Top 10 Best School Sitcoms of All Time

FX is home to some standout comedy series, and in 2024, they added yet another gem to their lineup. Created by Brian Jordan Alvarez, “English Teacher” follows Evan Marquez, played by Alvarez, a high school teacher trying to make sense of educating a generation raised on the internet. With just its first season, the show quickly carved out its niche, balancing sharp humor with insightful commentary on identity politics, generational clashes and conservatism—all without sounding like a lecture. Set in Austin, Texas, “English Teacher” does a great job at poking fun at itself, as well as the ongoing debates about education in that region. It’s hilarious, charming and still leaves you with a few life lessons.

Although this Netflix series only lasted two seasons, it still scores high in our books for its humor and feel-good nature. Stand-up comic Gabriel Iglesias[a] stars as a kind-hearted history teacher at his old high school, determined to help a ragtag group of misfit students reach their full potential. The show makes the most of its lovable ensemble cast, from the diverse group of students to the quirky colleagues, featuring a crop of familiar comedic faces like Sherri Shepherd and Oscar Nunez. Unlike many high school comedies, “Mr. Iglesias” avoids punching down, instead focusing on uplifting themes, while delivering consistent laughs. It’s a refreshing reminder that education is as much about heart as it is about learning.

Created by former “SNL” writer Mike O'Brien, “A.P. Bio” is a sharp, unconventional sitcom that flips the “inspirational teacher” genre on its head. It stars Glenn Howerton as Jack Griffin, a disgruntled former Harvard philosophy professor who, after getting fired, is forced to teach high school biology to Honor-roll students. But Jack isn’t here to teach; he’s more interested in using his students as pawns in his quest for revenge on his professional rivals. Originally aired on NBC, the show was canceled after two seasons, but got a second chance on Peacock thanks to a massive online fan campaign. “A.P. Bio” might be an acquired taste, but if you love quirky, irreverent shows that shun clichés, this one’s a must-watch.

If you ever find yourself trapped in the universe of any of these institutions, you’ll need a survival plan. That’s where “Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide” comes in. The classic Nickelodeon teen sitcom, set mostly at the fictional James K. Polk Middle School, follows Ned Bigby, as he navigates the ups and downs of middle school life. With best friends Moze[b] and Cookie by his side, Ned frequently breaks the fourth wall to share his tips on how to survive everything from questionable cafeteria food to dealing with crushes, jerks and teachers. Although it only ran for three seasons, it developed a cult following among teenagers, many of whom are now grown-ups eagerly awaiting Ned’s tips on how to survive adulthood.

A spin-off of the hit sitcom “Diff'rent Strokes,” “The Facts of Life” became equally popular in its own right, running for nine seasons. Set at Eastland School, a private all-girls boarding school, the show originally focused on Edna Garrett, the housekeeper from “Diff'rent Strokes,” who starts a new role as the dormitory’s housemother. “The Facts of Life” took the good and the bad of teenage life, and tackled them with both sensitivity and humor. Like its predecessor, it addressed timely issues like drug use, sex and peer pressure, all through the lens of adolescence. Additionally, the boarding school was the perfect setting to bring together a group of comically mismatched characters who, over time, discover they have more in common than they thought.

Incompetence is the name of the game in the aptly titled BBC series “Bad Education.” The British sitcom follows Alfie Wickers[c], an inept and often clueless secondary school teacher, played by Jack Whitehall, who also created the show. Alfie’s antics, fueled by his utter disregard for teaching standards, offer a comedic look into the chaos of the British education system. While critics initially panned the series for its outlandish storylines, it was this very absurdity that won over fans. After airing three successful seasons, it was set to be adapted for American audiences, but those plans eventually fell through. Nonetheless, the show still made the jump to the big screen in 2015 with a theatrical movie, followed by a TV revival in 2023.

In the early ‘90s, “Saved by the Bell” defined cool for kids and teens across America. For four seasons, we tagged along with the Bayside High crew, led by the smooth-talking Zack Morris, under the watchful eye of their principal, Mr. Belding. The show mixed laughs with life lessons, taking a lighthearted approach to addressing everyday teen issues, but also tackling heavier topics like drug use, women’s rights and environmental activism when it mattered. It initially ran for four seasons, then spawned a longer spin-off “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” following a fresh batch of students. If your ‘90s nostalgia is still strong, you can relive it through the short-lived 2020 revival, featuring most of the original main cast.

Few shows that lasted only one season have left as lasting an impact as “Freaks and Geeks.” Set in the early ‘80s, it nailed the awkward, hilarious and often painful realities of high school. The series takes place at William McKinley High School, and follows two groups: the Freaks, led by the rebellious Lindsay Weir[d], and the Geeks, featuring her younger brother Sam and his band of awkward friends. Most of its cast and crew went on to become comedy powerhouses, including creator Paul Feig, producer Judd Apatow, and actors like Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, Busy Phillips, among others. Though it struggled with ratings during its original run, “Freaks and Geeks” has since developed a well-deserved cult following.

This mockumentary-style sitcom offers a humorous yet heartfelt look at life in an underfunded Philadelphia public school. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” brilliantly captures the struggles of dedicated educators trying to make a difference despite limited resources. The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to blend comedy with social commentary, highlighting the systemic issues in education without losing its charm. While Brunson is exceptional in the lead role, “Abbott” is made even better by its incredible ensemble cast, including Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, and Sherly Lee Ralph, who won an Emmy for her performance. By celebrating the resilience of teachers while keeping the laughs coming, “Abbott” has earned critical acclaim, multiple awards and a dedicated fanbase.

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

Two Awkward Girls’ Hilarious Attempts to Fit In With the Popular Crowd

Continues the Iconic 1995 Film’s Legacy—Just Without Alicia Silverstone

Classic Example of the ‘Disgruntled Teacher & Misfit Troublemakers’ Trope

The Kids From “Black-Ish” Taste Independence as They Leave Home for College

While most of the shows on this list revolve around elementary and high schools, this NBC sitcom takes a daring leap into the quirky world of community college. It follows a study group at Greendale Community College, led by the fast-talking former lawyer Jeff Winger. “Community” shines thanks to its impressive ensemble cast, with each character bringing their unique flair, producing an endless stream of comedic gold. The show was created by Dan Harmon, based on his own experiences at a community college, and true to his style, it’s a self-aware satire that pokes fun at its own existence. Throughout its six-season run, “Community” didn’t just settle for cheap laughs, it pushed the envelope, constantly redefining what a sitcom could be.