9 Iconic 2000s TV Shows That Have Aged Gracefully

9 Best 2000s Shows That Aged Like Fine Wine

Herc (Domenick Lombardozzi) and Carver (Seth Gilliam) in The WireEverret Collection

By Cher Thompson Published 1 hour ago

Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV.

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TV in the 2000s existed in a different viewing ecosystem, with some shows winding up growing long after they ended. In the 2000s, episodes aired weekly, seasons stretched to 20-plus installments, and viewers had to plan their schedules accordingly, as missing episodes meant waiting months for reruns or DVDs. This slower pace encouraged deeper engagement but also demanded patience that modern audiences are no longer expected to have.

Streaming and smartphones have fundamentally reshaped how people consume their TV. Instant access, binge-watching, and algorithm-driven recommendations have shortened attention spans and changed expectations around pacing, payoff, and storytelling clarity. Shows are now often designed to hook viewers immediately, sometimes sacrificing subtlety or long-term development for quick engagement and viral moments. While the changes are tough to face, they're not all bad.

Still, that shift hasn’t always improved the viewing experience. Many modern series feel compressed, overly expositional, or prematurely canceled before their ideas can fully develop. The loss of longer seasons has also reduced opportunities for character-driven detours and tonal experimentation. In some cases, television has become more disposable, optimized for speed rather than longevity as its shifted and changed with the times.

Revisiting standout shows from the 2000s can help to highlight what has been lost in translation so far. 2000s shows were often built to unfold slowly, trusting audiences to follow complex arcs and sit with ambiguity. Their creators assumed viewers would stay invested over years, not just drop in for a weekend binge. That confidence allowed for richer characterization and more ambitious thematic exploration.

As a result, some 2000s shows don’t feel dated at all. Instead, they feel increasingly rewarded with each rewatch, the shows giving viewers something new in different parts of their lives. Their themes remain relevant, their craft holds up, and their storytelling benefits from modern binge formats. Rather than aging poorly, these series have matured, proving that great television doesn’t expire. Instead, it deepens as it grows older.

9 Friday Night Lights

2006-2011

Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) on Friday Night Lights

Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) standing on game day on Friday Night Lights

Premiering in 2006 on NBC, Friday Night Lights used high school football as a lens to explore community, identity, and emotional resilience in small-town Texas. Based on the film of the same name, the series balanced sports drama with intimate character studies, focusing on the Taylor family and the students orbiting Dillon High.

Jason Katims' documentary handheld style and the cast's naturalistic performances felt groundbreaking at the time. Today, Friday Night Lights' empathetic storytelling brings a grounded portrayal of ambition and failure that resonates even more than it did in 2006. The show’s emphasis on emotional honesty over spectacle has helped it remain timeless, especially as prestige TV increasingly prioritizes sincerity again.

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Friday Night Lights

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Sports Release Date 2006 - 2011 Network NBC, The 101 Showrunner Jason Katims Directors Patrick R. Norris, Jonas Pate, Allison Liddi-Brown, Adam Davidson, Dean White, Peter Berg, Seith Mann, Jason Katims, Chris Eyre, Ami Canaan Mann, Charles Stone III, Dan Lerner, Josh Pate, Kyle Chandler, Mark Piznarski Writers Brent Fletcher

9 Images

Kyle Chandler as Coach Taylor coaching a football game in Friday Night Lights.

Taylor Kitsch's Tim & Madison Burge's Becky standing next to each other with a truck in the background in Friday Night Lights Matt and Grandma Saracen from Friday Night Lights

Matt and Grandma Saracen from Friday Night Lights

Riggins with his teammates in Friday Nights Lights

Eric (Kyle Chandler) and Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) looking shocked and annoyed at Julie (Aimee Teegarden) in Friday Night Lights

Julie and Tami Taylor standing together at a party in Friday Night Lights

Vince Howard (Michael B Jordan) on the football field with two teammates in Friday Night Lights

Tim standing talking to Lyla at a game in Friday Night Lights

Connie Britton as Tami in Friday Night LightsClose

Cast

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Kyle Chandler Eric Taylor
Connie Britton Tami Taylor

Genres Drama, Sports Creator(s) Brian Grazer, Peter Berg Powered by

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8 Arrested Development

2003-2006

The Bluths in a promotional image from Arrested Development

Running for three seasons in the early 2000s during its original run before a Netflix return in 2013, Arrested Development is an iconic comedy that only gets better with age. The show's dense, joke-packed writing and serialized comedy felt ahead of their time, and were often misunderstood by weekly audiences. After a resurgence of the series in the 2010s, Netflix brought the iconic show back.

In the streaming era, Arrested Development is a show that thrives. Its layered callbacks, narration, and rapid-fire humor reward close viewing and rewatches. What once felt niche now feels perfectly suited to binge culture, coming full circle. The satire of wealth, dysfunction, and corporate absurdity has only sharpened with time, making the series feel more relevant, and funnier, than ever.

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Arrested Development

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Comedy Release Date 2003 - 2019-00-00 Network FOX, Netflix Showrunner Mitchell Hurwitz Directors Troy Miller, Mitchell Hurwitz, Joe Russo, Paul Feig, Anthony Russo, Lee Shallat Chemel, Jay Chandrasekhar, Robert Berlinger, Greg Mottola, Peter Lauer, John Fortenberry, Lev L. Spiro, Patty Jenkins, Andrew Fleming, Jeff Melman, Jason Bateman, Danny Leiner, Arlene Sanford Writers Dean Lorey, Abraham Higginbotham, Gareth Reynolds, Hallie Cantor, Jake Farrow, Karey Dornetto, Brian Singleton, Chris Marrs, Maggie Rowe, Barbara Adler

Cast

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Jason Bateman Michael Bluth
Portia de Rossi Lindsay Bluth Fünke

Genres Comedy Creator(s) Mitchell Hurwitz Powered by

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7 Lost

2004-2010

LostABC (via MoviesStillsDb)

ABC’s most successful mystery-box series, Lost, premiered in 2004 and became a global phenomenon by blending survival drama, sci-fi, and psychological mystery. Following the victims of a harrowing plane crash after they're stranded on a deserted island, the series quickly reveals it's not what it seems. While its ending remains debated, the show’s ambition has aged remarkably well.

Lost became appointment-TV while it was on. Its character-first approach, nonlinear storytelling, and willingness to embrace uncertainty paved the way for modern serialized TV. Rewatching Lost now, however, reveals how carefully constructed its emotional arcs were, even when answers proved divisive. In an era obsessed with instant explanations, Lost stands as a reminder that mysteries don’t always provide a tidy resolution.

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Lost

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Mystery Drama Adventure Supernatural Release Date 2004 - 2010-00-00 Network ABC Showrunner Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse Directors Jack Bender, Paul A. Edwards, Tucker Gates, Eric Laneuville, Bobby Roth, Greg Yaitanes, Daniel Attias, J.J. Abrams, Karen Gaviola, Kevin Hooks, Rod Holcomb, Stephen Semel, Adam Davidson, Alan Taylor, David Grossman, Deran Sarafian, Fred Toye, Mario Van Peebles, Marita Grabiak, Mark Goldman, Matt Earl Beesley, Michael Zinberg, Paris Barclay, Robert Mandel Writers Jim Galasso, Christina M. Kim, Graham Roland, Kyle Pennington, Brent Fletcher, Dawn Lambertsen Kelly, Janet Tamaro, Jeffrey Lieber, Paul Dini, Jordan Rosenberg

Cast

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Matthew Fox Jack Shephard
Evangeline Lilly Kate Austen

Genres Mystery, Drama, Adventure, Supernatural Creator(s) J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Jeffrey Lieber Powered by

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6 Veronica Mars

2004-2007

Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars on Veronica Mars smiling

Airing from 2004 to 2007 on UPN and The CW after its development, Veronica Mars starred an up-and-coming Kristen Bell in a series that combined noir mystery with teen drama in a way that still feels fresh. Bell’s performance as the sharp, morally complex private investigator anchors the series, and its case-of-the-week style helped build out the world of noir-tinged Neptune for viewers.

Veronica Mars' exploration of class divides, corruption, and gender dynamics feels even more pointed today than it did during its original run. The show’s episodic cases layered over season-long mysteries benefit greatly from binge viewing, providing resolutions at a satisfying pace. A series that once struggled for ratings now reads as a smart, forward-thinking series that anticipated modern genre blending.

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Veronica Mars

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Mystery Drama Comedy Crime Release Date 2004 - 2019 Network UPN, The CW, Hulu Showrunner Rob Thomas Directors John T. Kretchmer, Nick Marck, Michael Fields, Harry Winer, Jason Bloom, Steve Gomer, Guy Norman Bee, Marcos Siega, Mark Piznarski, Sarah Pia Anderson, Scott Winant, Dan Etheridge, David Barrett, Joaquin Sedillo, Kevin Bray, Martha Mitchell, Nick Gomez, Rick Rosenthal, Tessa Blake, Tricia Brock, Amanda Marsalis Writers John Enbom, Phil Klemmer, Dayna Lynne North, Jed Seidel, Aury Wallington

Cast

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Kristen Bell Veronica Mars
Enrico Colantoni Keith Mars

Genres Mystery, Drama, Comedy, Crime Creator(s) Rob Thomas Powered by

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5 Breaking Bad

2008-2013

Walter White (Bryan Cranston) holding up and surrounded by stacks of cash in Breaking Bad season 3

AMC’s breakout hit Breaking Bad premiered in 2008 and quickly redefined what television protagonists could be for viewers used to watching a hero. Following Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) transformation from teacher to criminal mastermind, the series was meticulously paced and visually inventive. Breaking Bad became the go-to for anti-hero stories, proving itself as a prestige TV darling.

Breaking Bad's themes of ego, power, and consequence remain deeply resonant today. Watching the show now highlights how disciplined its storytelling was compared to many modern anti-hero dramas. Every escalation feels earned on screen, making it satisfying to rewatch. Rather than feeling dated, Breaking Bad continues to set the standard for long-form narrative TV.

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Breaking Bad

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Crime Drama Thriller Release Date 2008 - 2013-00-00 Network AMC Showrunner Vince Gilligan Directors Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren Writers Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, Vince Gilligan, George Mastras, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Thomas Schnauz

Cast

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Bryan Cranston Walter White
Aaron Paul Jesse Pinkman

Franchise(s) Breaking Bad Genres Crime, Drama, Thriller Powered by

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4 The Office

2005-2013

Michael Scott in a confessional on The Office

NBC’s The Office debuted in 2005 to blasé reviews and evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Shifting from an awkward workplace mockumentary into one of the most rewatched sitcoms ever, The Office made a huge impact on the world of the sitcom. While some early humor reflects its era, the show’s emotional core has aged beautifully.

The Office's focus on workplace relationships, quiet ambition, and human connection resonates in a post-pandemic world where work culture has dramatically shifted. The series has jokes that can't be replicated on sitcoms today, and storylines that have shaped a generation. Streaming has given the series new life, allowing viewers to appreciate its slow-burn character development and understated moments.

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The Office

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Comedy Release Date 2005 - 2013-00-00 Network NBC Showrunner Greg Daniels Directors Greg Daniels, Paul Lieberstein, Paul Feig, Randall Einhorn, Ken Kwapis Writers Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Michael Schur, Ricky Gervais, Greg Daniels, B.J. Novak

Cast

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Steve Carell Michael Scott
Rainn Wilson Dwight Schrute

Franchise(s) The Office Genres Comedy Creator(s) Greg Daniels Powered by

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3 The Wire

2002-2008

McNulty looking guilty in The Wire series finale

Initially overlooked as a series, HBO's The Wire ran from 2002 through 2008, and quietly reshaped political crime drama for the foreseeable future. Now widely regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made, The Wire's examination of systemic failure across policing, education, politics, and media feels increasingly urgent. The show’s refusal to simplify issues or offer easy heroes makes it challenging, but endlessly relevant.

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As conversations around institutions and inequality have intensified, The Wire has only grown more powerful. The show has been able to find a new life in recent years, as viewers begin to understand how influential and iconic the series was, especially for the time it was on the air. The Wire's realism and scope make it feel less like entertainment and more like essential viewing.

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The Wire

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Crime Drama Release Date 2002 - 2008-00-00 Network HBO Showrunner David Simon Directors Ernest R. Dickerson, Ed Bianchi, Steve Shill, Clark Johnson, Daniel Attias, Agnieszka Holland, Tim Van Patten, Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Brad Anderson, Clement Virgo, Elodie Keene, Peter Medak, Rob Bailey, Seith Mann, Christine Moore, David Platt, Dominic West, Gloria Muzio, Jim McKay, Leslie Libman, Milcho Manchevski, Robert F. Colesberry, Thomas J. Wright Writers Richard Price, Joy Lusco, Rafael Alvarez, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, William F. Zorzi, Kia Corthron

Cast

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Dominic West Jimmy McNulty
Lance Reddick Cedric Daniels

Genres Crime, Drama Powered by

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2 30 Rock

2006-2013

Tina Fey giving a thumbs-up in 30 Rock

One of the most influential sitcoms of the 2000s, 30 Rock premiered on NBC in 2006. Starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy, the series delivered rapid-fire satire of TV, celebrity, and corporate culture. Fey’s writing embraced absurdity while skewering sexism, media consolidation, and creative compromise, which felt current at the time and remains timeless.

Many of 30 Rock's jokes feel even sharper in hindsight, especially as the industry trends it mocked have become even more pronounced. While some references are firmly rooted in the 2000s, 30 Rock's critique of power dynamics and workplace chaos remains entirely relevant. Its speed and density reward repeat viewing in the streaming era.

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30 Rock

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Comedy Satire Release Date 2006 - 2013-00-00 Network NBC Showrunner Robert Carlock Writers Tina Fey, Robert Carlock

Cast

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Tina Fey
Alec Baldwin

Genres Comedy, Satire Powered by

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1 Mad Men

2007-2015

Don Draper looking perturbed in Mad Men

AMC’s Mad Men premiered in 2007 and used its 1960s setting to explore identity, consumerism, and gender politics with remarkable subtlety. The series was a dark mystery hidden beneath a lush, glossy 60s period piece, bringing Jon Hamm's Don Draper into the spotlight. As it unfolded, viewers were riveted by every twist and turn, no matter how divisive they wound up being.

Over time, Mad Men’s reputation has only grown. Its themes of performative success, workplace inequality, and emotional alienation feel strikingly modern. Rewatching Mad Men now reveals how deliberately it was constructed, with intensely long arcs that benefit from uninterrupted viewing rather than a weekly episode. Rather than feeling distant, Mad Men feels increasingly relevant as conversations about work, image, and fulfillment continue.

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Mad Men

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Release Date 2007 - 2015-00-00 Network AMC Showrunner Matthew Weiner Directors Michael Uppendahl, Jennifer Getzinger, Scott Hornbacher, Matthew Weiner, Lesli Linka Glatter, Tim Hunter, John Slattery, Alan Taylor, Andrew Bernstein, Jon Hamm, Barbet Schroeder, Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Ed Bianchi, Jared Harris, Matt Shakman, Lynn Shelton Writers Jonathan Igla, Robin Veith, Carly Wray, Kater Gordon, Bridget Bedard, Cathryn Humphris, Chris Provenzano, Brett Johnson, Rick Cleveland, Tracy McMillan, Andrew Colville, David Iserson