Sitcoms have made us laugh, cry, and feel less alone for over 80 years. They come in black and white or stream in full color. The best ones show the mood of their time yet feel like they last forever. Some have cool folks we can’t forget. Some change the whole scene. But each one left a mark. Here are 15 top, fun, and loved sitcoms to hit the small screen.
15. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo set the mark for TV fun. Whether she was in a grape pit, at the sweet shop, or selling odd health drinks, Lucy’s pranks made lots laugh—and still do. I Love Lucy broke new ground and set the bar high for all that came next.
14. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)
Smart, fun, and way ahead, it brought us into the work and home life of a TV show writer. With sharp lines and great acts by Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, it set the base for work and home sitcoms alike.
13. The Honeymooners (1955–1956)
Ralph Kramden’s call, “To the moon, Alice!” is a TV fave. The Honeymooners ran just one year, but its take on work life and marriage chat set a tone for many to follow. Small set, big laughs, big mark.
12. The Young Ones (1982–1984)
This UK show was full on wild—and fans loved it. Four college misfits in one house, The Young Ones was as wild as it was fun. Its play of wild sight gags, digs, and weird parts made it a hit with fans.
11. Taxi (1978–1983)
Set in a New York cab stand, Taxi showed a cute bunch of odd folks trying to make it. From DeVito’s tough boss to Andy Kaufman’s great Latka, the cast was first-rate. It mixed fun and sweet bits and hit hard.
10. Get Smart (1965–1970)
If James Bond had a bad cousin, it’d be Maxwell Smart. Made by fun pros Mel Brooks and BuckHenry, this spy spoof had gags, tools, and inside jokes that work now. It turned mess-ups to art and poked fun at old spy games.
9. 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001)
Aliens learn to be human? Yes, please. This odd sitcom had John Lithgow as the head alien in a human body, trying to lead his fake alien family in Earth life. Fun, full of heart, and one of a kind, it’s a true ’90s find.
8. That ’70s Show(1998–2006)
Teens in a Wisconsin room gave us a fun, old-time vibe on TV. With old pants, bright lights, & fun hangouts, That ’70s Show mixed old looks with teen tales. It set off big star paths, too.
7. Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006)
Malcolm’s loud, odd family is one we won’t forget. This fast show broke the mold with no laugh track, chat to us, &wild sights. It was wild in the best way—and took a deep look at the stress of young, smart life.
6. The IT Crowd (2006–2013)
Ever tried turning it off and on again? This UK office show follows the shy team of an IT spot stuck below. It’s geeky, odd, & full of lines to say again. Moss, on his own, is a great reason to watch it more.
5. New Girl (2011–2018)
When fun teacher Jess moves in with three men, odd fun starts. New Girl found that mix of weird and sweet, with a top team & top fun times on TV. Schmidt’s quick lines? Cool. Nick’s odd pull? Top-notch.
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)
Crime-fight fun at its best. Set in a Brooklyn cop spot, it mixes slapstick with deep thoughts & heart. From Jake’s love for old action movies to Holt’s flat jokes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine kept the fun & cool folks coming.
3. Abbott Elementary (2021)
A new look at the mockumentary show, Abbott Elementary, sheds light on school teachers trying their best with few tools. Sweet, sharp, & right on, but always fun. Each teacher should have a nod like this.
2. Fleabag (2016–2019)
Dark, true, & open, Fleabag changed the sitcom game. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s chat to us is strong—one bit you laugh, the next you may cry. It’s quick, smart, & like no other.
1. Atlanta (2016–2022)
Atlanta might not seem like a sitcom—but that’s its cool point. With odd scenes & sharp fun, Donald Glover’s top work looks at race, fame, & the odd bits of now in ways no show had. It changed the sitcom game & made its path.
These shows aren’t just fun—they’ve become a key part of how we live. They give us lines we still say, folks we love like kin, & a cause to laugh through it all. Whether you rewatch an old fave or find a new one, these sitcoms show that great fun never fades away.