10 Best TV Shows Turning 20 In 2026

The mid-2000s marked a major shift in television. Cable channels, major networks, and shows from other countries all started innovating and challenging the traditional format. Viewers had more choices than ever before, moving beyond typical sitcoms and crime shows. Complex, ongoing stories, shows that blended genres, and programs built around strong personalities became much more popular. This created an environment where taking creative risks could lead to success.

Back in 2006, television offered something for everyone, with a huge variety of shows debuting – from high-quality dramas and imaginative science fiction to popular reality TV and comedies aimed at younger audiences. Many of these shows were massive hits, attracting large viewerships and helping to launch the careers of actors and creators. They also built passionate fan communities and had a lasting impact on the future of television. Even now, twenty years later, these shows are still remembered and celebrated.

10. The Hills (2006–2010)

Many consider The Hills to be one of the last authentic reality TV shows. It followed young women in Los Angeles as they pursued their careers, built friendships, and explored relationships. Originally a spin-off of Laguna Beach, the show presented itself as a real, unscripted look at what it’s like to be a young adult striving for success. However, its polished and high-quality production often made it difficult to tell the difference between reality and scripted television.

The show was a huge hit. It quickly became one of MTV’s most popular programs and played a key role in how reality TV started focusing on creating brands around people’s lifestyles. Lauren Conrad became very well-known, and Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were among the first reality stars to build careers as full-time celebrities.

The stars of The Hills were among the first to create their public images through regular media attention. They pioneered strategies – from blogging to launching fashion brands – that many now consider the basis for today’s influencer marketing world.

9. Death Note (2006–2007)

The anime series Death Note, based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, follows a teenager who discovers a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written inside. The series became incredibly popular and stood out from other anime because it focused on complex moral questions instead of just action.

The show played a key role in introducing anime to a wider Western audience and sparked the creation of live-action series, movies, and stage plays. Its popularity extended beyond just anime fans. Now, Death Note is widely considered one of the best anime series of all time, celebrated for its suspenseful plot and thought-provoking ideas.

Even though it finished airing in 2007, Death Note remains a popular starting point for people new to anime.

8. Heroes (2006–2010)

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Heroes featured everyday people suddenly developing amazing powers, and told their stories through interconnected plots within a single, expansive universe. It was a pioneering show, debuting well before superhero stories dominated the entertainment landscape, and was notable for its ambitious, ongoing narrative.

The show’s first season was a hit with both audiences and critics, leading to Emmy nominations. The talented cast, featuring rising stars like Hayden Panettiere (known for Nashville) and Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us), played a significant role in the show’s popularity.

Even though the show’s quality dipped in later seasons, Heroes was groundbreaking for demonstrating that superhero shows could appeal to a wide audience – well before the genre became so common on television.

7. Hannah Montana (2006–2011)

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It’s clear that Hannah Montana had a huge impact on a whole generation. The show followed a teenager who led a double life – she was a regular student but also a famous pop star. Combining funny situations with musical numbers, it was a big hit with Disney Channel viewers and quickly became popular around the world.

The show was a huge hit with both viewers and the people who made it. It turned Miley Cyrus into a global superstar, and she’s still thriving in music and acting. It also sold tons of merchandise, topped the music charts, and got amazing ratings, making it one of Disney Channel’s biggest successes.

Hannah Montana wasn’t just a show for kids – it became a cultural phenomenon that shaped a whole generation of television. It also revolutionized how Disney develops pop stars, going far beyond the legacy of The Mickey Mouse Club.

6. Torchwood (2006–2011)

Torchwood was a popular British science fiction series that offered a more mature take on the world of Doctor Who. The show centered on a covert organization dedicated to defending Earth from alien dangers, and was led by Captain Jack Harkness – a character originally from Doctor Who – played by John Barrowman.

While the show borrowed some plot ideas from Doctor Who, its mature themes meant it rarely featured crossovers. The main exception was Captain Jack Harkness, who occasionally appeared on the TARDIS.

Even though it wasn’t an instant sensation everywhere, Torchwood really took off in the UK and developed a dedicated following among sci-fi fans worldwide. I think a lot of us consider its third season, Children of Earth, to be one of the best sci-fi miniseries ever created. For me, the show also did wonders for John Barrowman’s career, and it proved that spin-offs didn’t have to be just for kids – they could be complex and emotionally engaging for a more mature audience too.

5. Dexter (2006–2013)

©Showtime/courtesy Everett Collection

Dexter, still widely popular today, told the story of a blood spatter analyst who secretly hunted down and killed other criminals. While the premise was risky, the show became a huge hit for Showtime.

The show was consistently a ratings success, and its popularity continued even after the original run finished. This led to several follow-up limited series, including New Blood, Original Sin, and ultimately, Resurrection.

Michael C. Hall received widespread praise for his acting, even winning a Golden Globe, and played a key role in popularizing TV shows with flawed, complicated characters. Though the series ending wasn’t universally loved, its continued success led to new projects, proving how much of an impact it had on popular culture.

4. 30 Rock (2006–2013)

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Created by Tina Fey, 30 Rock was a comedy series that gave viewers a funny, fictional look behind the scenes of a sketch comedy show—inspired by her experiences on Saturday Night Live. It stood out from typical sitcoms with its quick wit, sharp jokes about the television industry, and generally outlandish humor.

The show was a critical success, receiving several Emmy Awards for being an exceptional comedy. It launched the careers of many performers and was a pivotal moment for Tina Fey, establishing her as a leading television creator and producer.

The show’s international popularity helped Tracy Morgan become well-known for his comedy beyond the United States. Although 30 Rock didn’t have huge ratings, it became very influential, inspiring many modern workplace comedies and setting a high standard for clever, witty television writing.

3. Ugly Betty (2006–2010)

Inspired by a Colombian soap opera, Ugly Betty told the story of a young woman trying to make it in the competitive world of fashion, all while remaining true to who she was. The show was a mix of funny moments, dramatic storylines, and thoughtful observations about society.

America Ferrera won an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for her role in this groundbreaking show. Playing Betty was her breakout performance and helped launch a still-successful career. The series was celebrated for its diverse cast, uplifting themes, and unique look.

In addition to winning awards, Ugly Betty was groundbreaking for featuring a Latina lead – a rarity on network TV at the time. The show demonstrated that diverse stories could attract a large audience and be both entertaining and fashionable, proving inclusive storytelling could thrive on mainstream television.

2. Friday Night Lights (2006–2011)

The TV series Friday Night Lights took place in a small Texas town and used high school football to examine themes of community, who we are, and what we strive for. While viewership numbers went up and down during its original run, the show became a highly praised and lasting cultural touchstone, thanks to positive reviews, strong word-of-mouth, and dedicated fans.

The show’s quality was recognized with a Peabody Award and several Emmy nominations. It was celebrated for its realistic portrayal of life and its emotionally powerful stories, and it launched the careers of many of its actors. It’s considered one of the best TV dramas of all time, with a lasting impact on television. Even today, the phrase “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose” is instantly recognizable and remains a popular part of TV history.

1. The IT Crowd (2006–2013)