From “Leave it to Beaver” to “Parks and Recreation,” you may have seen some of these, but there are still a few dozen sitcoms you may not even have heard of, from old network hits to originals that are unique to Netflix.
Leave it to Beaver
"Leave it to Beaver" has made a reputation for itself as one of the most iconic shows in history. The sitcom aimed towards children had six seasons and 234 episodes and starred Barbara Billingsley, Jerry Mathers, Tony Dow, and Hugh Beaumont.
The Cleavers represent "The American Dream," the ideal version of a 1950s family, and centered around "The Beaver." The adventurous boy seemed to always get into trouble, whether it be at home, school, or in the neighborhood.
Fuller House
The original version of Full House aired between 1987 and 1995 and was based on the story of a young widow who raises his three young daughters with the help of his brother-in-law, Jesse, and his best friend, Joey. Set in the same house, the new series is a continuation of the same story. It will all feel very familiar, using the same kind of humor and storylines that leave you feeling nostalgic for the original.
The Tanner family’s adventures aren’t over just yet. Now, DJ, one of the young daughters, is fully grown and running the Tanner-Fuller household, along with sisters Stephanie and Kimmy at her side. Mom jokes, corny learning lessons, and a whole lot of group hugs are a staple on Fuller House.
BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman is an animated sitcom created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg and designed by Lisa Hanawalt, who is a cartoonist and childhood friend of Waksberg. The show is based in Hollywood, in a time when humans and tailless and anthropomorphic animals live harmoniously. BoJack is a washed-up actor from the 1990s who has spent the last 10 years drinking and sitting on his couch. He is desperate to make his return to stardom and plans to do so through the release of a tell-all autobiography.
At first glance, this show may appear to be a comment on celebrity culture and a satirical look at politics and current events. However, there is much more to this show, as BoJack deals with depression and substance abuse, giving the story a darker and edgier side. However, there are still plenty of jokes that make this one of the most watchable shows on Netflix.
The Partridge Family
One of the best-known sitcoms of the twentieth century, The Partridge Family, starred Shirley Jones. The family traveled around the world, playing music. The show aired as a part of ABC's Friday-night lineup and would later go on to have reruns in syndication.
The family was based on a real-life family band that was popular in the sixties and seventies, The Cowsills. "The Patridge Family" had it all, comic books, animated series, movies, and CDs - not to mention various spin-offs of the show.
Speechless
Another sitcom that was abruptly canceled but absolutely adored is the popular "Speechless," which followed both hilarious and very serious challenges that a family faces from having a teenage son who's disabled. The show has received excellent ratings from critics due to its honest and heartfelt performance, as well as the excellent balance it manages of humor and seriousness around some pretty sensitive topics.
Speechless has been cited as a "clear-eyed and empathetic exploration of life in a special-needs family that makes plenty of room for hilarity." Unfortunately, it didn't make it past its third season, although it received quite a respectable ending after running for more than 60 episodes. The show received various awards over the years, including an “Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming” prize at the 2017 Television Critics Association Award.
Sunnyside
NBC has had a fairly consistent trend of successful comedies in the past few years, which unfortunately seems to have ended with one of its leading sitcoms, "Sunnyside." The series was marketed as a promising comedy starring the classic popular actor and comedian from "Harold & Kumar," Kal Penn. Unfortunately, the show didn’t premiere to great ratings, as it suffered from a fairly unsuccessful September premiere.
"Sunnyside" reportedly earned the lowest ratings out of any freshman broadcast series in the past few years. The last few episodes will air and remain on NBC’s app and website, but it’s very unlikely that we’ll see another season. Perhaps the actor’s appeal began to fade over time, or perhaps the show just didn’t hit the right audiences.
Top Cat
A sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera, "Top Cat," ran in the early sixties for a total of 30 episodes and one full season. The ABC show followed a gang of alley cats in Manhattan and was inspired by the 1940's characters, the East Side Kids.
The title character, Top Cat, was loosely based on a comedy about a con-man called "The Phil Silvers Show." The show was a rating failure in prime time yet managed to find a receptive audience in the Saturday morning timeslot
Splitting Up Together
Splitting Up Together was a sitcom show starring Jenna Fischer, Oliver Hudson, Bobby Lee, Diane Farr, Lindsay Price, and a few other lesser-known actors. The show follows a couple with three children who are going through a divorce, which happens to reignite their marriage. It lasted for two seasons, with the first being only eight episodes long and the second having more than twice as many episodes.
ABC’s comedy show received mixed approval (you could also say that reviews were "split"), and unfortunately, the show was canceled by the network amidst a slew of cancellations by the broadcasting company.
Tuca & Bertie
"Tuca & Bertie," Netflix's attempt at an adult animated sitcom, appeared to be quite a promising new show. Although the show opened to strong reception and critical acclaim, often being referred to as one of the best shows of 2019, it didn't survive its first season and was promptly axed by Netflix. Stars of the show Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong, both came from a comedic background, yet the show itself didn't get the same comedic value as each of the female comics' one-woman shows.
Both fans and critics were very mad about the sudden cancellation and prompted a social media backlash with the Twitter hashtags #RenewTucaAndBertie and #SaveTucaAndBertie, and each received more than 10,000 tweets from users. Many news sites published articles asking Netflix to renew the show, and criticism was thrown at Netflix for not adequately promoting the show due to its algorithm failing to help it build an initial audience.
The Ranch
Ashton Kutcher's popular sitcom, "The Ranch," began right after the actor finished working on the "Two and a Half Men" show, which saw him replace a problematic Charlie Sheen. "The Ranch" is an eight-part series with a total of four seasons; each episode is named after American country singers, with a total of 20 episodes per season.
The popular show was renewed in late 2018 by Netflix for its fourth and final season, despite the series receiving only average reviews. The 8th part will mark a total of 80 episodes for the series, making it the longest-running, half-hour long original Netflix series.
The Monkees
The family-friendly sitcom "The Monkees" aired on NBC between 1966 and 1968. The premise focused on a four-man-band trying to make a name for themselves before becoming famous.
The show stood out at the time because it introduced a whole new genre of filming techniques that helped it win two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy. Even after the show went off the air, it was rerun for many years overseas and in syndication.
The Cool Kids
The sitcom follows three guys who live in a retirement community that are joined by a rebellious female occupant. The show stars old time actors David Alan Grier, Martin Mull, Leslie Jordan, and Vicki Lawrence. The Cool Kids was met with mixed to positive reviews, mostly being criticized for having cheesy jokes and old-time clichés
There were originally 12 episodes as part of Fox's attempt to check the viability of the show. Fox saw the potential behind "The Cool Kids" and ordered another nine episodes a few weeks later, leading the total to 22 episodes. Unfortunately, it canceled the show on the same day that the last episode was released, and it seems that this one is not getting out of its retirement home.
Dead to Me
Not many thought that this Netflix gem, "Dead to Me," had any steam left for a second season, but once again, the surprisingly good dark sitcom did not disappoint. The latest installment of the show got even more complex!
Jen Harding and Judy Hale (Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini) find themselves navigating yet another crime together, and actress Natalie Morales enters the show as an endearing new character with an interesting arc, one that connects specifically to Judy. No spoilers!
Alpha House
The series follows for Republican Senators who spend their days in Capitol Hill and their nights in a row house they rent together. Their primary purpose in life: do as little work as possible. The political satire was created by Garry Trudeau and went strong for two seasons.
Throughout the show's two seasons, there were cameos from Hollywood's most celebrated veterans and politicians alike, which made for a refreshing series. A political sitcom? Please, count us in!
Red Oaks
Set in Red Oaks, a fictional country club in a New Jersey suburb, the show follows David, a college student working at the club, enjoying the summer before it comes to an end. "Red Oaks" follows David's life with subplots focusing on his family, friends, and of course, coworkers.
When "Red Oaks" first premiered, it was underrated and went completely unnoticed. The show manages to find fresh humor in a seemingly familiar premise. And slowly but surely, word got out about the intelligent, raunchy '80s-style comedy!
Catastrophe
"Catastrophe"'s leads portray two single people who are forever intertwined when she accidentally becomes pregnant following a fling while he's in London on a business trip. The show is a rom-com in reverse; there's a pregnancy, then a marriage, and then they get to know each other to see if they can fall in love.
Amazon knew what they were doing when they bought the exclusive streaming rights to the British sitcom. "Catastrophe" involves ever-so-obvious, culture clash -- he's American, and she's British -- and the constant bickering between the two makes the show all the more enjoyable.
Grace and Frankie
Grace and Frankie find themselves facing a new reality when they discover that their husbands, Robert and Sol, have not only struck up a relationship but are now in love. This is enough to turn anyone’s lives upside down, but the two women decide the best thing to do is to start a new life and move on together.
As time goes on, the two women grow closer and realize all is not lost, as they have more in common with each other than they ever had with their husbands. The cast is strong, and the script is pretty funny.
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp
"Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp" is the second installment of the "Wet Hot American Summer" franchise and the prequel to the original version, which was released in 2001. Many of the actors in the original movie went on the make big names for themselves but returned to play even younger versions of themselves over a decade later. The show is full of witty references and the big-name actors makes it an appealing option.
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp is a show you need to have a frame of reference for. There are tons of jokes relating to 80’s pop culture, and if you haven’t seen the original, some of the jokes will go over your head! So, be sure to do your homework before watching this funny show.
F Is for Family
F is for Family is an animated sitcom set in Massachusetts in the 1970s. Created by Bill Burr and Michael Price, it is said to be based on Bill Burr’s childhood. The sitcom follows the Murphy Family and their day-to-day lives.
It makes use of the fact that political correctness was much less of an issue in the 1970s, and there was more emphasis on making sure the fridge was always stocked with beers. Upon release, the show generally received positive reviews, though it may not be everyone’s taste.
Santa Clarita Diet
The show is set in the suburb of Santa Clarita and follows the life of a married couple named Joel and Sheila. Things take a turn when Sheila is infected by a mysterious zombie virus that forces her to turn into a cannibal in order to stay alive. Her family intervenes to try and help her, and together they must deal with all kinds of difficult situations, which include a lot of blood, guts, and gore. Let's just say this show is not for the faint-hearted.
The script is comedic and witty, the cast is top class, and the premise is excellent, which is really all we need to enjoy a sitcom. "Santa Clarita Diet" is easy to watch and perfectly binge-worthy.
Friends From College
"Friends from College" is about a group of friends who reunite 20 years after graduation. Some friendships can go the distance, but it becomes clear that this once close-knit group of friends have changed, and some are not the people they used to be. As they reconnect, they learn that life has not become any easier with age.
"Friends from College" isn't what we'd call your average sitcom, but it definitely one worth watching. There are of course moments where you identify with the characters and the events going on around them.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return
A group of scientists finds themselves thrust into the future when one of their experiments goes awry. They mysteriously find themselves surrounded by mutants, androids, and some humans, who quite frankly need to take themselves a bit less seriously. "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return" is a remake of an old cult classic but still retains its tongue in cheek approach to all things sci-fi.
This is a great series to watch, as you can pick it up at any point along with the storyline. Of course, it will flow more naturally if you follow the sequential narrative, but it’s not imperative for your enjoyment. Fans of the original will appreciate how it pays homage, bringing its return up-to-date without losing any of its original charms.
Chewing Gum
"Chewing Gum" follows the life of a young girl called Tracey, who is 24 and lives with her religious and conservative-minded family on a council estate (government housing) in London. Tracey is starting to discover her own sexuality despite being a virgin and begins to have wet dreams which revolve around American rapper Jay-Z, some of which end with a crash as she finds herself waking up with a nosebleed.
Tracey’s character is heart-warming and endearing as she figures out a way to make her love for Beyoncé and Jesus not mutually exclusive. It’s an unusual premise for a TV sitcom, but something a lot of teenagers will relate to, reconciling desires with beliefs. The acting is excellent, and they do justice to a well-written script and storyline. This is the kind of show that will get people talking as there are plenty of themes around family, puberty, and sexuality that we can all recognize.
The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell
Though it may not be your typical sitcom, it is a clever mix between DIY fixes and masterfully scripted little sections that blend together to create a feel-good show. The show features Christine McConnell living in a huge and kind of creepy mansion. The house has all sort of weird and wonderful creatures inhabiting it with her, including her faithful sidekick, a raccoon named Rose, a werewolf who goes by the name of Edgar, and a peculiar Egyptian cat-mummy called Rankle.
The curious creations that the title refers to are the delicious desserts Christine bakes up with her favorite friends in her fabulous 50s get up. Christine’s love for all things 1950’s, baking talents, and furry friends comes through in her quirky style, which will pull you into her wonderful, yet slightly strange world.
Big Mouth
Puberty can be tough, and "Big Mouth" is not afraid to talk about the most awkward and embarrassing moments that happen when this colossal shift is taking place. Big Mouth is an animated sitcom series that follows the story of Nick as he deals with life as a 7th grader and the hormonal changes that occur, not to mention his new-found fascination with girls.
If you like your humor to be cringe-worthy, then "Big Mouth" will be perfect for you. Because it’s a cartoon, it can get away with talking about some of the most disgusting things that happen to boys when they transition into teenagers.
Crashing
Not to be confused with a US series of the same name, Crashing is based in the UK and follows the lives of six twenty-something people who decide to live together as property guardians of a disused hospital. Living in a place like this has its pros and cons. While the rent may be cheap, there are some pretty strict rules they have to stick to. As you can imagine, they get into all kinds of situations.
There is also some very British humor, the highlight of which has to be the leading lady, Lulu, who manages to show a range of skills as a character. Aside from being very funny, she and the entire cast are very relatable; you won’t be able to help to fall in love with them all.
Dave
The YouTube sensation "Lil Dicky," the Jewish rapper who went viral got his own show. And it's as bizarre as you would expect. "Dave" follows the rapper, his bipolar promoter, his Wall Street junkie roommate, and kindergarten teacher girlfriend and their everyday lives.
Don't worry; it's not as juvenile as it sounds. The funny show manages to offer its take on important matters like friendship, mental health, and the road to achieving your dreams.
The Archie Show
Before there was "Riverdale," there was "The Archie Show." The comedic sitcom was based on the comic strip called "Archie Comics." The show featured the characters we know and love; Jughead, Archie Andrews, Veronica, Reggie Mantle, and Betty Cooper.
The fresh group of friends was part of a pop band, and their song "Sugar, Sugar" was a #1 hit in reach life. Though the show only had seventeen episodes, it would go on to spark movies, books, comic strips, and more!
Pen15
The ever original Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle burst onto our screen in 2019 with their hilarious take on adolescence, and they're here to stay. In its second season, the show takes a slightly darker turn into some of the more difficult aspects of tweenhood and friendships.
There's also more input from the moms of the show, as well as a deliciously complex arc about the girls' new frenemy. If you grew up in the early 2000s, you would appreciate the show's hyper level of accuracy!
Dennis the Menace
"Dennis the Menace" starred Dennis, the Mitchell family's mischievous son who often went back and forth with their neighbor, George Wilson. The family-oriented sitcom was based on the comic strip by Hank Ketcham.
The show aired on CBS on Sunday evenings and had special appearances by many of Hollywood's most celebrated. Still very culturally relevant, the television show had four seasons and 146 episodes in total.
Absolutely Fabulous
With a show being titled "Absolutely Fabulous," it would have been quite awkward if this show wasn't exactly that. Fortunately, Jennifer Saunders' sitcom – inspired by a French and Saunders sketch about a PR executive who is still trying to live as she did in her younger years, up-all-night and always ready for a party.
There's lots of fun with the role reversal comedy of Eddy's relationship with her sensible teenage daughter Saffy. Still, the real standout is Joanna Lumley as a real force of nature that is Patsy Stone – a true comedy icon.
I Love Lucy
Television's first great sitcom focused on a zany New York housewife who desperately wanted to get into showbiz and husband, a Cuban bandleader, who has his hands full, trying to deter her. "I Love Lucy" was just one of Lucille Ball's many endeavors, but it was arguably one of the most popular, too. The series debuted in 1951, ushering in a new wave of television.
After years of producing the show, Lucille and her co-star husband, Desi Arnaz, decided to move on to a different landscape.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
This show has an ensemble of characters with zero redeeming qualities, but despite that, it's difficult not to enjoy it for it's carefully crafted writing. The show has made it to fourteen seasons, which is remarkable for any sitcom, and we know that it has some value if it can keep audiences coming back for so many seasons.
Through the prism of the assorted cast, the show filters every modern-day issue possible, from racism to climate change, and even more! If nothing else, we cherish this show for the way it has unleashed DeVito as an actor.
Married… with Children
This unpretentious sitcom about the Bundys flourished despite warnings the irritation of some critics, who objected to the show's offbeat and crude humor. Other reviewers praised the cutting, sharp dialogue, calling the series a remedy when compared to the 'sugary show that has surged across American screens since the dawn of television.'
After ten years on air, the show started to experience a decline in ratings, which ultimately led Fox to cut the show entirely.
Will & Grace
"Will and Grace" ran from 1998 to 2006, with Will and Grace, who dated in college briefly before Will came out of the closet. Will and Grace are roomies once again, and as expected, their friends Karen and Jack are never far away.
As the gang passes all the issues in this rollercoaster world, their enduring chemistry is alive and kicking- and full of razor-sharp jokes.
Gilligan's Island
The series created by mastermind Sherwood Schwartz reigned supreme for three seasons during the '60s, portraying the account of seven castaways trying to survive in the great, yet desolate outdoors as they have were shipwrecked on an uncharted island. "Gilligan's Island" garnered high ratings and has been described as hilarious.
Despite a critical blow, the show became a pop-culture sensation after it was released in syndication; and went on to spin off three TV movies.
The Golden Girls
Despite being a show about three mature ladies, the series soon gained widespread popularity across many demographics. To this day, "The Golden Girls" is considered a prime example of comedic genius. Not only was the casting spot on, but the script was sharp and inspired.
The show continued for seven seasons straight before Bea Arthur quit and so they could not continue without Dorothy, so production came to a close.
The IT Crowd
Consistently funny and inventive, this aptly titled UK sitcom centers around a group of misanthrope IT workers who work in the basement of a massive corporation, only leaving to go upstairs and fix computers by unplugging them and then plug them back in again.
The fizzy chemistry between the trio of loners makes for a clever laugh. It may only sound slightly interesting, but this gang manages to get into all sorts of buffoonery, mainly thanks to them all being especially reclusive and unequipped to socialize.
One Day at a Time
This is such a particular show; their own streaming service mourned its cancelation — even though they were dropping the ax. "One Day at a Time" was reimagined for modern audiences and introduced the Alvarez family, whose Cuban roots suggested this wasn't going to be like the typical family sitcom.
But it's not the family's heritage and culture that made them different; it was the tremendous insight instilled at every turn. Tackling issues of racism, immigration, mental illness, and prejudice, the series embraced the flaws of our world with wide eyes and open arms.
Fleabag
A poignant look into the mind of a dry-witted, passionate, grief-riddled woman trying to make sense of the world around her. The situations are intense, with every single character being profoundly flawed, and the lead character gives an impeccable performance.
Whether she's struggling to stay sane after the death of her best friend or struggling with temptation in a relationship, she's vulnerable, convincing, and incredibly entertaining. Her fourth-wall-breaking asides to the camera are also brilliant.
Seinfeld
Although NBC approached Jerry to produce a show, he actually came up with the idea himself. It's then that Jerry enlisted Larry David, and a winning partnership was created, leading them to strike gold. Unlike many other sitcoms at the time, "Seinfeld" focused on the small things in life, often leading it to be described as "a show about nothing."
The far-reaching influence of the series cannot be denied. Not only did it keep viewers addicted for nine seasons, but it also made very rich men out of its creators.
Night Court
The courtroom shenanigans were interesting enough to keep this show on the air for nine seasons. The sitcom revolved around a judge who had an unconventional manner; his Manhattan court staff; and the night people who appeared before him.
When the series was canceled, Warner Bros. hoped to sell it on to another company so it could continue. As a result, the finale episode wasn't exactly a touching farewell as producers hoped it wasn't the end.
Parks and Recreation
Leaning heavily on the mockumentary genre, "Parks and Recreation" went for more silly gags and slapstick comedy than "The Office." With Amy Poehler leading the cast, the show also starred Rashida Jones, Chris Pratt, and Rob Lowe. The producers heavily researched politics before filming started, and frequently took onboard audience feedback throughout the series to make sure it's as relevant as possible.
The decision to end the show was the producer's decision, with Michael Schur describing their last season as "landing a plane to stick the landing."
All in the Family
"All in the Family" may have been a sitcom, but the writers behind the scenes also used it as an avenue to address more serious issues. Back in the '70s, this was considered a risky position to have. Matters like the Vietnam War and gender issues were bound up in palatable half-hour spots. More importantly, it was still an enjoyable show to watch.
Although it took a little while to gain traction when it premiered, "All in the Family" went on to become quite a staple as the most-watched show during summer reruns.
Scrubs
"Scrubs" was a fantastic show not just because of the Turk Dance, but because it gave us authentic people who were struggling with real issues as well as the greatest bromance in the history of television, of course. The show was goofy, profound, and for Millennials growing up, there wasn't a better show than "Scrubs."
The medical comedy had it all, from oddballs to touching storylines and characters that you could really invest in. Although it was subject to some cast changes over the years, the heart of the series remained the same.
Maude
"Maude" gave voice to an original kind of protagonist, this time with an outspoken feminist, who had no time apologizing when she went toe-to-toe with her opposers. "Maude" had snark, and with this show, CBS embraced the breadth of the 1970s Women's Movement.
Beyond that, "Maude" was innovative, playing with patterns and constructs even within the time constraints of sitcoms, staging many episodes as dialogues between Maude and husband Walter. The series welcomed taboo topics and made its mark by examining those concepts that we're too scared to discuss on our own.
The Andy Griffith Show
"The Andy Griffith Show" prepared the way for future comedy shows of the same genre. This modest sitcom looked back to a simpler time. Starring Andy Griffith in the role of Andy Taylor, the series followed the sheriff as he kept order in a small town in North Carolina, with gentle humor and genuinely likable characters made it a beloved fixture on the TV landscape.
The show remained popular right up to its cancelation in 1968.
Silicon Valley
This sitcom is set in the rapidly changing world of tech and follows computer programmer Richard Hendricks as he tries to stay afloat. The show energy comes from two semi-contradictory views: contempt for egotistic tech moguls and sympathy for the entrepreneurs struggling to unseat them.
Between that and the extensive amounts of research performed by the producers and writers before each season, "Silicon Valley" manages to deliver a staggering amount of authenticity.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Dick Van Dyke may be most remembered as Burt, the winsome chimney cleaner in 1964's "Mary Poppins," but before that, he was a household name. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" lasted for six years before it wrapped up in 1966. During the course of its successful run, Dick and his crew scooped 15 Emmy Awards.
A few years later, Van Dyke and Moore reunited on-screen for a one-hour special, but that wouldn't be the last time they graced screens. In 1979, the audience also encountered the pair as they reprised their roles on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
Frasier
It's incredibly rare that spin-offs become as successful as this one did, but "Frasier" beat the odds. Producers pulled Frasier Crane out of "Cheers" and gave Kelsey Grammar his very own show, which was a great decision as the show became a hit. The series followed the stern psychiatrist as he made his way back to his home town of Seattle, introducing his father and his brother.
As with many beloved shows of its era, the possibility of a revival hangs in the air as reruns are still heavily watched, 16 years after the show ended.
Happy Days
"Happy Days" was the sitcom we all needed, it revolved around the squeaky-clean Cunningham family and their dynamic with The Fonz, a motorcycle-riding Casanova. Over the course of its 11-season stint, the show covered a lot of ground while garnering a lot of laughs. The series went on to become a hugely successful show, not least because The Fonz was so popular.
A few spin-offs were made following "Happy Days," including "Mork & Mindy" and "Laverne & Shirley," with both of them being popular in their own right.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
If it's possible to be hopelessly optimistic, this show is it, with Kimmy Schmidt as the lead character, she may just be the most resolutely positive and optimistic character anywhere on our list. After all, she's spent half her life confined in a basement by a cult leader, and yet she still manages to remain positive.
Fortunately, the cast around her – notably aspiring singer flatmate Titus Andromedon and her strange landlady Lillian – stop things from getting too sentimental as Kimmy adjusts to modern-day life in the bustling city of New York.
30 Rock
After Tina Fey worked as the head writer at SNL, she brought her talents and experience to her own series, "30 Rock," and it turned out to be one of the most critically acclaimed television comedies so far, earning a record-breaking 22 Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 2009 alone. The show is based on her time at SNL, so "30 Rock" is a show within a show. The writing is spot-on, and her offbeat humor shines in this sitcom made for broadcast.
"30 Rock" has an exquisite cast, fast-paced writing, and the perfect amount of silliness, and it all meshes together in this unforgettable, very quotable comedy.
The Addams Family
As spooky as it was, "The Addams Family" sure was delightful to watch. This 'ghoul comedy' was based on Charles Addams' cartoons, which featured characters like Morticia, Gomez, and Uncle Fester. "The Addams Family" focused on their clashes with "normal" people. After staying on air for just two seasons, the series was canceled in 1966.
It's widely believed that viewers began to tire of the monster premise as there was a similar show called "The Munsters" that was aired around the same time.
Master of None
Based on the comedic perspectives of Aziz Ansari, the series observes the personal and professional life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor, as he has trouble settling on life's mundanities, not to mention its more significant challenges. Inspiring and humorous, the show explores many ordinary themes while being broad in scope and profoundly intimate.
It's a refreshingly quirky take on an otherwise familiar premise that manages a remarkable undertaking in storytelling.
Friends
"Friends" became a breakout hit when it aired in 1994, with witty scripts, excellent comic timing, and characters fit for the TV hall of fame, the series went on to become much bigger than anyone could've anticipated. "Friends" proves to be just as relevant today as it wast hen, with repeats always bringing in a good amount of viewers.
In 2020 it was announced the gang would be getting back together again for a one-off, unscripted reunion special.
That '70s Show
This groovy sitcom was about a group of suburban teenagers approaching adulthood in the 70s. '90s it-boy Topher Grace starred on the show alongside Ashton Kutcher and his future wife, Mila Kunis. The show proved popular with viewers, who liked watching the exploits of the Wisconsin teenagers as they tried to maneuver through life in the '70s.
By the end of their seventh season, both Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher wanted to move on, but they returned for the final episode of season 8 in 2006.
Taxi
We have all wondered what a day in the life of a Taxi driver would be like, right? Unlike most sitcoms of this era, "Taxi" focused on a group of blue-collar workers who—despite having higher aspirations—were never really meant to be anything other than cab drivers. The pioneering series didn't joke as much as derive humor from relatable situations, and the actors didn't project as much as portray.
This sitcom will not only be remembered for its clever scriptwriting but also its bittersweet storylines and genuinely quirky characters.
Arrested Development
"Arrested Development" could arguably be the smartest and funniest sitcom ever made. Its fast-paced, with effective use of narration, and clever references make it different from anything else on television at the time. The show was cut early after only three seasons.
This meant that because the show knew it was being canceled, the writers were more creative and took liberties they otherwise wouldn't in its final season, and hilarity ensued. The show eventually did gain a cult following so strong that Netflix revived it in 2013.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
This is the show that is usually referenced for its catchy theme song, but just on its own, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" was really brilliant. Will Smith played the fictionalized version of himself, charming and fun-loving. This was one of those few sitcoms that starred an African-American family, and it managed to do so without placing too much emphasis on racial stereotypes.
It's a staple show of the '90s, and perfect to watch a marathon of on a lazy Sunday.
The Bob Newhart Show
Like many shows of its kind in the '70s, "The Bob Newhart Show" had to get the balance of comedy and likeability just right. The humor was gentle, sophisticated, and, at times, wonderfully surreal. The series ran for six seasons, following Newhart as he balanced life as a therapist while keeping his wife happy.
All 142 half-hour episodes were filmed in front of a live audience, which added to the overall quality of the program. "The Bob Newhart Show" did incredibly well in syndication, and even exceeded expectations.
Roseanne
"Roseanne" is an irreproachable comedy, while being a showcase for middle America's middle class. The show centers around the Conner family, who often felt lost in their own country that made them feel left behind. Viewers could relate as they saw their own financial concerns, family struggles, and job instability mirrored back to them, this time, but steeped with mischievous humor.
The show is bolstered by a cast of comedic pros, specifically John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, even after its too-long original run and then infamous 2018 return, the sitcom remains indispensable to the TV comedy conversation.
M*A*S*H
It's definitely a show worth a watch as it was very progressive for its time, and the writing is top-notch. The war comedy-drama was in equal parts moving as well as hilarious thanks to the efforts of Alan Alda and his cast of superb actors. The creators pulled the concept from Richard Hooker's 1968 novel and turned it into one of the highest-rated shows in history.
Viewers couldn't get enough of the exploits of Hawkeye and his crew. Just in the finale, over 125 million viewers tuned in to watch the spectacular 2-and-a-half hour conclusion.
The Simpsons
The subversive, animated satire about Springfield's unfortunate family soon became a favorite when it premiered in 1989. That was then; now it's the TV longest-running comedy. For a cartoon series to draw such a broad adult audience is quite a feat. with "Time" magazine calling it the best TV show of the 20th century in 1999.
It's been decades since it first aired, and the cartoon is still one of the most popular shows of its kind.
The Honeymooners
Jackie Gleason starred in the show he created alongside Audrey Meadows. Initially, the series had everything it took to be a success as it raked in the viewing numbers. Despite a promising start, ratings swiftly dropped, thanks in part to direct competition from NBC's popular program "The Perry Como Show."
Interesting fact, Gleason wanted to make "The Honeymooners" a success so badly that he paid the majority of production costs out of his own salary.
Cheers
Before "Friends" was even a spark of an idea, there was "Cheers." The astonishingly popular series debuted in 1982, bringing together stars like Ted Danson and Shelley Long into the view of public cognizance. At first, the first season brought in poor ratings, and the show was almost axed, but the network carried on, and "Cheers" became one of the greatest comedies ever to grace our TV screens.
The show carried on for 11 seasons, scooping up awards across the board. The series would probably have continued for a lot longer if Ted Danson hadn't decided to leave.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
One of the most beloved, sharply written, and well-performed sitcoms about the newswoman who could turn the world on with her smile. The show didn't shy away from more pressing issues and focused on something that had hitherto been ignored in TV: a single, career-centric woman.
Many spin-offs were generated on the back of its success, including one with Rhonda and Lou Grant. Moore and Grant Tinker decided to gracefully bow out after seven seasons, ending the show on a high in 1977.
Fresh Off the Boat
"Fresh Off the Boat" may feel like a conventional sitcom that barely had any trouble adapting to modern taste, but at the same time, it also addresses very real and complicated issues surrounding American life. This is a fish out water, family show with topical humor, and it's all delivered at a quick pace. We can't believe it either, but it's also the first American sitcom to mainly feature an Asian-American family.
"Fresh Off the Boat" is as smart as it is funny and as heartfelt as it is current, w their number of jokes for every scene being impressive as well.
How I Met Your Mother
"How I Met Your Mother" is a show that recounts how Ted Mosby, the main character, met his children's mother. Each episode is set on the backdrop of Ted tells his kids a story, which leads up to the so-called moment of meeting their mother. This framing method sets this show apart from others of its ilk and keeps the audience coming back, so they too will figure out how Ted met his wife.
Plus, the humor in it is clever enough to be quotable and clear enough to be put on in the background while we're busy with something else.
Malcolm in the Middle
"Malcolm in The Middle" continues to be one of the most enjoyable sitcoms of all with its unfiltered yet frank portrayal of growing up in a loud & lower-income family. Comedy pilots can be difficult to land because comedy heavily relies on the audience knowing the characters and being familiar with their quirks and how they would feel in certain situations. This can be hard to do when an audience is just being introduced to the cast of characters.
But the "Malcolm in the Middle" pilot was executed perfectly. The premise and characters are introduced quickly and effectively, and the episode never forgets to be funny.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
If awkward situations are what you find amusing, then "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is definitely something you will enjoy. The creator and lead actor Larry David succeeded in weave together comedic gold yet again. The cast is made up of David's friends, and a lot of their dialogue is improvised.
This kind of dialogue makes the punchlines not feel too predictable or conventional. It's truly a delight when a joke comes as a surprise, and that often happens in this show.
Last Man Standing
The 2011 sitcom tells the story of an executive at a sporting goods store named Mike Baxter. Baxter is a father of three daughters and a grandfather of one. The show ran for nine seasons and was praised for its depiction of family life, some even saying it was one of the most significant family comedies on television.
It was both bold and relatable. Its final episode aired in 2021 and now anyone can binge the full nine seasons, which is something we definitely recommend doing.
The Big Bang Theory
Co-created by sitcom genius Chuck Lorre, the show follows a group of awkward geeks and their respective girlfriends as they squabble about everything big and small, and occasionally they solve the universe's greatest mysteries.
This comedy expertly blends old-school formulas with modern themes. It's a fresh take on a group of brilliant physicists who have no clue about how to interact with people.
Schitt's Creek
In this story of riches to rags, a wealthy video store magnate known as Johnny Rose loses his fortune, and together with his family, they move to Schitt's Creek, a dreary town he and his wife once bought as a joke. Forced to rebuild their lives from scratch, the spoiled Rose family has to learn the true meaning of survival.
The show is a rarity, instead of steadily shrinking over time, the Canadian-produced comedy has actually gotten bigger with age. It initially aired on Canada's CBC Network then got picked up by the Pop Network. Starring alongside Levy is his real-life son and daughter, Dan and Sarah.
The Office
Based on the British comedy with the same name, this renowned sitcom is told through the lens of a documentary film crew, but it's also filled with office pranks, romance, and general awkwardness at Dunder-Mifflin Paper Co. in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The cringe-comedy hit all the right notes, turning Steve Carrell and John Krasinski into beloved household names.
It took Americans a little while to catch on to the series, as it didn't fare particularly well in its first season. However, as it went on, "The Office" gained widespread appeal.
3rd Rock From The Sun
With a more outlandish plot than most sitcoms we watch on TV, the premise of the show is that a group of aliens is sent to earth, disguised as humans, and made to experience what this planet is like and report back to their kind. This is what made it so entertaining. There proves to be a lot of humor when observing humankind in all of its ridiculous, and absurd wonder.
There's also a great cast, with John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Black-ish
Let's be honest, sitcoms are seeing a decline in quality these days, but "Black-ish" is an exception and is perhaps one of the best sitcoms on television today. It's a funny show that hits on current and social issues rather well. Anthony Anderson is the star of the show, but his children are also great characters. The story is about an upper-middle-class African-American family, with each character having his own separate identity.
The jokes are moving, and themes are continually culturally relevant. It's a bright spot in the oversaturated TV market today.
Community
"Community" is a situational comedy that makes fun of the fact that it's a sitcom. The show ran from 2005-2014 on NBC and never failed to make their audience laugh. Their jokes and references always land well, driving them to gain a fiercely loyal fanbase. As a new show, it was very self-aware, often having fun with classic television clichés and tropes.
Dan Harmon created the show, "Community" which caters to an audience that appreciates this kind of humor and is a fresh change of pace.
The Good Place
This show follows Eleanor, an average woman who enters the afterlife, and thanks to some kind of mistake; she is sent to "The Good Place" instead of where she belongs - the Bad Place. As she hides in plain sight from Good Place Architect Michael, she's determined to shed her old way of living and secure her place.
The afterlife-set comedy constantly reinvented itself over four seasons, yet always felt like there was some direction. By the time we finally had to say goodbye to the beautiful cast – the farewell episode proved to be one of the all-time grand sitcom finales.
Everybody Loves Raymond
The show was created by Philip Rosenthal and aired from 1996 to 2005, with a total of 210 episodes spanning over nine entertaining seasons. So, who doesn't love "Everybody Loves Raymond"? Apparently, more people than you'd expect!
Despite the show's iconic status, many reject Raymond. But, fans say the show is one of the genre's standouts and its humor still holds today, over two decades after its inception. "Everybody Loves Raymond" isn't about silly punchlines, but about real-life, human situations and that's what makes it exceptional.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" pursues the escapades of the hilarious detective Jake Peralta and his diverse, lovable collaborators as they police the NYPD's 99th Precinct. This involves a perfectly assembled cast of unforgettable characters, a pinch of workplace romance, and plenty of zippy dialogue.
The Nine-Nine shows that the day-to-day life in a police precinct is much more exciting than pushing paper, and in the deadpan department with head Captain Raymond Holt, the show has a comedy hero for all ages.