I, CLAUDIUS (1976)

This BBC adaptation of Robert Graves' historical novels — which follows the stammering, limping Claudius (Derek Jacobi) as he survives three generations of intrigue, murder, decadence, and extreme family dysfunction to become emperor of Rome — may have marked the peak of the golden era of Masterpiece Theatre (from 1971's Upstairs Downstairs to 1981's Brideshead Revisited). It also put the lie to the notion that British drama was stuffy and dull — not with all the poisonings, stabbings, and incest going on. Don't forget the influence on The Sopranos, which borrowed Livia's name for Tony's lethal, manipulative mom. — Gary Susman