25 Critically Acclaimed TV Shows You Should Finally Stream This Year
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No matter how much TV you watch, you can't watch everything. Nearly every avid TV enthusiast has a few shows they've always wanted to watch, but just haven't found the time. That's why we're making it easy for you by presenting a list of 25 critically acclaimed series, and exactly where you can watch them. Our lineup is solely composed of comedies and dramas that are easily available to watch online (sorry, 24) and have already ended. Some are coming back in reboot form (like Twin Peaks), but to qualify, their original run has to have concluded — that means Arrested Development is out of luck. Take a look below to see what you can cross off your bucket list from the comfort of your own couch.
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The Wire
Seasons: 5
The Wire is perhaps the ultimate "I swear I'll watch this one day" series. It's become a giant joke that everyone wants to watch it, they're just never in the mood for a superheavy crime drama.
Where to watch: HBO Now
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Prison Break
Seasons: 4
One of many shows getting a reboot, Prison Break's original four seasons really do need your attention.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Oz
Seasons: 6
HBO's prison series is a gnarly watch, but there's a reason critics loved it so much.
Where to watch: HBO Now
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Boardwalk Empire
Seasons: 5
Now that it's over, you can take your time catching up with Nucky and his band of mobsters.
Where to watch: HBO Now
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Sons of Anarchy
Seasons: 7
Legions of fans can't be wrong about Sons of Anarchy. It's not too late to get acquainted with the oh-so-sexy Jax Teller.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Friday Night Lights
Seasons: 5
Just get over the fact that this show is going to make you emotional and rip the Band-Aid off already!
Where to watch: Netflix
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The Office
Seasons: 9
Discover the joy of "That's what she said" jokes with Michael Scott, and find out why everyone adores Jim Halpert.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Mad Men
Seasons: 7
The pressure is off to finish Mad Men before the series concluded, so just relax and watch all seven seasons at your own pace.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Seinfeld
Seasons: 9
Seinfeld is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) comedies of all time, and any pop culture guru worth his or her weight needs to see it.
Where to watch: Hulu
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Community
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The X-Files
Seasons: 9
Don't dive into The X-Files reboot without watching the original nine seasons first. They're classic! Well, most of them are. (Season 8? Not so strong.)
Where to watch: Netflix
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The West Wing
Seasons: 7
Aaron Sorkin's political series earned so many Emmys that you should be ashamed that you haven't watched a single episode.
Where to watch: Netflix
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The Shield
Seasons: 7
Need a gritty cop drama in your life? Watch The Shield already, you fool!
Where to watch: Hulu
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Friends
Seasons: 10
If you haven't watched Friends, just get out of here and start watching it right now.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Freaks and Geeks
Seasons: 1
Paul Feig's one-season-long comedy only lasted one season, but that should be enough to get you to tune in.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Twin Peaks
Seasons: 2
If there's one reboot you definitely shouldn't jump into without seeing the first iteration, it's Twin Peaks. Now hop aboard and find out why everyone is still talking about it!
Where to watch: Netflix
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Firefly
Seasons: 1
This little cult series got booted after one season, but Joss Whedon fans will tell you it's a total must see.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Gilmore Girls
Seasons: 7
Missed the boat on Gilmore Girls the first time around? Trust that there's a reason fans and critics are both excited about the reboot.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Breaking Bad
Seasons: 5
Admit it: you're bummed you never got around to this show while it was on the air. You may have missed the fanfare during its final season, but it's not too late!
Where to watch: Netflix