer -- but he only murders the guilty, so he feels justified with his lifestyle choices. His policewoman sister and his cop co-workers have no idea Dexter lives a double life; however, adoptive father Harry knows his secret, and does, in fact, help Dexter hone his "skills." It's a unique brand of justice for which charming Dexter feels a psychological hunger. Main Characters: Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) Rita Bennett (Julie Benz) Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) Angel Batista (David Zayas) Harry Morgan (James Remar)

Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

inspired by the 1990 nonfiction book by H. G. Bissinger, which was adapted as the 2004 film of the same name by Berg. Story: centers on the rural town of Dillon, Texas, where winning the state football championship is prized above all else. Coach Eric Taylor guides a high school football team (the Panthers) through pressure-filled seasons while dealing with struggles relating to his own family. The interactions between the team members, current and former players, supporters, coaching staff and regular townsfolk address many of the issues facing small-town America. Main Characters: Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) Julie Taylor (Aimee Teegarden) Jason Street (Scott Porter) Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) Vince Howard (Michael B. Jordan)

M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

was based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel Story: Members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital care for the injured during the Korean War and use humor to escape from the horror and depression of the situation. Among the 4077's people are Capts. Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce and "Trapper John" McIntire, Majs. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan and Frank Burns, and Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly. Main Characters: Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) Hot Lips Houlihan (Loretta Swit) Maxwell Klinger (Jamie Farr) Trapper John McIntire (Wayne Rogers) Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff)

All in the Family (1971-1979)

was produced by Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin Story: touted as the series that brought reality to prime-time TV entertainment. The lead character, Archie Bunker, is a loudmouthed, uneducated bigot who believes in every stereotype he has ever heard. His wife, Edith, is sweet but not the sharpest knife in the drawer. They and their daughter, Gloria, and her husband, Mike, all live in a working-class home. Unfortunately for Archie, he can't avoid the people he disdains: His son-in-law -- whom Archie calls "Meathead" -- is an unemployed student and of Polish descent; the Jeffersons next door are black; Edith's cousin Maude is a feminist; and, later, his partners in a local tavern are Jewish. Main Characters: Archie Bunker (Caroll O'Connor) Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) Gloria Stivic (Sally Struthers) Meathead Stivic (Rob Reiner)