The Best TV Shows on Syndication

Every Syndication Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Premiering in 1984 and 1984, Jeopardy! and Tales from the Darkside are among Syndication’s most celebrated shows. As of August 2026, our compilation of Syndication’s top-rated series boasts over 20 unique shows. Across the timeline from 1984 to 2022, Syndication has presented audiences with over 20 captivating shows.

  • 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.

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)7.8

    Four turtles fall into the sewers and are befriended by Hamato Yoshi a Japanese man sent to New York who was forced to live in the sewers. One day he sees a strange green glow which transforms the four turtles into human-like creatures. Hamato (now Master Splinter) changes into a giant rat from the green glow and teaches the turtles the skills of the ninja as they team up with news reporter April O'Neil to battle against Yoshi's arch enemy Shredder and Krang, an alien warlord from Dimension X.

  • 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.

  • Highlander: The Series
    Highlander: The Series (1992)7.4

    Duncan MacLeod cannot die -- he is a 400-year-old immortal, who has seen his share of humanity's history. Still, he risks his life in battle against other immortals and tries to save people from harm.

  • Tales from the Darkside
    Tales from the Darkside (1984)7.2

    Tales from the Darkside is an anthology horror TV series created by George A. Romero, each episode was an individual short story that ended with a plot twist. The series' episodes spanned the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy, and some episodes featured elements of black comedy or more lighthearted themes.

  • Steve Harvey
    Steve Harvey (2012)7.0

    Steve Harvey is a syndicated American talk show that is hosted by comedian/actor/radio personality Steve Harvey, who also serves as its executive producer. This is his first television talk foray, which is produced by Endemol and distributed by NBCUniversal Television Distribution in the United States and Canada. The program debuted on September 4, 2012, and it is Harvey's second syndicated program in which he handles hosting duties, as he continues to host Family Feud at the same time. The series is taped in Chicago at the WMAQ studios. The show attracted 2.2 million viewers daily and, in January 2013, Steve Harvey was renewed for a second season. The series has since been renewed for three additional seasons through 2016.

  • 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.

  • Earth: Final Conflict
    Earth: Final Conflict (1997)6.8

    Years ago, the Taelons came to Earth, offering friendship and technology to humanity. But there are those who believe the Taelons have more sinister motives.

  • 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.

  • Baywatch
    Baywatch (1989)6.0

    Join the Baywatch lifeguards on their thrilling adventures filled with beautiful beaches and those iconic red swimsuits.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • TMZ
    TMZ (2007)4.9

    Based on the popular gossip website, this entertainment newsmagazine delivers daily updates on Hollywood's rich, beautiful and screwed-up. The program often shows highlights of the day's staff meeting during which reporters pitch ideas for stories to air that day.

  • 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.