20 Best TV-MA Shows of All Time

While network shows tend to stick to a family-friendly formula for the most part, cable and streaming have paved the way for a new age of provocative television. From gritty crime dramas to boundary-pushing comedies, the small screen is now home to some of the boldest, unapologetic, and most controversial storytelling.

For the uninitiated, TV ratings were introduced in 1997 to provide guidance on shows’ content and suitability for various age groups. TV-MA signals a program intended for mature audiences, ie. age 17 and above, as it may contain graphic violence, explicit scenes, and strong language. It is television’s equivalent of an R-rated movie.

Interestingly enough, the very first title to ever earn this designation was Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. Despite being a movie, it was first released on TV back in 1997. Its uncensored and unflinching portrayal of the Holocaust earned it a TV-MA rating.

With so many outrageous and striking shows crowding the television industry, narrowing down the “best of the best” is no easy task. After scouring hundreds of genuinely amazing TV-MA shows, we have selected 20 that consistently push creative boundaries, are diverse in genre, and have captivated audiences for years.

20 BoJack Horseman (2014 – 2020)

Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals co-exist, BoJack Horseman follows the adventures of a washed-up sitcom star longing for his glorious days of the past. BoJack was once the star of a hit ‘90s sitcom, but he now spends his days drinking his sorrows away and lamenting his status in Los Angeles. Trying to make a comeback with the help of a ghostwriter named Diane Nguyen, he navigates unhealthy relationships and a troubled frame of mind.

Offers an Insight Into Human Turmoil

An offbeat cartoon satire that uses masterfully crafted animation to cloak the deepest and darkest corners of the human condition, BoJack Horseman is a benchmark for animated storytelling. Always delicate in dealing with issues of depression, alcoholism, self-destructive behavior, sexuality, failure, and lost potential, it leaves you wondering just how real and balanced the six seasons are. Aaron Paul and Alison Brie’s stunning vocal work brings maturity and nuance to the comedy drama.

19 American Horror Story (2011 – Present)

Among horror television, American Horror Story is one of the longest-running series. Most of the seasons are self-contained miniseries that feature different characters and storylines set within the same universe. The first season, “Murder House,” takes place in California and follows a family that’s recently moved into a haunted mansion.

Subsequent seasons center around nightclub-singer-turned-nun killing patients of an asylum, a coven of witches dealing with their enemies, a summer camp opening up after a massacre, and so on.

Creates an Atmosphere of Fear and Unease

Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for FX, this anthology is connected through genre and interwoven timelines. Its unapologetic and graphic depiction of violence, disturbing imagery, and exploration of society’s darkest secrets challenges pre-established notions of what horror on TV can be.

American Horror Story pushes the TV-MA label to its limits with style and substance. Most of its seasons have been critically acclaimed for the outrageous themes and shocking conclusions, making AHS a must-watch.

18 The Larry Sanders Show (1992 – 1998)

The Larry Sanders Show takes us behind the scenes of a fictional late-night talk show and lifts the curtains on all the dysfunction and chaos that occurs in order to get a live half-hour comedy on air evening after evening. Led by Garry Shandling’s host and accompanied by Jeffrey Tambor as his sidekick and booker, and Rip Torn as the show’s producer, Arthur, the series also features bigger stars from Hollywood playing either themselves or parodied versions of themselves.

A Satire That Was Ahead of Its Time

Late-night talk shows usually incorporate family-friendly humor into their episodes, but The Larry Sanders Show does not hold back on profanity while skewering television studio politics and celebrity culture. Inspired by Shandling’s own background in stand-up comedy and his experience as a guest host on The Tonight Show, the series uses a faux-documentary format and unconventional storytelling to push boundaries and deliver a mix of clever and cringe comedy.

17 The Boys (2019 – Present)

A huge hit with fans of the superhero genre, The Boys is set in a world where super-powered individuals are treated as A-list celebrities and managed by Vought International, a powerful corporation. After a member of The Seven, Vought’s team of Supes, accidentally murders an innocent woman, a group of vigilantes forms the titular team and go on a crusade against the corrupt corporation and America’s favorite superheroes.

Anarchic Deconstruction of Superhero Tropes

Developed by Eric Kripke from the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys earns its mature rating because of the graphic violence and politically charged cynicism.

Beyond the visceral gore and the phenomenal use of VFX, the series also calls out toxic fandom culture and corruption of power through an irreverent tone and relentless subversion of tropes. Karl Urban and Antony Starr are brilliant as rivals; their morally gray, dark, and disturbing characters never cease to entertain.

16 Peacemaker (2022 – Present)

Speaking of superhero satire, Peacemaker is next on the list. A spin-off of 2021’s The Suicide Squad and set after the events of the movie, it follows Christopher Smith / Peacemaker recovering from his injuries and joining a black ops team on a top-secret mission that will test the limits of his convoluted principles. Using his own toxic ignorance and narcissism, Peacemaker clashes with parasitic butterfly-like aliens who have taken over human bodies.

Over-The-Top Action Meets Over-The-Top Comedy

John Cena reprises his role as the jingoistic mercenary with an absurd costume and questionable morals. He is superbly cast against type as the hero viewers love to hate. Under James Gunn’s direction, the R-rated antics of the series are always just one joke away from a facepalm. Yet, beneath the unhinged exterior, Peacemaker offers insight into themes of redemption and toxic masculinity. The first season also has a surprising emotional depth that critics and fans loved.

15 Deadwood (2004 – 2006)

In the lawless camp of Deadwood, South Dakota, ambitious men flock to strike gold and fulfill their dreams. But real fortune strikes when the town transforms into a hub of commerce and vice.

The series centers around former Sheriff Seth Bullock and his infamous gunslinging friend and business partner, Sol Star, as they wield influence over the lawless community. They use greed and corruption to deal with shifting alliances, fight rival gangs, and exact total control in a camp hurtling towards growth.

Deadwood’s Attention to Detail Is Unmatched

Lauded immensely for its writing and performances, Deadwood is among HBO’s most celebrated shows. It is gritty and realistic, and it embraces the vulgar, violent, and visceral nature of mankind when it is left unrestrained. The series is created, written, and produced by David Milch, who uses poetry and wit to stitch a rough tapestry of frontier mortality. Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane lead the series; their characters offering profound insights into social order and statehood.

14 The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

Headed by James Gandolfini, The Sopranos is a crime series that kickstarted the Second Golden Age of Television. It tells the story of Tony Soprano, who balances the pressures of running a crime family in New Jersey with the anxieties of everyday life. As mob boss and family man, he often steps into his psychiatrist’s office to seek help managing his panic attacks. Meanwhile, Tony juggles relations with his business partners, overbearing mother, and romantic interests.

A Gangster Epic That Redefined the Genre

With a complex anti-hero at the center of domestic tension, lurid drama, and criminal workings, The Sopranos ended up dominating pop culture for almost a decade. It is well-written, with sharp dialogue and taut pacing still feeling indelible, features vivid and complex characters, and makes important commentary on the relatable demons of male identity. Violence and deeper themes like generational dysfunction and America’s love-hate relationship with crime lords earn it a mature rating.

13 South Park (1997 – Present)

When it comes to adult animated shows, few are as edgy and enduring as South Park. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it follows Stan, Kyle, Eric and Kenny, as well as other residents of South Park, Colorado, in their outrageous school adventures, which often turn into misadventures. From skewering current events to dealing with supernatural occurrences, no target is off limits for the boys.

A Fever Dream of Crass Comedy

Consistently ranking among the most provocative shows on television, South Park pushes comedy to its extremes with taboo topics, excessive use of profanity, and animated violence that shook audiences in its early days. However, even when the offensive and unapologetic satire persists, the social commentary is always on point and hard-hitting.

The series has lasted 26 seasons and is still ongoing. While its cult status is already assured, South Park continues to win awards and surprise fans.

12 Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

Breaking Bad centers around Walter White, a down-on-his-luck chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal illness and is wary of the future. He turns to cooking meth to secure his family’s finances by partnering up with a former student, Jesse Pinkman. But as business grows, so does Walter’s ego and paranoia. And soon, he finds himself plunged into a dangerous underworld; now the leader of a lethal criminal empire.

Features a Morally Ambiguous Anti-Hero

Bryan Cranston is nothing if not an icon, whose character’s inner darkness drives him to destructive ends. Crafted with immense care and patience by Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad is a propulsive crime saga that is part thriller, part character study. Its unflinching narratives, depiction of violence, and intense confrontations earned every ounce of its mature rating. The series, which lasted five seasons and a spin-off, is also filled with plot twists and unexpected revelations.

11 Shameless (2011 – 2021)

Set against the backdrop of the impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhood of Chicago, Shameless follows the dysfunctional Gallagher clan. With alcoholic patriarch Frank always being MIA, eldest sibling Fiona goes her best to care for her five younger siblings, even though her efforts often backfire. As the children grow into their own, they deal with endless crimes, petty offenses, Frank’s chaotic returns, unpaid bills, and a revolving door of romance.

Slice of Life Seen Through a Raucous Lens

William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum anchor an impressive ensemble by playing the likable degenerates living on the edge of society. Their raw and unsophisticated struggles captivate audiences and the series also tackles timely issues with drama and humor. Dark, urban, and creative, the Showtime drama flourishes without any restrictions, addressing both the messiness of family life and the harsh truths of growing up without privilege.

10 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005 – Present)

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia takes you to South Philly and introduces you to Charlie Kelly, Ronald “Mac” McDonald, and Dennis Reynolds, who co-own Paddy’s Pub, which is an unsuccessful Irish bar where they hatch half-baked schemes and constantly conspire against strangers and each other.

Joining the mayhem is Dennis’s sister, Dee, a struggling actress who works as a waitress at the bar, and an eccentric millionaire named Frank Reynolds. Known as “The Gang,” these five co-dependant adults flesh humor out of their narcissistic, greedy, and borderline sociopathic actions.

Cringe Comedy at Its Finest

The longest-running American live-action sitcom, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, is a relentless and ambitious series that pushes boundaries to elicit shock and laughter in equal proportions.

Episodes usually center around The Gang getting into outrageous situations like pretending to be disabled or impersonating police officers, from setting an apartment on fire to creating a cult. Their devil-may-care attitude is as appalling as it is arresting, making the series the most dark and groundbreaking one on television.

9 Sex Education (2019 – 2023)

Created by Laurie Nunn, Sex Education is a teen sex comedy drama that follows the lives of teenagers and adults in a fictional town of Moordale. At the center is Otis Milburn, a socially awkward high school student who runs a sex advice clinic to help his fellow students with their problems. With assistance from the rebellious Maeve, Otis dispenses his wisdom, which he gained from his mother.

As seasons pass, the relationships grow complex, and the characters come of age in the most hilarious and dramatic ways.

An Anthem of Self-Discovery

Sex Education is a smart and inclusive drama rendered thoughtfully through the eyes of relatable teenagers. The authentic portrayal of teenage struggles and their sexuality evokes both empathy and laughter. The artfully written seasons tackle every issue sensitively while also offering escapism. Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson lead a brilliant ensemble that only grows more intimate and poignant with time, eventually leading to a bittersweet finale.

8 Dexter (2006 – 2013)

The protagonist of this crime drama, Dexter Morgan, leads a double life. He seems like your typical blood spatter analyst working diligently for the Miami police department during the day, but his true self comes out at night, when he channels his clever and meticulous serial killer persona. Caged by his homicidal urges ever since he was a child, Dexter finds an escape in carefully hunting down and killing criminals who have slipped through the cracks of the justice system.

A Thought-Provoking Examination of Morality

Over the course of eight seasons, we see Dexter’s dual existence put to the ultimate test as he finds it challenging to keep up appearances and contain his ruthless and shadowy acts of violence.

Led by a phenomenal performance from Michael C. Hall, who brings unbelievable nuance to Jeff Lindsay’s character, Dexter pushes boundaries from the very first episode. Dark and wicked, it creates an atmosphere that’s unpredictable. It combines dark humor and brutal action in a way few other TV shows do.

7 Sons of Anarchy (2008 – 2014)

Developed by Kurt Sutter, this FX series stars Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller, the vice president of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, and the way his life spirals after he finds a manifesto written by his late father.

Sons of Anarchy is set in the small fictional town of Charming, and it explores several criminal elements while stressing the fact that there are no easy answers or solutions to life. It also sees the main characters navigating government corruption, societal problems, and racism.

In the Town of Charming, Family Comes First

Sons of Anarchy thrilled audiences with its gritty and raw depiction of brotherhood, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption within an outlaw biker gang. Under Hunnam’s magnetic lead, the story advanced at the perfect pace.

The interwoven criminal operations and Shakespearean family dynamics create a drama like no other. Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, and Ron Perlman deliver career-best performances as well. The show gets its mature rating due to the visceral action scenes and messy moral battles.

6 Euphoria (2019 – Present)

Based on Ron Leshem’s Israeli limited series of the same name, Euphoria is led by Zendaya’s Rue Bennett, a teenager who returns home from rehab with no plans to stay clean. As she struggles with her sobriety, Rue also becomes entangled in the lives of her high school substance.

The backdrop of East Highland, California, becomes a landscape of substance abuse, anxiety, body image, and trauma as the show takes an honest and straightforward approach towards several pressing issues.

Sparks Discussion With Its Raw Portrayals

As soon as Euphoria premiered on HBO, it garnered widespread critical acclaim for its bold direction, boundary-pushing visuals, and deft handling of mature subject matter. Zendaya’s vulnerable yet defiant performance as Rue anchored a story that was innovative, surreal, and naturalistic.

Other cast members include Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney, who deliver startlingly real performances and stay devoted to portraying the messy reality of being a teenager.

5 Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 – 2024)

Larry David plays a fictionalized version of himself in this improvised comedy series. He is a stubborn and irritable man who always finds himself in awkward social predicaments. From arguing trivial details at the office to drawing the ire of total strangers, Larry’s inability to let go of minor grievances and brutally honest nature alienates all around him. And yet, his misadventures are a stroke of comedic genius.

Entertaining and Meaningful

Curb Your Enthusiasm is shot in a mockumentary format, which allows the cast and crew to riff on scenarios in real time. The heightened improvisation makes the episodes more hilarious. Leff Garlin, Susie Essman, and Cheryl Hines lend outstanding support to Larry’s main character and often serve as a voice of reason. The controversial storylines and obsessive attention to detail have made Curb Your Enthusiasm a peerless comedy.

4 Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

A record-breaking HBO drama, Game of Thrones is set on the continent of Westeros, where nine noble families battle for control of the Seven Kingdoms. From the Starks of Winterfell and Lannisters of Casterly Rock to the land beyond the Narrow Sea, the realms are locked in a power struggle that goes way back. Amidst all the bloodshed, as seasons change from summer to winter, a new threat rises beyond Westeros’s northern border.

A Story That Raised the Bar for Television

Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss deftly adapted George R.R. Martin’s best-selling novels and elevated the fantasy genre to new heights. The show got its mature designation due to the depiction of violence, torture, and explicit content.

Beyond that, it subverted genre tropes by offering a mosaic of interwoven perspectives glued with spellbinding VFX, costumes, and production design. Save for its polarizing final season, Game of Thrones defined a generation of small-screen storytelling.

3 The Last of Us (2023 – Present)

Video game adaptations have grown increasingly popular recently and The Last of Us is one of the more successful ones. Set in a post-apocalyptic America, twenty years after a pandemic caused by a mass fungal infection transformed people into zombie-like creatures, it follows Joel, a hardened survivor, who is tasked with smuggling Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. Through their harrowing trip, Joel and Ellie’s relationship evolves and they face dangerous threats together.

Marks a New Era for Television

The Last of Us authentically transports its audiences to a bleak and ravaged world originally created by Naughty Dog. Through phenomenal performances by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey and the sharp direction of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, every step of Joel and Ellie’s journey seems like a visceral, lived-in experience.

The series was praised for its graphics, creature design, and the unsettling, nightmarish production. Easily one of the boldest and most imaginative adaptations ever made.

2 Black Mirror (2011 – Present)

An anthology series that taps into our collective fears about modern technology, Black Mirror presents the bleakest, most disturbing tales of caution about how technology may change our humanity. Each episode is a stand-alone chapter set in a different realm. Regardless of the slight variations in tone and portrayals of contemporary society, the series’ heart lies in revealing the dark potential of cutting-edge technology if it is taken to its extreme.

Feels All Too Close to Reality

A series that creates a perspective that’s so plausible it creeps under your skin and makes you want to jump out of it, Black Mirror is somewhat prophetic in its predictions of where technology might drive us in the near future.

Inspired by The Twilight Zone and created by Charlie Brooker, it consistently strips the picture-perfect facade of society bare. No other show delivers stories that breed paranoia within us and broaden our perspective at the same time as Black Mirror. A rare work on streaming that is hard to look away from.

1 The Wire (2002 – 2008)

HBO’s better-known flagship crime drama series, The Wire, transports you to the city of Baltimore. It is told over five seasons through the eyes of Detective James McNulty and his team, who try to investigate, solve, and contain the war on drugs that is affecting all levels of society.

From dealers and traffickers to law enforcement and political figures, no person is spared from the strings being pulled on the streets. Each season also focuses on a particular institution of the city and offers a glimpse into modern life in America.

A Landmark Show That Deserves Nothing but Praise

The Wire remains the gold standard for long-form storytelling on television. Created by David Simon, it is a sprawling, dense, and extremely realistic character study of an American city buried deep in systemic decay. The series also delivers scathing social commentary with its impeccable writing and direction. Critics consistently showered admiration season after season as the show established itself as one of the smartest and most honest representations of the real world.