The 10 Best Ever Shows On TNT, Ranked By IMDb

Launched in 1988, TNT has aired numerous TV shows and movies over the years. While its offerings don’t always get to win multiple awards, they are still adored by viewers. Subscribers of the network are currently enjoying dramas such as Claws and Animal Kingdom but there are numerous other series that sent eyeballs to the network.

TNT’s best-ever shows range from legal dramas to procedurals to dystopian dramas. What also makes them brilliant ranges from their production value to their plots, as well as the sold characters in them. And there’s nowhere better to see what fans really adore on the network than on IMDb.

10 The Last Ship (2014 – 2018) – 7.6

In the dystopian drama, the crew of a US Navy ship tries hard to find a cure and save the rest of humanity after a virus destroys 80% of the population. The series is based on William Brinkley’s 1988 novel of the same name.

Multiple elements make The Last Ship a solid show. The visuals are aesthetically pleasing, with the action sequences being so good they resemble big-budget Hollywood blockbusters. The tension is artfully maintained too. Even when one problem is solved, another immediately pops up with higher stakes. The quality never wavers dramatically either, allowing audiences to confidently keep watching season after season.

9 Franklin & Bash (2011 – 2014) – 7.6

In the comedic drama, two lawyers, who also happen to be lifelong friends, are recruited into a major law firm. However, their method of solving cases proves to be quite unconventional.

Franklin & Bash stands out in a number of ways. First, it eliminates the tension that tends to be present in most of the best TV legal dramas by making almost every scene funny. Second, there is plenty of chemistry between the two leads. Audiences can’t help but be entertained at how the duo remains unperturbed even when their own reputation is on the line. It’s the carefree and unapologetic attitude that mostly works for the show.

8 Saving Grace (2007 – 2010) – 7.6

A promiscuous detective from Oklahoma experiences a spiritual awakening when she hits a pedestrian one night. An angel appears to her, urging her to change her ways but that’s not something she’s quite ready to do.

The beauty of Saving Grace is how it explores themes of faith without making the narrative an overly religious one. Despite the frequent discussions about good and evil, the crime drama still strives to keep viewers entertained with outstanding police work. The cinematography is impressive too, with viewers constantly being served shots of great landmarks such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial and the bucolic setting of the American heartland.

7 Rizzoli & Isles (2010 – 2016) – 7.6

Rizzoli & Isles follows a homicide detective and medical examiner as they work hard to solve cases in Boston. The series is based on Tess Gerritsen’s popular novels and successfully interweaves the police procedural genre with a female-centric drama that doesn’t trivialize its main protagonists.

Part of the reason why Rizzoli & Isles is one of the best crime shows based on novels is that it keeps the viewers guessing. For example, it’s constantly hinted that there is sexual tension between the two leads but this is never confirmed. Medical examiners also tend to be treated as minor characters in most crime dramas and procedurals but the show distinguishes itself by making its examiner as influential as the cop.

6 Major Crimes – 7.7

The LAPD Major Crimes Unit works around the clock to solve major cases around Los Angeles. The police procedural series is a spinoff of The Closer, another popular TNT drama that ran for 7 seasons from 2005 to 2012.

Major Crimes could be debated upon as being one of the TV spinoffs that are better than the original. It brilliantly blends tragic moments with comical ones, giving audiences the opportunity to hop between emotions from scene to scene. And even though it’s set in the same station as the original, it differentiates itself by mostly incorporating serious themes and taking an aggressive rather than laid-back approach.

5 Men Of A Certain Age – 8.0

Three former college friends who are now in their late 40s have come to the realization that they still haven’t achieved most of their dreams. Still, they choose to live life positively and support each other in times of personal and professional crisis.

Meant to trigger laughs, Men Of A Certain Age serves another purpose even better, and that is showing how challenging life for middle-aged adults is in the 21st century. From parenthood struggles to failing careers, there is no shortage of things that the three main characters in the series have to deal with every single day. What makes the show work is the realistic writing and superb lead performances by Ray Romano, Scott Bakula, and Andre Braugher, all of whom make their characters complex and relatable at the same time.

4 Saved (2006) – 8.0

The medical drama Saved follows a young paramedic who is trying hard to save lives in Portland. Underneath his composure lies a gambling addiction he can’t get rid of and a messy personal life that he just can’t seem to improve.

Many of the best medical TV dramas tend to gloss over the backstories of patients and simply focus on the emergency at hand but Saved perfectly examines all the relevant history, no matter how painful it is.  The portrayal of the main character as someone who isn’t perfect also works well. He does his best to save so many lives yet he can’t save himself from his own inner demons.

3 Good Behavior (2016 – 2017) – 8.1

A recently paroled woman works hard to be in her son’s life once again. However, she soon finds herself having to deal with a contract killer when she overhears things she shouldn’t have.

Good Behavior reemphasizes the fact that fate isn’t always in someone’s hands. As much as the main character tries hard to leave a decent life, she finds herself caught up in situations she’d rather avoid. The show’s cancellation came as a surprise since it had had also received rave reviews from critics and is highly ranked among IMDb voters.

2 Animal Kingdom – 8.2

In the television adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2010 Australian film Animal Kingdom, a teenager is forced to live with his grandmother after the death of his mother. Even so, his life takes a dark turn when he gets sucked into the deep criminal activities of his cousins.

While the show’s title might cause potential viewers to wrongfully dismiss it as wildlife-related drama, it’s indeed clever. Those who invest their time are guaranteed to not be disappointed as there are multiple twists and turns to keep everyone glued. Some of the arcs are predictable but that doesn’t make them any less entertaining.

1 Babylon 5 (1993 – 1997) – 8.3

The space opera follows humans and aliens at a neutral station that acts as a center for inter-galactic interactions. According to Deadline, there are currently plans for a reboot that is set to air on the CW.

Proof of the show’s brilliance is evident from the multiple awards it accumulated throughout its run with a total of 6 Emmy nominations. Additionally, the CGI is outstanding for a show set in the early ’90s. And unlike most offerings in the era which resolved plots quickly, Babylon 5 takes its time in crafting its long-form narratives that span multiple episodes and, at times, several seasons as well.

About The Author

Philip Etemesi
(1213 Articles Published)

Philip Etemesi is an author, journalist, screenwriter and film critic based in Nairobi. Kenya. As a child, he preferred watching movies like The Goodfellas instead of Home Alone. His girlfriend constantly has to pull him from the front of the TV but he just keeps returning. Stubborn dude! An animal lover, Philip also has a pet giraffe called Refu.

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