Nothing like a bout of nostalgia to soothe the soul. Audiences have a habit of returning to iconic TV series when modern shows just aren't cutting it, especially today, when there is so much content available but a lot of uncertainty surrounding it. Some of the best shows came out in 2004, representing a time of fun, drama, and incredible comedic timing. Loyal fans, young and old, are still captivated by shows that came out 20 years ago.
Series like The 4400 and Desperate Housewives left a lasting mark on television. Similar shows of that year not only captivated their audience but entertained them with some of the best storytelling, complex characters, and original themes. These are the best shows that premiered in 2004, many of which have become outright iconic and certainly cement it as a great year of remarkable television.
10 'Drake & Josh' (2004-2007) Created by Dan Schneider
If there's ever a debate about the most popular series premiering in 2004, Drake & Josh would undoubtedly make a feature. The story explores the lives of two stepbrothers navigating their differences as they try to get to know one another, share the same space and parents, and combat a devious little sister.
Drake & Josh is still a topic of conversation today. The popular series kept kids and teens of various ages captivated with its humor and relatable story. Even adults who grew up with the classic series return to the show today, thanks to its lighthearted and relatable coming-of-age comedy. Fans continue to claim Drake & Josh as one of Nickelodeon's best.
Drake & Josh TV-Y7 ComedyFamily
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*Availability in US Release Date January 11, 2004 Cast Drake Bell , Josh Peck , Miranda Cosgrove , Nancy Sullivan , Jonathan Goldstein , Vince Deadrick Jr. , Scott Halberstadt , Yvette Nicole Brown Seasons 4 9 'Desperate Housewives' (2004-2012) Created by Marc Cherry
Desperate Housewives was an immediate hit sensation when it first premiered. The show ran for eight drama-filled seasons, keeping viewers tuned in with its mystery-filled storyline. The series followed four women living on Wisteria Lane, who may have come across as ordinary, but their seemingly perfect lives held secrets, crime, and domestic strife.
Desperate Housewives remains an icon of television today. With outstanding acting and an even better plot, fans continue to rewatch the popular series, loving the turbulent journey of the four protagonists. Many viewers still find the show captivating and filled with engaging moral lessons amidst the entertaining drama. Its biting, sassy humor was also a trademark of the 2000s, inspiring many other dramedies.
Desperate Housewives Drama
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*Availability in US Release Date October 3, 2004 Cast marcia cross , Felicity Huffman , Eva Longoria Seasons 8 Writers Marc Cherry 8 'The L Word' (2004-2009) Created by Ilene Chaiken, Michele Abbott, and Kathy Greenberg
The L Word was one of those groundbreaking series that left its mark in the wake of future similar shows. The show ran from 2004 to 2009, enticing viewers to continue watching the rather progressive TV series. It chronicles the lives of a group of lesbian women living in Los Angeles, along with their friends and families, who may or may not have supported them.
While some viewers were convinced the series was too problematic, many praised The L Word for its realistic portrayal of women attempting to be consistently genuine in who they are at a time when sexuality was not very understood. The series was so influential that it later extended beyond its initial run, inspiring a multitude of spinoffs, including a documentary taping the real lives of lesbian women, which aired on Showtime.
The L Word Drama
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*Availability in US Release Date January 1, 2004 Cast Katherine Moennig , Jennifer Beals Seasons 6 7 'Shameless' (2004-2013) Created by Paul Abbott
Not to be mistaken with its adapted remake by John Wells, the original Shameless premiered in 2004 as an addictive British series. Although the show shares the same name as its later counterpart, this version holds a unique feel and look to it. Shameless delves into the lives of the rather eccentric and dysfunctional Gallagher family living in a run-down Manchester estate.
Shameless ran for 11 hilarious seasons, drawing fans in with its chaos and humor. It definitely set the tone for many future shows, marking it as a trailblazer in comedy and drama. While the show still had its ups and downs, as most lengthy series do, Shameless was still a brilliant dramedy that inspired a US adaption in 2011. The remake leaned more on its darker themes, while the original captured audiences with its lighter, comedic plot.
Shameless TV-MA ComedyCrimeDrama
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*Availability in US Release Date January 13, 2004 Cast David Threlfall , Rebecca Atkinson , Alice Barry , Nicky Evans , Tina Malone , Elliott Tittensor , Aaron McCusker , Sally Carman Seasons 11 6 'Veronica Mars' (2004-2019) Created by Rob Thomas
Veronica Mars hooked its audience from its pilot episode, with fans claiming the series outshone anything aired at the time. The incredibly popular TV show centers around Veronica Mars, a once-popular high school girl turned outcast, as she assists her private investigator father. Kristen Bell played the titular role, becoming a generational icon for 2000s youth.
Veronica Mars held its audience with its well-written and fast-paced plot. Viewers enjoyed the snarky, sarcastic Veronica as she navigated a normal teen life with a somewhat odd side gig. Fans have described the show's first two seasons as among TV's finest of the 2000s. Although many viewed the later season with mixed emotions, loyal fans successfully brought back Veronica Mars in movie form, recapturing the charm of the series' beginnings.
Veronica Mars TV-14 CrimeDramaMystery
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*Availability in US Release Date September 22, 2004 Cast Kristen Bell , Jason Dohring , Enrico Colantoni , Percy Daggs III , Francis Capra , Ryan Hansen , Teddy Dunn , Sydney Tamiia Poitier , Tessa Thompson , Kyle Gallner , Christopher Lowell , Tina Majorino Seasons 4 Writers Rob Thomas , Phil Klemmer 5 'Danny Phantom' (2004-2007) Created by Butch Hartman
There aren't many who aren't familiar with Danny Phantom, a truly iconic animated series. The theme song, one of the audience's favorites, still circulates on social media, a subtle reminder of the show's popularity. The series follows 14-year-old Danny Fenton, who, after an accident with one of his parents' many ghost-capturing inventions, gains the powers of a ghost. As a half-human, half-ghost hybrid, Danny stops the evil threats from the Ghost Zone while trying to maintain a normal teenage life.
Danny Phantom was the supernatural series all the kids of 2004 needed. Airing on Nickelodeon, the show was one of the channel's standouts, captivating young kids and teens alike with comedic supernatural antics and fun animation. Over twenty years after its premiere, Danny Phantom endures today thanks to its unique charm that allows viewers of all ages to enjoy it.
Danny Phantom Animation
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*Availability in US Release Date August 24, 2007 Cast Tara Strong , David Kaufman , grey delisle Seasons 3 4 'Justice League Unlimited' (2004-2006) Created by Bruce Timm
Justice League Unlimited continues to stand the test of time, being widely regarded as one of the greatest animated series ever. The enjoyable show dives into the lives of the iconic superhero team, the Justice League, as they fight incredible battles and attempt to live their somewhat ordinary lives.
With stunning animation, thrilling battles, and iconic superhero characters, Justice League Unlimited holds loyal fans of all ages. The show earned critical acclaim for its well-paced episodes, visually pleasing aesthetic, and the raw emotions seen in the character's eyes. Even while it was still airing, there was no doubt that this incredible series would continue to span generations.
Justice League Unlimited Sci-Fi
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*Availability in US Release Date July 31, 2004 Cast Susan Eisenberg , Kevin Conroy , George Newbern Seasons 3 Writers Alan Moore 3 'House, M.D.' (2004-2012) Created by David Shore
Nothing beats a sarcastic and blunt doctor to keep patients-and viewers-entertained. Dr. Gregory House remains an iconic character for his flawless instincts, even if his personality is far from pleasant. House, M.D. follows the genius but anti-social House as he solves the complex mysteries of health and medicine. House uses his impeccable smarts to outwit both colleagues and patients alike, keeping audiences in for a time of comedic, sarcastic, and slightly frustrating antics from the brash protagonist.
Although some medical scenes are a bit over the top, viewers enjoyed the daunting odds and clever resolutions. With an amazing cast, incredible yet slightly unrealistic triumphs, and touching relationships, House, M.D. offers personal drama and high-stakes medical emergencies, a unique blend that made it a sensation throughout the 2000s.
House Drama
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*Availability in US Release Date November 16, 2004 Cast Olivia Wilde , Jesse Spencer , Lisa Edelstein Rating Seasons 8 2 'Bleach' (2004-2023) Created by Tite Kubo
Standing as one of the best animes out there, Bleach has kept a mass of loyal fans since its premiere in Japan in 2004. When the incredible anime series made its debut in the USA in 2006 on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, it instantly gained quick popularity. The show revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki, a teen able to see ghosts. When he and his family encounter a Hollow, a deadly and terrifying monster, his life changes, taking his once ordinary powers and turning them into something else entirely.
Despite many fillers that ultimately almost caused its annihilation, Bleach's viewers stuck it out and experienced a fantastic turnaround for the series. Many of the anime's audience have no problem rewatching episodes, entertained by haunting monsters, moody swords, and touching friendships. Bleach went on for decades, proving that some stories have a longer staying power than others, even if they are far from perfect.
Bleach TV-14 AnimationActionAdventure
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*Availability in US Release Date September 6, 2006 Cast Johnny Yong Bosch , Michelle Ruff , Stephanie Sheh , Jamieson Price , Derek Stephen Prince , Wally Wingert Writers Tite Kubo , Masashi Sogo 1 'Lost' (2004-2010) Created by J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber, and Damon Lindelof
The mystery of Lost continues to captivate fans, old and new. The series explores the struggles of a group of people who survived a plane crash onto an island. Now stranded in a strange yet thriving place, the group must survive the secrets of the island. However, it is not just the island that holds incredible secrets; its new inhabitants have many skeletons in their closets.
Teeming with remarkably witty dialogue, amazing acting, and a haunting setting, Lost keeps its audience hypnotized. Anyone new to the series finds themselves desperately confused yet enticed by the unfolding mystery. Rewatchers find the series less confusing but no less entertaining, enjoying the small details of situations and relationships they may have missed. Lost is a seminal show of the 2000s, and while its ending continues to provoke debate, its legacy as a cultural icon of the noughties is all but ensured.
Lost TV-14 AdventureDramaMystery Sci-FiSupernatural
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*Availability in US Release Date September 22, 2004 Cast Evangeline Lilly , Naveen Andrews , Henry Ian Cusick , Daniel Dae Kim , Harold Perrineau , Dominic Monaghan , Emilie de Ravin , Jorge Garcia , Josh Holloway , Michael Emerson , Terry O'Quinn , Matthew Fox , Ken Leung , Elizabeth Mitchell , Yunjin Kim Seasons 6 Expand
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