Since its emergence in the 1960s, television has been an essential part of our daily lives and an impeccable reflection of our culture. During its initial run, just a handful of channels with limited shows graced the screen. However, as its popularity increased, the number of series kept growing, with countless available to watch today. In this immaculate article, we will discuss ‘9 Best TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television’.
People find an excellent source of joy and relaxation with TV as they sit back and get their daily dose of entertainment with new episodes of their favourite television shows.
It allows us to escape from the stresses of life into fascinating fictional worlds as we witness gripping dramas unfold. We get a glimpse into different cultures and periods. However, the best part is the opportunity to see interesting characters and their journeys.
Given the changing times, the formats and technologies of TV have changed. Despite the change, the wish to see quality storytelling and innovative programming remains intact. Over this period, there have been some Television game changers who left inedible marks on the history of the medium.
Table of Contents
9 Best TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television
Simple Everyday Sitcoms
During the 1990s, there was an era of reinvention for TV. The sitcoms are mainly focused on showcasing more realistic depictions of everyday life and family dynamics with series like:
1. Friends (1994-2004)
Regarding sitcoms, Friends is consistently listed among the top names. It may seem like another quirky show about young adults. However, following the show will show diverse yet relatable characters with fun, heartfelt emotions and exciting storylines.
The sharp writing, iconic characters, fresh humour, light-hearted jokes, and simplicity have made it a generational touchstone. This show falls on top of the TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television.
2. Roseanne (1988–1997)
Roseanne is Roseanne Barr’s titular sitcom. It broke the line of other popular sitcoms by centering the show around a working-class American family. It sheds light on their authentic struggles with refreshing irreverence.
The Golden Age of the Antiheroes
With time, the availability of elite cable dramas created the opportunity for shows to introduce more morally complex protagonists TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television:
3. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The unpredictability and complexity of The Sopranos made it one of the most popular shows on TV. It follows the plot of Tony Soprano, an Italian-American mafia head. He is based in New Jersey and finds managing his family and his criminal life difficult.
As a result, he confides his problems to his psychiatrist. This masterful crime drama kept audiences hooked on TV. Also, it paved the way for Shoemaker to have layered storylines.
The Sopranos presents philosophical inquiries into contemporary masculinity and the human condition. Its flawed lead character soon became an icon. The Sopranos deserves a place in TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television.
4. The Wire (2002-2008)
Unlike the typical Television shows, the Wire was known for its literary themes. The show followed an accurate exploration of society and politics and a realistic depiction of urban life.
This crime investigation drama had a sprawling, unflinching portrait of institutional dysfunction in Baltimore. At the same time, it raised the bar for realism and tackling systemic issues on TV, making it one of the TV shows that revolutionised the television.
Breaking New Ground Across All Genres : TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television
In recent years, several new formats on the Television landscape have been introduced, from mind-bending sci-fi concepts to intimate character explorations like:
5. Lost (2004-2010)
Lost was a supernatural, time-travel-infused drama. The show followed the plot of a plane crash that left survivors stranded on a mysterious island.
It brought a new approach to the high-concept suspense in the latest reality TV era with addictive ensemble storytelling and dense show mythology, establishing itself as one of the TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television.
6. Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
Big Little Lies was a darkly comedic exploration of domestic trauma and deception. The show was about a bunch of wealthy housewives whose lives were turned upside down after a murder occurred in their town.
It showcased how high production values and A-list talents could improve the miniseries form, making it one of the TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television.
7. Bridgerton (2020)
Bridgerton takes you back to the Regency era in England. It is based on the story of eight close-knit siblings from an influential family who strive to find love. The makers successfully created that era for a TV production that takes you back in time on screen.
This period piece depicts a battle for race, class, and power dynamics through a modern feminist lens. It changed how streaming gave creators more freedom, becoming one of the TV shows that revolutionised the television.
The Timeless Family Sitcom Genre-Benders
Apart from the ones that came along at the time, several sitcoms long held a special place in television, but a few shows broke the mould, like:
8. Full House (1987–1995)
It was a wholesome family drama following the story of a father who invites his brother-in-law and friend to move in to help him look after his three daughters after his wife’s death.
Certainly! Here’s the updated statement with the exact phrase included as requested: “They soon became a heartwarming family. Full House was a humorous, emotional, and joyful show. Also, it quietly revolutionised TV as one of the first TV Shows That Revolutionised The Television to depict a non-traditional family household.”
9. Modern Family (2009–2020)
Final Words
From transcendent character dramas to genre-busting sci-fi adventures, these TV series were game-changers in the history of TV. Whether the innovative family comedies or serious fare series, these shows managed to redefine what televised stories could achieve.
They successfully altered how we think about and experience the medium, pushing limits and taking creative risks that opened a new path for an even more ambitious series. It’s safe to say that, given their influence and role, the new ones will undoubtedly shape the future television landscape.
Also Checkout – 7 Best TV Sitcoms of All Time