From ‘Friends’ to ‘Wonder Years’: 10 shows that rewrote the rules of TV

By Christine Persaud Published July 16, 2016

This generation knows Grey’s Anatomy as the consummate medical primetime drama. But anyone over the age of 30 understands that before McDreamy, there was Dr. Donald Westphall from St. Elsewhere, a show that blazed the trail for television programming following a team of doctors. Cop dramas are common nowadays. But before top series like NYPD Blue came innovators like Hill Street Blues. And American Idol, The Voice, and other reality television competition shows have that little show called Star Search to thank for their concepts.

Inspiration is drawn in everything from music to movies, technology and yes, even television programming. So it’s no surprise that most of today’s top shows have innovative, game-changing programs of yesteryear to thank for paving the way for their success.

Here are 9 shows that arguably set the pace for some of the most popular series on television today.

What are your favorite trailblazing shows?

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Christine Persaud

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Christine has decades of experience in trade and consumer journalism. While she started her career writing exclusively about…

Entertainment

12 best TV shows to stream this Halloween

A blonde-haired woman wears a skull mask in "The Fall of the House of Usher."

Halloween is a prime time for people to binge-watch scary stories. Thankfully, horror fans can sit back and stream countless TV shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, and beyond for fun, frightening evening. Audiences can check out terrifying mysteries like Evil and Stranger Things, along with more lighthearted comedies like Wednesday and What We Do in the Shadows.

Ironically, picking the right Halloween show can make viewers feel like kids in a candy story. So for those unsure of what to watch this spooky season, here's a guide to the best TV shows to stream for All Hallows' Eve.

Entertainment

10 best crime TV shows of all time, ranked

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad.

Crime has always been a popular subject on the small screen, with no shortage of acclaimed series from the genre. Whether it's from the perspectives of the scheming criminals or the authorities pursuing them, great crime shows can intrigue and captivate audiences for years, with several going on to become influential series with huge fanbases.

From the legendary inside look at a mobster's life in The Sopranos to the meticulously crafted police procedurals in every season of True Detective, the best crime TV shows are genre-defining masterpieces that give fans edge-of-your-seat storytelling. Set in shadowy underworlds where most people don't dare venture, these crime series offer suspense, drama, and thrills.
10. True Detective (2014-present)

Entertainment

10 great TV shows to watch on Labor Day

Vince Vaughn wearing a suit with his hands in his pockets looking off to the left in a scene from Bad Monkey on Apple TV+.

So, you’re planning for some lazy days over the Labor Day weekend. Maybe you have a few activities on the schedule, but want to curl up on the couch at night and relax once you get back home. Perhaps you’re relaxing at the cabin or maybe even traveling and want something to entertain you for the car (passengers or rest stops only!), train, or plane ride. Whatever the case, we have you covered.

The 10 best shows to stream this Labor Day weekend come from all the top streaming services. So, no matter which one you subscribe to, there’s an option to consider. They include a mix of titles, from comedies to dramas and reality TV. There are old shows, new ones, and shows with new seasons you can catch up on or previous seasons to watch before an upcoming new one is released. Have a look and you’re sure to find something worth enjoying for your unofficial last weekend of summer.