the arts

As compared with movies, there is not nearly as much or as reliable information regarding the best TV shows of all time. There are not nearly as many rankings from individual critics and are no reliable sources that aggregate rankings across many critics. Similarly, there are no reliable sources that aggregate rankings across many individuals. Also, there is no longer a single comparable index like box office receipts for movies to indicate the popularity of TV shows. Historically, the Nielsen…

Unlike with movies, where many different credible organizations and individuals publish “best of all-time” lists, there are relatively few credible lists of the best Broadway musicals ever. Of course, part of that difference is due to the difference in form. Movies from any period are available to everyone to watch today. Musicals are generally available only while they are running; cast albums and movie adaptations are not quite the same experience, although the recent trend toward filmed stage versions is…

Many lists exist of the best movies of all time. In general, these lists fall into six categories: We provide here a list that aggregates categories 2, 4, 5, and 6 above. We see no additional value in considering categories 1 and 3, as those categories are subsumed by categories 2 and 4, respectively. There are many different methods of aggregating rankings across different categories into a single category. We opted for one of the simplest: a weighted Borda count…