25 TV Seasons That Got 100% Score on Rotten Tomatoes
With many of the all-time best television shows airing in recent years, many critics consider this to be a golden age for the small screen.
Streaming services' continued ascendency, combined with ever bigger budgets and dramatic ambitions, suggest the art of TV will keep riding high for a while yet.
Critic aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has rounded-up the TV show seasons with perfect 100 percent Tomatometer scores, described by the site as "the world's most trusted recommendation resources for quality entertainment."
Read on to discover whether your favorite TV show season features on Rotten Tomatoes' 100 percent Certified Fresh list.
1. 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
Season 1 (2021)
Apple TV+
This docuseries marks a year of musical innovation and rebirth fuelled by the era's turbulent political and cultural upheaval.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "It covers familiar ground, but with a feast of rare footage and a clear affection for its subject 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything is as edifying as it is entertaining."
2. 24
Season 5 (2006)
Fox
Soon after former President David Palmer is assassinated, Jack Bauer returns to L.A.'s counter-terrorist unit to uncover the conspiracy.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "24 defies the law of diminishing returns with a spectacular fifth season that features White House intrigue, some of the most harrowing set-pieces in the series yet, and a heroically committed performance by Kiefer Sutherland."
3. American Crime
Season 3 (2015)
ABC
This season's subtle story is set in North Carolina against the backdrop of crop-picking businesses and a subplot concerning sex workers in the community.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "American Crime offers a unique anthology series filled with surprising revelations and compelling inter-connected narratives that opt for original, emotional human commentary instead of tired arguments over current events."
4. The Americans
Season 3 (2013)
FX
The spy couple is forced to juggle keeping Stinger missiles out of the hands of Afghanistan's military with the KGB's demand to recruit their daughter.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Family-driven drama and psychological themes propel The Americans' tautly drawn tension, dispensing thrills of a different ilk this season."
5. America To Me
Season 1 (2018)
Starz
This unscripted documentary explores an academic year at one of America's highest-performing and diverse public schools.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "America to Me confronts hard questions through candid moments in a Chicago high school, crafting an exploration of race and class relations in America that is as insightful as it is inspiring."
Stream on Starz
6. Arrested Development
Season 1 (2003)
Netflix, Hulu
A man leads his eccentric family members and their real-estate-development company following a securities fraud scandal.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Arrested Development puts an ambitiously complex, brilliantly fast-paced spin on dysfunctional family comedy, anchored by the efforts of a tremendously talented ensemble."
Stream on Hulu
7. Babylon Berlin
Season 1 (2017)
Netflix
A police inspector discovers dark secrets during his investigation of a highly confidential pornography cartel.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Babylon Berlin's humor and humanity pair nicely with its hypnotic visuals, resulting in a show that dazzles within its oversaturated genre."
8. The Baby-Sitters Club
Season 1 (2020)
Netflix
This drama follows a group of teen girlfriends deciding to grow their homegrown babysitting business.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Sweet, sincere, and full of hope, The Baby-Sitters Club's grounded approach honors its source material while updating the story for a new generation."
9. Back
Season 1 (2017)
AMC
A man is set to inherit the family business after his father's death, but his plans are threatened with the arrival of a mysterious stranger.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Intriguing, intelligent, and dripping with searing social satire, Back proves a welcome return for collaborators David Mitchell and Robert Webb."
10. Back to Life
Season 1 (2019)
Fubo, Direct TV
A woman returns to her small town after spending a decade in jail for a crime committed in her teens.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Driven by the marvelous Daisy Haggard, Back to Life questions what it means to be a person with humor, heart, and a genuine sense of surprise."
Stream on Fubo
11. Barry
Season 2 (2019)
HBO, Direct TV
The titular protagonist attempts to leave the world of contract killing behind and concentrate fully on acting.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Barry follows up a pitch-perfect debut with a second season that balances darkness with comedy while steering clear of antihero overindulgence."
12. Bates Motel
Season 5 (2017)
Peacock
Norman Bates' life spirals into chaos as his madness grows, while his mother desperately tries to help.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Bates Motel's final season brings the franchise full circle, with a satisfyingly creepy conclusion to the trials and tribulations of Norman Bates."
Stream on Peacock
13. Battlestar Galactica
Season 3 (2006)
Peacock
An election's aftermath coincides with the discovery of the habitable planet called New Caprica.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Dark, charming and unusually thoughtful, Battlestar Galactica's third season continues to improve on the show's most addictive elements."
Stream on Peacock
14. Better Things
Season 3 & 4 (2019)
FX
A single mother and actress battles to raise her three daughters while caring for her mother in L.A.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Pamela Adlon fully asserts her authorial voice over Better Things in a triumphant third season that examines the exhaustion of motherhood with exhilarating artistry."
For season 4, it adds: "Sharp and singular, Better Things just keeps getting better."
15. Big Mouth
Season 1 & 2 (2017)
Netflix
This animated comedy series documents a boy discovering first hand the drama and pains of leaving his childhood behind.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Big Mouth's simplistic animation and scatalogical humor belie its finely sketched characters and smart, empathetic approach to the messiness of adolescence."
For season 2, it states: "Poignantly repulsive, Big Mouth continues to confront the awkwardness of adolescence with foul-mouthed glee and an added layer of maturity."
16. A Black Lady Sketch Show
Season 1 (2019)
HBO Max, Direct TV
This comedy sketch show featuring a core cast of black women and celebrity guests drew wide praise for its range of hilarious characters.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Singular, subversive, and simply hilarious, A Black Lady Sketch Show finds universal humor in specific spaces to craft quick-witted sketches that perfectly showcase Robin Thede and her talented cast."
17. Blindspotting
Season 1 (2021)
Starz
A police shooting puts the relationship between a man on probation and his volatile best friend under strain.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "The rare adaptation that exceeds its source material, Blindspotting deftly takes on complicated social constructs with comedic flair, crafting a show that's as funny as it is poignant while giving its incredible ensemble—led by the captivating Jasmine Cephas Jones—plenty of room to shine."
Stream on Starz
18. BoJack Horseman
Season 2 & 3 (2014)
Netflix
Humanoid horse BoJack Horseman decides it is time for an acting comeback, but must first tackle his self-loathing and alcohol dependency.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Bojack Horseman truly comes into its own during season two, maturing into an ambitious comedy that sensitively blends wackiness with dark, nuanced drama.
Of season 3, it says: "Skillfully puncturing the idea of celebrity and our culture's bizarre obsession with it, BoJack Horseman's third season continues its streak as one of the funniest and most heartbreaking shows on television."
19. Breaking Bad
Season 3 & 4 (2010)
Netflix, Direct TV
A chemistry teacher discovers he has terminal cancer and decides to enter the meth-making business with his former student to repay mounting medical debts.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Breaking Bad's well-toned storytelling flares up this season with dramatic story changes and calculated direction."
For season 4, it states: "Breaking Bad's fourth season continues to evolve and subvert expectations, and it's never been more riveting to watch."
20. Broad City
Season 2, 3, 4 & 5
Paramount
Two best female friends struggle with their low-paid jobs while balancing their busy love lives in New York.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Led by two of the funniest women on TV, Broad City uses its stars' vibrant chemistry to lend an element of authenticity to the show's chaotic yet enlightening brand of comedy."
For season 3, it states: "Broad City returns with another strong season of Jacobson and Glazer's hilarious outlook on the struggles of NYC life."
Of season 4, it says: "Pizza and weird are always in season for Abbi and Ilana in their fourth, wintery year of Broad City's weed-infused escapades."
And for season 5: "Glazer and Jacobson give the people exactly what they want in Broad City's final season—relatable content, questionable intimacy, and ingenious escapades through the glorious squalor of IRL NYC."
21. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Season 6
Hulu, Peacock, Fubo
This comedy series follows the misadventures of an inept New York Police Department as they attempt to solve crime and catch criminals.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Following a period of uncertainty and a shift to NBC, Brooklyn Nine-Nine reemerges with its cast and tone wholly intact."
Stream on Fubo
22. Fargo
Season 2 (2014)
Hulu, Direct TV
A young couple in a small town attempts to cover up the hit and run death of a crime family's child.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Season two of Fargo retains all the elements that made the series an award-winning hit, successfully delivering another stellar saga powered by fascinating characters, cheeky cynicism, and just a touch of the absurd."
Stream on Hulu
23. Homeland
Season 1 (2011)
Hulu, Fubo, Direct TV
An erratic CIA operative begins to suspect an American hostage of having joined forces with Al-Qaeda.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Homeland is an addictive, politically resonant spy thriller and compelling character study that benefits from superb performances."
Stream on Fubo
24. The Larry Sanders Show
Season 1 (1992)
HBO Max, Direct TV
Late-night talk show host Larry Sanders and his production staff face daily drama as they race to bring the show to air every night.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "The genre-bending satire of The Larry Sanders Show gives viewers a surreal look at the inner workings of late-night television."
25. The Wire
Season 3 & 4 (2002)
HBO Max, Direct TV
When infamous public housing towers are knocked down, local drug dealers are forced to look for a new home on the streets of West Baltimore.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "In its third season, The Wire's taut, unflinching examination of Baltimore expands from the criminal underworld to the top of the political machine."
It adds: "Season 4 Realistically flawed characters in harrowing, uncompromising circumstances, along with engrossing storytelling, make The Wire one of TV's top dramas of its time."
