Stephen King named iconic Netflix crime series his favorite show of the 21st century saying it is 'great from the opening scene'

Stephen King declared a top-rated Netflix series his favorite TV show of the 21st century - and no, it's not actually a horror.

The acclaimed author knows a thing or two about suspenseful storytelling, having penned some 65 books including bestsellers Carrie, The Shining, IT and Pet Sematary.

And while so many of his own novels have been adapted into hugely successful movies and TV shows, King is eager to share his own recommendations, usually on social media.

Back in 2019, he praised a Netflix series with a 'Stranger Things vibe' and perfect ratings, admitting, modestly, that it reminded him of his own work.

And in a Rolling Stone interview, King named what he believes is the single greatest TV production of this century - as well another show he says 'changed everything.'

Speaking to the publication in 2014, King didn't seem to hesitate when asked what the best TV show of our time was.

King answered: "Breaking Bad. I knew it was great from the first scene you see [Bryan Cranston] wearing jockey shorts.

"I thought it was amazingly brave since they look so geeky."

The cult crime drama follows chemistry teacher Walter White (Cranston), who, discovering he has cancer, begins selling meth to repay his medical debts. Partnering with his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), he's determined to provide for his pregnant wife Skylar (Anna Gunn) and their teenage son Walt Junior (RJ Mitte).

Breaking Bad was a crime drama that ran from 2008-2013. (AMC)

Breaking Bad debuted on AMC and ran for five seasons, between 2008 and 2013.

It joined Netflix before the release of its penultimate fourth season in 2011, boosting its popularity.

All five seasons remain on the streamer, although not for much longer: the entire show will be taken off in 2027.

Elsewhere in the interview, King highlighted Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, The Bridge and The Americans among the most captivating of TV shows.

"Those things are so textured and so involving that they make movies look like short stories," he said.

Michael Chiklis and Walton Goggins featured in The Shield (FX)

But one standout crime drama in particular - US series The Shield - 'changed everything' for King.

Having watched the show 12 years earlier, King recalled: "In the first episode, Michael Chiklis, who played the protagonist, turns around and kills a fellow cop.

"And I thought to myself, 'TV just underwent this seismic change.' That show was the most important show on television."

He resolved: "Breaking Bad is better, but The Shield changed everything."

Meanwhile NCIS, CSI and even Mad Men were not so popular with the author.