Every genre has several amazing TV shows to offer, whether it’s thriller or action. However, if there’s one genre that has been around since the beginning and will stay with fans until the end, it’s Sitcoms (aka situation comedy). The best thing about sitcoms is that they have the potential to be rewatched an infinite number of times. Even if you have completed a sitcom years back, you can simply pick a random episode and watch it while having your evening tea. With that in mind, here are some of the best sitcoms we can’t ever forget.
15. Two and a Half Men
- Release: September 22, 2003 – February 19, 2015
- IMDb: 7.1
- Creators: Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn
- No. of Seasons: 12
- Episode Count: 262
If you haven’t watched Two and a Half Men, then you’re missing out on the legendary performance of Charlie Sheen. The show follows the story of Charlie Harper and Alan, two brothers who go through everything together, even though Charlie wants nothing else but his brother to move out with his son. However, Alan leeches off Charlie’s resources for most of his life, which creates an entertaining dynamic.
Of course, some might say that the show and its humor are sexist and sometimes inappropriate, but hey, it’s fiction. It works because it’s actually funny. Charlie Sheen’s comic timing is legendary, and you will enjoy watching him in every episode. Yes, I’m not mentioning Ashton Kutcher because the show only goes downhill after he takes over and Charlie Sheen leaves the show.
14. Happy Endings
- Release: April 13, 2011 – May 3, 2013
- IMDb: 7.8
- Creators: David Caspe
- No. of Seasons: 3
- Episode Count: 57
Happy Endings matches the madness level of shows like FRIENDS so it is, of course, worth a watch. The American sitcom ran from 2011-2013 on ABC Television and became a fan-favorite series of all time. This is a television show that has the capability to remain with you forever as it is well-written, has some relatable characters, and most importantly boasts a steady pace.
Like FRIENDS, Happy Endings revolves around a group of six friends, some of which are married, some are in a relationship, and some are single. When we say it will make you recall the adventures of Joey, Chandler, Ross, Monica, Rachel, and Pheobe, we mean it.
13. The Big Bang Theory
- Release: September 24, 2007 – May 16, 2019
- IMDb: 8.1
- Creators: Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
- No. of Seasons: 12
- Episode Count: 279
The Big Bang Theory is a perfect TV show for intelligent geeks, as it not only brings the best humor to the table but also makes several references to pop culture and science. Rest, we get to meet the genius physicist Sheldon Cooper, portrayed by Jim Parsons.
The Big Bang Theory, which successfully runs for 12 seasons, revolves around two nerds, Sheldon and Leonard, sharing an apartment. Being physicists, the duo is either seen packed with their job commitments or hanging around with their nerdy friends.
They never get a chance to make girlfriends, but when a gorgeous woman named Penny starts living in their neighborhood, Leonard gets desperate to make her his girlfriend.
12. The 70s Show
- Release: August 23, 1998- May 18, 2006
- IMDb: 8.1
- Creators: Bonnie and Terry Turner, Mark Brazill
- No. of Seasons: 8
- Episode Count: 200
Ashton Kutcher is underwhelming and bad in Two and a Half Men, but he is incredible in The 70s Show. In fact, the entire cast of the show is incredible. The idiotic humor of Kelso, Fez’s accent, Hyde’s charm, Eric and Donna’s lover story, and Jackie’s self-obsession, everything about this TV series is remarkable.
Sadly, this type of comedy is now lost, and hardly any new sitcom reaches this level of humor and comedy. But, we should be delighted that in this digital age, we can revisit our favorite shows like The 70s Show any time.
11. How I Met Your Mother
- Release: September 19, 2005 – March 31, 2014
- IMDb: 8.3
- Creators: Carter Bays & Craig Thomas
- No. of Seasons: 9
- Episode Count: 208
Rarely do we get shows that let us connect with the characters, and fortunately, How I Met Your Mother is one of those. With all the drama and the next-level comedy, the show has been popular throughout its run, and it is still considered one of the best sitcoms of all time.
Furthermore, it allowed fans to meet Barney, portrayed by the talented actor Neil Patrick Harris, who never failed to give us all the laughs. No wonder he earned an Emmy for this role.
Like FRIENDS, How I Met Your Mother follows five best friends, Ted, Barney, Robin, Lily, and Marshall. They are mostly seen in MacLaren’s Bar, where they deal with their insecurities or discuss their everyday lives. While the show blesses us with several giggling moments, it also makes us go all teary with the heart-warming sequences.
10. Modern Family
- Release: September 23, 2009 – April 8, 2020
- IMDb: 8.5
- Creators: Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan
- No. of Seasons: 11
- Episode Count: 250 + 1 Special
Lloyd and Levitan’s Modern Family ruled over the hearts of fans worldwide throughout its run – thanks to the unique storytelling and the ultra-amazing characters. Besides that, the way it sheds light on the societal aspects and the family dynamics surely deserves every bit of praise.
The TV series follows three families in the most amusing way without confusing the fandom. Each episode of the Modern Family featured something new that wasn’t seen in any other episode. Well, that’s definitely something that makes it different from the shows falling under this genre.
9. Schitt’s Creek
- Release: January 13, 2015 – April 7, 2020
- IMDb: 8.5
- Creators: Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy
- No. of Seasons: 6
- Episode Count: 80 + 1 Special
The renowned CBC comedy show Schitt’s Creek was released in 2015 and ran for six seasons until 2020. Unlike other sitcoms, Schitt’s Creek doesn’t feature outloud jokes that make you laugh your lungs out. However, what makes this TV show so good is the creative approach the creators take to deliver a sitcom with a subtle comedy.
Believe me when I say this: do not judge the TV show by watching just a few episodes of Season 1 as it takes time for the characters and the story to shine. The wealthy Johny Rose becomes a victim of fraud so they have to move to the small town called Schitt’s Creek, which they bought years ago as a joke. It’s an unconventional story that eventually finds a place in your heart.
8. Louie
- Release: June 29, 2010 – May 28, 2015
- IMDb: 8.5
- Creators: Louis C.K.
- No. of Seasons: 5
- Episode Count: 61
Louie is a sitcom that impressed the fandom with its originality and uniqueness. Every episode can make you crave more. Louie features even the characters’ most messed-up situations in the most amusing way. It would also be safe to say it is a perfect blend of humor and drama.
Louie revolves around a stand-up comedian who is a single parent of two daughters. The entire series follows him while he manages his work and his personal life.
7. I Love Lucy
- Release: October 15, 1951 – May 6, 1957
- IMDb: 8.5
- Creators: Desi Arnaz
- No. of Seasons: 6
- Episode Count: 180
I Love Lucy premiered in 1951 but is still considered one of the best sitcoms by modern viewers. Despite being black and white, the show never fails to impress the young viewers of the modern era. The main protagonist Lucy is surely an inspiration and the way she talks is truly commendable. She can express her feelings without saying anything, that’s how Lucille Ball brought the fictional character to life.
I Love Lucy ran for six seasons, and it never let us feel bored, even for a minute. The series revolves around Lucy, a stardom-hungry woman, and her husband, Ricky Ricardo. Besides, their friends and landlords play a huge part in making their adventures even more hilarious.
6. Arrested Development
- Release: November 2, 2003 – February 10, 2006 (Fox) and May 26, 2013 – March 15, 2019 (Netflix)
- IMDb: 8.7
- Creators: Mitchell Hurwitz
- No. of Seasons: 5
- Episode Count: 84
For someone who loves to explore underrated movies or television shows, you shouldn’t sleep on this masterpiece. It’s a sitcom that takes time to make you familiar with what’s going on, but when it does then you start comparing it with every modern sitcom.
The writing is great, and the actors didn’t leave any stone unturned to portray the characters to an extent that makes them look real. The first three seasons premiered on Fox, and Netflix picked up the last two. Well, the fourth and fifth seasons were good in their own way, but the original seasons were still the best.
Arrested Development follows the Bluth family, which formerly owned a real estate business. Even though their circumstances change and George Bluth Sr goes to prison, the remaining members of the family continue to live luxurious lives.
5. The Simpsons
- Release: December 17, 1989 – present
- IMDb: 8.7
- Creators: Matt Groening
- No. of Seasons: 35
- Episode Count: 768
This animated sitcom television show is a must-watch for every cinephile as it revolves around a dysfunctional family that never fails to make you laugh. The vibrant animation and the fabulous voice acting made every fan admire the series even more. Generally, we see the main characters making the series a fun watch, but The Simpsons also features some supporting characters who make it worth a watch by being extremely hilarious.
The Simpsons centers around a dysfunctional family that is full of weird beings. The father is a careless safety officer who lives a very unhealthy life. The mother is a homemaker who struggles to deal with their three children. The eldest one is a 10-year-old underachiever, the mid-child is a genius, but no one cares to appreciate her, and the youngest one is an infant who hasn’t started talking but tries to communicate while sucking the pacifier.
4. Father Ted
- Release: 21 April 1995 – 1 May 1998
- IMDb: 8.7
- Creators: Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews
- No. of Seasons: 3
- Episode Count: 25
Father Ted is one of the greatest comedies ever made. Someone who is not an avid fan of sitcoms can begin with this one if they want to. No episode of Father Ted can give you a dull experience. It’s a unique creation that will not allow you to get out of your seats without watching the series till the last episode.
The show follows three misfit Irish priests and their housekeepers who reside on the Island of Ireland. We get to witness the daily lives of these priests who sometimes are seen working for the church, but mostly, they are seen accompanying Father Ted in his goofy schemes.
3. F.R.I.E.N.D.S
- Release: September 22, 1994 – May 6, 2004
- IMDb: 8.9
- Creators: David Crane, Marta Kauffman
- No. of Seasons: 10
- Episode Count: 236
Created by Marta Kauffman and David Crane, this amazing sitcom arrived on NBC in 1994 and ran until 2004. However, even after so many years, FRIENDS has been an all-time favorite sitcom of most cinephiles from the past three decades, and it’s also popular among the new generation. It can be considered one of the comfort shows for many viewers, thanks to the relatable characters, comic timing, and spectacular star cast.
The American sitcom revolves around six friends, namely Monica, Rachel, Pheobe, Chandler, Joey, and Ross, who stick with each other in happiness and sorrow. Be it heartbreak or celebration, they have each other’s backs. The main characters not only make us laugh with their classic jokes or one-liners but also teach us some life lessons and make us realize the importance of relationships.
2. Seinfeld
- Release: July 5, 1989 – May 14, 1998
- IMDb: 8.9
- Creators: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
- No. of Seasons: 9
- Episode Count: 180
It’s been decades since Seinfeld came out, and undoubtedly, it is one of the funniest shows that has ever existed. Not only the enthusiast from the 90s, the show is capable of making the modern-age audience laugh even harder. Trust me when I say this, you can watch it as many times as you want but never get bored of it (It’s that hilarious).
The sitcom features a group of weirdos who keep getting into chaotic situations without failing to be at each other’s back. Seinfeld is, of course, a fictional sitcom that was created to make fans laugh, but it also consists of some events that are based on the real-life life experiences of the writers. So, in some instances, it is believed to be one of the most persuasive sitcoms of all time.
1. The Office
- Release: March 24, 2005 – May 16, 2013
- IMDb: 9
- Creators: Greg Daniels
- No. of Seasons: 9
- Episode Count: 201
To be honest, the entertainment industry has given us several amazing shows, but the humor that sitcoms like F.R.I.E.N.D.S and The Office come with remains unmatchable. I bet there is no real office in existence that looks like the one this sitcom features. Also, in the world of social media, The Office has been used as meme material. Even if you haven’t watched it yet, I’m pretty sure you must be familiar with the ‘That’s what she said” jokes.
Based on the British sitcom of the same name, The Office revolves around the boss and employees of a publishing house called Dunder Mifflin. In this show, we see the characters’ everyday struggles and meet every character who reminds us of our boss and co-workers. While you’re here, check out the best episodes of The Office and get started on this adventure with Michael and his coworkers.
Of course, you may argue that several other sitcoms deserve to be on this list. However, we can’t mention every one of those. That being said, we will always be on the lookout and will add more amazing sitcoms that are worthy of getting a spot on this list.
