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Why Bryan Cranston is Back at the Center of TV Discussions

The actor's presence in the American newspaper's ranking reignites the debate on series classification

Daniele Morais
October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
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Why Bryan Cranston is Back at the Center of TV Discussions
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The New York Times has released its list of "The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century," and among the comments that have emerged, Bryan Cranston's participation in the survey that compiled the ranking has been a highlight. The buzz revolves around the list's choices and the absences that, according to critics, leave significant gaps in television history.

What the New York Times List Says About Bryan Cranston

The publication mentions that the survey leading to the ranking included Bryan Cranston's participation, among other industry names. This information places the actor at the center of the discussion regarding the list's validity and criteria.

Criticism Regarding "Breaking Bad"'s Placement

The author of the analysis questions whether "Breaking Bad," the series starring Bryan Cranston, truly deserves to be considered the greatest television production of the last twenty-five years. While acknowledging the show's impact, the text points out that other series, such as "Mad Men," offer a depth of character that, according to the critic, surpasses that of "Breaking Bad."

What Was Considered a Notable Omission

Beyond discussing "Breaking Bad"'s position, the critique highlights the absence of shows like "24" from the list. The author argues that the exclusion of significant series creates a void in understanding the post-9/11 television landscape.

Reactions to the Classification Methodology

The text compares the newspaper's list to other ranking attempts, noting that grouping such diverse genres – comedy, drama, reality, and miniseries – makes fair evaluations difficult. Bryan Cranston's mention as a participant in the survey illustrates the complexity of compiling a ranking that encompasses the entire variety of television productions.

Conclusion on the Debate Surrounding the List

The prominence given to Bryan Cranston in the New York Times survey highlights how the presence of well-known figures can influence public perception of quality lists. The criticisms raised about the list's choices and omissions suggest that the debate over what constitutes "the best series" is still far from resolved.

With information from Washington Examiner.

Source: Washington Examiner

#Bryan Cranston#New York Times#Breaking Bad#TV lists#media criticism
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