Speaking of Star Trek, what would this list be without the greatest (though not necessarily the most recognised) iteration of the classic series? Star Trek: The Next Generation helped popularise the franchise for a whole new generation, with Patrick Stewart leading the cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who was without argument a considerable step up from William Shatner's entertaining but poorly-acted Captain Kirk (though some purists might still try and disagree). Boasting the thoughtful, philosophical quality of the original 1960s TV series while benefiting from enhanced effects, a stronger cast and more memorable characters (who can resist the likes of sexy counselor Deanna Troi and curious android Data?), The Next Generation effortlessly outdoes the original in pretty much every way, and evidently hasn't been topped by any subsequent iteration of the franchise ever since either.
28. Friends
One of the most influential and popular TV shows of all time, Friends instantly struck a chord with any 20-something living in a big city, as a group of six friends try to navigate relationships, work, and everything in-between. Though it may lack the sophistication of similar shows like Seinfeld and Frasier, its broader brush-strokes made it incredibly accessible and relatable to a huge audience, and the characters, especially Matt LeBlanc's Joey and Matthew Perry's Chandler, remain some of the most likeable and hilarious in TV history. If you're a young adult, you're almost certainly going to find something to connect with in the show: the scenarios are so often heightened versions of the very difficulties we all end up encountering in our lives at one time or another, be it navigating the intricacies of being "on a break", or dealing with bringing a child into the world. And of course, who can forget that awesome, endlessly iconic theme song?
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
