Great sitcoms don’t just make us laugh, they become part of our routine. They give us catchphrases, comfort rewatches, and characters who feel like old friends. From chaotic British cult classics to polished American network hits, these shows shaped television comedy in lasting ways. Here’s a countdown of 15 sitcoms that stand above the rest.
15. The Young Ones
If traditional sitcom structure isn’t your thing, this wild British series might be. Airing in the early ’80s, it followed four university housemates whose shared home felt more like a demolition site than student housing. The comedy is loud, abrasive, surreal, and completely unapologetic. Each character is a heightened stereotype: the unhinged punk Vyvyan, self-righteous “anarchist” Rick, painfully mellow hippie Neil, and smooth-talking schemer Mike. Across just two seasons, the show delivered slapstick, fourth-wall breaks, and gleeful chaos that influenced alternative comedy for decades. It wasn’t built for mass appeal, but that’s exactly why it became a cult legend.
14. Abbott Elementary
Proof that the mockumentary format still works, Abbott Elementary takes viewers inside an underfunded Philadelphia public school. The teachers are overworked, underpaid, and endlessly dedicated, and the humor comes from their day-to-day perseverance. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the series blends warmth with sharp social commentary. It finds comedy in bureaucracy and budget shortages without losing its heart. In an era dominated by streaming, Abbott Elementary feels both modern and comfortingly classic.
13. New Girl
Few sitcoms capture the energy of friendship like New Girl. The story kicks off when quirky teacher Jess moves in with three single men after a breakup. What follows is a steady stream of awkward moments, romantic complications, and endlessly quotable dialogue. The chemistry between Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris is what truly powers the show. It’s messy, sweet, and easy to rewatch, exactly what you want from a long-running comfort series.
12. The IT Crowd
Set in the neglected basement IT department of a large corporation, The IT Crowd thrives on social discomfort and absurd escalation. The workplace may be corporate, but the humor is delightfully ridiculous. Richard Ayoade’s deadpan performance as Moss is especially unforgettable. While later seasons divided fans, its early episodes remain some of the sharpest workplace comedy Britain has produced.
11. Taxi
Taxi revolves around a ragtag group of New York cab drivers and their perpetually irritated dispatcher. Though it premiered in the late ’70s, its character-driven humor still resonates. The cast, including Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, and Carol Kane, gave the show depth and personality. Blending workplace frustrations with personal dreams, Taxi balanced grit with genuine warmth.
10. Malcolm in the Middle
Family sitcoms are common. A family sitcom told partly from the perspective of a sarcastic child genius? Less so. Malcolm in the Middle thrived on chaos, clever narration, and unpredictable storytelling. Bryan Cranston’s hilarious turn as the well-meaning but frequently overwhelmed father became one of the show’s highlights. Inventive camera work and sharp writing helped it stand apart from more traditional family comedies.
9. Get Smart
Before spy spoofs became trendy, Get Smart was already poking fun at secret agents and gadgetry. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the series parodied Cold War espionage with relentless jokes. Don Adams’ Agent 86 was incompetent yet confident, navigating absurd missions with bizarre gadgets and even stranger villains. Its comedic DNA can be seen in countless parodies that followed.
8. That ’70s Show
Few sitcoms lean into nostalgia as effectively as That ’70s Show. Set in suburban Wisconsin, it follows a tight-knit group of teens navigating love, rebellion, and disco-era awkwardness. The ensemble, including Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher, brought charm and humor to the coming-of-age formula. It captured the vibe of the era while keeping its themes universal.
7. 3rd Rock from the Sun
Imagine a family sitcom, except the family members are aliens studying Earth. That’s the premise behind 3rd Rock from the Sun, and it delivers endless comedic misunderstandings. John Lithgow’s Emmy-winning performance as the group’s eccentric leader gave the show much of its energy. Beneath the absurdity, the series often offered surprisingly thoughtful observations about human behavior.
6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Set inside a New York police precinct, Brooklyn Nine-Nine blends fast-paced jokes with heartfelt character arcs. Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta anchors a lovable ensemble of detectives. Beyond its humor, the show addressed topics like LGBTQ+ identity and policing with care. Its strong ensemble, including Terry Crews and Andre Braugher, helped it thrive across network and streaming platforms.
5. The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls proved that sitcom leads don’t have to be young to be hilarious. Following four older women sharing a home in Miami, the show mixed sharp wit with genuine emotional depth. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty delivered rapid-fire banter and fearless humor. Its themes of friendship and independence remain timeless.
4. Frasier
As a spin-off of Cheers, Frasier had high expectations and exceeded them. The series followed psychiatrist Frasier Crane’s life in Seattle, juggling radio fame, family tension, and romantic mishaps. The writing leaned intellectual but never alienating, and the chemistry between Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce was impeccable. It remains one of television’s most acclaimed comedies.
3. Friends
Few sitcoms have defined a generation quite like Friends. Centered on six New Yorkers navigating adulthood, it delivered romance, heartbreak, and endlessly repeatable jokes. The cast’s chemistry turned simple coffee shop hangouts into iconic TV moments. Even decades later, it remains one of the most rewatched shows in streaming history.
2. Seinfeld
Often described as a “show about nothing,” Seinfeld transformed everyday annoyances into comedic gold. Its characters were flawed, selfish, and strangely relatable. From iconic side characters to unforgettable catchphrases, the show reshaped sitcom storytelling. Its influence on modern comedy is hard to overstate.
1. Cheers
At the top sits Cheers, the Boston bar where regulars gathered for drinks and sharp conversation. The show excelled at ensemble storytelling, with relationships evolving naturally over time. Ted Danson’s Sam Malone and Shelley Long’s Diane Chambers anchored a cast full of memorable personalities. Cheers created a sense of belonging that few sitcoms have matched, and that’s why it still resonates.
Sitcoms evolve with every generation, but the best ones share something in common: unforgettable characters and humor rooted in human experience. Whether you prefer sharp observational comedy, heartfelt workplace stories, or pure absurdity, these 15 shows represent the very best the genre has offered. And chances are, at least one of them already feels like home.