The Best TV Shows of the 21st Century
Summary
The New York Times debuts its list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century, compiled from votes by over a thousand industry luminaries. Hosted by the Sunday Daily, the episode features critics Gilbert Cruz and James Poniewozik debating the top ten entries, including Breaking Bad, The Wire, and Succession. The discussion highlights the evolution of television into a prestige art form, analyzing the rise of anti-heroes, the blending of comedy and drama, and the impact of streaming on creative freedom.
Topics discussed
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Introduction: The first TV show of the 21st century
Context: The evolution of prestige TV and the NYT project
Discussion of the Top 10 list structure and methodology
Debate: Why comedies are ranked lower than dramas
Defining comedy: Jokes per minute and audience joy
Analysis of 30 Rock: Density of jokes and cultural impact
Discussion of Curb Your Enthusiasm and cringe comedy
The legacy of Seinfeld and the cringe comedy genre
Analysis of Veep: Cynical humor and political satire
Commercial break and transition to Top 5
Number 5: Fleabag - Vulnerability and streaming era
Number 4: Succession - Rooting for horrible people
Number 3: Mad Men - Craft, rewatchability, and the 50s
Number 2: The Wire - Systems, dysfunction, and realism
Number 1: Breaking Bad - The anti-hero and binge culture
Omissions: The Sopranos and its influence on the 21st century
Other omissions: Hannibal, Jackass, and Rectify
Conclusion: Reader participation and credits
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