AARP Presents the TV Shows That Changed America

"At its best, a show doesn't just entertain; it opens eyes, sparks conversation, stirs the pot, makes us reflect. AARP's media critic Tim Appelo makes his picks of the TV series that have had the greatest influence on our collective culture and, by extension, each of us: the barrier-breaking sitcoms, the ground-breaking cable and streaming series, the families we loved, the comedies that were laugh-out-loud funny, the programs that stoked our thirst for competition, the reality shows (revealing 'realities' that very few of us were familiar with), the shows that changed our views of women at home and at work, the must-see miniseries, the great mystery series, the shows made for and loved by Gen X, news shows that created (or broke) the mold, and the shows that enticed us to change the way we live. Here are the memorable programs that continue to resonate today." - aarp.org