CBS has a long and rich history in the United States' broadcast world. Not only was it one of the "Big Three," but it also been the home of some of the most iconic programming of all time. After all, CBS basically invented the live sitcom when they premiered I Love Lucy on the air in October 1951.
Since then CBS has had its ups and downs. The network gave Normal Lear's politically charged sitcoms (All In The Family, The Jeffersons) a home, ushering in an entirely different way to tell stories. And they also, unfortunately, aired the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show incident with Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson.
Still, the true golden age of CBS has occurred in the last 30 years thanks to their acclaimed crime and procedural shows; in addition to, their host of multi-cam sitcoms that consistently make us laugh.
15 2 Broke Girls Had A Solid Run But Ended Up Being Cancelled
Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs are comedy gold alongside each other in CBS's 2 Broke Girls. The series follows two waitresses from vastly different backgrounds as they struggle to start their own cupcake business. The series ran for six seasons before CBS made the decision to cancel it because of low ratings and the need to make room for new original shows.
14 Two And A Half Men Started Strong But Was Ruined With Controversy
Two and a Half Men started strong with Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer sharing the screen alongside newcomer Angus T. Jones. Unfortunately, as the show continued, personal lives got in the way. After Sheen admitted himself to rehab and made comments about Chuck Lorre, the show's creator, he was fired and Ashton Kutcher was brought in. Then Jones decided he was no longer proud of the show and left during season 11.
13 Mom Makes Even The Most Unlikable Characters Likable
Mom is not your average family sitcom. Instead, it centers on Christy (Anna Faris,) a newly sober single mother whose recovering-alcoholic mother Bonnie (Allison Janney) has come back into the picture. Another Chuck Lorre sitcom, Mom has been on the air for seven seasons and counting and continues to receive high ratings.
12 Survivor Is One Of The Best Reality Shows To Date
Adapted from a Swedish television series, Survivor follows a group of contestants who are organized into tribes as they must work together and vote each other "off the island" to become the winner of the competition show. The series has a whopping 40 seasons and counting and continues to draw viewers in season after season.
11 Hawaii Five-O Set Itself Apart By Taking Exploring Crime In Hawaii
Originally airing in from 1968 to 1980, CBS revived the popular Hawaii Five-O series in 2010 with a fresh take and a whole new team of characters. The series follows the "elite task force" as they aim to protect Hawaii's beaches from crime and danger. The series filmed in the Hawaiian Islands and regularly showed local business in episodes which lead to a positive effect on these businesses in real life.
10 The King Of Queens Was Great Because Of The Leads' Chemistry
While the premise wasn't totally original, The King of Queens was a fan favorite on CBS and aired for 9 seasons. The series centered around Doug (Kevin James) and his wife Carrie (Leah Remini) as they navigated married life as a working-class couple in New York. Adding fuel to the chaos was Carrie's father Arthur (Jerry Stiller) who constantly brought the comedy.
9 CSI Had One Of The Most Popular Franchises During Its Run
For 15 years, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation aired on CBS, setting the tone of the network's procedural programs for the next several years. Set in Las Vegas, the series followed a team of crime-scene investigators as they aimed to solve various murder cases every week. The show was extremely successful, winning several Emmy Awards over its tenure.
8 Madam Secretary Proved That Women Serve As US Secretary Of State
Madam Secretary follows the life of Elizabeth who has recently been appointed to Secretary of State after the former Secretary passes away. The show does an amazing job of shows Elizabeth's work-life while also keeping audiences involved in what is going on at home. The series was criticized by Fox News for stating that Elizabeth was basically an ad for Hilary Clinton, who had just been replaced as Secretary of State.
7 NCIS Is One Of The Most Popular Shows In Rural America
For 17 years NCIS has been dominating CBS's line up and broadcast ratings as a whole -- largely in part due to its appeal in rural and middle America. It is the second-longest-running scripted live-action primetime series in the United States. In addition, it has spawned two equally successful spin-offs, both of which air on CBS.
6 Life In Pieces Was Underrated But Deserves All The Praise
When it comes to comedies, CBS isn't known for it producing single-camera ones, but that didn't stop them from giving Life in Pieces a change. The series, which ran for four seasons, follows the Short family as they navigate the changing dynamics of their family now that their kids are grown and have families of their own. Despite being hilarious and boasting an amazing cast, the series never picked up a big fanbase.
5 Criminal Minds Introduced Us To The World Of The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit
Yet another CBS police procedural, Criminal Minds just ended with a whopping 15 seasons under its belt. Like many of CBS's police procedurals, Criminal Minds has created its own media franchise with several domestic and international spin-offs. The show was regularly praised by critics for its pacing and superb writing.
4 Everybody Loves Raymond Is One Of The Best Family Sitcoms Ever
Everybody Loves Raymond followed the fictional Italian-American Barone family as they navigate everyday life in Long Island. The series was on the air for nine seasons and won 15 Emmy Awards during its tenure. The series earned high praise from critics for being funny and real without relying on cheap sitcom gags.
3 The Big Bang Theory Made Nerd Culture Cool Again
Officially named the longest-running American multi-cam sitcom in 2019, The Big Bang Theory is definitely one of CBS's greatest shows of the last 30 years. During its tenure, the series won 7 Emmy Awards and was nominated a shocking 46 times. The cast made history by banding together to all be paid the same. In addition, the series has given birth to Young Sheldon, the show's prequel.
2 The Good Wife Stood Out For Its High Production Value And Phenomenal Storytelling
While The Good Wife does center on the American legal and political system, it is not a procedural like most of CBS's other drama series. Instead, The Good Wife focuses on Alicia Florrick who returns to her law career after her husband and Cook County State Attorney is accused of political corruption and being involved in a sex scandal. The series was loosely inspired by the real-life scandals of President Bill Clinton and North Carolina Senator John Edwards.
1 How I Met Your Mother May Have Disappointed Fans In The End But It Still Remains Superior
Despite your feelings about the finale, there is no denying that How I Met Your Mother was a massive success for CBS. The show maintained its viewership over its nine seasons which is not an easy feat to do. In fact, its final season was the highest-rated of all nine! In addition, the series took home 10 Emmy wins out of a possible 30!