Top 10 Best Sitcoms to Binge Watch

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 best sitcoms to binge watch. For this list, we’ll be looking at the sitcoms you can easily watch all the way through, either because they’re readily available, they’re short, or just really really hard to stop watching…or all of the above! If there’s a sitcom you can’t quit that you wish we’d quit ignoring, let us know in the comments!

#10: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

This police procedural sitcom follows the antics of the fictional 99th precinct in the titular outer borough. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is hard to stop watching. The show’s endearing cast of characters are all entertaining in their own right, but the way they all bounce off each other is comedy gold. The show not only mines crime and police work for fantastic jokes, but it sometimes delves into serious and emotional moments, as well as ongoing storylines. But whether you keep coming back for each character’s quirks or annual events like heist episodes on Halloween, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is an incredibly “arresting” sitcom.

#9: “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Small town government has rarely been so inspiring! “Parks and Recreation” follows the parks department of fictional Pawnee, Indiana, as well as some of its other bizarre residents. Although the series takes a bit to build up momentum, once it hits its stride “Parks and Rec” is difficult to stop. Along with its numerous quirky characters, the series is also a wonderful look into the upsides (and downsides) of working in local government. Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, “Parks and Rec” will have you wanting to consume as much of it as you can - much like the residents of Pawnee and sugar.

#8: “Modern Family” (2009-20)

The way families look may have changed over the years, but the Pritchett/Dunphy clan is just as tumultuous and loving as any other - and quite a bit funnier than average. “Modern Family” follows this large extended family in a mockumentary style format, which helps their squabbles and tribulations feel very down to earth. Moreover, the diversity of the characters’ ages and backgrounds means it’s very easy to find someone to relate to. Plus, the sheer chaos that regularly unfolds when this family gets together is hard to look away from.

#7: “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)

It may have aired on network TV at first, but “Arrested Development” was practically made to be binged. The series was one of the first to do the mockumentary, single-camera format and follows the many trials of the Bluth family, whose many dysfunctional family dynamics are compounded by their sudden downward change in wealth. All of the characters are hysterical and walking disasters of human beings. In addition, the numerous running gags and foreshadowing throughout the show make binge watching it essential as well as fun. You may not catch everything the first time, but rewatching it is just as easy.

#6: “The Good Place” (2016-20)

A metaphysical comedy set in the afterlife, “The Good Place” follows some residents of a section of the titular section of it, as they try to come to grips with where they’ve ended up - possibly by mistake. The series has relatively short seasons, which makes binging easy. While the comedy is excellent throughout, “The Good Place” also addresses a lot of big questions about what comes next in creative and thought-provoking ways. It’s a show that’ll stimulate your mind and make you bust a gut at the same time - it’s just so forking good.

#5: “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

This Canadian sitcom follows the wealthy Rose family, who are forced to relocate to the eponymous town after they lose most of their fortune. The riches to rags story of “Schitt’s Creek” may not be unique, even on our list, but it’s in the execution that the show shines. The culture clash between the Roses and the residents of the town they technically own provides some great comedy, as do the interactions between the family members themselves. And with its shorter seasons, “Schitt’s Creek” will soon have you “up it without a paddle,” so to speak.

#4: “New Girl” (2011-18)

Every generation has its “group of friends living in apartments and goofing around” sitcom, and “New Girl” is one of the more recent in the genre. It has a stellar ensemble cast, who are all incredible, individually and even more so together. A surprising amount of the dialogue is improvised, which makes it feel natural and even funnier. Plus, along with the cozy comedy, there’s plenty of romance to go around too. “New Girl” may no longer be seen as “new,” but whether it’s an old favorite or just new to you, it makes for a great binge.

#3: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

For a “show about nothing,” we sure have spent a lot of time absorbed in it. “Seinfeld” may have finished decades ago, but it remains incredibly watchable. Each character brings something to the table comedically, and each episode is a twisting pretzel of comedy that wraps up brilliantly by the end. The quotes are iconic and the performances are stellar, but it’s the writing that has helped it hold up so well. “Seinfeld”’s ability to delve into the minutiae of everyday life is unparalleled. It’s the little things that make life worth living, and this show worth watching - though the big things certainly don’t hurt.

#2: “The Office” (2005-13)

While the original U.K. version of “The Office” is also quite bingeable, particularly since it’s shorter, we’re giving our nod to the U.S. version. Despite the series being about the chaotic lives of the workers at a paper company, “The Office” feels like the universal workplace comedy. Even if you haven’t worked with people like this, you’ll soon feel like you have, as the gang at Dunder-Mifflin are all lovable. Although the cringe humor can sometimes be hard to watch, “The Office” is still a wonderfully comforting binge watch with love and laughter aplenty.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Community” (2009-15)

A TV Show About TV Shows Disguised as One About Community College

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

The Heart & Goofiness Keep Us Coming Back For More

“The IT Crowd” (2006-13)

A Short, Yet Hilariously Offbeat Nerdy Sitcom

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

A Long, Yet Hilariously Offbeat Nerdy Sitcom

“30 Rock” (2006-13)

Fast-Paced & Self-Referential, “30 Rock” Is Incredibly Clever

#1: “Friends” (1994-2004)

When it comes to sitcoms that we could watch a ton of and that we have a hard time stopping, there are few more binge worthy than “Friends.” The lives of these six friends are like the ultimate comfort food - cozy, nostalgic, and difficult to stop consuming once we start. Each cast member is uniquely hilarious and their chemistry is off the charts. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, and Joey are phenomenal characters, and given how popular the show remains, it’s unlikely that they’ll stop “being there for us” any time soon!