Television series have always found an audience and of late, the quality of TV series has dramatically shot up. Whether it’s your couch-potato friend or the friendly neighbor-next-door, everyone has an opinion on which series you ought to be watching. And let’s face it, half the time, they are conflicting opinions. Fret not for we bring you the 10 most interesting and much loved TV series’ you should definitely put on your binge-watching list.

10. House M.D.

If you’re looking for some intellectual entertainment, House M.D is your best bet. Featuring misanthropic Dr. Gregory House, who believes ‘Everybody lies’ and lives by his own rules, House ran for eight seasons before closing shop. Modeled on Sherlock Holmes’ character, House is one of the world’s top diagnosticians known for his intelligent if somewhat unorthodox methods of diagnosis and treatment and  also for his bluntness and uncaring attitude towards his patients.  Hugh Laurie is perfect and tailor-made in his role. The repetitiveness might bore you after three seasons but trust me when I say you shouldn’t miss this.

9. Suits

Sassy one-liners, designer wardrobes, stunning actors and the perfect script-Suits had everything to strike it big. It is really a pity it didn’t. Gabriel Macht and Patrick Adams are brilliant in their roles as Harvey Specter and Mike Ross, two lawyers who take on the world armed with their matchless wit and charm. Mike Ross is a college drop-out who has passed the bar exam and possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, owing to his eidetic memory. Harvey Specter, a partner at a prestigious law firm, Pearson Hardman, hires him even though he knows about Mike’s fake credentials. Together, they take on seemingly impossible-to-win cases and turn them around. ‘Suits’ also has a terrific supporting cast. This legal drama might not be everyone’s favorite but it sure can’t be ignored.

8. Seinfeld

The front-runner to the ‘Friends’, Seinfeld is popularly known as a ‘show about nothing’. This charming story of a New York stand-up comedian and his group of friends will leave you in splits. This sitcom ran for nine seasons between 1989 and 1998. Starring Jerry Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself, Seinfeld is considered one of the best written TV shows ever and has an IMDB rating of 9/10. Many of the episodes are based on the real life experiences of the writers and suffice to say that ‘Seinfeld’ became a way of life for the younger generation of the time. Several catch-phrases used in the show like ‘Yada yada yada’ have slipped into common usage now and it’s no wonder then that TV Guide named ‘Seinfeld’ as the greatest TV show ever in 2013.

7. Fringe

Fringe’, which ran for five seasons between 2008-2013, is a supernatural drama that has attained cult status among fans of science fiction. The series follows the lives of a female FBI officer, Agent Olivia Dunham and Dr. Walter Bishop, a mad scientist, who are forced to work together as part of the Fringe Division of the FBI. This division faces the responsibility of having to analyse several unexplained phenomena that occur in the city. From a collision of parallel universes to alternate timelines, Fringe tries to explain it all. A ‘must-watch’ especially if you’re a science fiction lover.

6. The Big Bang Theory

What happens when four nerdy scientists, with a love for video games, physics problems and clueless about girls take over your television screen? Well, you laugh till your stomach hurts. That’s what happens. Sheldon Cooper and his roommate, Leonard Hofstadter, along with their friends Raj Koothrappali and Howard Wolowitz are probably the most lovable scientists you’ll ever find. ‘The Big Bang Theory’ is about these four geeky, socially awkward friends who get themselves into awkward situations and banter fiercely over scientific theories every single day. And the best part is, these guys make science so much fun and proclaimed to a whole generation of youngsters that ‘Nerdy is the new cool!’.

5. The Simpsons

America’s favourite family, ‘The Simpsons’ will steal your hearts in this adult animated sitcom that received an IMDB rating of 9/10. Homer, Marge, Bart, Maggie and Lisa Simpson could be your very own family. With funny dialogues and terrific direction, ‘The Simpsons’ has managed to hold its own in the sitcom market. Set in the fictional town of Springfield, this sitcom is a take on the culture and society of today. It brings to life every middle class American household and is a smart parody of the times we live in. It has continued for over two decades since 1989 and that is proof enough of the legacy this show has left.

4. Friends

No one can hate ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’. Period. Featuring a terrific cast of five portraying the lead roles of Monica Geller, Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Joey Tribbiani and Chandler, this sitcom, which ran for ten years until 2004, is everybody’s favorite. The show explores the lives of this closely knit group of friends, who tumble and roll through life supported by each other. ‘Friends’ brought about a cultural change during the 90’s and reinforced the truth that ‘Friends are the family we choose’. Witty, funny and emotional all at once, ‘Friends’ is one for the ages.

3. Breaking Bad

It arrived with a bang and it hasn’t looked back ever since. Featuring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul in the lead roles of Walter White and Jessie Pink respectively, ‘Breaking Bad’ strode new and uncharted territory. A schoolteacher diagnosed with cancer is forced to join allies with one of his former students who is now a drug dealer, to earn money to provide for his family after his death. What starts as a one- time deal consumes Walter White once he realizes his exceptional meth-making abilities could make him richer than he had ever imagined. With a stellar cast and great writing, ‘Breaking Bad’ ruled the roost for quite a while and achieved the highest IMDB rating of 9.5/10 .

2. Sherlock

BBC’s ‘Sherlock’ has been a hit right from the first episode. This contemporary adaptation of Sherlock has attained a cult following with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman rocking (if one may be allowed to say so) their roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson respectively. This crime drama hits the nail in all the areas-writing, direction and casting. Positive critical reviews and adulation from the public has propelled this crime drama to the number two spot. With a meagre 3 episodes per series, Sherlock keeps fans on tenterhooks for the release of a new episode. Good news for fans is in store as Sherlock has been renewed for a fourth season.

1. Game of Thrones

It is on everybody’s lips and it is making the news for all the right reasons. “GoT’ surely deserves its place as the number one in the list. Based on George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, this TV show has captivated audiences like never before. A period setting, bloody warfare, superb direction have all catapulted ‘GoT’ to the top of the list. With every episode featuring a mind-boggling twist and favourite characters being killed off without a second’s thought, this show has managed to sustain the audience’s interest for quite a while now. And it shows no signs of stopping.

Special Mention: Person of Interest