Top 10 Sitcoms That Defined Our Childhood

The turn of the millennium saw a wave of single-camera sitcoms that were devoid of a laugh track, such as “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Arrested Development.” But for many of us who were still children at the time, “Malcolm in the Middle” was our introduction to the format. The series follows the eponymous boy and his utterly chaotic family. As kids, we could totally relate to Malcolm’s struggles with his siblings and parents, even if the situations were frequently outlandish. Although some of us would now find his parents more relatable, given that we’re much older, “Malcolm in the Middle” still gave us a valuable lesson that while life is often unfair, it can still be incredibly fun.

When we were young, many of us must’ve dreamt that being a teenager would be much like “Saved by the Bell.” The NBC sitcom portrayed a picturesque view of high school, but still managed to touch on topical issues that concerned youth at the time. Not only that, but the characters were so realistic that they might as well have been kids we knew in our own schools. We most likely had friends who were as charismatic as Zack, as popular as Kelly, as athletic as Slater, or as smart as Jessie. “Saved by the Bell” gave us an idealized depiction that we can look back on with as much fondness as our real-life educational experiences. Sometimes, more so.

You don’t need to have grown up during the ‘70s to find this groovy sitcom nostalgic! “That ‘70s Show” revolves around a group of teenage friends coming of age in their small town of Point Place, Wisconsin. Just like “Saved by the Bell,” this series wasn’t afraid to handle sensitive social issues that were especially common in the 1970s. And it did so with such brilliant humor! Also, like many of us in our adolescence, the teens of the show went through many passionate experiences for the first time, in a way that felt true to life. With nostalgic music and fashion to boot, “That ‘70s Show” will certainly never go out of style.

We generally like to keep our animated and live-action lists separate, but come on - everyone watched “The Simpsons” as a child! For many, the series was a great gateway sitcom, as we transitioned from kids to adolescents. Sure, there’s adult humor that probably flew over our heads at first, but the fact that it’s a cartoon made it a bit more acceptable to watch when we were younger. The sharp satire of pop culture and its literally colorful cast of characters has embedded “The Simpsons” in the hearts and minds of children of all ages for decades. It inspired other beloved animated series, and has helped shape the way a lot of us view comedy today.

“Boy Meets World” aired at a time when many of us were meeting the world for the first time too - and you didn’t need to be a boy to appreciate it. The show delivered life lessons in a way that was informative, relatable, and often funny, all at once. As Cory Matthews matured over the course of seven seasons, so did we, with experiences that were very similar to his. It’s no surprise that “Boy Meets World” was a particular draw for teenage audiences, consistently hitting high numbers within that demographic. With the sequel series “Girl Meets World” airing years later, it was a great opportunity to catch up with the folks who had grown up alongside us.

As far as sitcoms go, “Full House” wasn’t necessarily the funniest or the most popular. However, one likely reason why it still maintained moderately high ratings was that it felt like the TV equivalent of coming home. A show about three men raising three young girls sure was a breath of fresh air, considering the stream of family sitcoms in that era. And since the Tanners weren’t exactly the traditional nuclear clan, the show also served as great representation for unconventional families everywhere. The girls were relatable for us kids, and Danny, Jesse, and Joey were all alternately wholesome, dreamy, and funny. “Full House” was full of love and, to this day, we still cherish every minute of it.

Speaking of the TGIF lineup, “Family Matters” is another sitcom that had us glad it was Friday. The Winslows, who were at the center of the show, had realistic problems and tackled them in profound ways. But, just as important as the Chicago family, perhaps even more, was Steve Urkel. Whether you loved him or found him annoying (or, weirdly, both?), Urkel was the adorkable nerd we needed to see growing up. Even though he was initially a guest character, he quickly took center stage for his eccentric personality and relentless confidence. As kids, we often feel pressure to fit in - but Urkel showed us all how cool it can be to be unabashedly yourself.

If there’s one thing every kid during the ‘90s knew, it was that Will Smith was the coolest human on the face of the Earth! And while his unrivaled charisma drew us all in, the rest of the cast were spectacular too! Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv were great parental figures, Geoffrey had all the best lines, and Carlton was the lovable snob with a dance we all imitated, whether you’ll admit it or not! While it was a genuinely hilarious comedy, “Fresh Prince” also managed to tug at our heartstrings, and dealt with real issues in a remarkable manner unmatched by most other sitcoms. Oh, and we all know the theme by heart, right?

It may have been focused on four older women, but “The Golden Girls” was still influential to us as children. It gave us a glimpse at what life could look like later, while also dealing with sensitive subjects that are still relevant today. In fact, for many of us, it was the first place we even encountered some of those topics. Plus, all four leading ladies were absolute experts in the subtle, and not-so-subtle, art of throwing shade. And we probably would’ve liked cheesecake without watching this show, but it certainly didn’t hurt. “The Golden Girls” has aged like fine wine - and unlike Dorothy! Just kidding, of course. Bea Arthur always was a sight for sore eyes.

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

Generations Have Been Entertained Here on Gilligan’s Isle

In a Sea of Wholesome Family Sitcoms, This One Brought Us a Dash of… Realism

We Loved It Regardless of What They Were “Talkin’ ‘Bout”

They Just Don’t Make Sitcoms About Alien Puppets Anymore…

If Only Our School Lives Were This Magical

Was there ever any doubt? “Friends” is the ultimate comfort sitcom. The widely beloved NBC sitcom was there with us as we matured from childhood, through adolescence and into the same phase as the titular six young New Yorkers. While the airwaves were populated with family sitcoms, “Friends” came along and taught us all that sometimes, what we need is a chosen family. Although the show may have given us some unrealistic expectations about adulthood. You mean we can’t just hang out in our giant New York apartment or coffee shop instead of going to work? Regardless, with its lovable cast of characters and side-splitting humor, “Friends” became that childhood confidant with whom we’re always glad to reconnect.