A good series can not only entertain the viewer, but also provide food for the mind. Fantastic series send fantasy into the flight, romantic awaken the best feelings in the soul, and dramatic raise urgent social, political and other issues.
Introducing you most popular TV showswho received the highest audience ratings both on the Russian Kinopoisk resource and on foreign IMDb.
25. Knickerbocker Hospital (2014-2015)
Genre: drama
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.40
IMDb: 8.50
The list of all the foreign series of our rating opens with a historical medical drama with the participation of the staff of the fictional Knickerbocker hospital. The action of the series takes place at the beginning of the 20th century and unvarnished shows the life of a medical institution in New York against the background of poor living conditions, rampant corruption and religious and social values of the time.
24. Underground Empire (2010-2014)
Genre: crime drama
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.10
IMDb: 8.60
In the 20s of the twentieth century, America adopted the "Prohibition" - a ban on the transportation, sale and production of alcohol. Gangsters immediately took advantage of this, and the number of bootleggers - underground sellers of alcohol began to grow by leaps and bounds. The Underground Empire is the story of Enoch Thompson, a bootlegger who builds his criminal business in the face of fierce mafia competition.
23. World of the Wild West (2016 - present)
Genre: fantastic western, detective
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.14
IMDb: 8.90
Life is hard for androids in the futuristic amusement park World of the Wild West. Any visitor to the park can plunge into the realities of a certain historical period and live the life of a brave cowboy, a daring criminal or a fearless sheriff. And androids, although they are obligatory participants in this grandiose performance, cannot harm a person. If a person kills an intelligent machine, the latter will be erased from memory and again "released onto the stage." Here are just some living toys begin to remember something. And their minds can go beyond the limits set by software.
22. Vikings (2013 - present)
Genre: adventure, historical action
Country: Canada, Ireland
Movie Search: 8.26
IMDb: 8.60
The Vikings are often represented as a kind of primitive ancient thugs. The series is trying to break this stereotype, showing amazing sympathy for the main character - the legendary Ragnar Lodbrok. He tells the audience a story from the point of view of this famous king, who came to power thanks to his urge to push the boundaries of the developed territories.
21. The X-Files (1993 - present)
Genre: fiction, detective, drama
Country: Canada
Movie Search: 8.23
IMDb: 8.70
When the series The X Files first appeared on the screens, it instantly became super popular. “Chemistry” between the main characters Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, their non-standard investigations related to the most strange and inexplicable from the point of view of science and memorable soundtrack from the first minute - this is not an exhaustive list of successful components of the franchise. Each series brought the viewer closer to understanding the truth, which is "somewhere nearby." And still brings it closer, because in January 2018 the premiere of the 11th season, consisting of 10 episodes, took place. He will be the last for Gillian Anderson, she will no longer return to the X-Files.
20. Spartak: Blood and Sand (2010-2013)
Genre: historical action, drama
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.26
IMDb: 8.60
The gladiator champion Spartak will replace the swordsman for his skill. He learned to navigate in the murky waters of ancient Roman society, where sex and wine are offered equally often, and deception and politics always go hand in hand. Its new owner, Lentulus Batiatus and the wife of the owner Lucretius see Spartacus as a ticket to the world of wealth and nobility. While the famous gladiator has only one goal - to stay alive long enough to reunite with his beloved wife, Sura.
At first, the role of Spartacus was played by Andy Whitfield. However, he was diagnosed with cancer and after the death of the actor on the set of "Blood and Sand" he was replaced by Liam MacIntyre.
19. Doctor Who (2005 - present)
Genre: science fiction
Country: Great Britain
Movie Search: 8.73
IMDb: 8.70
The new season of one of the longest series of all time has caused fierce debate among fans. And all because the new 13th Doctor Who became a woman is actress Jodie Whittaker. So far, only men have been in the role of an alien humanoid saving the Earth from countless villains.
Unpredictable actions, ingenious strategies and constant travels of Doctor Who in time and space for many years do not let the audience get bored. From season to season, the main character changes both in appearance and in character, introducing an element of novelty into the story. And each actor makes him love his Doctor.
18. Sharp peaks (2013 - present)
Genre: crime drama
Country: Great Britain
Movie Search: 8.43
IMDb: 8.80
The second, but not the last crime drama in the list of the most popular foreign series. The plot focuses on Shelby’s brutal and daring gang, which traded on the gloomy gray streets of Birmingham in the 1920s. The bandits sewed sharp blades into the visors of their caps to use them at the right time.
This world of notorious thugs, beautiful women, alcohol intoxication and violence is hardly suitable for family viewing. However, adults like him with a witty British style, a great soundtrack, dynamic action and a reliable historical background.
17. Narco (2015 - present)
Genre: crime drama
Country: USA Columbia
Movie Search: 8.42
IMDb: 8.90
Cocaine was virtually unknown in the United States in the early 1970s. And by 1986, this drug had penetrated American society so deeply that the first lady appeared on television to ask citizens to “just say no to drugs.” What happened during this time period? Pablo Escobar happened - the richest criminal in history, whose hundreds of millions of dollars were derived from the cocaine trade in America. About the life path of Escobar - from the smuggler to the drug lord - and tells the series "Narco".
16. Force Majeure (2011 - present)
Genre: drama, comedy
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.69
IMDb: 8.60
When a brilliant college graduate Mike Ross goes to an interview with a New York law firm, the arrogant lawyer Harvey Spectr immediately hires him. Although the guy does not have a legal education, he does have a photographic memory and a sharp mind that helps solve complicated legal problems. Force Majeure is a well-known film formula combining two polar opposite characters, striving for a common goal.
In the series, various life situations are accessible and interestingly shown, from which you can emerge victorious and still not tarnish your conscience. We should also mention smart dialogues and stylish costumes of the main characters.
15. Shameless (2011 - present)
Genre: drama, comedy
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.57
IMDb: 8.70
It’s hard for American parasites to live. You have to spin like a squirrel in a wheel, just to not work. So, with the help of cunning, arrogance and good luck, a large Gallagher family lives with an alcoholic dad and six children of varying degrees of corruption. Watching these shameless people is sometimes fun, sometimes sad, but always interesting.
14. Dexter (2006-2013)
Genre: crime drama, detective
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.29
IMDb: 8.70
Can a forensic scientist and part-time serial killer cause sympathy? Maybe if his name is Dexter Morgan. After all, he kills scum who thought they had avoided the punishing hand of justice.
In each season, Dexter has a new enemy and a new hope - to find a faithful assistant in his bloody, but fair "work with people."
13. Very strange things (2016 - present)
Genre: horror fantasy
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.46
IMDb: 8.90
The mystical plot of this series immerses you in the unforgettable atmosphere of the horror genre. The story begins in the 80s of the XX century, in a small American town (usually the worst is usually the case). Mysteriously disappears one of the teenagers named Will. His best friends begin their own investigation. Will’s mom and local sheriff are not idle either. And somewhere nearby, there is a secret and cruel organization conducting secret experiments on people.
12. House of Cards (2013 - present)
Genre: drama
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.41
IMDb: 8.90
The “House of Cards” will open the door to the dark world of American big politics. Dirty political technologies, intrigues, betrayals and reflection of the most important foreign policy events - all this is in the plot of one of the most famous series of our time.
The main character of the House of Cards is the ambitious politician Frank Underwood, who helped Garret Walker come to power in exchange for the post of Secretary of State. However, having learned that Underwood was “not shining” for him. ready to do anything to settle accounts with the deceiving president.
11. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Genre: drama, melodrama
Country: Great Britain
Movie Search: 8.32
IMDb: 8.70
Starting from the day following the death of the Titanic, this series will immerse you in the dramatic history of an English aristocratic family unfolding against the backdrop of major historical events. Earl of Grantham, who owns Downton Abbey, has three daughters (Mary, Edith and Sybil), and the big problem is: to whom to transfer the estate after his death. Not wanting to give the capital and possessions into the hands of the eldest daughter, the count decides to bequeath all property to the heir to the title of count - a distant relative who will soon arrive in Downton.
Interesting characters, each with its own story, character and zest, good humor, thoughtful costumes and scenery, as well as the excellent work of the operators and composers allowed Downton Abbey to be included in the list of the most popular series.
10. Fargo (2014 - present)
Genre: crime drama thriller
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.41
IMDb: 9
Sociopathic criminal Lorne Malvo arrives in the small town of Bemidji in Minnesota. His chance acquaintance with the unsuccessful insurer Lester Nygaardom launches a series of brutal murders in the town. They will have to be investigated by the local police - Molly Solverson and Gus Grimley.
The creators of the Fargo project were inspired by the eponymous picture of the Cohen brothers, released in 1996. The Cohen brothers appear to be executive producers of the series, although they did not participate in the work on it. They only approved the script and allowed their names to be mentioned.
9. Black Mirror (2011 - present)
Genre: science fiction thriller
Country: Great Britain
Movie Search: 8.50
IMDb: 8.90
In the high-tech world of the future, humanity does not expect anything good. Every computer, every smartphone, or TV can become a black mirror reflecting the darkest human vices and fears.
Each series of the “Black Mirror” is unique both in terms of morality and originality of the ending. The series perfectly reveals the influence of mass communication on the life of modern people. It is a satire over modern society with its fierce thirst for innovations that can do more harm than good.
In March of this year, it became known that the series was extended for the fifth season. The number of episodes in it has not yet been reported.
8. Escape (2005-2017)
Genre: thriller, crime thriller, detective
Country: USA, UK
Movie Search: 8.42
IMDb: 8.40
This exciting, dynamic and intense drama focuses on the young engineer Michael, who intentionally ends up in one of the prisons he designed. Michael's task is to save his falsely accused brother Lincoln from execution.
The plot of “Escape” is illogical in some places, but the game by Wentworth Miller (Michael) and Dominic Purcell (Lincoln) and interesting plot twists, which make you look forward to the next episode, are more than redeeming logical flaws.
Many of the Escape scenes were shot in a real prison cell where serial killer John Wayne Gacy had once sat.
7. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
Genre: romance, comedy
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.56
IMDb: 8.40
This series has a high level of unpredictability, which is not usually found in comedies. The plot focuses on Ted, who hopes to find his great love. His friends help him (or interfere) with this - Marshall, who was going to make an offer to his girlfriend and a convinced bachelor and womanizer Barney with a sparkling sense of humor.
“How I Met Your Mother” is one of those rare comedies that is based mainly on interesting characters, and not on good jokes. Although with them in this sitcom, everything is fine.
Separately, it is worth noting the excellent translation of Denis Kolesnikov, who was able to add Russian charm to the foreign series with the help of funny phrases (“oh you hedgehog”, etc.).
6. The Big Bang Theory (2007-present)
Genre: romance, comedy
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.58
IMDb: 8.30
This super-long comedy series about the brilliant physicists Leonard and Sheldon and their friends shows no signs of fatigue. “Float” it is kept by specific scientific humor and inimitable eccentric know-it-all, beloved Sheldon Cooper.
However, there are rumors that the Big Bang Theory will end in season 12. Indeed, despite the stable audience love for eccentric and sweet characters, the series is expensive for CBS. For one episode, the TV channel pays the stars of Theory a million dollars.
5. The real detective (2014-present)
Genre: crime drama, detective
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.70
IMDb: 9
In each season of this series, new heroes and a new plot appear. Interesting investigations, and most importantly, charismatic main characters make this detective drama seem much more exciting than the incessant procedural actions on TV. But there is a minus - after the "True Detective", all the other television policemen hunting for serial killers will look like imitators.
4. Dr. House (2004-2012)
Genre: drama, detective
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.79
IMDb: 8.80
Many phrases from this film about the genius and extremely acrid doctor-diagnostician have already been stolen into quotes. For example, the phrase “everyone lies” or “it could have been lupus ...” became winged.
Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) and his team get the most complicated and complicated medical cases. And this doctor does not at all look like the good doctor Aibolit. However, behind an unshaven face, boorish manners and malicious words of misanthrope House lies a person who wants to bring benefit to patients.
The acting of Hugh Laurie, as well as supporting actors, was admired by most viewers. Also of the advantages of this series, it is worth noting good (although often black) humor, a dramatic component and interesting relationships of a whole collective of people - from doctors to patients and their relatives. And also, having watched "Doctor House", I really want to live and be healthy.
3. Sherlock (2010-present)
Genre: crime drama, detective
Country: USA, UK
Movie Search: 8.88
IMDb: 9.20
Vasily Livanov is undoubtedly the best Sherlock of all time. However, the highly active sociopath Holmes in the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch cannot be denied elegance and charm. At the movie screenings, Cumberbatch so organically fit into the role of the famous detective that the script of the series was not even sent to other actors.
The action of "Sherlock" takes place not in Victorian England, but in the modern world. Both Watson (Martin Freeman), who passed Afghanistan, and Holmes and the whole environment of the main characters use the latest achievements of civilization, which greatly complicates the investigation. And for the audience, the scriptwriters introduced a lot of unexpected plot twists. Even if you do not like foreign film adaptations about Sherlock Holmes, we recommend that you watch at least a couple of episodes of this series. We are sure he will carry you away.
If nothing interferes with the filming, then the fifth season will be released on the BBC on January 1, 2019.
2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Genre: crime drama thriller
Country: USA
Movie Search: 8.85
IMDb: 9.50
Showing an ordinary chemistry teacher as a methamphetamine drug dealer is an unusual topic, even for a television show. The pilot season begins with the introduction of the protagonist Walter White (Brian Cranston), whose life is nearing its end due to lung cancer. He cannot afford the necessary treatment, and, being the sole breadwinner of his family, he feels disappointment and helplessness. In the end, he leaves school and quit his second job in a car wash to “cook meth” together with his former student.
“Breaking Bad” without undue sentiment shows what a desperate person is ready to go for the survival of his family. You can hate or sympathize with his heroes, but you cannot remain indifferent to them.
1. Game of Thrones (2010-present)
Genre: fantasy, action, adventure
Country: England, USA
Movie Search: 9
IMDb: 9.50
For several years in a row, Game of Thrones has been at the top of the most popular series by rating. This is an extremely rare occurrence in the cinema world, because for many series, the quality bar decreases from season to season. And the point is not only in chic costumes and scenery, excellent acting, perfectly matched musical accompaniment, but also in the fact that not one of the heroes loved by the audience is immune to death.
A special charm to the “Game of Thrones” is given by the fact that many of its characters had real prototypes.
Now that the science fiction epic has overtaken George R. R. Martin’s original novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, the noise on social media has become louder than ever. Fans are trying to guess how the grand story of the struggle for power in the Seven Kingdoms can end.
So far, one thing is certain for sure - the final, eighth season of the king of the most popular series in the world will be released in 2019. It will consist of six episodes. Perhaps a very long series.
In 2017, news appeared that HBO was planning to release as many as five spin-offs on the Game of Thrones. Some of these stories will not unfold on Westeros. This was announced by George Martin himself. Each project will be a prequel, and not one of them will be associated with the rebellion of Robert Baratheon.
