100. Sherlock - Before Benedict Cumberbatch was a genuine movie superstar, Oscar nominee, etc. He was killing it as a quirky and damaged version of Sherlock Holmes on PBS's fun series Sherlock. I don't think anyone felt like another remake of Sherlock Holmes was necessary, but creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss brought fresh energy to a classic tale that has been done to death. This new Sherlock fizzled at the end, but its first few outings were a perfect mix of classic mystery tropes and 21st Century setting, with a dose of funny and romance to add some spice. Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch had an incredible on-screen chemistry that really built and solidified the central relationship, and both ended up winning well-deserved Emmys for their creative performances. Sherlock wasn't groundbreaking, but it was quality television, incredibly entertaining, and impeccably acted. For that, it deserves recognition.
99. Curb Your Enthusiasm - Obviously, Curb Your Enthusiasm's best days were its first ten years. Yet, despite only airing two seasons in this last decade, it still managed to be a hilarious show that has incredible legs, including a new season premiering soon. Over the last decade plus, Larry David has built a show with a cast of crazy characters, daring guest stars, and a rambling story line full of anger, grumpiness, and laughter. There is nothing about David, or his demeanor, that screams star power, yet somehow, he has managed to create a character that has led one of the most enduring comedy series in the last couple of decades. You have to give him a lot of credit for that, and I personally can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve next.
98. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - So this show would have been a lot higher on the list had it stopped after its third season. The last couple of outings were almost painful to watch, as its premise wore thin. But for a few brief shining seasons, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was one of the funniest, unique, and bright shows on the television landscape, and an early comedy success for Netflix. The writers knew how to blend in the ridiculous with the heartwarming in a brilliant way, and you never stopped smiling when you were watching it. It also didn't hurt that it was led by an amazing cast including Jane Krakowski, the legendary Carol Kane, and particularly the dynamic duo at its center Ellie Kemper and Tituss Burgess. This show made Burgess a star, and finally gave Kemper a leading role, and when those two were sharing the screen together, the results were comedy magic.
97. Jane the Virgin - For those of us who grew up on soap operas (my mom loves The Young and the Restless) or telenovelas, there is no story line too crazy, too ridiculous. In fact, the juicier the story line, the more intriguing the watch, no matter how guilty it makes you feel that you have been sucked into ridiculousness. Jane the Virgin was based on a premise right out of a classic soap opera, but they recognize that, and then found a clever way to lean into the overarching humor behind these plot lines. But Jane the Virgin did not win over viewers by just being a funny take on a soap opera. There was also a lot of humor, heart, and love on screen, with an amazing cast led by the magnetic Gina Rodriguez. Jane the Virgin took a cooky premise, and made it something quite special.
96. Grace & Frankie - The creator of Friends, plus a cast of four living legends? I was definitely in, and I'm glad I joined the ride. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin sharing comedic screen magic once again is so much fun to watch, and the supporting cast, including Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen were so game, and became so integral to the success of the show as time went on. In particular, the four children's story lines became almost as intriguing as their parents. I am always in for a well-written sitcom with an amazing cast, and Grace and Frankie was just that, and more.
95. American Horror Story - So I have had trouble lately staying on the American Horror Story bandwagon. The last few seasons have started to lose some of the luster of their previous efforts. That being said, when AHS was on top, it was a breakthrough horror series that launched the television revival of horror anthology. Particularly the first three seasons were masterpieces of television, led by an amazing array of rotating cast members that included legends like Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Frances Conroy, Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton, and many many others. It continues to be renewed and a part of the greater television landscape, and its legacy will live on long after it leaves the air.
94. Key and Peele - Before Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele began pursuing their successful film careers, they were two up and coming comics who got caught in the brief, but incredible wave in the last decade of the revival of sketch comedy shows. Key and Peele only lasted for a few seasons, but its mark is still felt. Their sketches were sharp, captured the zeitgeist of American culture at the time, and even caught the attention of the President. It also successfully launched these two amazing talents into super stardom, and both will have long and fruitful careers ahead of them.
93. Cougar Town - A terrible name and a cancellation and subsequent pickup could not stop Cougar Town from becoming a cult comedy classic. The first, and really only major sitcom project for Courtney Cox post-Friends, Cougar Town's name turned off a lot of people, and its first couple of episodes were cringe-worthy. But once it gets into its groove, it is actually a heartfelt, laugh out loud ensemble piece with quirky, but loving characters, and the family that is built over the course of six season was worth a watch.
92. Playing House - Another show that continually faced renewal odds, Playing House only lasted for three seasons, and was not seen by many people. But it should be seen if you get a chance. With a dynamic duo at its center, real-life friends and collaborators Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair, Playing House is about family, friendship, the village it takes to raise and child, tackle cancer, and all of the other challenges that life throws at you. Well-acted, funny, emotionally resonant, and sweet, Playing House was a hidden comedy gem of the last decade.
91. Silicon Valley - I never particularly loved Silicon Valley. The anxiety that the show produced honestly got to be a bit much. That being said, I didn't have to love the show to respect it. Mike Judge, who created King of the Hill, one of the greatest shows of all time, returned with this story of a geeky group of friends trying to make it in the dog eat dog world of Silicon Valley. It was darkly funny, well-acted, and showcased the tension, and ups and downs of the fleeting world of tech development.
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