Entertainment
It's almost a new year, so you know what that means: realizing that some of your favorite things have hit a milestone age — and maybe so have you. There are quite a few TV shows that will be 10 in 2018, which will may send you into an existential crisis of wondering how fast time flies, and what the hell you've been doing for the past 10 years. In all likelihood, one of the things that you've definitely been doing is watching many of these shows. Some of which, thankfully, aired for at least half of that decade. It's also nice to note that some of these shows are so good that you've probably been returning to them time and again, happily oblivious of how old they actually are.
And that's the good shows that are on this list. There are also a few that are memorable for different reasons, maintaining a notorious, cult status ever since. But just because they don't count as prestige TV like some of these other shows do, doesn't mean they aren't watchable in their own right. They may be trashy, sure, but they're also beloved for that very reason. And regardless, it's still surprising to discover that they're hitting the 10-year mark in 2018. So buckle up for a trip down memory lane, folks.
1
'True Blood' (2008-2014)
The show gave us the inspired, sexy delights of Alexander Skarsgård as a vampire and Joe Manganiello as a werewolf. But it also gifted viewers with Nelsan Ellis' iconic portrayal of queer chef, Lafayette Reynolds. It was a game changer.
2
'90210' (2008-2013)
In many ways, you could say that 90210 was the beginning of this era of TV and movie reboots that we're currently experiencing. Though it was nowhere as great as Beverley Hills 90210, it was deliciously trashy, melodramatic, and full of camp, self-aware comedy.
3
'Paris Hilton's My New BFF' (2008-2009)
Unsurprisingly, this oddball reality show only survived one season's worth of Hilton throwing shade at potential BFF contestants. In many ways, it's as much a travesty as it is a blessing.
4
'Man V. Food' (2008-Present)
Ten years and counting, folks. This show will likely continue for as long as there are inedible quantities of fast food for Adam Richman to try and devour within one timed sitting.
5
'Breaking Bad' (2008-2013)
It feels like only yesterday since the entire nation was completely enthralled over the immense drug operation of nice-guy-turned-psychotic-criminal, Walter White. And yet, it'll be 10 years old in 2018.
6
'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' (2008-2014)
Cartoon Network's animated series might have taken place between the less than favorable prequels, Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of The Sith, but it remains beloved by fans.
7
'True Jackson, VP' (2008-2011)
The Nickelodeon sitcom starred Keke Palmer, and though it only lasted for three seasons, was actually pretty terrific.
8
'Fringe' (2008-2013)
J.J. Abrams' cult science fiction show brought Joshua Jackson back to our screens in a role that every nerd who also happened to love Dawson's Creek could get on board with.
9
'The Secret Life Of The American Teenager' (2008-2013)
Launching the career of the amazing Shailene Woodley, The Secret Life Of The American Teenager was full of teen angst, high school drama, and sexual quandaries, making for compulsive viewing over five seasons.
10
'The Wendy Williams Show' (2008-Present)
Williams' talk show has tackled various hot topics, courted its share of controversy, and hosted a variety of impressive guests (including Miss Piggy — that's high caliber.) And yes, it's still going strong.
11
'The Mentalist' (2008-2015)
The long-running police procedural show featured a lovingly drawn out will-they-won't-they relationship between detectives, Patrick Jane and Special Agent Lisbon, that kept us all hooked.
12
'The Suite Life On Deck' (2008-2011)
The Disney Channel's spinoff from The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody saw the Sprouse twins resuming their roles, but this time on board the SS Tipton. Ten years since its creation and both Dylan and Cole Sprouse are still hilarious, which we can all agree is a comfort.
13
'Sons Of Anarchy' (2008-2014)
You definitely saw at least one episode of this biker drama. Possibly due to receiving someone's recommendation that Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) was very attractive and mostly naked in it. All true. But as a side note: The character was also kind of an insufferable monster, which made him a confusing character to crush on.
14
'The Real Housewives Of Atlanta' (2008-Present)
Though the lineup has changed since its inception, let's all take a moment to applaud the fact that NeNe Leakes has remained in every season since the start.
15
'Scream Queens' (2008-2010)
Not to be confused with Ryan Murphy's more recent horror-comedy classic, Scream Queens was a horror-reality show in which 10 unknown actors competed for a role in a horror movie. Though it only lasted two seasons, its two respective winners went on to enjoy roles in Saw VI and Saw 3D. Honestly, it was a pretty cool, if incredibly cheesy, series.
16
'The Rachel Maddow Show' (2008-Present)
The MSNBC liberal pundit is still delivering her intelligent, outspoken news opinion show. And it's for the best, considering how fraught the political landscape has been in the past couple of years. Now, more than ever, we need female voices like Maddow's to speak up on television.
The main reason why it's so surprising that some of these shows turn 10 next year is that they still feel so fresh and so vital. And within those 10 years, they managed to age like a fine wine, gaining a certain level of distinction along the way.
