Top 25 ABC Shows Ranked: From Classic Sitcoms to Iconic Dramas

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Here are some of the most popular shows in the history of ABC. Currently, the network is home to hit shows like the comedy Shifting Gears, starring Kat Dennings and Tim Allen, and the popular crime dramas The Rookie and High Potential.

Thinking about the best TV shows of the last few decades, it’s amazing how ABC really nailed every genre. They had a fantastic early Western, a gripping legal drama, a thrilling suspense series, and even a medical show that’s still going strong today! It feels like they always had something great on.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

Featuring Melissa Joan Hart, Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a delightful show about a high school student named Sabrina Spellman who’s learning to control her magical abilities while living with her lovable, eccentric aunts. While each episode follows a similar pattern – Sabrina usually messes up and experiments with her powers – the series is still a fun and comforting watch for those who remember it fondly.

Thirtysomething (1987-1991)

When it originally aired, Thirtysomething was a popular show that followed Hope and Michael Stedman as they navigated the challenges and joys of becoming new parents. He was a journalist, and she worked in advertising.

The show is also heartwarming, focusing on a close-knit group of friends navigating different stages of life. It gives equal weight to the stories of Nancy and Elliot Weston, a couple struggling in their marriage, as well as the lives of independent Ellyn Warren and Melissa Steadman.

Although it may not be as culturally prominent as it once was, it remains a lovely portrayal of marriage, friendship, and the challenges people face in their careers.

My So-Called Life (1994-1995)

Though it’s often overshadowed by newer teen dramas, My So-Called Life is a beautifully made show focusing on high school student Angela Chase (Claire Danes), her evolving friendships, and her supportive family. The show’s honest portrayal of Angela’s inner thoughts, combined with its emotional exploration of topics like mental health, family issues, first love, and the struggle to fit in, continues to resonate with viewers today.

Roseanne (1988-1997)

I always loved how ‘Roseanne’ felt so real. It wasn’t just silly jokes; it really drew from Roseanne Barr’s own life and showed what it was like for a regular, working-class family, which made it stand out from a lot of other comedies back in the ’80s and ’90s. It wasn’t afraid to get a little serious.

Watching the original Roseanne might feel complicated now due to the star’s past issues, but the continuation, The Conners, still offers strong, believable characters and shows why audiences connected with this family’s everyday problems. Plus, it’s hard to forget the dramatic end of Roseanne, which famously revealed the entire final season was just a dream.

Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)

Since its debut just four years ago, Abbott Elementary has rapidly become a standout comedy on ABC. The show offers a funny and realistic portrayal of dedicated teachers working at a Philadelphia school with limited resources, and was created by the incredibly talented Quinta Brunson, who also stars as Janine Teagues.

With so many TV shows available these days, it’s hard for a new comedy to get noticed. But Abbott Elementary is different. Its likable characters and honest look at the challenges schools face make it truly stand out.

The Odd Couple (1970-1975)

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Garry Marshall created and oversaw The Odd Couple, a show whose title now simply means a friendship between very different people, often roommates. The show is fondly remembered as a highlight of ABC’s classic programming, thanks to its funny writing and the wonderful performances by Jack Klugman as Oscar Madison and Tony Randall as Felix Unger.

Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)

With a central mystery driving each season and every episode filled with drama and suspense, Desperate Housewives will definitely keep you entertained throughout its eight seasons.

The characters develop significantly and their diverse personalities make them compelling. Although a few subplots are underdeveloped and some deaths feel unrealistic, it remains a well-made drama.

Bewitched (1964-1972)

Unlike many other sitcoms, Bewitched centers around the charming love story of Darrin Stephens and Samantha, who happens to be a witch. Its lighthearted suburban setting and consistently funny storylines make it a really enjoyable show.

Even though Bewitched isn’t as widely talked about today, this charming story about a witch was once a big part of popular culture and remains important.

Charlie’s Angels (1976-1981)

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Before the 2000 film starring Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz, the original Charlie’s Angels TV show was a hit on ABC for five seasons, running for over 100 episodes. The show, famous for Farrah Fawcett’s performance and its intriguing concept of detectives working for an unseen boss, is still remembered as a significant part of the network’s legacy.

Dynasty (1981-1989)

As a total soap opera fan, I remember being obsessed with both Dallas and Dynasty back in the day! Dynasty, which ran for nine seasons and over 200 episodes on ABC, was just unbelievably over-the-top – seriously juicy! It centered around the rivalries between the Colby and Carrington families, and honestly, the performances by Joan Collins and Linda Evans were fantastic. It really set the stage for a lot of the prime-time melodramas that followed, influencing how dramatic those shows became.

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2025-11-07 01:30