{"id":3942,"date":"2025-12-06T19:09:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T19:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/?p=3942"},"modified":"2025-12-06T19:09:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T19:09:36","slug":"top-25-greatest-cbs-tv-shows-ranked-from-sitcoms-to-thrillers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/?p=3942","title":{"rendered":"Top 25 Greatest CBS TV Shows Ranked: From Sitcoms to Thrillers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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These are the greatest sitcoms, dramas, and thrillers that have ever aired on\u00a0CBS<\/strong>. The network currently airs every kind of show imaginable, from the procedural\u00a0Boston Blue\u00a0<\/em>to\u00a0the popular comedy\u00a0Ghosts<\/em>, but not every show is a home run with memorable episodes and interesting characters.<\/p>\n

From some of the earliest family sitcoms to procedurals about characters solving cases each week, along with an influential thriller about a stand-out detective, these CBS shows can still be considered excellent. When we reflect on the network\u2019s amazing history, these shows definitely stand out.<\/p>\n

Good Times (1974-1979)<\/h2>\n
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\"The<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The\u00a0Maude\u00a0<\/em>spinoff\u00a0Good Times<\/em>\u00a0was an early comedy focusing on Black characters, and it features\u00a0heartfelt and serious storylines about James (John Amos) and Florida Evans (Esther Rolle), along with their kids<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Everything from financial anxieties and hopes for new jobs to school troubles is explored, and while the subject matter can be sad and tough to watch, it\u2019s heartwarming to see how much the family loves each other. Unfortunately, despite\u00a0Good Times<\/em>\u2018s high quality, the sitcom isn\u2019t mentioned all that often these days.<\/p>\n

All In The Family (1971-1979)<\/h2>\n
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\"Archie<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Maude\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Good Times\u00a0<\/em>are actually\u00a0spinoffs of the iconic\u00a0All in the Family<\/em>,\u00a0starring<\/strong>\u00a0Carroll O\u2019Connor as the iconic harsh sitcom character Archie Bunker<\/strong>. Archie isn\u2019t tolerant of most people, which makes him tough to watch today, but it was part of his character arc.<\/p>\n

Sally Struthers starred on the series in one of her earliest roles as the daughter of Archie and Edith (Jean Stapleton), who\u2019s much nicer than he is. Archie\u2019s off-putting personality makes this a rough rewatch, but we can\u2019t forget its influence on CBS and TV in general.<\/p>\n

The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)<\/h2>\n
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\"Marcia<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

One of the many CBS sitcoms named after its main actor,\u00a0The Bob Newhart Show\u00a0<\/em>is a memorable look at therapist Bob Hartley, with episodes focusing on the people he helps and also his family<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It remains a significant part of CBS comedy history, but some storylines, like Bob dieting and calling himself fat, don\u2019t land as well today. The show\u2019s depiction of mental health struggles also leaves something to be desired.<\/p>\n

Matlock (1986-1995)<\/h2>\n
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\"Andy<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Andy Griffith\u2019s iconic performance as Ben Matlock<\/strong>, a unique lawyer, has gone down as one of the best in TV history, and he\u2019s so much fun to watch because he has such a passionate approach to the law. He\u2019s also full of quirks, such as his love of hot dogs.<\/p>\n

Other\u00a0excellent legal drama shows, like\u00a0Law & Order<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Suits<\/em>, have become more popular in the years since\u00a0Matlock<\/em>\u00a0ended. However, the reboot starring Kathy Bates is also fantastic, and might be even better and more compelling than the original.<\/p>\n

Designing Women (1986-1993)<\/h2>\n
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\"Split<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The popular sitcom has an incredible cast, including Annie Potts, Jean Smart, and Delta Burke, and it treats its smart and ambitious characters with respect.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fun watching\u00a0the highs and lows of working at Sugarbaker & Associates, an interior design company<\/strong>, which is where the memorable title\u00a0Designing Women\u00a0<\/em>comes from. Other, more recent shows have explored work and personal problems, but\u00a0Designing Women<\/em>\u00a0was one of the earliest ones to do so.<\/p>\n

Magnum PI (1980-1988)<\/h2>\n
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\"Tom<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The star vehicle for Tom Selleck is a fantastic crime drama<\/strong>, and one of the earliest shows to explore this popular genre. Since the main character, Thomas Magnum, lives in Hawaii, that warm weather setting sets it apart from more recent series that are set in big cities.<\/p>\n

Magnum PI<\/em>\u00a0aired for eight great seasons and delivered consistently entertaining and adventure-packed episodes. It\u2019s not referenced that much these days, but it was a big deal when it aired and remains one of the most exciting CBS series.<\/p>\n

Criminal Minds (2005-2020, 2022-Present)<\/h2>\n
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\"Matthew<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Although its disturbing premise doesn\u2019t work for every viewer,\u00a0Criminal Minds\u00a0<\/em>is one of the most beloved CBS shows, and many have been entertained by its smart characters and scary cases for several decades. The series is still going strong, with\u00a0the reboot\u00a0Criminal Minds: Evolution\u00a0<\/em>focusing on serial killer Elias Voit (Zach Gilford)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

CSI (2000-2015)<\/h2>\n
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\"Grissom<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

CSI\u00a0<\/em>is a great example of\u00a0how a series can perfect the case-of-the-week format<\/strong>. Many find comfort in tuning into a procedural every week where the same ambitious characters solve crimes, and we could rely on\u00a0CSI\u00a0<\/em>to always deliver shocking storylines.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not the most popular CBS procedural, and like\u00a0Criminal Minds<\/em>, its dark subject matter might not appeal to everyone. But its 15-year run and amazing ratings can\u2019t be forgotten about.<\/p>\n

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)<\/h2>\n
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\"Mary<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Before the incredible\u00a0The Mary Tyler Moore Show<\/em>, the talented actress starred on\u00a0The Dick Van Dyke Show\u00a0<\/em>alongside the main actor, and the sitcom hilariously follows\u00a0The Alan Brady Show\u00a0<\/em>writer Rob Petrie.<\/p>\n

Although\u00a0Moore played a wife and mother instead of the strong career woman she would become famous for<\/strong>, she stood out, and it\u2019s no wonder she got her own show a few years later.\u00a0The Dick Van Dyke Show\u00a0<\/em>is still referenced often, and it\u2019s one of creator Carl Reiner\u2019s best projects.\u00a0Reiner also played the beloved and hilarious Alan Brady.<\/p>\n

The Good Wife (2009-2016)<\/h2>\n
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\"Julianna\u00a0Margulies<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

CBS proved it was a worthy place to find an excellent legal drama when\u00a0The Good Wife\u00a0<\/em>premiered.\u00a0The series has all-star talent like Julianna Margulies, Christine Baranski, and Alan Cumming<\/strong>, and is a moving story about Alicia Florrick going back to the law after leaving her career to raise her children.<\/p>\n

Although other CBS shows are talked about more often,\u00a0The Good Wife<\/em>\u2018s success is still impressive, and it aired for seven great seasons. The main strike against it is its flawed series finale, which many saw as a disappointment. The rest of the show is a smart and wild ride, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Murphy Brown (1988-1998)<\/h2>\n
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\"Candice<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The 10-season sitcom follows the intelligent main character played by Candice Bergen<\/strong>, and its storylines focus on her single status, decision to have a baby by herself, and her struggles with alcohol. Some of its cultural impact has faded with time, which is a shame because\u00a0Murphy Brown\u00a0<\/em>is still fun to watch for the first time or to revisit.<\/p>\n

Gilligan\u2019s Island (1964-1967)<\/h2>\n
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\"The<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Even if you\u2019ve never seen an episode,\u00a0you\u2019ve heard pop culture references to\u00a0Gilligan\u2019s Island\u00a0<\/em>when characters get stuck on an island.\u00a0<\/strong>All three seasons of\u00a0Gilligan\u2019s Island\u00a0<\/em>follow a group who try to survive in this new place. Since the show is fairly dated now, it\u2019s not that much fun to rewatch, but its popularity can\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n

Viewers were also treated to three movies that aired after the series finale, and each film was a fun chance to see the iconic island again.<\/p>\n

The Tom And Jerry Comedy Show (1980-1982)<\/h2>\n
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\"The<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Hanna-Barbera cat and mouse characters constantly at war<\/strong>\u00a0have appeared in several animated TV series, and\u00a0The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show\u00a0<\/em>aired on CBS in 1980. No matter how many animated series have come out since, we can never forget about those lovable animal characters who were a big part of many people\u2019s childhoods.<\/p>\n

NCIS (2003-Present)<\/h2>\n
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\"DiNozzo,<\/picture>CBS<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The CBS series\u00a0NCIS<\/em>\u00a0is still on the air, proving it\u2019s arguably\u00a0the most influential procedural on the network<\/strong>. Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) may be gone, but his team of brilliant characters is still charming and fun to watch.<\/p>\n

The success of a few spinoffs, like\u00a0NCIS: Origins<\/em>, shows that this franchise could continue for many years in the future and still be fascinating.<\/p>\n

Family Matters (1989-1997)<\/h2>\n
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\"Steve<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

From beloved character Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) to episodes about dating, school, and family conflict,\u00a0Family Matters<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

remains an important \u201990s sitcom.<\/p>\n

However, besides the beautiful \u201cThe Quilt,\u201d it doesn\u2019t have as many stand-out episodes as other family-focused comedies, which makes it a bit less impactful than some others from the CBS comedy lineup.<\/p>\n

The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)<\/h2>\n
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\"Penny<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Big Bang Theory\u00a0<\/em>aired for 12 seasons, and its longevity makes it stand out among many other CBS sitcoms. It celebrates intelligent characters perhaps more than any other sitcom, and it makes science funny and entertaining.<\/p>\n

The show is still meaningful thanks to its contrasting main characters. While Penny is cheerful and a little ditzy at times, and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) is more rigid and serious, it\u2019s sweet watching their close friendship form.<\/p>\n

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)<\/h2>\n
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\"Josh<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NBC had\u00a0Friends\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0CBS had\u00a0How I Met Your Mother<\/em>, which explores similar friendship and love plotlines<\/strong>. It\u2019s not perfect, and sexist Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) is difficult to rewatch, but the storytelling format of Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) sharing how he met his wife is still interesting.<\/p>\n

Thanks to\u00a0the\u00a0How I Met Your Mother\u00a0<\/em>series finale, which many still take issue with, this sitcom is still talked about, despite over a decade passing since it aired. That makes it more memorable than other CBS sitcoms.<\/p>\n

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)<\/h2>\n
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\"The<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

While there are several memorable CBS sitcoms, it\u2019s hard to argue with the cultural impact of\u00a0Everybody Loves Raymond<\/em>, which\u00a0brilliantly examines the relatable dynamic of one family<\/strong>. Instead of leaning into harmful \u201clazy husband\u201d or \u201cnagging wife\u201d tropes, the show treats each character with equal respect and compassion.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s the talented comedic cast like co-creator Ray Romano and Brad Garrett or unforgettable episodes like \u201cShe\u2019s the One\u201d about a woman who eats a fly, the show is still solid.<\/p>\n

Dallas (1978-1991)<\/h2>\n
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\"Victoria<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Dallas\u00a0<\/em>had a big influence on TV dramas<\/strong>, bringing melodramatic storylines into primetime and proving that these types of plotlines didn\u2019t only need to exist in the daytime soap opera genre. It entertained viewers for 14 seasons, and a few years later,\u00a0Dynasty\u00a0<\/em>premiered on ABC with a similar premise of a wealthy family and their schemes, highs, and lows.<\/p>\n

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)<\/h2>\n
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\"Mary<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Before\u00a0The Mary Tyler Moore Show<\/em>,\u00a0viewers hadn\u2019t seen a single woman on TV who was determined to make it in her career<\/strong>. If she found love along the way, that was fine, but it wasn\u2019t her main goal.<\/p>\n

With amazing acting from Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards and Valerie Harper in the role of her smart best friend, Rhoda Morgenstern,\u00a0the series follows Mary\u2019s journalism career and quest for personal happiness. It had a more unique and important premise than many other sitcoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)<\/h2>\n
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\"Jessica<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is such an iconic TV thriller character<\/strong>\u00a0that\u00a0Murder, She Wrote\u00a0<\/em>will always be one of the greatest shows in the genre. She had a big influence on professional detectives and smart characters who, like her, enjoy investigating crimes in their spare time.<\/p>\n

Like many of the most memorable CBS series,\u00a0Murder, She Wrote\u00a0<\/em>had a lengthy run of 12 seasons. The formulaic storytelling of a new case each episode and the small-town settings would also become staples of the thriller genre.<\/p>\n

M*A*S*H (1972-1983)<\/h2>\n
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\"Characters<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Still one of the most influential series about war,\u00a0M*A*S*H\u00a0<\/em>has many elements that we love about a great TV series<\/strong>, from humor to heartwarming storylines and characters who grow to care about each other over time. Its storytelling remains strong throughout its 11 seasons, which is rare, and the finale was particularly beautiful.<\/p>\n

I Love Lucy (1951-1957)<\/h2>\n
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\"Georgia<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Co-created by real-life married couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz,\u00a0the groundbreaking sitcom follows the hilarious adventures of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo<\/strong>. Although some storylines feel dated now, like the excitement of purchasing a TV, it\u2019s still a sweet look at marriage, and Ball\u2019s comedic timing is unmatched.<\/p>\n

Gunsmoke (1955-1975)<\/h2>\n
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\"James<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Gunsmoke\u00a0<\/em>is always the right answer when asking what\u00a0the greatest Western series is, and that\u2019s an amazing feat, considering it\u2019s been decades since its series finale aired. Every episode has emotion and action and centers around Matt Dillon (James Arness), a U.S. Marshal in Dodge City, Kansas.<\/p>\n

While of course not everyone loves the Western genre,\u00a0the fact that\u00a0Gunsmoke\u00a0<\/em>aired for 20 seasons is incredible<\/strong>, and that makes this one of the most important CBS shows. It set the tone for several other Westerns, but also proved that viewers would stick around for a long time if the show was high-quality enough.<\/p>\n

The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)<\/h2>\n
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\"A<\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The greatest\u00a0CBS<\/strong>\u00a0series has to be\u00a0The Twilight Zone<\/em>, thanks to its huge influence on the horror and sci-fi genres, along with anthology series. The show still has some of the most exciting twists, and\u00a0\u201cNightmare at 20,000 Feet\u201d remains a terrifying classic<\/strong>\u00a0about William Shatner\u2019s character, who notices a gremlin hanging on the plane wing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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These are the greatest sitcoms, dramas, and thrillers that have ever aired on\u00a0CBS. The network currently airs every kind of show imaginable, from the procedural\u00a0Boston Blue\u00a0to\u00a0the popular… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3943,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3942"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3944,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942\/revisions\/3944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncisnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}