Top 25 Most Iconic Sitcom Moments Ever

“Family Matters” (1989-98)

Halfway through “Family Matters” first season, an episode aired which would change the course of the series forever. Titled “Laura’s First Date,” the episode introduced viewers to the Winslows’ geeky neighbor, Steve Urkel, who Carl had set up on a date with his eldest daughter, Laura. Although Urkel is ultimately rejected by Laura, who has decided to ask Mark to the dance instead, he stays with the Winslows anyway, quickly making himself at home. It’s a set-up that was initially conceived as a one-off joke, with Urkel intended to never be seen again, but audiences fell in love with Laura’s annoying admirer. In fact, by the time “Family Matters” ended in 1998, Urkel was effectively the show’s main character.

“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)

A lot happens in “How I Met Your Mother,” but it never loses sight of the fact that its title framing device is its true heart and soul. One particularly moving moment occurs in “The Time Travelers,” in a scene entirely fabricated by a future Ted. Speaking to his children, he imagines traveling back in time to a lonely night in 2013 and knocking on the door of their mother. He tells her that they are destined to meet and fall in love in 45 days, but that he would do anything to spend those extra days with her. It’s an incredibly sweet scene, and one that has taken on a heart-wrenching new meaning following the finale’s reveal that The Mother is dead.

“Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

After their life of luxury is brought to a screeching halt, the Rose family struggles to adjust to a normal life. One of the many mundane hurdles they must overcome is cooking their own family dinner - a skill Moira insists she maintains from her life before fortune and fame. She begins to teach her son, David, how to cook enchiladas with what she claims is an old family recipe, but ultimately hits a roadblock when it calls for folding in the cheese. The only thing funnier than David’s confusion at the instruction is Moira’s complete inability to explain what it means. It’s an early series example of what makes “Schitt’s Creek” so great, with some pitch perfect timing by two unbeatable comedic actors.

“Frasier” (1993-2004)

“Cheers” spin-off “Frasier” moved its title character from Boston to Seattle and introduced audiences to an entirely new cast of characters - including Frasier’s uptight brother, Niles Crane. Niles’ aloof sense of superiority is often used as a foil to Frasier’s own discriminating nature, but one of the character’s best moments occurs as a solo act. Getting ready for a date, Niles decides to iron his pants, setting in motion an absurdly funny comedy of errors. He cuts his finger, faints, and inadvertently sets fire to his forgotten slacks. Even his attempt to quell the blaze with a fire extinguisher is pure slapstick gold.

“Cheers” (1982-93)

Before “Frasier,” “Cheers” was making audiences laugh with its own unique brand of chaos. In “Thanksgiving Orphans,” the show's central characters realize they all have nowhere to go for the holiday, and decide to meet up at Carla's. They initially get along, but tensions rise as it’s clear the dinner will be taking longer than expected. Norm and Carla each blame the other for the unfinished turkey and throw food at each other in frustration. The act creates a domino effect, as the gang begins an all out food fight. It's hilariously immature, and messy in more ways than one. Adding to the scene's significance is the fight's final victim - Norm's wife, Vera - in her only on screen appearance.

“30 Rock” (2006-13)

Even the most well-intentioned satire has the ability to age poorly with a better understanding of social dynamics. “30 Rock” is one of many shows that has come under scrutiny as of late, having several of its episodes pulled from streaming due to their depictions of blackface. While this scene has not suffered the same fate, it’s clear that it’s riding a line of political correctness. And yet, somehow it still works. In an effort to help Tracy deal with familial issues, Jack brings the star to a therapist. She suggests roleplaying, and Jack is all too happy to oblige. It’s hard not to cringe alongside her as Jack imitates the members of Tracy’s family, but there’s also something undeniably funny about the whole situation.

“Good Times” (1974-79)

In spite of its title, the Evans were not always having a good time on “Good Times.” The central family lived in an inner-city Chicago neighborhood, where they often struggled to make ends meet. While they often found humor in their lives despite their circumstances, one of the show’s most iconic moments was no laughing matter. Following a series of disagreements with “Good Times”s producer, John Amos - who played the family patriarch, James - was written off of the show in a brutal way. While celebrating an upcoming move, the family receives news of his passing. It’s a soberingly serious moment that ends an otherwise lighthearted episode, and carries into a memorable follow-up in which Florida struggles to stay strong for her family.

“The Odd Couple” (1970-75)

Much of “The Odd Couple”s humor comes from the differences between its two unlikely protagonists, Felix and Oscar. And no episode exemplifies their differences quite as well as “Password,” a third season outing set on the game show of the same name. Felix’s actor, Tony Randall, was a regular on the real life version of the show, and practice sessions with his then-wife had begun devolving as she offered him more and more absurd clues. He realized a similar set-up would be perfect for “The Odd Couple”s protagonists, and so presented the concept to its writers. The result is a very silly, but just as funny, take on the classic game, in which Oscar struggles to understand Felix’s baffling answers and niche clues.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (1999-2024)

Even if you’ve never seen a single episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” it’s likely you’ve seen a GIF of Larry David looking indecisive in between two groups of protestors. The popular reaction meme actually comes from Larry David’s favorite episode of the long running series, “Palestinian Chicken,” which focuses on a subject just as relevant today as the day it was made. The set-up sees Larry obsessed with a Palestinian restaurant - both because of its attractive owner and its good chicken. Unfortunately, the restaurant also has some anti-semitic values, causing Larry’s friends to criticize his patronage of it. The ending scene, seen in the GIF, showcases some brilliant face acting from Larry as he mentally considers the pros and cons of each side.

“Parks & Recreation” (2009-15)

Although “Parks & Rec” isn’t discussed quite as much as Michael Schur’s other mockumentary, “The Office,” many of its most iconic moments have seeped into peoples’ everyday lives. Galentine’s Day is now recognized as an actual sister holiday to Valentine’s, with real world merchandise and celebratory posts by celebrities. And, of course, who doesn’t like to ‘treat themselves’ every now and again like Tom and Donna? “Pawnee Rangers” was the episode that introduced the concept of ‘Treat Yo’ Self’ to the world, described as a day to, well, treat yourself, with everything from massages and mimosas to “fine leather goods.” For those who like to partake in a bit of retail therapy, this sitcom-created concept completely changed the game.

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

Sometimes good television calls for actors to go places they'd never go in their day to day life. For Jim Parsons, that place was a ball pit. In “The Einstein Approximation,” Sheldon is unable to figure out a pressing science conundrum and goes days without sleep. His behavior becomes increasingly irrational as the episode progresses, eventually ending with the physicist shoulders-deep in a ball pit. As Leonard attempts to capture him, Sheldon pops in and out of the sea of colorful balls, shouting "Bazinga!" The phrase is by far the show's most iconic and recognizable quote, and this is its most memorable usage.

“The Golden Girls” (1985-92)

This Miami-set NBC series was the subject of its fair share of controversy back in the day, and it was already pushing boundaries as early as its second season. Fortunately for “The Golden Girls,” controversy worked in its favor. Tied with “Isn’t it Romantic” - an episode in which Dorothy’s lesbian friend crushes on Rose - “Ladies of the Evening” proved to be one of the series’ most watched episodes. It features the show’s main trio being arrested after being mistaken for “ladies of the evening” - or sex workers. The girls’ brief stint in jail is full of expert comedy writing, and Sophia’s betrayal to see the premiere of a new Burt Reynolds movie without them acts as the perfect icing on the cake.

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)

When the idea for “Chuckles Bites the Dust” landed on the desk of CBS execs, they were concerned that it would be too morbid a concept for a sitcom. Thankfully, the episode moved forward anyway, and is now considered one of the best bits of dark comedy writing within the subgenre. The episode concerns the death of a clown named Chuckles, whose shocking end quickly becomes the subject of jokes within the WJM-TV studio. Mary is perturbed by her colleagues’ lack of respect, and openly criticizes them…but ends up shocking herself - and everyone else - when she is struck by a case of the giggles at the clown’s funeral. It's a hilariously hypocritical moment that also proves to be shockingly cathartic for Mary herself.

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

Almost every joke on “Arrested Development” is incredibly layered, and plenty of them could’ve earned a spot on this list. But ultimately we had to feature the visual spectacle that is an (almost) fully blue David Cross. In the show’s second season premiere, Tobias comes across a flyer for the Blue Man Group, which he believes to be a depression support group. Though he comes to realize his mistake, the show reinvigorates his desire to be on stage, causing him to “blue himself” for an audition. What is already a pretty funny visual gag and double entendre is made better when the character’s blue skin inadvertently leads to his hospitalization, where a very literal doctor notes that he “looks dead” …but will be fine.

“Community” (2009-15)

Part of a line-up of heavy hitters like “30 Rock,” “Parks & Rec,” and “The Office,” “Community” was somewhat of an underdog sitcom. But its writing was often just as strong as its contemporaries. One of its best episodes is “Remedial Chaos Theory,” which plays out several different realities born from the rolling of a die - the most iconic of which is also its "darkest." In that reality, Troy enters his new apartment with a stack of pizzas only to find complete chaos. Everything that could've gone wrong has gone wrong. There’s a raging fire, a misfired gun, and a rather demonic looking troll doll. In our reality, GIFs of the scene have appropriately been used to indicate when a situation has gone completely south.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

Before the streaming era, plenty of shows featured musical episodes. But rarely were those musicals written by a character in the show. In “The Nightman Cometh,” Charlie shares a stage play he’s written with the gang, which has been transcribed into readable English to varying degrees of success. The characters do their best to perform it earnestly, but it's clear from the start that it will be a disaster. Their singing is off-key, the plot makes very little sense, and the play's weak attempts at tension fall flat, causing the audience to laugh. Worst - or, perhaps, best - of all, it’s revealed that it was all a set up for Charlie to ask for the Waitress's hand in marriage. Unsurprisingly, she says no.

“Happy Days” (1974-84)

This "Happy Days" moment not only stood out within the show, but changed the way we thought about TV forever. Early in the series' fifth season, The Fonz dons swim trunks and boards a set of water skis to (literally) jump over a shark. It's impressive, it's ridiculous, …and it's wildly off base from the once relatable family comedy that made up the sitcom's early years. So much so that “jumping the shark” became a term used by critics to describe when a show had veered so severely off of its original path that it became something new. After the term caught on, Fonzie's actor, Henry Winkler, would go on to jump the shark once more, this time on “Arrested Development.”

“Ellen” (1994-98)

It may be hard to believe now but “The Puppy Episode” was once so controversial that its true focus had to be concealed with its comically agreeable title. When news got out about the episode’s plot, the studio was subjected to at least one bomb threat, and stars Ellen DeGeneres and Laura Dern were blacklisted from productions. All because Ellen was coming out. When Laura Dern’s character, Susan, suggests that Ellen is gay, she initially denies it, but slowly comes to realize that she has been suppressing her true sexuality for years. In a history-making moment, Ellen rushes to meet Susan at an airport and accidentally comes out not only to her, but the entire room.

“All in the Family” (1971-79)

As a satirical take on a conservative patriarch in the 70’s, Archie Bunker is far from progressive. But when famed actor and musician Sammy Davis Jr takes a ride in his taxi, he can’t help but be star struck. Realizing that Sammy has left his briefcase in his car, Archie arranges a meeting with the celebrity and tries his best to be a good host. Unfortunately, with Archie being Archie, attempts at “compliments” turn into inappropriate questions and microaggressions. But Sammy is ultimately the one to get the last laugh, planting a kiss on Archie’s cheek as their picture is taken together.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” (1990-96)

Will’s shenanigans in Bel-Air were the fodder for many laughs over the series’ six season run, but some of “Fresh Prince”s best episodes dropped the humor for heartbreaking relatability. These ‘very special episodes’ highlighted everything from armed robberies to substance abuse disorder, with its most memorable tackling the harsh reality of an absent father. Will’s father, Lou, first appears in season four, and it initially seems to Will that he’ll finally be making an effort to be in his son’s life. But old habits are hard to break, and the episode ends with Lou disappointing his son once again. The character is never seen after this moment, and both Will and the audience are left to mourn the relationship that could've been.

“The Office” (2005-13)

Not every scene needs to be culturally or historically significant to be considered iconic. Sometimes it can just be really funny. That’s certainly the case for this “Office” cold open, which sees Dwight testing his coworkers with an impromptu fire drill. It’s just under five minutes, but tight writing and punchy editing allow the whole cast their moments to shine. They all become increasingly frantic as each exit proves unviable, eventually devolving into utter chaos as it becomes clear they’re trapped. Angela throws her cat into the ceiling, Kevin breaks into a vending machine, and Michael even throws a projector through a window. With “every man for himself,” it’s the characters at their most primal - and it’s absolutely hilarious.

“Friends” (1994-2004)

“The One with the Embryos” is an iconic episode in more ways than one but, for the sake of this list, we will be focusing on the trivia game played by Rachel, Monica, Joey, and Chandler. After arguing about which group knows more about the other, the men and women decide to split and finally put their knowledge to the test. The scene has some of the best character interactions of the entire show, while simultaneously providing fun new facts to the audience about their favorite on-screen friends. The girls lose in the end, and the episode’s final punchline sees them struggling to live in the boys’ filthy apartment while Chandler chills with his chick and duck on their couch.

“Seinfeld” (1989-98)

Before there was No Nut November, “Seinfeld” played out its own version of the adult challenge in “The Contest.” For $300 (or $350 if Elaine lost) the four friends try to see who can go the longest without succumbing to their own desires. Kramer is the first out, and his loss is one of the episode’s funniest moments. After pointing out a nude woman in a window across the street, the character suddenly leaves Jerry’s apartment for his own. Exactly 50 seconds later he’s back, frankly announcing that he’s lost the bet. The shock on Elaine, Jerry, and George’s faces says it all. Before leaving, Kramer is sure to warn the other men about the woman across the street, saying she’s gonna “get them next.”

“I Love Lucy” (1951-57)

This classic comedic bit has become so iconic that you may not even know that it is originally from “I Love Lucy.” It’s been referenced by the likes of “Drake & Josh,” “MADtv,” and even “My Little Pony.” But there’s no beating the original. Following a disagreement, Lucy and Ethel decide to switch roles with their husbands, Ricky and Fred, getting jobs while the men do the housework. What initially seems like a cushy job at a chocolate factory quickly becomes a nightmare as candy keeps coming faster than Lucy and Ethel can wrap it. It’s a masterfully funny sequence, with the woman futilely stuffing their faces and clothes with chocolate as even more pieces continue to roll down the conveyor belt.

“M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

The popularity of "M*A*S*H*" resulted in it running longer than the Korean War itself. The finale, “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen,” was not only its most watched episode, but remains the most watched single episode of any series in U.S. history. War has changed these men - a fact most evident in the finale’s depiction of PTSD through the character of Hawkeye - but their bonds to each other help them transition to new lives apart. In the show’s final moments, B.J. declares that he expects to see Hawkeye back in America but has left him a note just in case. Hawkeye is initially confused until his helicopter pulls away to reveal ‘Goodbye’ written next to the camp with rocks.



Which sitcom moments had the biggest impact on you? Let us know in the comments!