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Image via HBO
In 2014, television delivered an impressive slate of new shows that quickly became cultural touchstones. These series spanned diverse genres, from gripping dramas and dark comedies to intricate sci-fi sagas and satirical animations. They pushed creative boundaries, offering unforgettable characters like BoJack Horseman, and developed innovative storytelling and thought-provoking themes. 2014 was a year that showcased the power of TV to captivate, challenge, and entertain audiences of an array of demographics.
As 2024 wraps up, it is worth a look back at the shows that turned ten years old this year. From the post-apocalyptic survival of The 100 to the irreverent humor of Broad City, the satirical brilliance of Silicon Valley, and the emotional depth of The Leftovers, these decade-old shows marked a high point in television artistry. These are the best TV shows that premiered in 2014, ranked by their significance to the entertainment culture and their quality from their first seasons and beyond.
10 'The 100'
Created by Jason Rothenberg
Image via The CW
The 100 follows a group of juvenile delinquents sent from a space station, the Ark, to determine Earth's habitability nearly a century after a nuclear apocalypse wiped out civilization. They encounter a beautiful yet dangerous world and discover they are not alone—descendants of apocalypse survivors, known as "grounders," challenge their presence. As the teens navigate Earth’s perils, they must unite to survive, forge a community, and reconnect with the Ark while uncovering Earth’s long-hidden secrets.
The 100 evolved from a modest teen survival series to a more complex science fiction drama. The show has its flaws, particularly plot holes and a disappointing series finale, but it still manages to captivate audiences with its unpredictable plot twists, morally challenging dilemmas, and strong character development. The 100 stands out for its equal representation of genders, diverse cast, and thoughtful exploration of themes like survival and futuristic technology. The series' willingness to push boundaries with gritty content and unexpected character deaths keeps viewers engaged.
Release Date March 19, 2014
Seasons 7
9 'Broad City'
Created by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson
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Image via Comedy Central
Broad City is a sitcom about two best friends in their twenties, Abbi Abrams (Abbi Jacobson) and Ilana Wexler (Ilana Glazer), as they navigate the absurdities of life in New York City. Abbi is a struggling artist working a dead-end custodian job at a fitness center, and Ilana is a laid-back, free spirit who can often be found avoiding work. Every day offers an outrageous adventure, often driven by Ilana's recklessness. With its unfiltered humor and honest portrayal of friendship, Broad City captures the chaos and joys of young adulthood.
A hilarious and unapologetic celebration of female friendship, Borad City includes storylines carried out with raw, irreverent humor and a feminist edge. Grounded in relatable struggles—from crummy jobs to messy relationships— and elevated by an iconic female TV duo, Broad City offers a progressive and surreal lens on modern womanhood. It's a cultural milestone that portrays real—not perfect—women, resonating deeply with fans.
Release Date January 22, 2014
Showrunner Ilana Glazer
Seasons 5
8 'Silicon Valley'
Created by Mike Judge, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky
Credit via HBO
Richard Hendricks (Thomas Middleditch), an introverted programmer, launches a startup company, Pied Piper. Richard and his team of developers navigate the chaotic tech landscape, battling ruthless competition, corporate sabotage, and internal crises. Silicon Valley humorously explores themes of ambition, ethics, and failure. Over six seasons, Pied Piper's evolution from a scrappy startup to a large company dealing with unexpected consequences captures the absurdities and challenges of the tech industry.
Silicon Valley is a stark and hilarious satire of the tech industry that uses humor to portray a relatable exploration of the human foibles behind technological innovation. The witty dialogue, accurate tech references, and pointed cultural critiques add a layer of intelligence and timeliness to the comedy. With creator Mike Judge’s experience as a Silicon Valley engineer as inspiration, it’s no wonder the show authentically and irreverently captures the inanities of ambition and innovation.
Release Date April 6, 2014
Creator(s) John Altschuler , Mike Judge , Dave Krinsky
Seasons 6
7 'How to Get Away with Murder'
Created by Peter Nowalk
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Image via ABC
Criminal defense professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) selects five promising law students to intern at her firm. As they handle high-stakes cases, they partake in a web of murder and legal drama. The students’ relationships suffer as guilt sets in and secrets are revealed, while Annalise deals with personal demons, systemic corruption, and an FBI investigation.
How to Get Away with Murder stands out as a gripping legal thriller fueled by its high-stakes drama, relentless twists, and Viola Davis’ tour-de-force performance. Spanning courtroom battles and intricate mysteries, the show uses innovative flashbacks and flashforwards to tell a hectic but gripping narrative. With unpredictable plot twists, morally ambiguous characters, and escalating tension, How to Get Away with Murder pushed boundaries and delivered addictive, genre-defying entertainment.
Release Date September 25, 2014
Rating
Seasons 6
6 'Penny Dreadful'
Created by John Logan
Image via Showtime
Set in Victorian London, Penny Dreadful reimagines several Gothic fiction literary characters. Explorer Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton), desperate to rescue his abducted daughter, teams up with the enigmatic medium Vanessa Ives (Eva Green), sharpshooter Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett), and reclusive scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway). Throughout the series, the characters face supernatural threats, including vampires, witches, and the dark forces of Lucifer himself.
Penny Dreadful is a poetic exploration of classic Gothic horror, blending literary legends like Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney) and Count Dracula (Christian Camargo) into a richly layered horror drama. Vivid Victorian settings, eloquent dialogue, and profound character studies enhance themes of loneliness, shame, and redemption among supernatural horrors. Anchored by Eva Green’s incredible performance as Vanessa Ives, Penny Dreadful offers visceral thrills with superb storytelling, creating a unique fusion of horror, tragedy and beauty.
Release Date May 11, 2014
Showrunner John Logan
Rating
Seasons 3
5 'Outlander'
Created by Ronald D. Moore
Image via Starz
In 1945, former World War II combat nurse Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) is mysteriously transported back to 1743 Scotland. Thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, Claire marries Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), a charming warrior. Torn between this new, passionate relationship and her modern-day marriage to Frank (Tobias Menzies), Claire encounters various historical, political and personal conflicts spanning centuries.
Based on Diana Gabaldon's book series, the epic saga of Outlander weaves together history and romance. Claire’s love story with Jamie quickly becomes the heart of the show, with stellar performances enhancing the already thrilling action. Immersive storytelling, gorgeous visuals, and added historical context, combined with themes of love and strength, further make for an addictive viewing experience. Outlander transcends genres, delivering intimate drama and boundless adventure.
Release Date August 9, 2014
Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts
Seasons 7
4 'The Leftovers'
Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta
Image via HBO
One of the most original HBO shows, The Leftovers explores the emotional and societal aftermath of the "Sudden Departure," a mysterious event in which two percent of the global population vanished without explanation. The series focuses on the Garvey family, grieving widow Nora Durst (Carrie Coon) and her brother Reverend Matt Jamison (Christopher Eccleston), and, later, the Murphy family as they navigate grief, faith, and community tensions three years after the Sudden Departure.
The Leftovers explores the shifting concept of existentialism, accompanied by a phenomenal score by Max Richter. It refuses to provide unequivocal answers, instead embracing life's uncertainties and challenging viewers to confront grief, love, faith and meaning. By blending humanity and subtle supernatural elements, The Leftovers manages complex character arcs while establishing universally profound themes. In the end, the show offers a moving meditation on resilience, hope, and the search for purpose in an absurd world.
Release Date June 29, 2014
Creator
Seasons 3
3 'BoJack Horseman'
Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Image via Netflix
In an alternate world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett), the washed-up star of a beloved ‘90s sitcom, attempts to reclaim his celebrity status with an autobiography. Throughout the series, BoJack navigates relationships with his autobiography’s ghostwriter, Diane (Alison Brie), agent Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris), roommate Todd Chavez (Aaron Paul), and frenemy Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Tompkins). Meanwhile, BoJack continually faces the fallout of his toxic tendencies while seeking elusive happiness in a satirical Hollywood landscape.
BoJack Horseman juggles sharp humor, poignant drama and biting social commentary. The show explores mental health, depression, addiction, trauma, and societal issues, notably the #MeToo movement. Its nuanced characters, led by the flawed yet genuine and insightful BoJack, grapple with existential struggles and personal growth, reflecting a profound understanding of what it means to be human. Featuring outstanding writing and voice performances, BoJack Horseman redefined the boundaries of animated television.
Release Date August 22, 2014
Showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Rating
Seasons 6
2 'True Detective'
Created by Nic Pizzolatto and Issa López
Image via HBO
True Detective is an anthology crime series that focuses on a new cast and case in each season. The first season follows Louisiana detectives Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Hart (Woody Harrelson) as they revisit a 1995 murder case in 2012. With recent cases resembling the one in 1995, the detectives investigate further, uncovering their past secrets as they go. Later seasons include a string of political corruption and an investigation of missing children.
True Detective’s first season beautifully intertwines psychological depth, procedural intrigue, and a Southern Gothic atmosphere. McConaughey and Harrelson's performances are the reason to come, but the intricate writing and overall high-quality production made True Detective a must-watch ten years ago. While subsequent seasons varied in quality—and the first season is arguably the show’s best, season three’s lead, Mahershala Ali, and season four’s Jodie Foster delivered riveting performances, highlighting the series’ enduring capacity for reinvention.
Release Date January 12, 2014
Creator(s) Issa López , Nic Pizzolatto
Seasons 4
1 'Fargo'
Created by Noah Hawley
Image via FX
Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the Coen brothers’ 1996 film, blending dark humor and crime in the Midwest. Each season features a new case with new characters, settings, and periods from 1950 to 2019. The seasons maintain thematic and narrative connections to the 1996 film and other seasons, often focusing on ordinary individuals caught up in criminal mayhem. Set in 2006 Minnesota, the first season follows a passive insurance salesman, Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman), who is fed up with years of mental abuse. Lester encounters sinister drifter Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), whose charisma and manipulation tie them into a series of murders, sparking an investigation by Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) and Officer Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks).
Fargo is remarkable for its ability to weave together dark humor, suspenseful storytelling, and moral complexity with a distinctive Midwestern setting. The show reinterprets the Coen brothers' quirky, violent world while carving an individual path through sharply crafted narratives and memorable characters. The anthology format allows each season to deliver fresh stories elevated by terrific performances like Billy Bob Thornton's chillingly charismatic Malvo and Martin Freeman's morally compromised Lester. Moreover, Fargo’s meticulous cinematography and philosophical undertones leave viewers enthralled by its brilliance and depth.
Release Date April 15, 2014
Showrunner Noah Hawley
Seasons 5
English (US) ·