Popular searches:

The Best TV Shows on CNN

Every CNN Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Our curated list, current as of December 2024, showcases over 20 of CNN’s highest-rated series. Notable series such as CNN Special Report and Larry King Live from CNN first graced the screens in 1980 and 1985. CNN has delivered an expansive roster of over 20 shows, dating from 1980 all the way to 2024.

  • Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
    Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)7.7

    Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines.

  • Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
    Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)7.6

    Bourdain travels across the globe to uncover little-known areas of the world and celebrate diverse cultures by exploring food and dining rituals. Known for his curiosity, candor, and acerbic wit, Bourdain takes viewers off the beaten path of tourist destinations – including some war-torn parts of the world – and meets with a variety of local citizens to offer a window into their lifestyles, and occasionally communes with an internationally lauded chef on his journeys.

  • The Sixties
    The Sixties (2014)7.2

    The space race, the cold war, "free love," civil rights and more: The decade of the 1960s shaped our history -- and changed the world. In collaboration with Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman and Mark Herzog, CNN explores perhaps the most transformative decade of the modern era in a 10-part documentary series and brings new insights into how those events shaped today.

  • How It Really Happened
    How It Really Happened (2017)7.2

    Jesse L. Martin takes an in-depth look at some of the most notorious crimes, mysteries, trials and celebrity tragedies of our time.

  • Race for the White House
    Race for the White House (2016)7.1

    From executive producers Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti, CNN Original Series "Race for the White House" captures the drama of how a high-stakes presidential election can turn on a single issue and so much more.

  • History of the Sitcom
    History of the Sitcom (2021)7.0

    This docuseries reunites audiences with the television friends, families, and co-workers they grew up with while introducing cutting-edge comedies that are sure to be your next binge-watch. Featuring over 180 original interviews with sitcom icons the series breaks down how sitcoms have helped generations of Americans navigate an ever-shifting cultural landscape.

  • Violent Earth
    Violent Earth (2024)7.0

    Explore the unbelievable science behind epic natural disasters. Featuring incredible footage and interviews with scientists, storm chasers, and survivors, this series examines our changing climate.

  • The Nineties
    The Nineties (2017)6.9

    Hit rewind and explore the most iconic moments and influential people of The Nineties, the decade that gave us the Internet, DVDs, and other cultural and political milestones.

  • CNN Special Report
    CNN Special Report (1980)6.7

    In hour-long, in-depth explorations, CNN hosts examine extraordinary individuals, unexpected events and controversial subjects through interviews, stories, images and videos.

  • The History of Comedy
    The History of Comedy (2017)6.6

    Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history.

  • The Movies
    The Movies (2019)6.4

    Explore American cinema through the decades and the cultural, societal and political shifts that framed its evolution.

  • Declassified: Untold Stories of American Spies
    Declassified: Untold Stories of American Spies (2016)6.2

    Explore the true stories of America's covert operations told firsthand by the agents who lived it, while getting unprecedented access to the riveting and secret world of espionage.

  • 1968: The Year That Changed America
    1968: The Year That Changed America (2018)5.8

    A half century look back at a year marked by the assassinations of MLK and RFK, a contentious presidential election, escalating anti-Vietnam War sentiment and more.

  • The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper
    The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper (2023)5.5

    A collection of unique and immersive single subject, one-hour episodes from CNN’s longform storytelling team. The recurring weekly series showcases character-driven stories, special interviews, profiles, and investigative deep dives featuring reporting from CNN’s anchors and correspondents.

  • First Ladies
    First Ladies (2020)5.3

    Blending in-depth interviews, rare archival footage, and cinematic recreations, this docuseries on the lives of America's most iconic First Ladies is a bold revision of each woman's traditional portrayal, revealing how they were impacted during their time in the White House, and how their achievements fundamentally shaped American and global history.

  • Anderson Cooper 360°
    Anderson Cooper 360° (2003)5.1

    Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news.

  • At This Hour with Kate Bolduan
    At This Hour with Kate Bolduan (2014)5.0

    Weekday news and discussion airing at 11am Eastern.

  • Larry King Live
    Larry King Live (1985)4.8

    Larry King Live is an American talk show that was hosted by Larry King on CNN from 1985 to 2010. It was CNN's most watched and longest-running program, with over one million viewers nightly.

  • The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer
    The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer (2005)3.0

    The command center for breaking news, politics and extraordinary reports from around the world. Patterned after the concept of the White House Situation Room, CNN's lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer hosts newsmakers and experts to discuss and analyze the stories that are driving today's news.

  • Mark Twain Prize
    Mark Twain Prize (1999)N/A

    Honoring the best in American comedy annually since 1998, the recipients of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor have included the likes of Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Carol Burnett, Bob Newhart, Steve Martin, Ellen DeGeneres, Eddie Murphy, and Tina Fey.