1

Blues

Image: Ahmed Rizkhaan

Originating in the Deep South during the late 19th century, blues evolved from African American work songs, spirituals, and field hollers. More often than not, it channeled pain and the harsh realities of life in a segregated America. Formally, its 12-bar blues structure and expressive guitar playing influenced countless other genres, from rock and roll to jazz.

2

Jazz

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

Born in New Orleans in the early 20th century, jazz blended African rhythms, blues, and brass band traditions. It was a revolutionary genre defined by improvisation and syncopation. Great figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington helped jazz spread worldwide, becoming a symbol of American creativity.

3

Rock and Roll

Image: Ana Grave

Emerging in the 1950s, rock and roll combined elements of blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues to create a high-energy, powerful sound . It soon became the voice of a new, rebellious generation. Pioneers like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard became universally beloved legends, forever altering the course of popular music.

4

Country

Image: Ben White

Originating in the southern United States, country music evolved from folk ballads and fiddle tunes brought by European immigrants. Initially, the genre focused on stories about blue-collar American life but later expanded to include love ballads and dance tunes. Today, it remains one of the most popular genres in the U.S.

5

Bluegrass

Image: Priscilla Du Preez

A fast-paced, acoustic offshoot of country, bluegrass emerged in the 1940s thanks to Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys. Drawing from Irish and Scottish folk traditions, it prominently features stringed instruments like the banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. A true heartland gem, bluegrass continues to thrive on festival circuits worldwide.

6

Rhythm and Blues

Image: Matthijs Smit

Rhythm and Blues, or R&B, evolved from blues and jazz in the 1940s, featuring soulful vocals and a strong, "insistent" backbeat. Though its boundaries have been historically difficult to define, it laid the foundation for rock, soul, and funk while remaining a powerhouse in American music for generations.

7

Gospel

Image: Iyinoluwa Onaeko

Rooted in African American church traditions, gospel music emerged in the early 20th century, blending spirituals with blues and jazz influences. Artists like Mahalia Jackson and The Staple Singers were among the first to bring gospel beyond church walls, paving the way for future soul and rock musicians.

8

Soul

Image: Kobe Subramaniam

A direct descendant of gospel and R&B, soul music took center stage in the 1960s with its mix of emotional vocals and deep grooves. Legends like Aretha Franklin and James Brown defined the genre, influencing everything from funk to modern pop.

9

Funk

Image: Krisztián Reischl

Emerging in the 1960s, funk placed a strong emphasis on groove and rhythm, featuring heavy basslines and syncopated beats made for dancing. Pioneers like James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Sly & The Family Stone helped popularize the genre, whose infectious rhythms later influenced disco, hip-hop, and even rock.

10

Disco

Image: Honey Fangs

Rising in the 1970s, disco blended soul, funk, and Latin influences into a beat-driven, club-friendly sound. More than just a music genre, it became a cultural movement centered on dance, freedom, and glamour. At its peak, artists like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees dominated the airwaves.

1

Check the reviews

Image: Sergey Zolkin

When considering a purchase, browse the internet for reviews from other buyers. Simply type the item’s name followed by the word "reviews" in a search engine , and you’ll likely be flooded with websites that compile consumer opinions on the stuff they buy.

While fake reviews exist, they’re usually easy to spot. Focus on the negative reviews, as you probably already know the positive aspects of the product you’re researching.

2

Compare prices

Image: Aaron Lefler

Comparing prices has never been easier since the advent of the World Wide Web. (In fact, most of the items on this list have become significantly simpler thanks to the Internet!) Best of all, anyone can do it in multiple ways.

Many specialized websites compare prices for specific items , such as smartphones, but you can also check different retailers yourself to find the best deal. Always compare prices, even if an item is "on sale"—you might still find it cheaper elsewhere.

3

Check the details

Image: Nick Morrison

This one’s a no-brainer: always read the full description of products sold online carefully . Make sure the size, materials, and user guide align with the purpose you’re buying it for.

It’s not uncommon for people to purchase an item without checking the fine print, only to realize later that the product doesn’t fit the purpose it was intended for.

4

Beware of scams

Image: Zanyar Ibrahim

A downside of the online world is the proliferation of scams everywhere. Be extremely cautious when sharing personal or financial information online, especially if the website isn’t well-known or reputable. Scam websites and phishing emails often contain odd phrasing, spelling mistakes, or poor translations.

5

New is not necessarily better

Image: Suansita K

While some things are best bought new, many products can be purchased used, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality—sometimes, it’s even the better option. Consider buying a used item from a local seller, a friend, or even a friend of a friend .

Manufacturers also sell refurbished products directly to consumers. These items have been repaired by the manufacturer and, in most cases, come with a product warranty. Be sure to ask all necessary questions and only buy if you’re certain everything is in order—the product should be complete and in perfect working condition.

6

Don’t give in to pressure

Image: Ivan Aleksic

Don’t let high-pressure sales tactics bully you into buying something you’re not completely sure about buying. It’s okay to say no and walk away . If it’s over the phone, you can interrupt at any time, say you’re not interested, and hang up.

Take your time making a decision, especially if it involves a significant amount of money. Think it through, research, consider alternatives, and check your budget before making a purchase.

7

If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Another low-hanging fruit in the consumer tips section is this one. Offers that promise unusually high returns always come with a catch. If the price seems too good to be true or too low , there’s likely an issue somewhere .

A demand for an immediate decision is a red flag. Don’t risk your hard-earned money on shady deals—you’ll regret it in the end.

8

Don’t buy things you don’t need. Even if they are on sale

Image: Jess Bailey

9

Just because something is on sale or has a great price doesn’t mean you need it . It’s easy to be tempted into buying things we don’t actually use just because they’re discounted. In reality, bargain-bin finds often end up forgotten, collecting dust in our cabinets. That money would be better spent on something you truly need.

10

Pay by card

Image: Blake Wisz

It’s always best to use a debit or credit card when shopping online. This allows you to request a chargeback if your order doesn’t arrive or is incorrect. Before entering your payment details , check that the website is secure . Look for a small padlock symbol near the address bar and ensure the URL starts with "https" (the "s" stands for secure) rather than just "http" or "www."

Take a screenshot of your completed order or save a copy of the order confirmation in case something goes wrong. Monitor your bank statements regularly, and if you notice anything unusual—such as duplicate charges—contact your bank immediately.

11

Keep receipts

Image: Carli Jeen

Last but not least, always take a photo of your purchase receipts and save them on your phone in case you need proof of purchase later. Most of the time, you won’t need them—but every once in a while, they can be a lifesaver. It costs nothing and could potentially save you a lot of money.

1

Friends

Image: Ilse Orsel

Who couldn’t sing along to the opening song of Friends ? "I'll be there for you" is an anthem that sparks instant nostalgia. Friends was the comfort blanket of the '90s and early 2000s: Six pals navigating life and love in a surprisingly affordable New York apartment.

Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. Over 52 million viewers watched the finale. For ten years, Friends made millions feel like part of the gang.

2

The Ed Sullivan Show

Image: william f. santos

For over two decades, between 1948 and 1971, The Ed Sullivan Show was America’s Sunday night ritual. It had over 20 million average weekly viewers!

Families gathered in living rooms across the country to watch this variety show that brought together everything from opera to Elvis . And in 1964, over 73 million viewers tuned in to see four mop-topped Brits called The Beatles make their U.S. debut!

3

All in the Family

Image: Daniel von Appen

At the center of the 70s sitcom All in the Family was Archie Bunker, a prejudiced but lovable working-class man played by Carroll O’Connor, whose outdated views clashed with his liberal son-in-law "Meathead" (Rob Reiner).

The show tackled topics like racism, women’s rights, and the Vietnam War, and viewers loved seeing arguments they were having at home play out on screen.

4

Bonanza

Image: Olivier Piquer

Bonanza was the number one show between 1964 and 1967, although it aired from 1959 to 1973. Set on Ponderosa Ranch, near Lake Tahoe, Bonanza was a cowboy family drama .

Audiences fell in love with the Cartwrights: Ben, the wise patriarch, and his three very different sons. The show stood out for its lush color cinematography (very rare at the time) and storylines that combined action with moral lessons.

5

Gunsmoke

Image: Brice Cooper

Gunsmoke, which also boasted the Western genre, remained number 1 for multiple years as well. It was one of the first TV titans to accomplish such a thing. It held the record for the longest-running primetime drama for decades. Set in Dodge City, it followed law-upholding Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness).

When Chester, Dillon’s original deputy, left the show, fans were devastated. With over 600 episodes , Gunsmoke redefined the genre and left a permanent mark on American pop culture.

6

Jeopardy!

Image: Gift Habeshaw

Jeopardy! is a legacy that started in 1984 and is still going strong! That has led to its amassing over 10 million average viewers over the decades. How many TV shows share the same claim?

For generations, it’s been the show that makes you feel smarter just for watching (if you can outsmart the participants, that is). The answer-first, question-last format ("What is the Eiffel Tower?") became iconic, and the theme music is forever ingrained in America’s collective brain.

7

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Image: Jordon Conner

Whenever Regis Philbin asked, "Is that your final answer?" America held its breath. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire exploded onto U.S. screens in 1999 at the turn of the millennium.

The phenomenon drew 28 million viewers at its peak. The first winner, John Carpenter, made headlines for not using a single lifeline until the final question, when he used "Phone a Friend" just to call his dad and say, "I’m about to win a million dollars." That moment alone is a TV legend.

8

Survivor

Image: Rowan Heuvel

Sixteen strangers marooned on a tropical island, forced to build shelter, find food, and outwit each other for a million dollars. This had a social-experiment factor that made it impossible for America to look away.

The very first season, set in Borneo, was an instant smash, with 28 million viewers. Host Jeff Probst’s fire-snuffing catchphrase ("The tribe has spoken") became iconic.

9

American Idol

Image: Eduardo Balderas

Did you watch live as the life of American Idol’s first-ever winner (Kelly Clarkson!) changed forever? In the early 2000s, American Idol turned everyday dreamers into superstars and had the whole country voting on their fates.

At its peak, it drew over 30 million viewers each week.

10

60 Minutes

Image: Alla Eddine Taleb

Do you remember a 60 Minutes episode that had you at the edge of your seat? Beginning in 1968, this show proved that journalism could be far more riveting than fiction.

Its secret was in smart and human storytelling, no-nonsense interviews, and a lineup of legendary correspondents like Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, and Ed Bradley.

11

The Cosby Show

Image: Francisco Andreotti

In the 1980s, The Cosby Show was the cultural touchstone. At its heart was the Huxtable family, an upper-middle-class Black household in Brooklyn, led by Cliff (Bill Cosby), an affable obstetrician, and Clair (Phylicia Rashad), a sharp attorney. Plus their chaotic five kids.

One of the most beloved moments was the family lip-syncing Ray Charles' "Night Time Is the Right Time" for Cliff’s birthday.

12

Seinfeld

Image: Rob Laughter

The premise of Seinfeld was a show about nothing . The sitcom ended up stealing the show. Between 1989 and 1998, Seinfeld cast a light on mundane life (you know, waiting in line, losing socks, awkward small talk) and turned it into comedy gold.

This "show about nothing" gave us four unforgettable New Yorkers: Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. Its finale drew 76 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes ever.

13

Cheers

Image: Andrea Mininni

This gem of the 80s invited America into a cozy Boston bar that felt like home. Centered around bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and a colorful cast of barflies, waitstaff, and neurotic patrons, it delivered laughs, heart, and genuine warmth.

The chemistry of the ensemble was golden. And what people loved the most was that "Cheers," much like the "Central Perk" of Friends , was a place of belonging.

14

Dallas

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Of course, Dallas, the ultimate primetime soap, cannot be left out of this list! This dramatic master of cliffhangers left the nation gasping. At its core was J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), one of TV’s most devious villains, who still had fans rooting for him.

The show became a cultural phenomenon, especially in 1980 when America asked, "Who shot J.R.?" That season finale was watched by more than 80 million people.

15

MAS H

Image: Robert Ruggiero

Set during the Korean War, MASH was unlike anything else on TV. It mixed satire and unforgettable characters in a mobile army surgical hospital. Alan Alda led the cast as Hawkeye Pierce, backed by a beloved ensemble that included Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and Mike Farrell.

The show’s final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," aired in 1983 and drew 106 million viewers. That was a record that stood for decades!