The 100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME

A - F

The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite

Walter Bennett / Time Life Pictures / Getty
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The idea that there was once an omnipotent, omnipresent and widely respected mainstream media may largely be a myth. But like many myths it has a real-world inspiration, and Uncle Walter's newscast, in its '60s and '70s heyday, is it. Cronkite's steady demeanor and comfortable manner cornered the market on trust and made him all the more influential the rare times when he ventured into commentary. When Cronkite famously declared Vietnam "unwinnable" in 1968, President Johnson reportedly said that once the anchor was against him, he had lost Middle America. Since he left the anchor chair in 1981, no single newsman (or woman) has ever gotten Middle America back.

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Video

How I Chose The List

Adding to this list would be easy; taking shows off is the tricky part. How did I settle on this list? I set a few guidelines...

Talk Back

What is your all-time favorite TV show?

Which films should have been included and weren't? Did we leave off any of your favorites? Were any shows on the list more influential than others? Tell us what you think

Blogs

Tuned In

TIME's TV critic James Poniewozik blogs daily on all visual media. Join the discussion here

A - F

From Abbott and Costello to Friends

G - M

From General Hospital to Mystery Science Theater 3000

N - S

From The Odd Couple to Survivor

T - Z

From Taxi to Your Show of Shows

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