Best TV Shows of the Last 15 Years

Last updated: April 30, 2026

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Common Sense Media, and to celebrate, we're highlighting the best TV shows that have premiered since 2003. This list of TV series features some of the most popular comedies, dramas, and educational programs for kids and teens. Even as kids have shifted to streaming series online, these top-rated shows stand the test of time. It wasn't easy to narrow this list down, but you voted, and here's the best of the best, with Stranger Things topping the list. For more iconic media, check out these lists: Most Groundbreaking Video Games and Best Movies of the Last 15 Years.

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Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Poster Image

TV

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

age 3+

Excellent lessons from Mister Rogers' next generation.

PBS Kids Educational (2012)

See full review

Doc McStuffins Poster Image

TV

Doc McStuffins

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2012)

See full review

Odd Squad Poster Image

TV

Odd Squad

age 5+

Lively mixed-media series solves mysteries with math skills.

PBS Kids Comedy (2014)

See full review

Planet Earth Poster Image

TV

Planet Earth

age 6+

Stunning high-def series spotlights world wonders.

Discovery Channel Educational (2006)

See full review

Project Mc2 Poster Image

TV

Project Mc2

age 7+

Whiz kids break stereotypes, make being smart cool.

Netflix Drama (2015)

See full review

MythBusters Poster Image

TV

Mythbusters

age 9+

Witty team puts urban legends to the scientific test.

Discovery Channel Educational (2003)

See full review

Adventure Time Poster Image

TV

Adventure Time

age 10+

Original, if nonsensical, hilarity; expect minor weapons.

Cartoon Network Kids' Animation (2010)

See full review

Andi Mack Poster Image

TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.

Disney Channel Comedy (2017)

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Black-ish Poster Image

TV

Black-ish

age 11+

Race is tackled gently in fresh family friendly sitcom.

ABC Comedy (2014)

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Glee TV poster: Character collage against a bright yellow background

TV

Glee

age 13+

Edgy musical comedy has positive messages, sexual content.

Fox Comedy (2009)

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Modern Family Poster Image

TV

Modern Family

age 13+

Poignant comedy series has mature content, stereotypes.

ABC Comedy (2009)

See full review

Friday Night Lights Poster Image

TV

Friday Night Lights

age 14+

Poignant football drama scores; OK for teens.

Freeform , NBC Drama (2006)

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Lost Poster Image

TV

Lost

age 14+

Hit sci-fi drama has violence, mature themes, suicide.

ABC Drama (2004)

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Stranger Things Poster Image: The entire cast is shown with a monster behind them

TV

Stranger Things

age 14+

Dark 1980s-set sci-fi/horror drama is gory but great.

Netflix Science Fiction (2016)

See full review

The Office Poster Image

TV

The Office

age 14+

Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.

NBC , Syndicated Comedy (2005)

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