The New York Times has compiled a list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century, featuring productions that have left their mark on recent decades and earned a place in television history. From among so many titles, we’ve selected three series that deserve a spot on your list of shows to binge-watch before the end of the year.
With very different stories, characters, and approaches, these shows demonstrate how television can explore a wide variety of themes — from everyday situations that elicit hearty laughs to historical events and plots that spark curiosity with every episode. There are options for both those looking for a comedy to unwind and those who prefer narratives full of tension and plot twists.
1. The Office (US), NBC
Before winning over American audiences, The Office already existed in the United Kingdom. Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the British version premiered in 2001 and served as inspiration for the American adaptation, which debuted in 2005. Although both series share the premise of chronicling daily office life through a mockumentary format, the two productions developed their own distinct identities.
Set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of the paper company Dunder Mifflin, the American version follows the daily lives of employees led by Michael Scott (Steve Carell) — a manager who does everything he can to be liked by his team, but often puts himself and his coworkers in awkward situations. With humor rooted in relatable workplace dynamics, the awkward silences that follow bad jokes, and the quirks of the corporate environment, the series transforms ordinary workplace situations into memorable scenes.
Another element that makes the show so engaging is its breaking of the fourth wall. By looking directly into the camera and sharing their reactions and thoughts with the audience, the characters create a sense of complicity with viewers. This connection helps us better understand their personalities and makes it easier to grow attached to them and relate to their experiences.
Over the course of nine seasons, The Office has won over a legion of fans by turning awkward situations — many of which are quite familiar to anyone who has experienced office life — into pure comedy. The show has become a benchmark among television comedies and is a great choice for anyone looking for an entertaining series with memorable characters and stories that will have you laughing out loud.
2. Chernobyl, HBO
In April 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Union triggered one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. More than three decades later, this historic event was the subject of an HBO miniseries that reconstructs the events and follows the efforts of scientists, workers, and officials to understand the scale of the tragedy and contain its consequences.
Released in 2019, Chernobyl explores different perspectives on the disaster, focusing on nuclear physicist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris) and Deputy Prime Minister Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgård), who were tasked with investigating the situation and organizing the government’s response. Over the course of five episodes, the series shows how the lack of information, attempts to downplay the risks, and the delay in acknowledging the severity of the accident contributed to worsening the situation and the impacts of the nuclear plant explosion.
One of the series’ greatest strengths lies in the way it builds tension. Even when danger isn’t visible, the sense of threat lingers, and the viewer comes to grasp the full extent of the disaster as the characters uncover what really happened. The narrative also gives voice to those who faced the risks head-on, revealing the human cost of a tragedy that extends far beyond the initial explosion. Furthermore, for those already somewhat familiar with the story, the delayed response and lack of information can feel downright frustrating.
For fans of stories that blend real-life events, investigation, and suspense, Chernobyl is a must-watch. With just five episodes, the miniseries offers an intense and immersive experience, while also inviting viewers to reflect on the consequences of misinformation and the importance of recognizing risks before it’s too late. For those interested in better understanding this event, the HBO series is an excellent starting point.
3. Severance, Apple TV+
Have you ever imagined being able to split your memory into two parts — one for your work memories and the other for your everyday memories — so you could completely separate these two crucial areas of your life? That’s the premise of Severance, a series created by Dan Erickson that transforms a dystopian idea into one of the most intriguing and acclaimed mysteries of recent times.
In the series, employees of the mysterious company Lumon undergo a procedure called “severance,” which divides their memories into two independent parts: at work, they don’t remember anything about their lives outside the company; when they leave, they have no access to their work-related memories. The protagonist, Mark (Adam Scott), is one of the company’s top employees and never had an issue with the procedure until he meets a new employee, Helly (Britt Lower). Helly does not take kindly to the system and continually questions the company, leading her colleagues to join her in trying to uncover the mysteries that Lumon wants to hide at all costs.
One of the series’ major distinguishing features lies in the construction of its universe. The endless hallways, the artificial-looking offices with stark white lights, and the employees’ seemingly mundane routines create an unsettling atmosphere where even the simplest situations arouse suspicion. Furthermore, while it feels as though we’re in a dystopian future, the show also incorporates elements from the past and present, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact time period — which serves to unsettle the viewer further by withholding basic information.
Instead of providing all the answers right away, Severance reveals clues bit by bit, prompting the audience to try to understand what really happens behind Lumon’s doors each season; we feel the answer is getting closer, only to end up with new questions.
Beyond the suspense, the series also raises questions about ethics, identity, memory, and boundaries. After all, if a part of you comes to exist exclusively in the office, without knowing the outside world, to what extent can this division be considered fair? This combination of mystery and reflection elevates the story beyond conventional science fiction. For those who enjoy theories, hidden details, and narratives that continue to raise questions after each episode ends, Severance is an excellent choice.
Find Your Next Favorite Show
From comedy to suspense, historical dramas, and stories that challenge our perception of reality, these three series showcase the diversity of productions that have left their mark on 21st-century television. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, want to dive into mysteries, or want to discover stories inspired by real events, The New York Times’ list is an invitation to explore titles that may have gone unnoticed or that deserve a second look.
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The article above was edited by Luiza Chucre.
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