Television has long been one of the most powerful and influential mediums in shaping pop culture. TV shows have played a major role in setting fashion trends, introducing new language, and reflecting social and political themes.
Beyond pure entertainment, certain shows have shaped the way we live, interact, and even view the world around us.
This article explores the 10 greatest TV shows that have left a lasting legacy on pop culture, from influencing our language to redefining genres and setting new standards for television storytelling.
We also take a look at the incredible casts that brought these iconic stories to life.
The Role of Television in Pop Culture
Television, once regarded as just a source of entertainment, has grown into a significant cultural force that shapes trends, opinions, and societal norms.
TV shows influence fashion, music, social behavior, and even politics. Iconic TV shows have the power to reflect the world we live in, comment on it, and, in some cases, change it.
From sitcoms that redefined humor to dramas that revolutionized storytelling, these TV shows did more than entertain; they became cultural phenomena that shaped entire generations.
This article highlights ten such shows that went beyond the screen to make a lasting impact on pop culture. Each of these shows has not only stood the test of time but continues to influence entertainment and society today.
10 Greatest TV Shows That Shaped Pop Culture
Let’s take a look at the top 10 TV shows that have shaped pop culture.
1. Friends (1994–2004)
Main Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer.
Few shows have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Friends. The sitcom, which David Crane and Marta Kauffman created, followed six friends who lived in New York City—Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler, and Joey—as they navigated their personal and professional lives. It became one of the most beloved shows of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Cultural Impact:
Friends became more than just a popular sitcom; it became a global phenomenon. The characters influenced fashion trends, particularly Rachel Green’s (Jennifer Aniston) hairstyle, which became a cultural sensation and one of the most requested haircuts in salons worldwide.
The show also introduced catchphrases like “We were on a break!” and Joey’s iconic pickup line, “How you doin’?”, both of which became part of the everyday vernacular.
The show was also groundbreaking in its portrayal of friendships, setting a template for how friendships could be shown in an urban setting. It emphasized the importance of chosen family, making the idea of close-knit friendships as important as familial relationships.
Legacy:
Despite ending in 2004, Friends continues to resonate with audiences, especially through streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max, where it has become one of the most-watched shows.
The 2021 Friends reunion special was a highly anticipated cultural event, demonstrating the show’s enduring appeal. Its influence on sitcoms can still be seen today, with shows like How I Met Your Mother and New Girl following a similar premise.
2. The Simpsons (1989–Present)
Main Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer.
The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening, is the longest-running American sitcom and animated series. Since its debut in 1989, the show has followed the lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—living in the fictional town of Springfield.
Cultural Impact:
The Simpsons set a new standard for satirical comedy, offering biting commentary on politics, society, family life, and the American Dream. Its satirical humor and subversive take on everything from government to religion resonated deeply with audiences.
It introduced countless phrases into pop culture, including Homer’s famous “D’oh!” and Bart’s rebellious “Eat my shorts!” The show has also become known for its eerily accurate “predictions” of future events, such as the election of Donald Trump as president and advancements in technology.
Legacy:
The Simpsons is often credited with influencing the creation of other adult-oriented animated shows, such as Family Guy, Futurama, and South Park.
Its cultural relevance has endured for over three decades, and it continues to be a cornerstone of satirical humor. The show remains a beloved and iconic piece of American television history.
3. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Main Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones became one of the most talked-about TV shows in history. Premiering in 2011, the show introduced audiences to the political intrigue, warfare, and moral complexities of the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos.
Cultural Impact:
Game of Thrones brought the fantasy genre into the mainstream like no other show before it. With its complex characters and intricate plots, the show appealed to a wide audience that extended far beyond typical fantasy fans.
The show sparked discussions on power, gender dynamics, and morality, particularly through its multifaceted characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and Tyrion Lannister. Iconic moments like the Red Wedding and the Battle of the Bastards became cultural touchpoints that transcended the fantasy genre.
Game of Thrones also pioneered “event TV” in the streaming era. Fans would host viewing parties and live-tweet episodes, making each new installment a global event.
Legacy:
While its final season was divisive, Game of Thrones remains one of the most influential shows of the 21st century.
Its prequel series, House of the Dragon, and other planned spin-offs ensure that the Game of Thrones universe will continue to shape pop culture for years to come.
4. The X-Files (1993–2002, 2016, 2018)
Main Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, and William B. Davis.
The X-Files, created by Chris Carter, follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate paranormal cases, including UFO sightings, alien abductions, and government conspiracies. The show was groundbreaking for its mix of monster-of-the-week episodes and an overarching mythology.
Cultural Impact:
The X-Files tapped into the growing interest in government conspiracy theories during the 1990s, particularly regarding extraterrestrial life.
The show popularized the concept of questioning authority and believing in the unknown, which resonated deeply with viewers. The dynamic between Mulder, the believer, and Scully, the skeptic, became iconic, representing the eternal battle between faith and reason.
The show’s tagline, “The Truth is Out There,” became a cultural mantra for truth-seekers and conspiracy theorists. It also helped propel science fiction into mainstream popularity, inspiring a wave of paranormal and sci-fi shows in its wake.
Legacy:
The X-Files remains one of the most influential sci-fi shows of all time. It paved the way for shows like Fringe and Supernatural, and its unique blend of episodic and serialized storytelling has influenced modern television.
Even today, The X-Files continues to captivate fans through its legacy and occasional revivals.
5. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Main Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, and Bob Odenkirk.
Vince Gilligan’s television series Breaking Bad tells the tale of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making methamphetamine after learning that he has terminal cancer. As Walter descends deeper into the drug trade, he transforms from a mild-mannered family man into a ruthless kingpin.
Cultural Impact:
Breaking Bad revolutionized the concept of the anti-hero in modern television. Walter White’s gradual transformation into his criminal alter ego, Heisenberg, redefined what TV protagonists could be.
The show delved into moral ambiguity, forcing audiences to question their own values as they watched Walter’s descent into darkness. Iconic moments like “I am the one who knocks” and “Say my name” became part of the cultural lexicon, and the show’s exploration of the consequences of crime resonated deeply with viewers.
Legacy:
Breaking Bad is often cited as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time, and its influence can be seen in many shows that followed, including Ozark and Narcos.
Its prequel, Better Call Saul, continues to expand the Breaking Bad universe, keeping the story alive for new and returning audiences.
6. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
Main Cast: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Sirico, Steven Van Zandt.
The Sopranos, created by David Chase, is often credited with ushering in the Golden Age of Television. The show follows mob boss Tony Soprano as he balances the demands of his criminal empire with his personal struggles, particularly his issues with mental health.
Cultural Impact:
The Sopranos was groundbreaking in its portrayal of complex, morally ambiguous characters. James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano served as the model for the contemporary anti-hero, paving the way for characters like Don Draper in Mad Men and Walter White in Breaking Bad.
The show also introduced mental health issues, particularly through Tony’s therapy sessions, making it one of the first dramas to explore these themes in-depth.
The show’s mixture of crime drama and psychological exploration was revolutionary, setting a new standard for serialized TV storytelling. Its ability to blend family dynamics with the darker aspects of organized crime made it unique in the landscape of television at the time.
Legacy:
The Sopranos remains a critical and commercial success, often ranked as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Its ambiguous ending—cutting to black in the middle of a scene—has been the subject of debate for years, adding to its enduring intrigue.
The show’s influence on modern television is immense, and it continues to inspire new generations of storytellers.
7. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
Main Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards.
Often referred to as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The show, which Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld created, follows the daily activities of four friends living in New York City as they navigate the absurdities of social conventions and romantic relationships.
Cultural Impact:
Seinfeld revolutionized the sitcom format by focusing on the mundane aspects of life rather than grand narratives. Its observational humor resonated deeply with audiences, and its unique take on storytelling influenced a generation of comedies.
.The show also contributed countless catchphrases to pop culture, including “Yada, yada, yada,” “No soup for you!”, and “These pretzels are making me thirsty.”
By breaking away from traditional sitcom tropes and exploring the awkwardness of social norms, Seinfeld set the stage for future comedies like Curb Your Enthusiasm and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Legacy:
Though it ended in 1998, Seinfeld continues to be a cultural touchstone. It remains one of the most-watched sitcoms in syndication and streaming, and its influence on modern comedy is undeniable.
The show’s humor remains timeless, as new generations continue to discover it.
8. Stranger Things (2016–Present)
Main Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Winona Ryder, David Harbour.
The Duffer Brothers’ supernatural horror television series Stranger Things centers on a group of young people who discover a covert government experiment in their small town. Since its debut on Netflix in 2016, the show has become a global phenomenon.
Cultural Impact:
Stranger Things revived interest in 1980s pop culture, from its retro fashion to its synth-heavy soundtrack. The show introduced younger generations to the aesthetics and tropes of the 80s, while also paying homage to classic films like E.T., The Goonies, and Stand by Me.
The series’ focus on childhood friendships, supernatural elements, and government conspiracies captured the imagination of a wide audience, making it one of the most-watched Netflix originals.
The show also redefined how young actors are viewed in Hollywood, with its young cast members, such as Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, becoming overnight stars. Additionally, Stranger Things has had a significant impact on fashion, with fans embracing its retro 80s style.
Legacy:
Stranger Things continues to influence fashion, music, and media, with its retro aesthetic inspiring countless brands, artists, and creators.
It remains a key player in the streaming world and has solidified Netflix’s reputation as a major force in original content.
9. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
Main Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley.
I Love Lucy, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, was one of the first major American sitcoms and remains one of the most influential TV shows of all time. The show centered on the antics of Lucy Ricardo, a housewife with a knack for getting herself into comedic trouble.
Cultural Impact:
I Love Lucy broke new ground in many ways. Lucille Ball was not only the star of the show, but she also co-produced it, making her one of the first women to hold such a role in television.
The show also introduced the concept of the multi-camera sitcom, a format that remains in use today.
Additionally, the show featured an interracial marriage between Ball and Arnaz, which was groundbreaking for its time. The couple’s on-screen chemistry and comedic timing set the standard for sitcoms for decades to come.
Legacy:
Lucille Ball remains an icon in the entertainment industry, and I Love Lucy continues to be revered as one of the greatest sitcoms ever made.
Its influence on television, comedy, and female representation in media is immeasurable.
10. The Office (US) (2005–2013)
Main Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Mindy Kaling, and B.J. Novak.
With its mockumentary format and depiction of routine office life, The Office (US), based on the UK original and created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, became a pop culture phenomenon. The show followed the employees of Dunder Mifflin, a paper company, as they dealt with the antics of their bumbling boss, Michael Scott.
Cultural Impact:
The Office popularized the mockumentary style on American television, with characters often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the camera.
Its relatable depiction of workplace dynamics resonated with viewers, particularly those who had experienced the corporate world. Michael Scott’s awkward and often inappropriate behavior became iconic, and characters like Jim Halpert and Dwight Schrute became household names.
The show also became a massive source of internet memes, with scenes from The Office regularly circulating on social media. Lines like “That’s what she said” and “Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica” have become ingrained in pop culture.
Legacy:
The Office continues to have a massive fanbase, with younger generations discovering it on streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock.
Its influence on workplace comedies is undeniable, with shows like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine borrowing elements from its mockumentary style and humor.
Conclusion
The 10 TV shows featured in this article did more than entertain—they shaped the way we think, speak, and consume media. Whether by influencing fashion, creating new catchphrases, or addressing social issues, these shows left a lasting mark on pop culture.
They remain touchstones for fans and have set the standard for what television can achieve. Through their storytelling, characters, and cultural resonance, these shows continue to impact our lives long after their final episodes air.
