Game of Thrones (Seasons 1–4)

The first four seasons of HBO's adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire redefined television storytelling. No show had ever combined this level of production value, narrative complexity, and willingness to kill major characters without warning. The Red Wedding (S3E9) is the most shocking hour of television ever broadcast. At its peak, Game of Thrones was the most-watched show in the world and generated genuine cultural moments every Sunday night.