The best art is that which offers a reflection and commentary on humanity. So in the 21st century, it makes sense that technology-themed stories are having an especially big moment. The future is now, and while we don't have everything that pop culture of yesteryear predicted we would by now (see: Back to the Future and flying cars), technological advancement is reshaping our daily lives in ways both minor and drastic.
Television has responded in kind with shows mining all angles: the inherent paranoia and destruction the internet can breed, as seen in Mr. Robot; our dehumanization as a human race that new methods of connecting and advancing influence, per Black Mirror; and, on a lighter note, tech’s affinity for minting a fortune in Silicon Valley.
As it has always been, technology is the future. On the small screen, it’s the here and now. To honor the wonder of tech, and how it’s made our TV-viewing experience that much more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a list of the best tech-based television shows since 2000.
10. Silicon Valley (2014 - Present)
9. Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams (2017 - Present)
8. The IT Crowd (2006 - 2013)
7. Futurama (1999 - 2003; 2007 - 2009; 2010 - 2013)
Perhaps unfairly dismissed as a genre revamp of Matt Groening’s infinitely more successful animated series, Futurama just keeps on giving. The sitcom is so incredibly dense with jokes and visual gags that its dedicated fan base essentially forced the creators to revive it after multiple cancellations. Following the foibles of a thickheaded pizza delivery guy who accidentally cryogenically freezes himself for a thousand years, it's Futurama’s cast of morally iffy (but infinitely lovable) characters and uber-specific math and science references that pushes the show to cult classic heights. It may never have a fraction of the clout of The Simpsons, but it’s hard not to love the underdog.