How should we weigh impact, ambition, and longevity when ranking top TV series?

[AveryM]

I was having a debate with friends about creating a definitive list of the top 10 TV series of all time, and we realized how subjective and era-dependent the criteria are. I'm interested in a broader discussion about what makes a series truly great beyond personal taste. For you, what are the non-negotiable elements—be it cultural impact, narrative ambition, character development, or technical innovation—that earn a show a spot on such a list? I'm less interested in everyone just listing their favorites and more in the reasoning behind considering a series like The Wire, Breaking Bad, or even a classic like M*A*S*H as canonical. How do you weigh a perfectly executed limited series against a long-running show that evolved dramatically over time?