September 2026 New York Times ranking of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century landed without The Sopranos. The omission sparked immediate debate. Breaking Bad, The Wire and Mad Men remained in the top tier. Atlanta entered the top ten. Reports of internal reviewer discussion about representation followed publication. The controversy is about criteria more than taste.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why was The Sopranos omitted from the NY Times 100 best TV shows list?
- A: The Sopranos was left out of the September 2026 NY Times ranking, sparking debate. Reports point to internal reviewer discussion about representation and diversity criteria.
- Q: Which shows remained in the top tier of the NY Times list?
- A: Breaking Bad, The Wire and Mad Men remained in the top tier, while Atlanta entered the top ten in the 2026 ranking.
- Q: Is the controversy about taste or criteria?
- A: The controversy centers on the selection criteria and internal review process, particularly around representation, rather than pure taste.