Top 10 Funniest TV Shows Of All Time

You can hardly imagine the things that can happen in a quiet, little, redneck, podunk, white-trash mountain town. Thankfully, Trey Parker and Matt Stone can, and they’ve had audiences begging for more since they first debuted Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny as paper cutouts. Originally focusing on the misadventures of these smart-mouthed kids, the show has since reinvented itself to become the most brutal, honest, and downright hilarious political and social satire on television. This town and its vast array of increasingly hysterical characters put America in its place week after week. But really, how can you be offended? It’s “South Park!”

Six good-looking singles in their late twenties, living in New York City. You’d be forgiven for being skeptical of this show’s originality, but “Friends” took this familiar concept and repackaged it into a comedy phenomenon. The antics of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross, and Joey connected with the audience on so many levels, spawning catchphrases, hairstyles, water fountain dances, and we’re sure several moves to the Big Apple. At its core, though, it is pure comedy gold, as it highlights the crazy scenarios, sarcasm, inside jokes, thoughtfulness–and at times thoughtlessness– and of course, the genuine love we all experience with those we consider our closest friends.

Take a look at a few of the names on the original cast of “SNL:” Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin. These comedy legends started a show that has since included over 140 brilliant cast members. Lorne Michaels’ conception of a sketch comedy show that takes itself seriously, “SNL” has become America’s go-to for both silly sketches and politically scorching burns. Each generation of cast members continues to redefine the show, keeping it a relevant staple of our television diet. “SNL” has launched countless careers and spawned so many beloved movies; we’re not sure where comedy would be without it!

Michael Bluth and his morally corrupt, narcissistic family pushed the boundaries of television from the very first episode. While its original run may have ended too early, we savor every despicable moment they treated us to. The cast is brilliant – from Will Arnett’s brutally harsh magician GOB, to Portia de Rossi’s spoiled, judgmental Lindsay, to Jessica Walter’s dominating Lucille. Did we mention the main cast also includes Michael Cera, Tony Hale, Jeffrey Tambor, David Cross and Jason Bateman? Through never-nudes, questionable love affairs, the chicken dance, and so much more, “Arrested Development” gives us the best moments of the worst people.

Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam: these characters will live in our hearts forever. Ricky Gervais’ UK version changed sitcoms through the fake documentary premise, but it’s the US version that perfected it. Balancing uproarious situations, an outstanding ensemble cast of characters, and storylines audiences found themselves truly invested in, “The Office” had us caring about what we were laughing at–whether it was Michael’s immature efforts to lead his workers or Jim’s torturing of Dwight. Anyone who works in an office will tell you this show hits close to home, as we can find real versions of these characters in pretty much any cubicle.

It’s hard to believe this show only ran for two seasons over four years. That amounts to only 12 episodes! Maybe it’s the reruns that have us feeling like the show never left the air; maybe it’s wishful thinking. Either way, John Cleese’s Basil Fawlty, the titular hotel he runs, and the cast of workers he employs are cemented in comedy history thanks to the incredibly funny and outrageous situations they somehow found themselves in. Basil never really succeeds in “raising the tone” of his hotel, but that’s okay, because each problem provided audiences with an endless supply of laughs. Sure enough, a stay at “Fawlty Towers” would have us in stitches.

We wouldn’t be doing our duty if we didn’t pay homage to the original sketch comedy masterpiece. Gut wrenchingly funny, Flying Circus didn’t need to attack pop-culture to get laughs. Instead, they relied on creativity and silliness to find unique ways to have viewers falling out of their seats. With that said, Flying Circus feared no one, and you never knew what to expect from their show – except hilarity, of course. There are so many brilliant sketches; we can’t vouch for just one. Do yourself a favor: sit down, pull up Python, and prepare to laugh.

Five Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and four years as the most watched television show in the United States are all we need as proof: this show was fantastic. “I Love Lucy” broke barriers, as Lucille Ball paved the way for women in comedy. It was also one of the first television shows to depict pregnancy, as well as one of the first to depict a multi-ethnic couple. These feats aside, the show was also flat-out funny. Lucy’s daffy personality and the schemes she and husband Ricky found themselves in, were outrageous– to say the least. If this show is anything, it’s timeless– so thank God for syndication!

Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, Maggie, and in fact every citizen in the incredibly loveable town of Springfield are by far some of the funniest and most recognizable people ever. Not bad for an animated show! “The Simpsons” very quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon, as audiences connected with each character. Homer and Bart were the initial standouts, but all of Springfield has since found a way into our hearts, as the show uses each character, regardless of significance, to tackle every issue imaginable. And yes, “Futurama” is bitingly funny, too, but let’s face it, if it’s worth our time, “The Simpsons” will do it.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (1998-2007; 2013-)
- “Modern Family” (2009-)
- “Chappelle’s Show” (2003-06)

The show about nothing ended up meaning everything to television audiences. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are characters psychologists could study for years - probably in “Vienna.” Incapable of growth, each represents the inner desires and held-back screams we all feel, but are too nice to voice. Grounded in reality, but bordering on the outrageous, viewers relate to every episode’s crazy scenarios. The show launched an insane amount of catchphrases still in use today – Soup Nazi, close-talker, yada yada, shrinkage, anti-dentite, double-dip, sponge worthy, master of your domain, serenity now – the list is endless. Television can be thankful this show was real, and it was spectacular.

Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the funniest TV show of all time? For more hilarious Top 10’s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.