The most iconic TV show of every year since 2000

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Every year has a TV show that defines it.

When you watch a certain show — or a certain season of a TV show — you can't help but think about where you were when it aired, and what people were saying about it.

There are some shows that dominated pop culture so much that you associate them with a certain time in your life, even if you've never seen an episode. "Lost" premiered in 2004 and instantly took over the small screen (and the water cooler), so even people who never saw it knew it.

We took a look back at the past 17 years in TV and selected the most iconic show from that year, from "The O.C." to "Big Little Lies."

Here's the most iconic TV shows every year since 2000:

2000 — "Dawson's Creek"

The season three finale of "Dawson's Creek," one of the most iconic teen shows ever, is one that changed television for the better. The episode features the first gay kiss in television history, which was a major milestone that paved the way for more storylines like it in TV and in pop culture.

2001 — "Alias"

The acting, clever writing, and ambitious action sequences made "Alias" an instant favorite. Its star Jennifer Garner, who was brilliant as double agent Sydney Bristowe, helped the series from a way less famous J.J. Abrams get the attention it so deserved.

2002 — "American Idol"

Everyone watched "American Idol," and if you didn't, you couldn't really be involved in most conversations, but you still knew Simon Cowell was mean. The show's first season introduced the world to the incredibly talented Kelly Clarkson, who quickly became more than a reality TV show winner: she became a pop icon.

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