YouGov Survey: Breaking Bad Officially Tops 21st-Century TV Shows, Leading This World-Renowned Ranking
YouGov ranks American favorites
YouGov’s quarterly survey measures the popularity of TV shows among American viewers. The latest results draw on more than 1,500 nationally representative interviews collected during Q3 2026. Older series dominate the overall top 20. Sesame Street and Tom and Jerry rank first and second, while The Simpsons, I Love Lucy and Law & Order also appear in the top 10.
Breaking Bad leads this century
Among shows that premiered in the 21st century, Breaking Bad ranked highest. It placed 22nd overall, with 89% of respondents recognizing the series and 61% viewing it positively.
Criminal Minds was the nearest competitor from this century, ranking 29th overall. The survey also placed The Office, Game of Thrones and Stranger Things among the shows Breaking Bad surpassed; only three other 21st-century series made the overall top 50.
A hit beyond critical acclaim
The crime drama stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who becomes a drug kingpin. The series began as a sleeper hit, then built a devoted audience and found new viewers on Netflix during the 2010s.
Cranston was the only actor with two series in the survey’s top 10 for this century: Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle. The poll’s findings indicate that the drama’s popularity extends beyond its standing with critics and industry insiders.
Key points
- Breaking Bad was the top-ranked 21st-century American TV show in YouGov’s survey.
- The series ranked 22nd overall, with 89% recognition and 61% approval.
- Criminal Minds was the closest 21st-century competitor, ranking 29th overall.
- Bryan Cranston’s Malcolm in the Middle also ranked among this century’s top 10.