8 Best Fox TV Series That Set the Standard for Primetime Television, Ranked by IMDb
From witty sitcoms to tense thrillers and sci-fi epics.
Since its founding in 1986 by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Fox has quickly become one of the most popular Big Four American television networks.
Over the decades, Fox has presented viewers with many projects that have become milestones in TV history.
8. 'Beverly Hills, 90210', 1990-2000
IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Beverly Hills, 90210 begins with an introduction to the privileged youth of Beverly Hills, seen through the eyes of two new students, Brenda and Brandon Walsh, who have just moved from Minnesota.
There, they meet their new classmates: Kelly, Steve, Donna, and Dylan.
The Walshes leave their small-town lives behind and immerse themselves in the world of privileged youth, falling in love, fighting, and growing up alongside them.
7. 'The O.C.', 2003-2007
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Shortly before creating the legendary Gossip Girl, producer Josh Schwartz captivated viewers with another series about California's elite: The O.C. Pro bono public defender Sandy Cohen returns home from a case with a surprise: a lonely teenager named Ryan.
Sandy believes that Ryan is a good person who needs help escaping his criminal past. His wife is less than enthusiastic about the idea, but Ryan becomes the first true friend to their son, Seth.
A boy from a poor neighborhood gradually integrates into California's elite society, whose facade of prosperity conceals lies, betrayals, and infidelity.
6. 'New Girl', 2011-2018
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
Jessica is a schoolteacher who sees the world through rose-colored glasses – she is open and empathetic, yet unlucky in love. One day, she discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her.
Hurriedly, she answers the first roommate ad she finds and moves into a loft with three guys. The guys are initially skeptical of her, but she soon begins to positively influence their lives, in turn, they teach her resilience and self-confidence.
The sitcom aired on Fox for seven years, maintaining high ratings throughout its run and receiving multiple prestigious award nominations.
5. 'Gotham', 2014-2019
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
James Gordon, a former military man, moves to Gotham City and becomes a detective. Everyone, from his new partner to the underworld underbosses, considers him a naive youth who should either leave or adapt to the city's criminal lifestyle.
However, Gordon is determined to take down ordinary criminals and corruption. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne, orphaned as a child, transforms from a frightened boy into a superhero.
The story was originally conceived as a tale of the rise of two famous heroes – Batman and Commissioner James Gordon. As audience interest grew, more iconic characters were added to the plot, from Catwoman to the Joker.
4. 'Lie to Me', 2009-2011
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Paul Ekman, a psychology professor at the University of California, was a leading expert on deception theory. He spent over 30 years studying the behavior and facial expressions of people attempting to lie.
He has written several renowned scientific papers and books, some of which inspired the creation of the television series. Ekman inspired the main character of Lie to Me and served as a consultant on the project.
3. 'Prison Break', 2005-2017
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Michael robs a bank to get sent to Fox River State Penitentiary. His older brother, Lincoln, is serving time there for a crime he didn't commit.
Michael is a brilliant man who has devised a foolproof plan to break out with his brother. However, as they begin to carry out the plan, other inmates are hot on their tail, and their problems mount on the outside.
Prison Break has become one of the most successful series in the network's history. From its very first episode, it attracted a huge number of viewers and received critical acclaim.
2. 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine', 2013-2021
IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Raymond, stern and dispassionate, was appointed to replace the apathetic leadership at the 9-9 police station. This is a crucial role for the new captain, who intends to make this already good station the best in Brooklyn.
However, he'll have to learn how to manage the station's eccentric officers, each of whom has their own bizarre method of fighting crime.
These officers include the childish yet talented Detective Jake, his loyal friend, Boyle, Jake's archnemesis, Amy, the terrifying Rosa, the sensitive Sergeant Jeffords, and a duo of useless officers, Scully and Hitchcock.
1. 'The X-Files', 1993-2018
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
The X-Files is one of Fox's most popular and longest-running sci-fi series. The plot centers on two very different FBI agents who team up to work on a secret project beyond the scope of the bureau's usual work.
Dana Scully, a skeptic and a logical thinker who studied medicine and was recruited into the FBI while still a student.
Fox Mulder, a psychologist by training, is accustomed to seeking answers beyond science and common sense. Although each episode investigates a new, mysterious case, the series follows a unifying narrative arc.
