Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Game of Thrones redefined epic television with its sprawling narrative and staggering production scale, amassing a record 59 Emmy Awards, more than any drama in history. The series peaked with its fifth season, drawing an average of 18.4 million viewers per episode across platforms, surpassing the viewership of #6 Mad Men by nearly 15 million. Its cultural impact includes being the most-pirated show for four consecutive years, and its 2019 finale garnered 19.3 million live viewers, a figure 30% higher than the typical season finale of its closest fantasy rival.