The 2010s brought us a treasure trove of exhilarating drama series that had audiences worldwide hooked. These shows, adored by fans and critics alike, are not only brilliantly written but also showcase outstanding performances, mind-bending storylines, and jaw-dropping visuals that make them truly irresistible. As we take a trip down memory lane through this extraordinary decade of television, it’s time to crown these gems based on their excellence, popularity, and profound influence on modern pop culture.
The 2010s overflowed with mind-blowing drama series that kept viewers glued to their screens. Game of Thrones, for instance, whisked us away to a sprawling universe and kept us on the edge of our seats with its jaw-dropping surprises. Breaking Bad took us on an unforgettable rollercoaster ride as we witnessed Walter White’s epic transformation. Meanwhile, Mad Men treated us to a captivating peek into the glamorous world of 1960s advertising. These shows have truly set the bar sky-high for future generations of drama series.
We warmly invite you to join us in the quest to determine which drama series truly stole the show. Are you head over heels for a particular show? Do you believe that a specific drama deserves a standing ovation for its sheer brilliance? Now is your chance to let your voice soar. Choose your favorites from our curated list below and let’s collectively crown the most sensational drama series of the 2010s that will leave an indelible mark.
1. Breaking Bad
A high school chemistry teacher takes up cooking methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer. He does this to support his family and gets drawn into the dangerous drug trade. With each passing day, his life becomes more complex and perilous. For five nail-biting seasons, viewers were captivated by the intense character study that unfolded before their eyes.
Premiered: January 20, 2008
Actors: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
2. Game of Thrones
This epic tale takes us to a captivating fantasy realm, brimming with intricate characters and political schemes. The struggle for the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms lies at the core, but it goes beyond that. It delves into profound themes like honor, power dynamics, and the complexities of family ties. Over eight gripping seasons, viewers were hooked by its unpredictable twists and heart-wrenching narratives.
Premiered: April 17, 2011
Actors: Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey
3. Sherlock
In this modern-day adaptation, we follow the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved detective as he tackles the most perplexing crimes in London. Assisting him in this journey is his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. Our hero, however, battles personal demons that threaten to consume him. Yet, amidst these struggles, we witness his remarkable ability to combine self-destruction with sharp deduction skills. This series delves into the profound themes of friendship, justice, and intellectual brilliance, captivating audiences along the way.
Premiered: July 25, 2010
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott
4. Dexter
In sunny Miami, there’s a blood-spatter analyst who, believe it or not, also happens to be a vigilante serial killer. This guy goes after the dangerous criminals who somehow manage to slip through the cracks of law enforcement. It’s a pretty twisted story that manages to be both chilling and darkly humorous at the same time.
Throughout its eight seasons, this show delves into some deep stuff. It really gets into the nitty-gritty of ethics, morality, and personal identity. And let me tell you, it keeps audiences on the edge of their seats the whole time.
Premiered: October 1, 2006
Actors: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee
5. Justified
In this tension-filled drama, we meet a U.S Marshal who’s a bit trigger-happy. He comes back to his rural Kentucky hometown with a mission to enforce justice, but he does it in unconventional ways. As if dealing with local crime bosses wasn’t enough, he also has to navigate through old family dramas.
This story dives headfirst into themes of redemption and retribution, exploring the complexities of loyalty in a backdrop that’s anything but simple. It’s a gritty tale that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, as justice takes on a whole new meaning in this small, close-knit community.
Premiered: March 16, 2010
Actors: Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins, Nick Searcy
6. Boardwalk Empire
The story takes place in Prohibition-era Atlantic City, a thriving city run by underground gangs. These gangs are constantly competing for control of the illegal liquor trade. As a result, the show explores the complex relationship between politics, corruption, and organized crime. It delves into the blurred lines that exist in this world, where power struggles dominate the criminal underworld. The series is a captivating portrayal of the intense games played by both ruthless mobsters and cunning politicians.
Premiered: September 19, 2010
Actors: Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald
7. Shameless
A gritty yet darkly comedic portrayal of life in Chicago’s South Side, where we get a glimpse into the lives of the Gallagher family. They face poverty, crime, and substance abuse, but still manage to navigate through it all. The show beautifully captures the complexities of their relationships, the dysfunctional bonds they share, and their personal battles for growth.
Premiered: December 12, 2010
Actors: William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, Cameron Monaghan
8. Mad Men
Premiered: July 19, 2007
Actors: Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Vincent Kartheiser
9. Sons of Anarchy
This intense drama takes place within a tight-knit motorcycle club deeply involved in organized crime. It explores the complex themes of brotherhood, betrayal, loyalty, and vengeance in a morally ambiguous setting. Within this world, relationships are shattered due to a never-ending cycle of violence, impacting both family dynamics and club allegiances.
Premiered: September 3, 2008
Actors: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates
10. Better Call Saul
There’s this prequel to Breaking Bad that delves into the life of a small-time lawyer in Albuquerque. He’s trying his best to make a name for himself in the ruthless legal scene of the city. Similar to how people were hooked on the main character’s transformation in Breaking Bad, here we see this new character wrestling with questions about who he really is, what’s right and wrong, and always being tempted by the criminal side of things.
Premiered: February 8, 2015
Actors: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael Mando
11. The Americans
In this gripping Cold War drama, we witness the struggle of two Soviet spies who pose as a normal suburban couple. They find themselves caught between their loyalty to their homeland and their deep love for each other. Deception and suspicion run rampant as they strive to uphold their disguise while carrying out undercover missions. And amidst it all, they grapple with the challenges of everyday family life.
This story delves into the complex emotions and dilemmas faced by these spies as they navigate a treacherous world of secrets and hidden agendas. Balancing their commitment to their country with their personal desires becomes an arduous task, testing the strength of their relationship.
Their lives become a constant juggling act, where trust is often in short supply. The tension builds as they walk a tightrope, perpetually on guard for any signs of danger or betrayal. The high-stakes nature of their work keeps them on edge, never knowing who they can truly trust.
But amidst the cloak and dagger, there remains a poignant love story. The deep bond between these two spies is put to the ultimate test as they navigate the complexities of their double lives. Can love conquer the harsh realities of the Cold War era? Or will the forces of suspicion and deceit ultimately tear them apart?
This intense and gripping narrative takes us on a thrilling journey, exploring the intricate web of espionage and the profound emotions that drive our protagonists. As they face the challenges of maintaining their cover while also trying to preserve their love, we are left captivated, eagerly turning the pages to discover their fate.
Premiered: January 30, 2013
Actors: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich
