Top 25 Greatest CBS TV Shows Ranked: From Sitcoms to Thrillers

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CBS has broadcast some of the best sitcoms, dramas, and thrillers in television history. While the network now offers a wide variety of shows—like the crime drama Boston Blue and the comedy Ghosts—not every series has become a classic with truly memorable moments and compelling characters.

From classic family comedies to weekly crime dramas and a groundbreaking detective thriller, these CBS shows remain truly exceptional. Looking back at the network’s rich history, they are among the most memorable.

Good Times (1974-1979)

As a TV critic, I remember when Good Times first hit the airwaves. It was groundbreaking – one of the earliest comedies to center a Black family. What really stood out, though, wasn’t just the laughs, but the genuine heart. The show beautifully portrayed the everyday struggles and triumphs of James and Florida Evans, and their kids, tackling serious issues with a realness that resonated with audiences.

As a classic TV fan, I always appreciated how Good Times didn’t shy away from real life – things like money worries, trying to find work, and the struggles kids face in school. It could be a pretty heavy show at times, but what really got me was how much that family clearly loved each other. It’s a shame it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, though. It really was a quality sitcom.

All In The Family (1971-1979)

Both Maude and Good Times originally came from the popular show All in the Family, which starred Carroll O’Connor as the unforgettable Archie Bunker. Archie could be difficult to watch because he wasn’t accepting of others, but that was a key part of his personality and how his character developed.

Sally Struthers gained early recognition playing Archie and Edith Bunker’s (Jean Stapleton) kind-hearted daughter on the show. While Archie’s difficult personality can make it hard to watch today, the series remains important for its impact on CBS and television as a whole.

The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)

The Bob Newhart Show, like many CBS sitcoms, was named after its star. The show offers a charming look into the life of therapist Bob Hartley, following both his patients and his family.

While still remembered as a classic CBS comedy, certain storylines haven’t aged well – particularly those involving Bob’s self-deprecating comments about his weight. The show’s handling of mental health issues also feels inadequate by today’s standards.

Matlock (1986-1995)

Andy Griffith is remembered for his fantastic role as Ben Matlock, a truly one-of-a-kind lawyer, and it’s considered one of the greatest TV performances ever. Viewers love watching him because of his enthusiastic dedication to his work, and his charming, quirky personality – like his fondness for hot dogs – makes him even more endearing.

I’ve always loved legal dramas, and shows like Law & Order and Suits really took off after Matlock went off the air. But honestly, this new Matlock reboot with Kathy Bates? It’s incredible! I think it might actually be even more captivating than the original series – she’s just phenomenal in the role.

Designing Women (1986-1993)

This beloved comedy features a fantastic cast – including Annie Potts, Jean Smart, and Delta Burke – and is known for portraying its intelligent and driven characters with dignity.

Watching the ups and downs of life at the interior design firm Sugarbaker & Associates is what made the TV show Designing Women so memorable. While many shows now mix work and personal drama, Designing Women was one of the first to do it.

Magnum PI (1980-1988)

Magnum, P.I. is a truly excellent crime show and helped pioneer the genre. What makes it unique is its Hawaiian setting, which feels different from many modern crime dramas that take place in large cities. It also served as a breakout role for Tom Selleck.

Magnum P.I. was a thrilling CBS series that ran for eight seasons and consistently provided exciting, action-filled episodes. While it’s not talked about as much now, it was hugely popular during its run and remains one of the network’s most memorable shows.

Criminal Minds (2005-2020, 2022-Present)

Despite dealing with dark and unsettling themes that aren’t for everyone, Criminal Minds remains a popular and long-running CBS show. Viewers have enjoyed the series’ clever characters and frightening cases for many years, and it continues today with the new series, Criminal Minds: Evolution, which centers around serial killer Elias Voit, played by Zach Gilford.

CSI (2000-2015)

CSI is a prime example of a show that mastered the ‘case-of-the-week’ formula. Viewers enjoyed the reliable structure of a procedural drama, where familiar characters consistently solved crimes, and CSI always provided compelling and surprising stories.

While it might not be CBS’s biggest hit, and its intense themes aren’t for all viewers – similar to Criminal Minds – this show enjoyed a remarkable 15-year run with consistently strong viewership that deserves recognition.

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)

Before becoming famous on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the actress first appeared on The Dick Van Dyke Show, where she played a colleague of the lead actor. That show centered around the funny life of Rob Petrie, a writer for The Alan Brady Show.

Even though Mary Moore initially played a more traditional role as a wife and mother – a departure from the powerful career women she’d later become known for – her talent shone through, and it’s easy to see why she got her own show soon after. The Dick Van Dyke Show remains a classic and is considered one of the best works by its creator, Carl Reiner, who also brilliantly played the character Alan Brady.

The Good Wife (2009-2016)

CBS showed its ability to create compelling legal dramas with the premiere of The Good Wife. The show features a talented cast including Julianna Margulies, Christine Baranski, and Alan Cumming, and tells the emotional story of Alicia Florrick as she returns to her career in law after focusing on raising her children.

Despite not always getting the most attention compared to other CBS shows, The Good Wife was a remarkably successful series, running for seven strong seasons. Its biggest weakness is arguably the divisive series finale, which left many viewers disappointed. However, for the most part, the show is a clever and exciting watch.

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2025-11-02 18:00