The Ultimate List of Iconic 2000s TV Shows

Let’s face it, the 2000s was an iconic era for television – nothing could ever really compare. If you’re looking for a little nostalgia, maybe it’s time to rewatch an old classic? Or binge something you haven’t seen yet! From One Tree Hill to Grey’s Anatomy, let’s get into it.

Let’s face it, the 2000s was an iconic era for television – nothing could ever really compare. If you’re looking for a little nostalgia, maybe it’s time to rewatch an old classic? Or binge something you haven’t seen yet! From One Tree Hill to Grey’s Anatomy, let’s get into it.

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls, The WB, 2000-2007

Starting off strong – Gilmore Girls. If you’re just as obsessed with this show and us, we NEED to be friends. Starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls is comedy/drama about a mother-daughter duo with big ambitions. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, we are introduced so so many quirky characters who truly represent small-town life. The series finished in 2007, but briefly came back to Netflix in 2016 with an update on where all the characters are now.

Lost

Lost, ABC, 2004-2010

For the ultimate mind-trip, Lost is the perfect TV show. Following a tragic plane crash, survivors find themselves stranded on an island. As the plot develops, we find out there is more to the island beyond what you could ever suspect. This is one of the first TV shows we watched where it truly felt like there was a broad range of representation in the characters.

The OC

The OC, Fox, 2003-2007

The OC is one of the most iconic TV shows of its era. The plot centres around a troubled teen who finds himself wrapped up in upper-class life and enters into a world so unfamiliar to him. If you’re looking for some classic old-school drama, relationships and young adult narratives, The OC is the one to watch (or re-watch!) for you.

Greys Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy, ABC, 2005-Present

Now on its 19th season, Grey’s Anatomy is a TV show that truly peaked in the 2000s. This medical drama focuses on both the personal and professional trials and tribulations of doctors Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. In the first season, we’re introduced to a young group of interns who are adapting to the overwhelming world of medicine. This show is truly iconic and we could rewatch it forever.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl, The CW, 2007-2012

Set in the Upper East Side of New York, a group of privileged teens live scandalous lives as an anonymous blogger watches over their every move. As secrets continue to be exposed, their lives start to fall apart. Gossip Girl is truly the pinnacle of 2000s teen television and has certainly left a blueprint on our lives.

Skins

Skins, E4, 2007-2013

Skins is so incredibly British and, for many of us, is certainly a staple of our teenage years. Skins tells the story of a group of teenagers who are struggling to find love, happiness, purpose, etc. as they finish their last two years of school. Each two seasons moves on to a new group of characters, with some key cast members returning throughout the show. Honestly, this series f*cked with many of our perceptions and altered how we grew up. Nonetheless, we will always give this show credit for representing the realities of being a teenager.

One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill, The WB/The CW, 2003 – 2012

Set in a fictional town, One Tree Hill starts off with a rivalry between two brothers and takes us through their process of slowly bonding. With drama and romance thrown into the mix, One Tree Hill follows the main characters all the way through to adulthood. We’ve actually never watched this show, so it may be time for us to binge watch this summer!

Freaks and Geeks

Despite only running for one season, Freaks and Geeks left an impact on so many of us. Siblings Lindsay and Sam become a part of two stereotypical groups in high school – the ‘freaks’ and the ‘geeks’. The star-studded cast is comprised of the likes of James Franco, Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel and Busy Phillips. For a quick watch that will truly touch your heart, Freaks and Geeks is your go-to.

The Office

The Office, NBC, 2005-2013

Based on the original UK version, The Office is such a 2000s classic. The Office is a mockumentary style sitcom that brings us along for the daily lives of office workers in Scranton, Pennsylvania at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ll know we only recently watched this series for the first time – and oh how we regret not joining the hype earlier. This truly may be one of the funniest shows of all time.

Gavin and Stacey

Gavin and Stacey, BBC, 2007-2010

This one might not be too familiar to readers outside of the UK, but Gavin and Stacey is absolutely another staple of British television. Set between Barry, South Wales and Essex, two families are brought together by Gavin and Stacey’s long-distance relationship. The plot itself is very simple, but the characters truly bring this series to life.

The Sopranos

The Sopranos, HBO, 1999-2007

Following the life of mob boss Tony Soprano, this crime drama depicts the struggle of balancing home and work life. As Tony attends therapy to unpack his issues, we begin to understand more about him as an individual. This is another 2000s show we are yet to watch, but it’s certainly going on our list!

Fringe

Fringe, Fox, 2008-2013

Centred around FBI agent Olivia Dunham, this science fiction/crime drama follows Dunham as she investigates unusual crimes and occurrences. Per the title, the team focuses on fringe science and truly trying to understand the boundaries of science. With parallel universes and questionable science, Fringe is certainly one to watch for crime and science fanatics.

The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries, The CW, 2009-2017

Sure, this show truly peaked in the 2010s, but as it started in 2009 we’re including it! This supernatural drama introduces us to the main character Elena (human) and two vampire brothers Damon and Stefan. As Elena learns more about the supernatural world, she becomes torn between the two brothers. The town is full of mysterious supernatural wonders and creatures that this trio fights against to save Mystic Falls.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The WB/UPN, 1997-2003

Last but not least, the iconic Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Based on the 1992 movie of the same title, this series focuses on Buffy who is a, you guessed it, Vampire Slayer. Buffy is desperate to lead a normal life as a teenage girl, but supernatural beings continue to intervene with her life. Much like other supernatural shows, Buffy continues to fight to keep peace and normality for the every-day humans in her town.

What’s your favourite 2000s TV show? Will you be rewatching any of these this summer? Let us know in the comments.

with love,

becky

Author

Becky

Becky

Hey, I'm Becky! I love writing about all things pop culture & lifestyle
Previous post 8 Small Ways You Can Save Money
Next post Hay Fever – 5 Ways To Manage Your Symptoms Now