Most Influential Shows of All Time
 

kinda like the TV Guide list but separating influence from being a good show. A couple that I think a lot of people might not list are

Real World - it was the first modern reality show

Who wants to be a Millionaire - started the recent prime time game show craze. Also, its left ABC in its current troubles and will shape ABC for years to come.

Don't forget Real Life, the PBS show from the early '70s. Mtv basically lifted that premise for the Real World.

I'd say "All in the Family" really pushed the envelope as far as what could or couldn't be discussed on prime time television.

It's difficult to say. Where do you draw the line of "influential?" I'd suggest that the most influential shows of all time are shows that most people have never seen or heard of. Countless forgotten shows inspired <I>The Honeymooners</I> and <I>I Love Lucy</I>, which ended up defining the sit-com genre. <I>All in the Family</I> would never have come to pass without <I>Till Death Do Us Part</I>. As much as I love American television, many of our best (and worst) ideas were lifted from daring Brittish shows (including <I>Millionaire</I>).

das

Re: Most Influential Shows of All Time
 

I think Cops predated RW.

The Simpsons paved the way for a number of surrealistic comedies, both animated and not.

Although the show itself was a failure, Herman's Head spawned a number of knock-offs, including Ally McBeal, Bernie Mac, and Andy Richter.

I Love Lucy
All in the Family
The Honeymooners
Babylon 5
Star Trek
Seasame Street (sp?)
Monty Python

This is all that comes to mind at the moment.

Miami Vice was certainly influential.

The Cosby Show

For obvious reasons

From the other thread:

The top-10 most influential in no particular order IMHO:

The Honeymooners
All in the Family
Hill Street Blues
Star Trek
Mary Tyler Moore
Dallas
The Simpsons
Seinfeld
I Love Lucy
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson

C'mon, <b>Seinfeld</b> basically ruined TV sitcoms for the past 10 years as they all tried to copy it.

I can't believe no one has mentioned Twin Peaks yet...a show whose influence so far exceeded its commercial life it's almost absurd.