Drezner’s Top 10 TV List Challenges NYT’s Century Rankings

Key points

• Daniel Drezner released a personal top 10 list of 21st-century TV shows on September 24, 2026, in response to the New York Times’ recent 100-show list.
• Drezner modified the NYT criteria by excluding limited series and shows still airing, requiring a minimum of two seasons and a completed narrative arc.
• The New York Times list, based on votes from 500 industry experts, included limited series such as Shogun and Chernobyl, which Drezner excluded from his own ranking.
• Drezner’s list includes Friday Night Lights, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, and The Good Wife, emphasizing long-running series with strong character development.
• Disney+ and Hulu highlighted their respective shows from the NYT list, including Lost, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Bear, to promote streaming content.

Background

The New York Times recently unveiled its top 100 TV shows of the 21st century, a project that polled hundreds of stars, showrunners, and industry experts. This initiative follows similar polls for books and movies, aiming to define the cultural impact of television in the modern era. The list includes a mix of long-running series and limited series, reflecting diverse perspectives on what constitutes 'best' television. Drezner’s response highlights the subjective nature of such rankings and the differing criteria used to evaluate television quality.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times’ list, based on a broad industry poll, includes limited series like Shogun and Chernobyl, which Drezner excludes due to their single-season nature. Drezner’s list focuses on shows with multiple seasons and definitive endings, such as Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock. Disney+ and Hulu leverage the NYT list to promote their streaming content, highlighting shows like Lost and The Handmaid’s Tale. This divergence in criteria reflects different approaches to evaluating television quality, with the NYT emphasizing industry consensus and Drezner prioritizing narrative completeness and longevity.

Why it matters

The debate over the best TV shows of the 21st century highlights the evolving landscape of television, where limited series and long-running shows coexist. Drezner’s critique of the NYT methodology underscores the importance of narrative completeness and character development in evaluating television quality. This discussion also reflects the broader trend of streaming platforms leveraging critical acclaim to promote their content, influencing viewer choices and industry standards.

What to watch

The full New York Times list will be revealed over five days, with 20 shows announced each day. Drezner’s list may spark further debate among critics and fans about the criteria for evaluating television quality. Streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu are likely to continue promoting their content based on critical acclaim, influencing viewer choices and industry trends.