Game of Thrones, Squid Game? Quit playin’. Friends? Who needs ‘em! And don’t even get me started on The Simpsons … You might hate to hear it, but your favorite TV show is overrated, at least according to our latest data.
The CableTV.com team generated a list of the Top 25 Iconic TV Shows of all time with viewership, awards, longevity, and cultural impact in mind (check it out if you’d like to see more details around those facts).
From there, our nationwide survey revealed which TV shows Americans considered the most overrated (and also the least). As a bonus, using Google Trends, the team mapped regional interest in the top three overrated shows across all 50 states.
Did your favorite TV show garner enough scorn to make the overrated list, or does it float among America’s favorites?
The Most Overrated TV Shows of All Time
When provided a list of the top 25 shows of all time, TV fans said these popular shows were actually the most overrated. I’ll give you an overview of each show and sum up the most common complaints about each one found across the web.
Is Game of Thrones overrated, though? (I’m asking for a friend.) Keep in mind, everyone’s entitled to their opinions, and I’m just rounding them up for you—no need to toss me to the dragons.
#1 – Game of Thrones
A big-budget fantasy based on a best-selling saga, a totally immersive environment filled with seasoned actors, and a complex story that ends in … absolute disappointment and confusion?
While some folks may have hated the show since the beginning—or felt like the show was only good during specific seasons or arcs—even most diehard fans seem to agree that by the time GoT was wrapped up, they were left with a mess to reconcile with, and couldn’t.
If you know, you know, and if you don’t: Aside from a few glimpses of glory, the show lost its solidity as it rushed toward a disorienting ending. The writing suffered without Martin’s work preceding it, and arcs came to abrupt, nonsensical endings that devalued much of what had come before. Moments that could’ve been the epoch of an entire episode were quickly brushed past to reach the finish line, robbing many storylines and characters of their richness, depth, and complexity.
Was it a matter of high expectations not being met, or was the series always fated to be a hyped-up fantasy? Either way, Americans consider Game of Thrones to be the most overrated TV show of all time.
#2 – Friends
So no one told you life was going to be this way? [*insert claps*] Yes, even Friends, a simple sitcom following the lives of six friends in New York, carries high expectations with it. The show has been criticized for its idealized and unrealistic portrayal of Manhattan living: large apartments without matching income and a lack of diversity in the main cast and supporting characters.
Likewise, many TV fans criticize it for feeling socially outdated, if not offensive, when compared to today’s standards. While all that is true, Friends really suffers from being on TV for too long, resulting in plot repetition and character degradation.
“Friends is a funny show, but looking at it through a contemporary lens, it’s cringey: White thirtysomethings talking about white-people problems (sometimes problematically) hits differently now. And then there’s the Rachel cut, aka proto-Karen hair …” —Randy Harward, Senior Staff Writer
For those who enjoy the chemistry between cast members and the comfort of the show’s simple setups, it’ll always be there for you. But for newer audiences, Friends may be better left unseen.
#3 – The Simpsons
As one of the longest-running shows in TV history, The Simpsons has cycled through multiple writing teams, evolving animation styles, and enough episodes to start repeating itself—often relying on celebrity cameos to stay fresh. Even if you liked it at one point, it’s unlikely you’ve kept up and scheduled your TV time around seeing The Simpsons.
In fact, did you know the media term “Flanderization” was created due to The Simpsons? That’s when characters, like Ned Flanders, lose complexity and become reduced to exaggerated and simplified, if not also negative, forms of their former selves. For many, the show seemed to lose its soul for the sake of perpetuity.
While some may never have seen the appeal in The Simpsons, many believe the show has long outlived its prime and should’ve ended gracefully, much earlier, in its golden era (around Seasons 10–12).
#4 – Squid Game
Not everyone understands the hype surrounding the Korean series about indebted criminal contestants playing deadly children’s games for a huge cash prize.
In Season 1, it’s tough to keep track of who’s who—relying on faces and numbers doesn’t help much, and there are also a shload of (eventually unresolved) storylines to follow. Season 2 adds 500 more contestants, most of them forgettable, with a few friendly faces still around. Your favorites face seemingly avoidable endings, and towards the end of Season 3, you’re down to a handful of villains and an ending that feels all-but obvious (thanks to a CGI baby). A lot of fans agree that you’re left slogging through a few final episodes just to see it through.
The show started with such promise, thanks to its unique premises, conflicting character interests, and layers of deception. But none of that matters now if the story falls flat, the tropes feel tired, and the show’s once-sharp edge gets dulled by overexposure. I’m holding out hope for Fincher’s U.S. version, but for now, a lot of fans are burnt out.
#5 – Grey’s Anatomy
Often hailed as the definitive TV medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy has a charismatic cast, tense medical moments, and enough romantic respite to keep some fans hooked for over 20 seasons. But even OG GA fans have found it hard to keep up with a show that’s gone on (way) too long while recycling storylines and characters.
Whether you view it as an iconic medical drama or a hyped-up hospital soap opera, most people have lost their patience with the ongoing, ossified examination of Grey’s Anatomy.
Map of the top 3 overrated shows by state
Using Google Trends data, the CableTV.com team identified the top three overrated shows (simplified for better accuracy) and mapped out which states consider them the most overrated.
- Most people in mainland America seem convinced Game of Thrones is the most overrated show, searching for the opinions of others who share their desire to shame show producers or other scapegoats.
- The Simpsons covers California, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as well as a few western-central states and a handful of states in the Northeast.
- Hawaii and South Dakota stand out as the states with the least reverence for Friends (maybe they’re just “on a break?”).
With the overrated shows out of the way, which top shows do Americans consider worthy of high praise?
The least overrated TV shows of all time
According to our survey, these top shows live up to all the hype, whether it’s through their worthy writing, premium performances, or consistent quality. If you need a new TV show to watch, you can’t go wrong with these series, which have stood the test of time in America’s eyes.
#1 – Lupin
Looking for a stylish crime series full of surprises? Lupin follows Assane Diop, a thief inspired by the French literary character Arséne Lupin, a gentleman burglar. With the help of Omar Sy’s charismatic performance, audiences worldwide have praised the show’s balance of layered and clever storytelling, emotional engagement, and sleek pacing.
If you want intelligence mixed with escapism, Lupin might just steal your heart. Even if you’re not interested in international dramas, you’ll catch yourself binge-watching through each part of the series. Now approaching its upcoming fourth season, the sly series looks like it will continue living up to the hype.
#2 – Mad Men
Mad Men, like much of advertising, has much more going on than what’s on the surface. Known for its (sometimes less than) subtle textual richness, period-aware allusions to art and popular culture, and, perhaps most of all, its stunning and stylish overall presentation, Mad Men offers a long, immersive, and reflective look at humanity through the lens of the shifting consumer culture of the 1960s.
Driven by character desire and cultural circumstance, the entire ensemble cast of Mad Men executes their roles perfectly, but Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm, may go down as one of television’s finest characters. An advertising genius, Draper seems to understand powerful psychology in a way others around him don’t, often getting to the heart of what people want—and yet, he doesn’t seem to know what he wants.
While it isn’t for those looking for fast action and flair, Mad Men cuts out a decade-sized slice of Americana for those interested in the intersections of historical culture, interpersonal relationships, and psychology. If you haven’t yet taken the time to meditate on Mad Men, I think you’re in for a treat.
#3 – Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
In Money Heist, a masked-up, red-jumpsuited Robin Hood-inspired rebel group robs Spain’s Royal Mint and strikes deeper nerves far beyond most flashy crime series. The Spanish TV drama rose to global fame with its fast-paced plot and high-stakes twists. From the precise plans of the Professor to the individual struggles of each crew member, the mix of personal drama, action-heavy storytelling, and palpable moments of chaos gives the show proper momentum to keep friends sticking around.
Though some would consider it less than perfect, if you’re ready for a stylized, melodramatic, and quotable adventure, check out Money Heist (La Casa de Papel).
#4 – NCIS
Standing strong with over 20 seasons and multiple spinoffs, NCIS carved out a faithful audience by balancing its formulaic structure with enduring character development. The procedural network TV hit might not be flashy, but it’s a consistent crime show with heart. Characters like Gibbs, Abby, and DiNozzo helped shape the show’s tone and keep audiences invested for the long haul. Even with cast changes, the show maintains its identity without falling into the same longevity traps other series have.
What some call too safe or traditional about NCIS overlooks the fact that millions of viewers get exactly what they expect from the cultural hit crime show. Week after week, fans stay satisfied.
#5 – Doctor Who
Reinventing itself across time and space, Doctor Who has entertained audiences since 1963—of course, not without introducing new eras, generations, and showrunners, which have all added complexity and depth to its enduring story. This sci-fi series brings wild imagination, moral dilemmas, and quirky charm to every adventure, whether it’s in deep space or Victorian London.
Although it’s seen by some as inconsistent or campy, for many, that’s the magic of Doctor Who: a show unafraid to evolve, experiment, and keep pushing the boundaries of genre television.
“Every Doctor Who fan has a few seasons they swear by and a few seasons they absolutely hate. It’s part of the deal: The main character gets recast every 2–5 years, and it’s constantly passing between different showrunners with different styles. Me, personally? I’m a fan of the David Tennant years, and I really enjoyed Ncuti Gatwa’s run as well. But I’m too smart to advertise which seasons I dislike on the internet.” —Olivia Bono, Staff Writer
|
The Least Overrated TV Shows of All Time |
|
|---|---|
| 1 | Lupin |
| 2 | Mad Men |
| 3 | Money Heist |
| 4 | NCIS |
| 5 | Doctor Who |
The Most Overrated TV Shows of All Time Ranked
Now you know how others see TV’s top shows, but given the full list, how would you rank the Top 25 Most Iconic TV Shows of All Time?
| Rank | TV Show | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Game of Thrones | Where to watch Game of Thrones |
| 2 | Friends | Where to watch Friends |
| 3 | The Simpsons | Where to watch The Simpsons |
| 4 | Squid Game | Where to watch Squid Game |
| 5 | Grey's Anatomy | Where to watch Grey’s Anatomy |
| 6 | Seinfeld | Where to watch Seinfield |
| 7 | Star Trek: The Original Series | Where to watch Star Trek: The Original Series |
| 8 | The Big Bang Theory | Where to watch The Big Bang Theory |
| 9 | Stranger Things | Where to watch Stranger Things |
| 10 | The Office | Where to watch The Office (U.S.) |
| 11 | Breaking Bad | Where to watch Breaking Bad |
| 12 | The Sopranos | Where to watch The Sopranos |
| 13 | M*A*S*H | Where to watch M*A*S*H |
| 14 | The Twilight Zone | Where to watch The Twilight Zone |
| 15 | The Crown | Where to watch The Crown |
| 16 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Where to watch CSI |
| 17 | Downton Abbey | Where to watch Downton Abbey |
| 18 | Modern Family | Where to watch Modern Family |
| 19 | House M.D. | Where to watch House |
| 20 | Narcos | Where to watch Narcos |
| 21 | Doctor Who | Where to watch Doctor Who |
| 22 | NCIS | Where to watch NCIS |
| 23 | Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) | Where to watch Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) |
| 24 | Mad Men | Where to watch Mad Men |
| 25 | Lupin | Where to watch Lupin |
Whether your favorite show is considered overrated by others is irrelevant; the most important thing is that you enjoyed watching it. Everyone’s got an opinion, but others’ opinions are like additional seasons of The Simpsons or Grey’s Anatomy—who needs ‘em!?
Oh, and one last word for all you haters out there …
“Seinfeld has no business being on a list that includes the most overrated TV shows of all time. It’s critically acclaimed, led the Nielsen ratings for multiple seasons, and gave us colloquialisms like ‘yada yada,’ ‘spongeworthy,’ and ‘serenity now.’ It’s cultural impact has endured long after its cancellation.” —Alex Vejar, Staff Writer
Methodology
After generating our list as described in the article: The Top 25 Most Iconic TV Shows of All Time, we ran a nationwide Pollfish Survey on TV and streaming, and then analyzed our results to find the most overrated rankings. For more accurate mapping results, we reduced the Google Trends analysis to the top three shows.
