#2 – Game of Thrones (2011-present) HBO

The hit HBO show, as I always make sure to note when I write about it, is the epitome of what a successful tv series should be. The Young Turk’s Cenk Uygur (a US journalist), says Thrones is most successful because it has a healthy dose of VIMS every episode – VIMS being Violence, Intrigue, Mystery and S*x. What more could you ask for? Thrones follows the great houses of Westeros as they battle for the right to sit atop the Iron Throne. When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die – there is no middle ground. If you are permitted to watch only one show off this list, I’ll recommend GOT all day long.