5 Most Important TV Shows That Changed the Industry Forever

5. Lost (2004-2010)

When it first came out, Lost was a huge gamble. ABC created a ridiculously (back then, that is) expensive TV series about a bunch of plane crash survivors who were stuck on a mysterious island in the middle of nowhere. After Lost, it was clear that "high-budget series" didn't sound dumb — in fact, that was the way to go.

4. The Sopranos ( 1999-2007)

If you've ever heard about The Sopranos, it was most likely a whole lot of praise for the show, and for a good reason. This series following a troubled mafia boss dealing with panic attacks started what's called "the golden age of television," cemented HBO's shows production reputation, and established the antihero concept for TV.

3. Stranger Things ( 2016-present)

Stranger Things was never really expected to succeed: it was an experiment on Netflix 's part and the one they didn't really bet on. However, the very first season of the show became a cultural phenomenon and a huge commercial success thus marking the beginning of the golden age of streaming which is still going on.

2. The Simpsons ( 1989-present)

Perhaps the most famous animated series in the world, The Simpsons has shaped the path for countless sitcoms and adult cartoons that followed. From a small and bold project, The Simpsons grew into a full-blown cultural phenomenon that still holds its own against the new generation of adult cartoons. It also predicts the future.

1. Game Of Thrones ( 2011-2019)

Game of Thrones truly doesn't need an introduction: for almost a decade, this show was absolutely dominating both the real world and the Internet. From bringing fantasy back into fashion to showing the true power of event television, GoT has changed oh so many things when it comes to TV shows, and to this day, it remains the prime example of a global, high-budget, high-stakes piece of television.