20 Best Sitcoms Of All Time

20 Best Sitcoms Of All Time

Sitcoms form a majority of our lives; they set up a relaxed and calm environment irrespective of the type of family you have (be it functional or dysfunctional), which is why some of them remain comfort watches forever. We laugh with these crazy, misfit, and antihero characters and sometimes cry too, but what matters is the smiles they spread on our faces.

From the first time the six friends appeared in the TV show to the last time they walked off, they left an imprint on our lives, each in their unique way. Similarly, the absolutely chaotic world of the NYPD in Brooklyn NIne-Nine where Jake Peralta’s childish antics made us laugh out loud yet grow fond of him over the period of 8 seasons. 

With some of the best sitcoms being widely available on various streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, we will be reviewing the ones that made us feel like a home away from home and became our comfort place. So scroll below to see our collection of the 20 best sitcoms of all time.

Remember that these are personal opinions, so a few of your favorites could have been missed. But rest assured; you can always find something new and fun to watch!

The 20 Best Sitcoms Worth Watching

These 20 sitcoms can be part of your summer checklist, go through all the shows and watch them all. They are hilarious and become part of a perfect night with some comfort food on the side while you hit play. 

1. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

IMDb rating: 8.4

Jack Peralta will surely take away your heart! The Nine-Nine is a feel-good sitcom that follows a fictional NYPD precinct headed by one serious captain. They show how the chemistry between all the quirky characters built up, making it a fun show to watch. From Jake and Amy’s consistent pranks to Gina’s craziness, followed by Holt’s seriousness, and Boyle’s constant silliness makes the experience enjoyable. The show has a total of 8 seasons full of the best comedy and fun!

2. The Simpsons 

The Simpsons

IMDb rating: 8.7

Nothing beats the creativity that comes with this famous show from the ’90s; the joke density of the show has its separate fanbase. Every few seconds, you’ll find a joke making it the best sitcom to date. There are instances of all sorts of humor, including the frequently used pop culture allusions, self-referential parodies, comedy, puns, and just absurd, legendary characters. 

3. The Office 

The Office

IMDb rating: 8.5

The UK version of The Office, with Ricky Gervais’ sentimentality and pessimism, makes it the perfect sitcom. The dark comedy opens a window to modern capitalism attacking the entire corporate structure. It shows the story of David Brent, who isn’t loved or appreciated, and how he sees himself as the guru but is a complete idiot. Watch the show as it moves towards the budding romance between Tim and Dawn, Gervais and his little acts winning our hearts, and so much more. You’ll keep going until one day, you’ll just be done so that you might hate the show, but it’s so addictive that you won’t stop watching. 

4. Friends 

Friends

IMDb rating: 8.9

A show that started with just six friends hanging out and being nothing but natural has now become one of the most famous sitcoms. Each character has its fanbase, and what’s shocking is how they’re loved all over the world. The characters include Rachel, who is a spoilt brat that learns the art of being independent after running away from her wedding and coming to stay with Monica; Ross, who is sentimental at heart, Monica who’s the coolest out of the lot and keeps them all together; Chandler, who’s struggling with finding the perfect girl, Joey can’t seem to make it big in the world of movies, and Phoebe Buffay with her level of quirkiness. 

The show follows the journey of 6 friends, each equally relatable and crazy in their way. Friends develop the friendship dynamics of these characters and their character growth, with each facing their share of problems varying from the workplace, financial, and personal issues. However, they remain rooted in the concept that these friends will always be there for each other matter what.

5. Two and Half Men

Two and Half Men

IMDb rating:7.1

The life of a writer who’s been free-wheeling this entire time comes to an end when his brother and nephew move into his beach house. Charlie Sheen leads a promiscuous life and plays the role of a man who loves women, and women love him; you’ll see how things change when his everyday routine is disturbed because of the presence of his nephew and how with time, they all adjust to each other’s living ways.

Alan is the complete opposite of Charlie; he is a doctor who recently had a divorce and is struggling financially but needs someone to help him take care of his life. Jake is a sweet but naive kid, and living with his uncle will surely be an eye-opener for him! Come along as they all come to peace with women, booze, and the bachelor pad life. If you’re a teenager, we don’t recommend watching it in your family room because it may be a sitcom, but the jokes can be a bit too much sometimes!

6. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

IMDb rating: 7.9

Join Will Smith as his parents send him to live with his uncle, aunt, and cousins in the Bel-Air mansions. Coming from the rough neighborhood of Philadelphia to the fancy life of Bel-Air is life-changing for him. Will has trouble adjusting to the new lifestyle, which is a bit different from what he is usually used to. He faces various clashes with his spoilt cousins Carlton, who is lived an opposite lifestyle from Will and has a very different personality. 

The sitcom is known for its humor and highlights some of the most critical social issues, including classism dynamics of various families and races. You will see him evolve, mature, and drop his old rebellious personality throughout the show. It’s a fun watch!

7. The Office U.S Version

The Office U.S Version

IMDb rating: 9

The US version of The Office is another sitcom you can add to your watchlist if you still haven’t seen it. The adaptation of the BBC series follows the comedy chronicles of the paper company Dunder Mifflin workers in Pennsylvania. Michael Scott, the regional manager of the paper company office in Scranton, is the show’s leading character. He is renowned for his unusual behavior, awful jokes, and attention-seeking tendencies. Throughout the episodes, Michael strives to balance his responsibilities as a manager and his desire to be everybody’s friend, frequently resulting in comically awkward situations.

The employees struggle with office problems throughout the show, including downsizing, romance, and politics. Yet the show’s quality sets it apart, as it provides a balance of both comedy and emotional scenes. 

8. Schitt’s Creek

Schitt’s Creek

IMDb rating: 8.5

This Canadian sitcom aired in 2015 and has a total of 6 seasons unfolding the life of the Rose family. Come along and see how the wealthy family finds themselves in a rundown motel far away from the city after the betrayal of a partner. The Rose family consists of the parents, Johnny and Moira Rose, and their kids, David and Alexis. The broke life isn’t for these four as they struggle to adapt to their surroundings and form different bonds with the weird residents of Schitt’s Creek. 

The show is famous for its quirky characters, self-reflecting moments, and growth. It tackles serious issues and brings together a family who once got lost in the sea of money and lived their own life. Together they learn from their past mistakes and build a new life in the town they once bought out of a joke. 

9. Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation

IMDB rating: 8.6

This sitcom is yet another masterpiece that delivers a workplace comedy. With Amy Poehler playing the role of Leslie, Nick Offerman playing the anti-government Park and recreation office head, aka Ron Swanson, Adam Scott playing Ben Wyatt, Rob Lowe playing the part of the ever-fit Chris Traeger, Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate, Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer, Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins, Aziz Ansari playing his role as Tom Haverford and many more characters. This comedy fully kicks off in the second season, where the humor isn’t as forced, and the characters start to grow on you. 

You will begin loving the ever-persistent and determined Leslie, who loves doing the impossible; the meat lover Ron who loves the chaos that ensues in his office and likes pretending not to care; and the ever-morbid personality of April, who secretly loves Andy and is the perfect secretary that Ron never knew he needed.

So tune in to some of the craziest government department-related drama right now. You won’t regret it. If you’ve already seen it, you can always rewatch it!

10. The Good Place

The Good Place

IMDb rating: 8.2 

The Good Place is a known sitcom exploring a very different concept. It shows the afterlife and the importance of being a good person. The lead character is Eleanor, who plays the role of a self-centered woman who, after dying, awakes in a Good Place in her afterlife. She meets morally right people who’d done nothing but good in their life, and finding herself in this place shocks her. She knows she doesn’t belong in this place because of the life she lived. 

But as the show unfolds, Eleanor navigates through this different environment with the help of her new friend and partner, Chidi. You’ll find her forgiving herself and growing into a better person daily. 

11. Modern Family 

Modern Family

IMDb rating: 8.2 

Yet another sitcom full of family drama and growth, Modern Family, aired in 2009 and brought together three families, each having drama, family dynamics, and challenges. 

The family begins with Pritchett and his young wife Gloria, who takes up the screen with her unique and strong personality. They have a son, Manny, who is responsible and mostly seen as the decision-maker and provides sense to his parents. Jay has a daughter and a son, who lead their own lives. Claire Dunphy is his daughter who is married to Phill, and together they have three children, the most chaotic household out of three families. Claire and Phil have to deal with very different issues with each of their kids, but you’ll have the most fun when watching them see their kids do the crazy. 

Mitchell, who is Jay’s son, plays the role of a gay man who has an adorable partner Cameron. Together they adopt a daughter Lily and navigate their lives as gay partners. Their families face multiple challenges, but the show is widely known for its relatable family drama and humor. 

12. Perfect Strangers

Perfect Strangers

IMDb rating:7.2

Perfect Stranger was a popular sitcom in the late 80s and early 90s. It shows the life of two distant cousins, Larry and Balki, who come from different backgrounds. Larry lives a decent city life in Chicago, while Balki is a sheepherder from a fictional Mediterranean Island. As the scenes unfold, you’ll find the two cousins living together with parallel personalities. They try to find similarities while at the same time adjusting to cultural differences. You’ll find yourself laughing at Balki’s idea of American traditions while Larry serves as a guide to help him adapt to the new normal. 

They develop a strong bond and later become inseparable; you will love every bit of it and have a good laugh!

13. The Cosby Show

The Cosby Show

IMDb rating: 7.4 

Another American sitcom that was pretty famous in the late 80s and early 90s! It portrays the life of an African-American family who leads an upper-middle-class lifestyle. Bill Cosby is a successful obstetrician and the patriarch of the family; meanwhile, his wife is a successful attorney and a headstrong woman. She knows how to create a perfect balance between work and home life, and with five kids, she does learn the basics and finds a new normal. The sitcom is fun and quirky, portraying an African-American life and discussing several social issues, such as gender inequality and racism. Its uniqueness led it toward success, and the show is still loved by many. We do recommend watching it!

14. Louie

Louie

IMDb rating:8.5 

Louie CK puts forward a very ambitious yet hilarious sitcom which is the perfect means of enjoyment. The show portrays a fictional version of his life as he goes on different adventures that lead to various outcomes. Even though the show had a very disappointing end, it was loved by many and can still be seen on multiple platforms. 

15. Growing Pains

IMDb rating: 6.6 

Growing Pains was more than just a TV show, mainly because people could relate to it personally. It was more than just a funny sitcom, it portrays the struggles of multiple individuals, but at the same time, it feels like a virtual hug whenever you see it. Growing Pains aired from 1985 to 1992, showing the Seaver family who lives in Long Island, Newyork. Dr. Jason is the breadwinner of the family, who works from home and provides for his family. He has to deal with three distinct personalities, and the kids are troublemakers, each having their own set of issues and life. 

16. Full House

Full House

IMDb rating: 6.8 

Another classic American television sitcom is Full House, which aired on TV from 1987 to 1995. Come along as a widowed father, Danny Tanner manages his three young girls with the help of his buddy Joey and brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis. The show is based in San Francisco and has up to eight seasons; together, they go on a rollercoaster of emotions and the ups and downs of life. 

The show is the epitome of cuteness, dealing with loss, family, and a change of dynamics. You’ll find fun and profound moments, from Danny running around for his daughters to Jesse leading a promiscuous life as a bachelor and then getting married. Join the journey as each character evolves to become a better version of themselves. 

17. The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory

IMDb rating: 8.2 

See 12 seasons of some of the most competent people, starting with Sheldon, Raj, Howard, Leonardo, and Penny. The show is set in California and portrays the day-to-day lives of all characters. The show focuses on academia, followed by social interactions and relationships. The lot is brilliant, with a combination of all these different people. 

The four men might be socially awkward but see them unfold into better versions of themselves. They come from different ethnicities, which makes the relatability level relatively high. You will see them discussing science and various pop culture references. The show is educational and quirky, making it one of the best sitcoms to enjoy. The science jargon might be too much at the start, but you’ll come to live with it as the seasons go forth. 

18. How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother

IMDb rating:  8.3 

HIMYM is based on a group of friends living in New York; the show ran for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014, explaining to the kids how their father met their mother. It starts with Ted Mosby, who narrates the older version of his life and discusses the numerous adventures he and his friends went through in their professional and personal lives. 

It discusses the life of Ted and his best friend, Marshal, and Lily, who are childhood sweethearts looking to start their family after marriage. One of the most loved and wild characters is Barney, a ladies’ man who is always on the lookout for more conquests. Then comes Robin, Ted’s love interest and a news anchor by profession. 

Perhaps, one of the most endearing aspects of the show is how it explores the significance of friends and family. These characters are chosen family who protects each other, and their bond solidifies the show and makes it even more special. Unfold the journey of Ted and his friends and watch them progress in life!

19. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley

IMDb rating: 8.5 

Silicon Valley is an insight into the lives of a group of young tech geniuses. These software engineers come together in hopes of creating a startup in the world of tech in Silicon Valley. The comedy side of the show depicts a very different side to the tech world and shows the struggles and the following laughs. 

Richard begins his own company, known as the Pied Piper, with the help of his business partners and friends. As the show unfolds, you’ll see the company going through several struggles as it competes with other start-ups in tech corporations. It is the perfect mixture of drama and humor, and you will love every bit of the insightful commentary made by each character, which will add more depth to the show. 

20. New Girl

New Girl

IMDb rating: 7.8 

This is yet another sitcom loved by a vast popular worldwide. The show aired from 2011 to 2018, showing the life of Jess Day, an unusual and bubbly girl in her 30s. The story unfolds when she moves in with three single guys after a messy end to her past relationship. The show portrays the life of Jess as she explores new ways to manage her heartbreak alongside her roommates, who have their struggles. 

Each character has its quirks; you’ll laugh at Schmidt’s self-absorbed personality and his continuous attempts to please the ladies around him. Nick is a bit grumpier but has quirks, followed by Winston, a lovable man trying to find his place. What makes the show stand out is the level of relatability it provides and the struggles it shows regarding love, relationships, and the reality of the 30s!

Takeaway

Whoa! That was indeed the best lookback to some of the best sitcoms. These shows have made us cry, laugh and relate to the world in the best way. From the classic shows like Friends and The Office to the newest creations, How I Met Your Mother and New Girl, we have had nothing but countless hours of entertainment from each of them. 

As we look back on each of the shows mentioned above, we are reminded of the comfort they brought in tough times, the love they have made us, and the lessons they have taught us about so many things in life. Each show has brought people from all over the world together, with a fan following each character and scene. 

 If you’re someone who’s yet to watch these shows, we encourage you to get started!

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Abdul Wahab is a Software Engineer by profession and a Tech geek by nature. Having been associated with the tech industry for the last five years, he has covered a wide range of Tech topics and produced well-researched and engaging content. You will mostly find him reviewing tech products and writing blog posts. Binge-watching tech reviews and endlessly reading tech blogs are his favorite hobbies.