The Best TV Shows on Syndication

Every Syndication Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Across the timeline from 1983 to N/A, Syndication has presented audiences with over 20 captivating shows. Leading the pack on Syndication are Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, with their initial broadcasts in 1983 and 1984. Dive into our updated selection of Syndication’s finest, featuring more than 20 series as of July 2026.

  • Star Trek: The Next Generation
    Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)8.4

    Follow the intergalactic adventures of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and his loyal crew aboard the all-new USS Enterprise NCC-1701D, as they explore new worlds.

  • Babylon 5
    Babylon 5 (1994)8.0

    Babylon 5 is a five-mile long space station located in neutral space. Built by the Earth Alliance in the 2250s, its goal is to maintain peace among the various alien races by providing a sanctuary where grievances and negotiations can be worked out among duly appointed ambassadors. A council made up of representatives from the five major space-faring civilizations - the Earth Alliance, Minbari Federation, Centauri Republic, Narn Regime, and Vorlon Empire - work with the League of Non-Aligned Worlds to keep interstellar relations under control. Aside from its diplomatic function, Babylon 5 also serves as a military post for Earth and a port of call for travelers, traders, businessmen, criminals, and Rangers.

  • Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
    Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)7.9

    At Deep Space Nine, a space station located next to a wormhole in the vicinity of the liberated planet of Bajor, Commander Sisko and crew welcome alien visitors, root out evildoers and solve all types of unexpected problems that come their way.

  • Xena: Warrior Princess
    Xena: Warrior Princess (1995)7.6

    Xena is an infamous warrior on a quest to seek redemption for her past sins against the innocent. Accompanied by her comrade-in-arms Gabrielle, the campy couple use their formidable fighting skills to help those who are unable to defend themselves.

  • Wheel of Fortune
    Wheel of Fortune (1983)6.9

    This game show sees contestants solve word puzzles, similar to those used in Hangman, to win cash and prizes determined by spinning a giant carnival wheel.

  • Jeopardy!
    Jeopardy! (1984)6.9

    America's favorite quiz show where contestants are presented with general knowledge clues in the form of answers, and must phrase their responses in question form.

  • Democracy Now!
    Democracy Now! (2001)6.9

    A United States daily progressive, nonprofit, independently syndicated program of news, analysis, and opinion.

  • The People's Court
    The People's Court (N/A)6.9

    The People's Court is an American arbitration-based reality court show currently presided over by retired Florida State Circuit Court Judge Marilyn Milian. Milian, the show's longest-reigning arbiter, handles small claims disputes in a simulated courtroom set. The People's Court is the first court show to use binding arbitration, introducing the format into the genre in 1981. The system has been duplicated by most of the show's successors in the judicial genre. Moreover, The People's Court is the first popular, long-running reality in the judicial genre. It was preceded only by a few short-lived realities in the genre; these short-lived predecessors were only loosely related to judicial proceedings, except for one: Parole took footage from real-life courtrooms holding legal proceedings. Prior to The People's Court, the vast majority of TV courtroom shows used actors, and recreated or fictional cases. Among examples of these types of court shows include Famous Jury Trials and Your Witness. The People's Court has had two contrasting lives. The show's first life was presided over solely by former Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Joseph Wapner. His tenure lasted from the show's debut on September 14, 1981, until May 21, 1993, when the show was cancelled due to low ratings. This left the show with a total of 2,484 ½-hour episodes and 12 seasons. The show was taped in Los Angeles during its first life. After being cancelled, reruns aired until September 9, 1994.

  • Renegade
    Renegade (1992)6.7

    Framed for murder, Detective Reno Raines becomes a fugitive bounty hunter who fights crime while trying to clear his name. His troubles began after he testified about police corruption, leading Lt. Donald Dixon to set him up.

  • Vicki!
    Vicki! (1992)6.5

    Singer-actress Vicki Lawrence hosted this talk and entertainment show.

  • The Kelly Clarkson Show
    The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019)6.3

    Kelly Clarkson presents the biggest newsmakers and names in film, television and music; as well as emerging new talent and everyday people who are beacons of hope in their communities.

  • Steve
    Steve (2017)6.0

    After ending his Chicago-based show, Steve Harvey heads to Los Angeles to host a new weekday syndicated program aiming to bring a late night atmosphere to the afternoon.

  • Judge Judy
    Judge Judy (1996)5.8

    Judge Judy is an American arbitration-based reality court show presided over by retired Manhattan Family Court Judge Judith Sheindlin. The show features Sheindlin adjudicating real-life small claims disputes within a simulated courtroom set. All parties involved must sign contracts, agreeing to arbitration under Sheindlin. The series is in first-run syndication and distributed by CBS Television Distribution. Judge Judy, which premiered on September 16, 1996, reportedly revitalized the court show genre. Only two other arbitration-based reality court shows preceded it, The People's Court and Jones and Jury. Sheindlin has been credited with introducing the "tough" adjudicating approach into the judicial genre, which has led to several imitators. The two court shows that outnumber Judge Judy's seasons, The People's Court and Divorce Court, have both lasted via multiple lives of production and shifting arbiters, making Sheindlin's span as a television arbiter the longest.

  • Pictionary
    Pictionary (2022)5.7

    Based on the Mattel's party game, two teams of three players will compete against each other, trying to guess the correct word or phrase represented by the drawings of their fellow teammates.

  • LIVE with Kelly and Mark
    LIVE with Kelly and Mark (1988)5.6

    A morning talk show with A-list celebrity guests, top-notch performances and one-of-a-kind segments that are unrivaled on daytime television, plus spontaneous, hilarious and unpredictable talk.

  • The Ellen DeGeneres Show
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003)5.6

    The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often shortened to just Ellen, is an American television talk show hosted by comedian/actress Ellen DeGeneres.

  • The Jennifer Hudson Show
    The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022)5.6

    Talented entertainer and newly-minted EGOT Jennifer Hudson takes on the daytime talk show landscape.

  • V.I.P.
    V.I.P. (1998)5.3

    While attending a Hollywood premiere with a famous action star, a crazed fan pulls a gun—but her movie hunk turns into a coward, and it's Vallery who becomes the hero. Suddenly, she's thrown into a world of action and danger as owner of a Hollywood protection agency, Vallery Irons Protection (V.I.P.), taking risks to protect others at a price few are willing to pay.

  • 25 Words or Less
    25 Words or Less (2018)5.2

    Hosted by Meredith Vieira, two teams of celebrities and civilians face off in a fast paced word game with a top prize of $10,000.

  • Sherri
    Sherri (2022)2.6

    Sherri Shepherd, actress, comic, and Emmy Award-winning longtime co-host of "The View", appears before a live audience with a daily dose of pop culture, comedy, conversations, and daytime talk staples, including celebrity and human interest interviews.