It’s hard to reinvent something that already has a solid and successful formula. Many TV shows stick to what they know, whether it’s comedy or drama, they know what format works to keep the show going. But sometimes the show decides to push the envelope and take a big risk, a risk that eventually pays off.
All of these shows have done something groundbreaking for their time on television, and audiences have responded in a big way. Whether it’s the unique use of soundtracks, a new take on certain themes, or a change in storytelling format, Redditors agree that these series have all revolutionized television in one way or another.
10 “Good Place” (2016-2020)
Who said that deep philosophical theories cannot be turned into a hilarious comedy? NBC A good placestarring Kristen Bellfollows four morally questionable people as they struggle to become a better person in the afterlife and face numerous philosophical puzzles.
A good place went beyond the norm for typical sitcoms, not only in dealing with moral issues, but also in plot and storytelling. Reddit user unitedfan6191 explains, “I would say The Good Place was extremely innovative in the way it completely immersed itself and explored ethics and philosophy, and its premise, characters, and stories were very creative, well-cohesive, and high-profile. quality TV.
9 ’24’ (2001-2014)
Kiefer Sutherland plays Agent Jack Bauer, a counterterrorism agent fighting for a just cause in 24. Each season of the show consists of 24 episodes, and each season runs for one full day - 24 hours, hence the name of the show.
This formatting of the show is something that has never been done before, and it completely changed the way people thought about the pace of stories for a TV show season. Redditor RepulsiveMatter2333 says: “24, with its real-time format, was such a unique and completely different way of developing the story in a 24-episode season. Also, they didn’t shy away from political topics.”
8 “I Love Lucy” (1951–1957)
Lucy, I’m home! This line and many others are only part of the iconic and memorable i love lucy. The comedy follows Lucy Ricardo, Ricky Ricardo’s quirky wife, and her hilarious misadventures and antics she goes through on a day-to-day basis.
I Love Lucy was a trailblazer for women on television and was quite progressive for its time. It featured a 40-year-old woman as the star, and the couple were in a happy interracial relationship that was virtually unheard of in the 1950s. Redditor Duke_Cheech simply put it: “I love Lucy was probably the most influential and groundbreaking show in history.”
7 Miami Vice (1984–1989)
Miami Police was a popular 80s crime drama that became an icon. It featured two undercover Miami PD detectives played by Don Johnson And Philip Michael Thomasas they take to the streets of Miami to fight local criminals. All this fully reflects the fashion and atmosphere of that era.
Miami Police revolutionized standard police procedures and brought modern style and music to the series in a way never before, and later inspired the film adaptation. Reddit user MulciberTenebras shared:Miami Police changed television in many ways, what could have been just another regular cop show used a contemporary New Wave soundtrack and vibrant cinematography usually only seen in movies.”
6 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
As for teen fantasy dramas, Buffy the Vampire Slayer it is the cream of the crop. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar And Alyson HanniganThe series is about Buffy Summers, a teenager trying to live a normal life while also dealing with her destiny as a chosen vampire and demon hunter.
The series not only resonated with fans, but also changed the way TV shows are told by introducing season-long arcs that weren’t in a single episode. As Redditor ColdCruise explains, “Buffy was the first series to feature a season-long story, meaning it started at the beginning of the season, moved throughout the season, and had a denouement at the end… It really revolutionized TV storytelling.”
5 ‘Soprano’ (1999-2007)
Mafia, family drama, psychological drama and more - it’s all Soprano it was a success. The story revolves around Tony Soprano, who is a mafia boss in New Jersey and struggles with his mental well being and juggles his family life with a life of crime.
Soprano helped popularize mafia dramas, as well as the concept of showing viewers difficult stories from the point of view of the criminal, instead of simply portraying them as villains on television. Reddit user IdontGiveaFack says, “It changed television forever. Orange is the new blacketc., would not exist if it were not for Soprano.”
4 ‘Lost’ (2004-2010)
Lost was a sci-fi drama series that became an iconic part of pop culture in 6 seasons. After a plane crash on a mysterious island, the surviving passengers must work to survive and overcome difficulties, as well as unravel the mysteries of the island.
The show not only proved popular with fans, but also had an impact on TV creators who followed it, encouraging creators to invest more in serialized shows like this one. Redditor SerDire says, “It’s been two decades since Lost premiered and still no show has managed to capture and maintain the same level of mystery and mythological world-building. Dozens of shows have tried and many hit the mark. but I can’t resist.”
3 “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
“Live from New York, Saturday night!” This is the line the audience has been hearing since Saturday night life The premiere took place in 1975. This comedy sketch show features weekly stand-up comedians, singers, actors and more in fun (and often topical) sketches that perform live.
Saturday night life they may not have invented the art of sketch comedy, but it can be argued that they popularized it and took it to a level never seen before and gave birth to comedy legends. Redditor IvyGold says:Saturday night life? Before that, there were variety shows, but not the comedy sketch shows from which it originated. They actually created a new type of show straight out of the air.”
2 ‘Rome’ (2005-2007)
Back in 2005, HBO Rome was a production to remember. A historical fictional take on Ancient Rome, it follows the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire, with plenty of drama and intrigue along the way.
Some might argue that without the success of HBO with Romewould never have been Game of Thrones. It was made with a big budget and attention to detail that hadn’t been seen before, giving them the opportunity to test the ground for other series to follow. Redditor NaRaGaMo puts it simply: “HBO’s Rome paved the way for all big-budget fantasy dramas.”
1 “Malcolm in the Middle” (2000–2006)
Before he did drugs in Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston was the cute dad from the sitcom along with Frankie Muniz V Malcolm in the spotlight. Malcolm is a child prodigy who has to navigate school as well as be the middle child in his dysfunctional family. The series became a hit, earning several awards and fan loyalty, with many of them begging for some sort of reboot or reunion.
Aside from the solid writing and acting, fans credit the show for popularizing the single-camera show trend in the 2000s and helping to inspire those who followed it. Reddit user speashasha says: “Malcolm in the spotlight was one of the first truly successful single-camera shows in the early 2000s, and had it not been for its success, we might have gotten more multi-camera shows in the last twenty years.”
Source: Collider
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