Sitcoms are like comfort food but in the form of TV: they stay reliable, are understandable at once, and come just in time to cheer you up when you need a quick diversion. One show has, for a great number of us, been the way in which we laugh, joke, and look at life through sharp one-liners, the raucous exploits of an ensemble, or the humor of the totally awkward being delivered to the tee. Similar to today’s hit comedies on TV, streaming, or wherever, sitcoms have managed the extraordinary feat of continuously changing their characters and storylines from Lucy’s timeless disorder to the newest you can’t put down favorites. In honor of those shows that make us laugh, here is a glance at the 10 greatest sitcoms of all time, plus an acknowledgement of the fact that the manner in which we watch them has changed.
10. Black-ish (2014–Present)
At first blush, Kenya Barris’s Black-ish is a conventional family sitcom, but it boasts so much more. With quick wit and tender talks, the show tackles race, culture, identity, and modern family life. Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross lead the talented ensemble with both warmth and edge through every storyline. The series continually balances humor with thought-provoking commentary, rendering it a smart, entertaining watch. All episodes are available on Hulu.
9. The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
A sitcom about four older women sharing a house in Miami seemed like a gamble-but The Golden Girls became an instant classic. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty infused their characters with sass, sincerity, and impeccable comedic timing. The show proved that audiences crave stories about friendship, aging, and late-night cheesecake. Stream it anytime on Hulu.
8. The Office (U.S.) (2005–2013)
Adapted from a British series, the American Office quickly became a landmark all its own. It took the mundanity of workplace awkwardness, tiny conflicts, and long-running pranks and crafted them into comedic gold. The understated delivery of its cast-and one unforgettable Michael Scott-made the mockumentary style shine. New fans continue to pour in, and you can view all the beautifully awkward moments on Peacock.
7. 30 Rock (2006–2013)
Tina Fey’s breakneck-speed TV satire 30 Rock fires off jokes at breakneck speed. With Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, and Jane Krakowski leading the charge, the series skewers Hollywood, corporate culture, and the entertainment machine with its razor-sharp wit. Few comedies pack this many laughs into a single episode. Catch it on Hulu, Netflix, or Peacock.
6. Friends (1994–2004)
You can’t do a list like this and not include Friends. It’s six stars defined ’90s sitcom chemistry. Ross yelling “Pivot!”, Phoebe serenading the world with “Smelly Cat,” and Chandler’s never-ending sarcasm have all become part of pop culture history. The cast plays off one another as if they were real friends, which is why this will always have a special place in viewers’ hearts. You can revisit every episode now on HBO Max.
5. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
Mary Richards wasn’t just a character-she was a revelation on screen. An independent, career-minded single woman, she helped pave the way for future female-led comedies. With the help of an incredible ensemble, including Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, and Betty White, the show delivered some of the smartest writing of its era. It’s currently streaming on Hulu.
4. Cheers (1982–1993)
Set in the cozy Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” Cheers perfected character-centered comedy. Thanks to the talent of a stellar ensemble cast, including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson, and more, the show was able to make a simple premise feel endlessly fresh and hilarious. It’s still one of television’s greatest ensembles. Stream it now on Hulu, Peacock, or Paramount+.
3. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
Often described as “the show about nothing,” Seinfeld reimagined some of life’s most minor annoyances into comic gold. Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer devised a comedic style of their very own, many of whose catchphrases and storylines still make the rounds today. Its influence on sitcom writing can’t be overstated. It streams on Netflix.
2. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
More than 70 years later, Lucille Ball’s brilliance still can’t be topped. I Love Lucy wasn’t just influential-it actually provided the blueprint for the sitcom format as we know it today. Those chocolate-factory conveyor belt and grape-stomping scenes became comic staples. Lucy’s perfect mix of physical humor and narrative charm made her an international star. Stream the show on Hulu or Paramount+.
1. All in the Family (1971–1979)
Few sitcoms were ever more provocative than All in the Family. Archie Bunker’s living room became a place where the country confronted race, gender, politics, and generational conflict, and did so through sharp satire and fearless writing. Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton delivered performances that were at once hilarious and painfully honest. It remains one of the most daring comedies in television history. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
Sitcoms have always reflected the times in which they were created, but the way people watch has changed even quickly. In May 2025, streaming accounted for 44.8% of all TV viewing in the United States, surpassing both cable and broadcast for the very first time. Thanks to binge-friendly platforms and on-demand access, it is easier than ever to discover old gems or revisit favorites. Whether you’re watching on your phone, hosting a watch party, or letting episodes play in the background while you unwind, sitcoms remain the coziest, funniest escape around-and there’s always time for just one more episode.