The 10 Best Network TV Miniseries of All Time, Ranked: From Roots to Lonesome Dove

Network television has produced some of the most memorable miniseries in history, and a new ranking from Collider spotlights the 10 best of all time. Topping the list are cultural landmarks like Roots, the 1977 ABC saga based on Alex Haley's novel that drew over 100 million viewers and sparked national conversations about slavery, and Lonesome Dove, the 1989 CBS Western starring Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones that won seven Emmy Awards. Other entries include Rich Man, Poor Man, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds, each of which defined event television in their eras. These miniseries matter because they demonstrated the power of limited-run storytelling to attract massive audiences and tackle ambitious themes—from historical trauma to epic romance—within a single week or season. The ranking considers cultural impact, critical acclaim, and lasting legacy, offering a guide for viewers seeking prestige drama from the pre-streaming age. As streaming revives the miniseries format, these network classics remain the gold standard for appointment viewing.