The 15 Best CBS Shows of All Time, Ranked
CBS has been a cornerstone of television for decades, delivering shows that have shaped pop culture and kept viewers hooked. From groundbreaking sitcoms to gripping dramas, the network’s legacy is packed with stories that resonate across generations.
This list dives into the 15 best CBS shows, ranked from great to greatest, based on their impact, storytelling, and fan love. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s laughter, suspense, or heart, making them must-see classics.
15. The Good Wife (2009-2016)
Julianna Margulies stars as Alicia Florrick, a lawyer rebuilding her career after her husband’s political scandal. The show blends legal drama with personal struggles, featuring Christine Baranski as a sharp senior partner.
Its smart writing and topical issues, like privacy and corruption, kept viewers engaged for seven seasons. With 39 Emmy nominations, it’s a standout for its depth and stellar cast.
14. Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980)
This action-packed drama follows an elite task force fighting crime in Hawaii, led by Steve McGarrett, played by Jack Lord. Its iconic theme song and stunning island visuals made it a hit.
Running for 12 seasons, it blended suspense with local flavor, influencing the 2010 reboot. Its mix of grit and charm keeps it a classic.
13. The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
This All in the Family spin-off stars Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford as George and Louise Jefferson, a Black couple navigating life in a luxury Manhattan apartment. Their sharp humor tackled race and class.
With 11 seasons and 14 Emmy nominations, it broke barriers with wit and heart. Its bold social commentary still resonates today.
12. Murphy Brown (1988-1998, 2018)
Candace Bergen shines as Murphy Brown, a tough TV journalist balancing work and life. The show mixed sharp comedy with commentary on media and politics, earning 62 Emmy nominations.
Its 10-season run, plus a 2018 revival, showed its lasting appeal. Bergen’s fearless performance makes it a sitcom gem.
11. The King of Queens (1998-2007)
Kevin James and Leah Remini star as Doug and Carrie Heffernan, a working-class couple in Queens, with Jerry Stiller as her quirky father. The show delivers relatable laughs about marriage and family.
Its nine seasons of heartfelt comedy made it a fan favorite. The trio’s chemistry keeps it endlessly rewatchable.
10. Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)
Ray Romano plays Ray Barone, a sportswriter juggling family life with his overbearing parents and brother, portrayed by Patricia Heaton, Peter Boyle, and Brad Garrett. The sitcom’s humor feels real and timeless.
With 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins, it ran for nine seasons. Its universal family dynamics make it a comedy classic.
9. The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)
Carol Burnett’s sketch comedy series, with co-stars Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway, brought wild humor and heart through skits and parodies. Its variety format was a ratings hit for 11 seasons.
Winning 25 Emmys, it’s a comedy legend. Burnett’s charm and ad-libbed moments keep it fresh today.
8. Survivor (2000-Present)
This reality competition, hosted by Jeff Probst, pits contestants against each other in remote locations, testing strategy and survival skills. Its innovative format sparked a reality TV boom.
With over 40 seasons and seven Emmys, it’s a cultural juggernaut. Its intense drama and clever twists keep fans hooked.
7. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)
This procedural follows Las Vegas crime scene investigators, led by William Petersen and later Laurence Fishburne. Its focus on forensic science revolutionized TV dramas.
Running for 15 seasons with 67 Emmy nominations, it spawned multiple spin-offs. Its gritty cases and tech-driven storytelling remain influential.
6. The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
Andy Griffith stars as Sheriff Andy Taylor in the wholesome town of Mayberry, with Don Knotts as bumbling deputy Barney Fife. The sitcom’s warmth and humor charmed viewers for eight seasons.
It hit number one in its first two seasons and won five Emmys. Its nostalgic charm still captivates.
5. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)
Dick Van Dyke plays Rob Petrie, a comedy writer, alongside Mary Tyler Moore as his wife, Laura. Created by Carl Reiner, it blends workplace and home life with sharp wit.
Winning 15 Emmys over five seasons, its physical comedy and chemistry set a sitcom standard. It’s pure, timeless fun.
4. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
Rod Serling’s anthology series delivers eerie, thought-provoking tales of sci-fi and horror. Each episode explores human nature with surprising twists, narrated by Serling himself.
Its five seasons earned three Emmys and a lasting legacy. Its bold storytelling still inspires modern reboots.
3. All in the Family (1971-1979)
Norman Lear’s groundbreaking sitcom stars Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker, a flawed but lovable bigot, with Jean Stapleton as his wife, Edith. It tackled race, politics, and family with humor.
Topping ratings for five years and winning 22 Emmys, it changed TV forever. Its fearless edge remains unmatched.
2. I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz star as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, delivering slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments. The show pioneered the sitcom format and multi-camera filming.
With six seasons and five Emmys, it’s a cultural icon. Lucy’s antics and the show’s innovation make it eternal.
1. MAS*H (1972-1983)
This comedy-drama, led by Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce, follows a Korean War medical unit. Blending humor and heartbreak, it starred Loretta Swit and Jamie Farr across 11 seasons.
Its finale drew 125 million viewers, and it won 14 Emmys. Its wit and humanity make it CBS’s greatest.
Which CBS show is your top pick, or did I miss one you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!