Before streaming services transformed the entertainment industry, people would have a set time and day for their TV shows. Sincesocial media wasn’t around, people would have to wait until the next day to discuss their shows. A short break in the workday was filled with these discussions at the water cooler. The phrase “water cooler TV” refers to TV shows that everyone watched and discussed at length.
While plenty of these water cooler TV shows were released in the 80s and 90s, the show that started it all was released in the late-70s. The drama seriesDallasfollows an oil baron living in Texas who uses blackmail to gain what he wants. During the 80s, comedies likeSeinfeldandThe Simpsonsdominated water cooler talk with their wild and provocative scenarios. The 90s were the best decade for water cooler TV shows as supernaturally and politically-themed series likeBuffy the Vampire SlayerandWest Wingdominated the airwaves. Water cooler TV shows aren’t just for the TV, recent dramas likeThe CrownandThis is Usare the last additions to the water cooler TV list.
Here are the 20 greatest water cooler TV shows ever made.
20Breaking Bad
A teacher is diagnosed with cancer and in his last hoorah, he and a former student begin making and selling meth.Breaking Badquickly rose to popularity for practically every element in a TV show: storyline, performances, and cinematography. The series is streaming on Netflix.
19Game of Thrones
Based on a series of books, this TV adaptation was a must-see during its run. TheGame of Thronesepic brought familiar and old monsters to audiences alongside a gripping tale of family, loyalty, and a slew of hateful characters.Game of Thronesis available on Max.
18Twin Peaks
A series from the 90s,Twin Peaksis set in a small logging community where a teen was murdered. The crime drama kept audiences on the edge of their seats with impressive visuals, eerie scenery, and small town caricatures. The series is streaming on Paramount+.
17Seinfeld
An iconic 90s sitcom about a stand-up comic and his friends is one of the few series where the stars remain successful to this day.VulturedescribesSeinfeldas a series that brought appreciation to the stand-up comic’s lifestyle.Seinfeldcan be streamed on Netflix.
RELATED:The 20 Best Sitcoms of the 90s, Ranked
16The Office
One of the most watched shows during the pandemic,The Officeis a workplace sitcom that is practically transcendent. From relationship goals to the worst boss in TV history, the series has a podcast dedicated to rewatching it.The Officeis available on Peacock.
Inspired by the film of the same title, theFargoseries is still running. Together with a captivating storyline, each season has an entirely new cast, crime, and setting.Fargocan be streamed on Hulu.
Friendsis the ultimate 90s sitcom. Between the jokes, the love stories, and Phoebe’s song “Smelly Cat”, there’s not much about this series that misses the mark. The sitcom is available on Max.
13This Is Us
A family drama centered on a married couple and their set of triplets had audiences glued to their seats.This Is Uscenters on the triplets who are facing their own struggles while also finding moments of love and joy. The series can be streamed on Hulu.
12The X-Files
The late-90s science fiction series was a must-watch for TV viewers. According to this list article fromWhatCulture, the series remains one of the biggest influences for TV and film to this day. The first eleven seasons ofThe X-Filescan be viewed on Hulu.
11Beverly Hills 90210
The high school turned college drama set in the luxurious Beverly Hills, CA had audiences captivated for nearly a decade.Beverly Hills 90210followed two siblings and their friends as they dealt with life, love, and growing up. The first four seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
Related:Funniest Sitcom Characters of All Time, Ranked
