The New York Times’ list of the 100 best television shows of the 21st century grew out of similar rankings for books and films, and reflects a broader effort to build an enduring editorial “canon”. The project aims to combine the Times’ critical authority with the views and personalities of people who create and work in television, making the list both a reference point and a more engaging multimedia feature.

The Times contacted more than 1,000 industry figures, with around 500 participating, while video interviews and contributors’ personal stories were woven into the list. Canon editor Gilbert Cruz says the new role is an experiment intended to turn such projects into connected, recurring franchises rather than isolated newsroom efforts, although the Times is still deciding how often future lists should appear and how to keep them meaningful.