518 Essential TV Series, Year by Year
518 titles
- 501
Dad's ArmyTV · 1968 · 9 seasons · Comedy, War & PoliticsMeet the Walmington-On-Sea Home Guard. Set during World War II in a quiet, fictional British seaside town, this is the story of a quirky band of local defense volunteers bracing themselves for a possible German invasion.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 7.4
- 502
The Pirates of Dark WaterTV · 1991 · 2 seasons · Action & Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi & FantasyWhen a young lighthouse keeper’s son, Ren, rescues a man from the rocks, he discovers the stranger is an aide to his real father, a powerful King. Given a magic compass crystal, Ren is led to a dragon who reveals he must find the Thirteen Treasures of Rule to claim his heritage. But the ruthless pirate captain Bloth also seeks these treasures and relentlessly pursues him. Along the way, Ren gathers companions like Ioz the Pirate, Tula the Eco-Mage, and Niddler the Monkey-Bird. His quest becomes critical when he learns that the Dark Water—a deadly, consuming force—threatens to destroy his world, and only the treasures can stop it.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.6
- 503
MannixTV · 1967 · 8 seasons · Action & Adventure, Crime, DramaMannix is an American detective television series that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1975. Created by Richard Levinson and William Link and developed by executive producer Bruce Geller, the show follows private investigator Joe Mannix, played by Mike Connors. Mannix was the final series produced by Desilu Productions.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8
- 504
The Greatest American HeroTV · 1981 · 3 seasons · Action & Adventure, Comedy, CrimeFollowing an encounter with aliens, teacher Ralph Hinkley finds himself gifted with a red suit granting superhuman abilities. Reluctant to wear it, he quickly misplaces the instruction manual and must clumsily discover its powers through hilarious experimentation.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
- 505
The Partridge FamilyTV · 1970 · 4 seasons · Comedy, FamilyThe Partridge Family is an American TV comedy about a recently widowed mom and her five kids as they launch a singing career.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9
- 506
Petticoat JunctionTV · 1963 · 7 seasons · Comedy, FamilyThe Bradley family proudly runs the Shady Rest Hotel, with Kate and her three young daughters handling its daily operations.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 5.8
- 507
My Three SonsTV · 1960 · 12 seasons · Comedy, FamilyAeronautical engineer Steven Douglas raises his three sons with support from his father-in-law, then their great-uncle. Later seasons see an adopted son, a stepdaughter, wives, and another generation of sons expand this close-knit family.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6
- 508
The Larry Sanders ShowTV · 1992 · 6 seasons · ComedyComic Garry Shandling uses his own talk show experiences to create Larry Sanders, a paranoid and insecure host of a late-night program. Alongside his eager sidekick Hank Kingsley and protective producer Artie, Larry lets Garry Shandling and his writers explore behind the scenes, offering an authentic look at life off camera.Stream onIMDb 8.5TMDB 7.7
- 509
CrackerTV · 1993 · 3 seasons · Crime, DramaFitz is a sharp-tongued criminal psychologist, exceptionally gifted yet deeply imperfect, possessing an uncanny ability to understand criminals.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 6.6
- 510
The Singing DetectiveTV · 1986 · 1 seasons · Drama, MysteryConfined to bed with a mysterious illness, a celebrated author escapes into vivid hallucinations, re-experiencing the thrilling detective stories he wrote.Stream onIMDb 8.5TMDB 7.5
- 511
Last of the Summer WineTV · 1973 · 31 seasons · ComedyWith no wives, jobs, or commitments holding them back, three elderly men who’ve always been kids at heart roam the Yorkshire Dales. They spend their days gossiping about neighbors and dreaming up escapades far beyond typical senior activities. *Last of the Summer Wine* began as a Comedy Playhouse episode in 1973 and continued for 295 episodes until 2010, becoming Britain’s longest-running comedy and the world's longest-running sitcom.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1
- 512
Pride and PrejudiceTV · 1980 · 1 seasons · DramaIn early 19th century England, the Bennet sisters—five unmarried daughters—compete for the attention of wealthy newcomer Mr. Bingley and his aloof friend, Mr. Darcy, who have just arrived in their neighborhood. While Bingley is immediately drawn to eldest daughter Jane, Darcy struggles to fit in and frequently argues with second-eldest Elizabeth.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
- 513
BensonTV · 1979 · 7 seasons · ComedyThe steadfast butler navigates the complexities of life within the governor’s residence.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
- 514
Roots: The Next GenerationsTV · 1979 · 1 seasons · DramaRoots: The Next Generations, introduced in 1979, picks up the story from 1882 to the 1960s, following the family inspired by Alex Haley and their experiences in Henning, Tennessee. This sequel to the acclaimed 1977 miniseries draws on the final seven chapters of Haley’s novel, plus additional material. With a $16.6 million budget—almost triple that of the original—Roots: The Next Generations offered an even grander scope.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4
- 515
Quincy, M.E.TV · 1976 · 8 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryLos Angeles County medical examiner Quincy often assists with police investigations.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.5
- 516
The Ascent of ManTV · 1973 · 1 seasons · DocumentaryThe Ascent of Man is a thirteen-part documentary series produced by the BBC and Time-Life Films, originally broadcast in 1973 and written and presented by Jacob Bronowski. Inspired by Kenneth Clark’s *Civilisation*, the series was praised for Bronowski's insightful yet accessible explanations, his extended unscripted commentary, and its wide range of filming locations.Stream onIMDb 8.8TMDB 8.5
- 517
The Two RonniesTV · 1971 · 12 seasons · ComedyThe Two Ronnies is a classic British sketch show that ran on BBC1 from 1971 to 1987. It starred the comedy duo Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, famously known as “The Two Ronnies.”Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7
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Mission: ImpossibleTV · 1988 · 2 seasons · Action & Adventure, Crime, DramaMission: Impossible is an American TV series following a team of secret government agents—the Impossible Missions Force—on dangerous assignments. This revival brings back the classic 1966 show, with Peter Graves reprising his role as Jim Phelps. Two original cast members also appear as guest stars, and Bob Johnson returns as the familiar voice of "The Tape" for every episode.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5