Top 30 Greatest Sitcoms of All Time

As soon as you hear the theme song play, you know you’re in for a good time. When it comes to comfort shows, it doesn’t get much better than “Three’s Company.” Centered around three friends living together and getting into zany hijinks, it’s a guaranteed good time no matter who you are. Despite the main characters all being single, none of them ended up together by the finale – deviating from a trope that still exists in some modern series. Each episode is packed with jokes that still widely hold up today, utilizing every comedic device from slapstick to innuendo. Even after several cast changes, it’s still beloved for several years, breaking a record for the highest-rated midseason premiere in TV history.

While some sitcoms provide escapism from real-world issues, others are unafraid to tackle them head-on. On the surface, “The Golden Girls” just seems to be about a group of older women living together in Miami. In reality, it’s a perfect blend of dry comedy and political commentary– subverting every expectation that people may have had about it. From environmentalism to anti-Semitism, the program effortlessly tackled tough subjects that others wouldn’t even touch. However, it still provided plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to the stellar performances from entertainment icons like Betty White and Bea Arthur. It became an instant hit. Although it’s been several decades since it went off the air, it has stood the test of time as an intergenerational favorite.

Medical programs have been a staple in television for some time, but this one deviates from the norm in the best way possible. “Scrubs” is unapologetically silly, from the daydream sequences to the way the characters interact with one another. Despite the zany humor, it was anything but one-dimensional, as evidenced by several heart-wrenching episodes that had audiences sobbing across the nation. It also showed the doctor’s lives beyond the hospital walls, giving them layered, complex storylines that kept viewers hooked. Beyond the writing, “Scrubs” strove for accuracy, collaborating with several professionals to craft their medical plots. With the sheer level of care poured into it, it’s no wonder it earned over a dozen Emmy nominations during its tenure.

Sometimes the best series are the simplest ones. Harkening back to a simpler time, “The Andy Griffith Show” perfectly captures a sense of nostalgia – even for those born long after it ended. Sheriff Andy Taylor is the ultimate protagonist, laying down the law and life lessons with ease alongside his bumbling deputy. The juxtaposition between the two enhanced the comedy to an even higher level, with both actors perfectly bouncing off one another in each episode. Despite its booming popularity, it never fully sold out. Griffith in particular wanted the focus to remain on the morals of the show rather than the products that came from it. To this day, it’s a perfect snapshot of 1960s TV.

You know a show is funny when it manages to get away with mocking the network it airs on. Based on Tina Fey’s actual experiences as a comedy writer, “30 Rock” is satire in its purest form. Between the character’s wacky antics is a razor-sharp commentary on entertainment and NBC itself. It even accurately predicted the trajectory of reality TV. It also stood out for its use of cutaway scenes, which by that point had been primarily featured in animated programs. The unique delivery only added to its prestige, helping it remain revered critically even as it struggled to maintain ratings. Although some of the cast has been embroiled in controversy over the years, its legacy has stayed intact through it all.

With practically every character delivering their own brand of chaos, this serialized comedy could’ve easily become too much early on. It managed to toe the line perfectly, creating a show whose humor has yet to be truly replicated. Centered around the disgraced Bluth family, “Arrested Development” is packed to the brim with hilarity. The jokes often include callbacks to previous episodes and storylines. Despite how hilarious it was, it never went out of its way to appeal to the widest audience possible, instead curating a loyal fan base that followed the program across different stations and streaming services. Although the revival wasn’t as well received, the first three seasons in particular remain a masterclass in humor and writing.

Participating in local politics is vital, but can also be frustrating. No comedy better captured that dichotomy than “Parks and Recreation,” a mockumentary focusing on the department and their attempts to serve Pawnee. The characters’ traits are all dialed up to eleven, making their personalities stand out without reducing them to complete caricatures. Although it had a rocky start thanks to comparisons to its predecessor and complaints about the lead, it quickly found its groove. By the time it ended in 2015, it had skyrocketed in popularity and acclaim, being considered one of the best shows of the 21st century. It also boasted several political cameos— including from then-Vice President Joe Biden, permanently sealing its place within the culture.

Sitcoms often come with a litany of tropes, including a near-picture-perfect family. “Married… with Children” flipped that on its head, instead centering the series around a dysfunctional family unit. This was practically unheard of at the time, making it instantly stand out amongst other shows. While the concept makes it seem as though the jokes would be peak boomer humor, the stellar writing and acting made the biting satire all the more apparent. The mature humor was also a complete departure from the wholesome programs that came before it. Though it was undeniably controversial, it was still a breath of fresh air to those who had grown tired of the standard sitcom fare, helping it stay on the air for over a decade.

When it first hit the scene in 2005, no one could’ve predicted it would become the longest-running live-action comedy in American history. Known for its unapologetically dark humor and famously awful characters, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is everything a sitcom typically isn’t. Between the gang never having to atone for their misdeeds and their never-ending attempts to further their own interests, they quickly became proof that protagonists don’t have to be morally good to be likable. Although the program still wields the same edgy humor that helped it earn its initial acclaim, recent seasons have proven that it can pull off stories with more emotional depth as well, making fans all the more excited for the show’s future.

In classic sitcoms, the families take on a very traditional, nuclear structure. By the 21st century, the idea of what the nuclear family looked like had changed. “Modern Family” was the perfect reflection of that. One of the more progressive shows of its time, it was unafraid to portray several nontraditional household units, helping break boundaries that hadn’t been challenged often beforehand. The series quickly became a staple of ABC’s Wednesday night lineup, dominating both the airwaves and awards season for a decade. It completely redefined the idea of a family-based sitcom, turning the niche on its head decades after it's already been established. It’s gone on to win nearly two dozen Emmys and is still relevant today.

This was proof that a set of characters can have hardly anything in common and still bounce off one another perfectly. “Community” had the perfect opportunity for a truly unique ensemble, using the setting of a community college to bring about an unlikely group of friends. It utilized self-referential and meta-humor often, paying tribute to various clichés found within the art form. Each actor brought something different to the table, resulting in a litany of comedic styles that all meshed perfectly. “Community” remains beloved with the fanbase eager to finally see Abed’s prediction of the show getting six seasons and a movie come true. With the latter being announced in 2022, it seems it will finally happen.

On air when family-based sitcoms were all the rage, “The Jeffersons” brought in a decade’s worth of good times. A spin-off of “All in the Family,” the series has much of the same humor, with patriarch George Jefferson serving as the go-to character for comedy through his out-of-touch mannerisms and loud-mouth antics. Not one to tolerate anyone, George never holds back what he’s thinking, a point of chagrin to his wife Louise. The couple’s frequent bickering is a staple for the sitcom and the way that they stay together despite it is why we love watching them together. Although it follows the same style as its parent series, the Jeffersons are hard to shake off, as they even pop up in other sitcoms with their trademark dispositions.

Featuring a cast that went on to become bona fide comedy legends, “Taxi” is a celebration of different forms of comedy. The backdrop sees employees of the Sunshine Cab Company hoping to go beyond working as taxi drivers to make it big. Of course, this usually blows up in their face as circumstances always land them right back in the driver’s seat. “Taxi” was also significant for its time for delving into aspects like life crises and the importance of self-worth, all wrapped up in its brand of humor. The series is now largely known for being the springboard to success for its cast, and it’s quite an experience to see them bring their A-game in this multi-Emmy award-winning sitcom.

This sitcom manages to turn an absurd concept into an entire series. After the Rose family loses their fortune, they’re forced to relocate to a small town that patriarch Johnny bought as a joke. With Johnny’s wife Moira, daughter Alexis and son David similarly incompetent in life without money, the characters have to figure out a way to survive living beyond their means. Jokes generally come in the form of witty wisecracks and banter between the family. As the show’s name goes, Schitt's Creek is as rundown as you can imagine, with the Roses constantly coming into conflict with fellow residents. While the absurdist humor always remains, it also develops its characters over the years to create a well-rounded story where everyone has a part to play.

A family sitcom with a twist, “Roseanne” takes a look at the struggles of a working-class family trying to make ends meet. It’s a lot funnier than it sounds, as the titular character and her husband’s knack for downplaying their issues is emphasized numerous times. The series is notable for its depiction of relatable problems and it’s always nice to see these things presented with a balance between comedy and realism. Interestingly enough, we’re encouraged to appreciate the issues the family has in “Roseanne,” as their flaws are the main hook for viewers. While the ninth season’s arc of the family’s sudden riches was unpopular, the show is remembered mainly for its humorous and touching tackling of everyday life.

Credited with helping to make geek culture mainstream, this show dives into the lives of geniuses. Using the "normal" character of Penny as the audience surrogate, we watch how being a geek is actually a fun way to live. Of course, putting up with Sheldon Cooper comes with the territory, with his long list of issues bringing plenty of hilarious moments. While the series starts out adhering to the geeky concept, it takes a heartwarming turn to show the characters maturing into responsible adults. In a way, the story can be distilled into Sheldon's change for the better, as he goes from a jerk to truly appreciating his circle of friends. Not to mention all the celebrity cameos that are always a riot to watch.

It's not easy being the only sane man, as Larry David's struggles dealing with societal norms is the backdrop for this sitcom. Playing a fictional but realistic version of himself, Larry constantly finds himself in awkward situations due to his reluctance to match other people's expectations. There's never a real plotline, as the story is basically about Larry finding a way to dig himself a bigger hole than the one he was in before. This actually makes the show all the more hilarious since we see the world from Larry's eyes vis-à-vis his seeming dislike for everyone. The fact that people never really change gives this show excellent replay value as Larry's constant grumpiness is always worth a watch.

Appropriately titled for the way things work out in this series, “Happy Days” is a tribute to the sweet life of the ‘50s and ‘60s. It’s widely known for its major shift from starting as family-centric to becoming all about the Fonz. After experiencing success with wacky jokes and storylines, the show completely embraced this aspect to become a surreal experience. This all works in its favor, though, introducing memorable characters who then starred in their own spin-offs, like Robin Williams’s Mork. Fonzie’s cultural impact remains to this day, with the Fonz being the epitome of coolness. “Happy Days” is also known for popularizing the term “jumping the shark,” when Fonzie literally jumped over a shark.

Although this show helped Will Smith skyrocket into fame, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is an ensemble effort where every member of the family offers a different kind of comedy. Featuring the loudmouth Will in contrast to his upper-class relatives, most of the stories revolve around how a normal guy might feel living in absolute splendor. Making up most of the hilarity are Will's connections with the supporting characters, with his jabs at cousin Carlton and Uncle Phil being something that never gets old. Although its comedic value is without question, the series is notable for touching heartbreaking topics with sensitivity. With other elements like musical sequences and physical comedy frequently shown, the Banks family household is rich in every sense of the word.

A refreshing take on the friends-in-the-city concept, this sitcom takes us back through the years as Ted Mosby searches for his true love. While he tries to be the good guy, his fixation on finding the perfect woman is a painful experience in more ways than one. Much of the jokes come from Ted's contrasting best friends Marshall and Barney, with the latter pulling out all the stops to be the ultimate player. The show's greatest strength lies in the way it hooks viewers into the mystery of the titular Mother's identity for a heartfelt journey through time. Although the botched twist in the finale left a bad taste in the fanbase's minds, the good times of the gang most certainly remain legendary.

A groundbreaking and even daring show at the time of its debut, “Will & Grace” defies stereotypes to make comedy its main asset. Focusing on the lifelong friendship of straight interior designer Grace Adler and gay lawyer Will Truman, the story sees the pair’s adventures in the city with kooky friends Jack and Karen. Despite the series being promoted through the titular duo, it’s the combined chemistry of the four characters that make it such a must-watch. “Will & Grace” has a largely mature take on the matters of romance, and it’s a nice change from the norm when the leads love each other platonically without relationship drama. The show also came back for a reboot, returning on a funnier and more positive note.

Arguably the wittiest sitcom ever made, “Frasier” sets up its jokes well in advance for a hilarious pay off. While it's a follow-up to “Cheers,” the series has a style of its own, focusing on the Crane family and Frasier's wacky experiences at his pop psychiatry radio show. Its supporting cast are deserving stars in their own right, with David Hyde Pierce in particular delivering laugh-out-loud moments through his character Niles’s many idiosyncrasies. “Frasier” is also notable for the big contrast between the Crane brothers and their father Martin, who serves as the audience surrogate for how snooty his sons can be. Still, there's plenty of emotional moments to find here, with the series cleverly deconstructing Frasier's character to make him a deeply layered protagonist.

With complex, realistic plotlines about a young woman’s career at a news program, the premise of this series was a rarity for its time. Not only was it revolutionary then, but it’s also aged very well as a relatable show for viewers of today. Mary’s navigation of both her career and her relationships is given central focus, which also establishes the roles of the supporting characters. The ins and outs of life at the news program is an interesting framing device, with important issues such as gender norms frequently tackled. It’s a sitcom that brings charming, youthful energy and doles out humor in clever ways. All in all, we’d love to feel as free as Mary does every time she throws that hat in the air.

The biggest pop culture phenomenon that a sitcom could hope to be, “Friends” has a concept that is relevant for every generation. With the central characters each having their unique gags and quirks, the show offers everything from career to romance troubles. And whether it's Ross's many embarrassing pratfalls or Chandler's scathing sarcasm, laughter is guaranteed in every episode. Of course, long-running story hooks make “Friends” what it is and fans continue to debate if Ross and Rachel really were on a break. More than anything, it's the friends' tight bond that tugs on our heartstrings as they really are there for each other every step of the way. This extends to the supporting cast, too, because who can forget someone like Janice?

If you're looking for a sitcom with a genuine dose of reality, look no further than “M*A*S*H.” Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, it’s among the first comedy series to become an iconic piece of pop culture. Featuring the medical staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (i.e. “MASH”), the show initially took a lighthearted approach to medical procedures. It helps that the characters retain a funny bone in these matters as the tribulations of war are still present for viewers to understand. Over the eleven seasons, the show ventures into dramatic territory so as not to downplay the heavy setting. Still, it’s incredible in the way it balances its subject matter with regular funny material and many heartwarming moments.

Adaptations are rarely more successful than the original, and the US “Office” had quite the task to match the one starring Ricky Gervais. However, “The Office” has become a household name thanks to leading man Steve Carell, whose role as Michael Scott has reached legendary levels. Set in a branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, the series manages to present the mundanity of office work as a series of crazy events. Its large cast offers variety in all forms, ranging from dry humor to sheer lunacy. There’s a definite sense of camaraderie through it all, as well-done character development leads to every employee getting their deserved happy endings. As for connections with the UK version? The series had that covered as well.

An ensemble piece that really works, “Cheers” lives up to its name with its feel-good quality. Sam Malone’s bar is the backdrop for over a decade’s worth of adventures as the characters are brought together for good times to cherish. While romance isn’t its greatest asset, “Cheers” is known for popularizing the “Will they/won’t they?” trope with Sam and Diane’s explosive chemistry. It also extends to character traits, with aspects like Cliff’s irrelevant trivia facts to Norm’s iconic bar entrances. The show deserves praise for bringing in new characters for us to connect with, as Rebecca, Frasier, and Woody fit right in with the gang for years to come. All things considered, we’d love to be where everybody knows our name.

Deviating from the traditional married-life sitcom, the characters here constantly go from one scheme to the next. Featuring Lucy and her bandleader husband Ricky, the sitcom mainly centers around her frequent attempts to make it in showbiz. Ricky’s exasperation with Lucy and their neighbors’ never-ending pursuit of their wild dreams are the basis for the series’s comedy. While largely without an ongoing story, Lucy’s naïveté and happy-go-lucky attitude are so infectious that we can’t help but hope she finally gets her big break. The arrival of the couple’s son provides more reasons to follow their adventures, as the show puts a new spin on things. The overall happy atmosphere is credited with setting the template for future sitcoms, as “I Love Lucy’s” legacy is here to stay.

As the top-rated show for much of its airing, “All in the Family” paved the way for the genre to dabble in multiple subject matters. With a protagonist like Archie Bunker, a man with no verbal filter, the series pushed the boundaries of what could be portrayed on-screen. The general outline involves Archie’s reluctant acceptance of his daughter and son-in-law in his house, resulting in a culture clash between them. The presence of equally hilarious supporting characters like the Jeffersons provide additional avenues for comedy. Through Archie’s uninformed attitude, the show injects dramatic conflicts that ultimately made it an influential series for its time. It also sets Archie up for a much-needed change in character while retaining his overall comical persona.

Rather than indulge in any heavy-handed storytelling, “Seinfeld” is all about delivering belly laughs. The show is about nothing, featuring hilarious episodes about mundane things like looking for a car in a parking lot or going to the airport. We aren't bogged down by the faults in Jerry and his friends since the characters are meant to be shallow and unlikable. Interestingly, side characters are what make this show a success, as everyone has a personality turned up to the highest level of eccentricity. Still, “Seinfeld” manages to get viewers attached to the gang due to their inability to understand how over-the-top they can be. In fact, the only thing “Seinfeld” can't do is not be funny, and the show is certainly aware of that.


Which of these iconic sitcoms do you think has had the biggest cultural impact?