Sitcoms were the cornerstone of television during the 1980s and ‘90s. Their showrunners, writers, actors, and directors made sure these comedies were family-friendly but often had an edge or a to them. Times have changed, but these sitcoms remain timeless classics. Here is a list of some of the funniest sitcoms of all time that are sure to bring any viewer a hearty laugh when revisited.
The Simpsons
At the top of the list is a timeless classic with a cult following. The Simpsons debuted in 1989 and continues to remain a prominent force in the entertainment industry. It is well-known for its clever humor and ability to remain relevant with its cutting-edge writing. The Simpsons’ witty satire and unforgettable characters have made it one of the longest lasting sitcoms of all time.
Seinfeld
Another cherished classic is Seinfeld. This sitcom is often seen as the “king of sitcoms”, and is held in high regard because of its clever writing, jokes, and witty satire. It is also known for creating two new catchphrases used in popular culture: “no soup for you” and “yada, yada, yada.” Even more noteworthy is that it was able to have episodes that did not employ a traditional plot structure.
Friends
Friends gained immediate popularity in 1994 and remained so for a decade until its finale in 2004. It was the go-to show for Friday nights in the 90s, and even now much of the hype remains. Friends’ simple yet effective premise and charming characters captivated audiences around the world. Of course, their signature catchphrases “How you doin’?” and “We were on a break” are still used in everyday conversations.
The Office
The Office also ran for a total of nine seasons and twelve years, sprawling a cult following of its own. It is known for its awkward yet exhilarating humor, characters, and accurate portrayal of what truly takes place in an office. In its nine seasons, this show garnered six Primetime Emmy Awards. Its main character Michael Scott and the rest of its memorable cast have stayed close in fans’ hearts even after its finale in 2013.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia first aired in 2005 and continues to remain one of the funniest sitcoms of all time. Creator Rob McElhenney develops twisted stories and plots that, even though seem inappropriate, make this show an audience favorite. The “gang” of five at Paddy’s Pub routinely goes to extreme lengths to pursue their interests and lives.
Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory, another long-lasting sitcom, premiered in 2007 and came to an end in 2019, a mark of its positive reception. It is a beloved show that is known for its geeky nature, and its theme of science, engineering and math that became universally acknowledged. It was a hit among viewers with its exploration of social clumsiness and humorous characterization.
Other Notable sitcoms
No list of sitcoms would be complete without mentioning some beloved comedies such as Cheers, Frasier, Full House, 30 Rock, and Arrested Development, that undoubtedly contributed a lot to the golden age of sitcoms.
Cheers was an instant hit when it first aired in 1982, and its humor remains relevant to this day. Frasier aired from 1993 and concluded in 2004, but its iconic rock theme “Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs” is likely remembered more than the show itself. It’s spin-off, Full House, followed a similar sitcom formula of a single father raising his trio of daughters, yet it distinguished its humor from other run-of-the-mill family sitcoms.
Another much-loved comedy is 30 Rock, written and created by Tina Fey, that began in 2006 and ended in 2013. Its premise followed the Saturday Night Live formula, but captivated audiences because of its passionate characters. Lastly, Arrested Development had a unique take on the traditional sitcom as it was an Emmy-winning comedy known for its absurd humor and unknowns.
There are so many exemplary sitcoms that come to mind when trying to determine the funniest shows of all time. It is difficult to pinpoint one, however the list above is an excellent example of the best that television has had to offer. Whether it be the use of pop culture references, tongue-in-cheek humor, or simply heartfelt stories, these sitcoms have used their craft to get the most out of their medium by delivering both laughter and warmth.
