Best ensemble cast?

Hill Street Blues.

 

Watched a "That 70s Show" rerun this morning, and thought they were pretty decent. Good show on its own, plus a bunch of people developed into stars on their own. Ashton Kutcher and late bloomer Mila Kunis were the breakout stars, but Topher Grace has had his moments and Laura Prepon has gotten some indie run.

I think, for shows that have ended their run, what their alumni went on to do counts for a lot.

 

Hannibal
Face
B.A.
Murdock

 

Concur with most of the ones already mentioned, so I'll jump in the Wayback Machine and pull out a gem from the 60s: Mission Impossible.

Although the Peter Graves character was the nominal leader, every cast member had a key specific role in each episode.

 

St Elsewhere

 

Agreed on West Wing.

 

Guessing that post could be repeated over and over again.

 

Freaks and Geeks.

 

On a current TV series, Justified probably has the best ensemble:

Timothy Olyphant (nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of "Raylan Givens")

Walton Goggins (nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of "Boyd Crowder")

Nick Searcy ("Art Mullen")

Joelle Carter ("Ava Crowder")

Jere Burns ("Wynn Duffy")

Jeremy Davies (nominated twice with one Emmy win for his portrayal of "Dickie Bennett")

Raymond J. Barry ("Arlo Givens")

Margo Coleman (won an Emmy for her portrayal of "Mags Bennett")

Mykelti Williamson ("Ellstin Limehouse")

Neal McDonough ("Robert Quarles")

 

The Shield had a damn fine ensemble with: Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins, Jay Karnes, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder, Catherine Dent, Michael Jace, David Rees Snell, Kenny Johnson, Anthony Anderson, Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker.

 

Married With Children