Television has given us countless memorable moments, but some series have transcended the screen to become cultural phenomena. Here, we explore the top 10 best-selling TV series of all time, delving into their extended plots, budgets, earnings, and more.
Television’s Greatest Hits
1. Game of Thrones
Plot: Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, “Game of Thrones” follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne. The series is known for its complex characters, intricate plots, and unexpected twists.
- Budget: $15 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $3 billion
- Director: Various (David Benioff, D.B. Weiss)
- Publisher: HBO
- Release Year: 2011
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 20 languages
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Total Episodes: 73
2. Friends
Plot: This beloved sitcom revolves around six friends living in New York City. Their comedic and romantic adventures, along with their personal growth, have made “Friends” a timeless favorite.
- Budget: $10 million per episode (final seasons)
- Earnings: Over $2 billion
- Director: Various (David Crane, Marta Kauffman)
- Publisher: NBC
- Release Year: 1994
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 20 languages
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Total Episodes: 236
3. The Simpsons
Plot: “The Simpsons” is an animated sitcom that satirizes American culture and society. It follows the lives of the Simpson family in the fictional town of Springfield.
- Budget: $2 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $1.5 billion
- Director: Various (Matt Groening)
- Publisher: Fox
- Release Year: 1989
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 15 languages
- Number of Seasons: 34 (and counting)
- Total Episodes: Over 750
4. Breaking Bad
Plot: This crime drama tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, and his descent into the criminal underworld.
- Budget: $3 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $1 billion
- Director: Vince Gilligan
- Publisher: AMC
- Release Year: 2008
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 10 languages
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Total Episodes: 62
5. The Walking Dead
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, a group of survivors led by former sheriff Rick Grimes struggles to stay alive and find safety.
- Budget: $3.4 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $1 billion
- Director: Various (Frank Darabont)
- Publisher: AMC
- Release Year: 2010
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 15 languages
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Total Episodes: 177
6. Stranger Things
Plot: Set in the 1980s, this sci-fi horror series follows a group of kids in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they encounter supernatural forces and secret government experiments.
- Budget: $6 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $800 million
- Director: The Duffer Brothers
- Publisher: Netflix
- Release Year: 2016
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 20 languages
- Number of Seasons: 4 (ongoing)
- Total Episodes: 34 (as of now)
7. Grey’s Anatomy
Plot: This medical drama focuses on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns and their mentors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
- Budget: $5 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $700 million
- Director: Shonda Rhimes
- Publisher: ABC
- Release Year: 2005
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 15 languages
- Number of Seasons: 20 (ongoing)
- Total Episodes: Over 400
8. NCIS
Plot: “NCIS” follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they solve crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- Budget: $2.5 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $600 million
- Director: Donald P. Bellisario
- Publisher: CBS
- Release Year: 2003
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 10 languages
- Number of Seasons: 21 (ongoing)
- Total Episodes: Over 450
9. The Big Bang Theory
Plot: This sitcom centers on a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the world around them.
- Budget: $9 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $1 billion
- Director: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady
- Publisher: CBS
- Release Year: 2007
- Country: USA
- Languages Translated To: Over 15 languages
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Total Episodes: 279
10. Sherlock
Plot: A modern update of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, “Sherlock” follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they solve crimes in 21st-century London.
- Budget: $4 million per episode
- Earnings: Over $500 million
- Director: Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss
- Publisher: BBC
- Release Year: 2010
- Country: UK
- Languages Translated To: Over 10 languages
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Total Episodes: 13
Conclusion
These TV series have captivated audiences worldwide and generated substantial revenue, making them some of the most successful shows in television history. Their compelling plots, memorable characters, and high production values have ensured their place in the annals of entertainment.
Each of these TV series has left an indelible mark on popular culture, proving that great storytelling transcends borders and languages. Whether through laughter, suspense, or drama, these shows have brought people together and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Source:
- 50 best TV Series of all time (imdb.com)
- Top 100 most watched tv shows of all time (imdb.com)
- 15 Highest-Grossing Television Shows of All Time (collider.com)
- The Best TV Shows of All Time, Ranked By Fan Votes (ranker.com)
Really good