Situational comedies, also known as sitcoms, are some of the most iconic and funny shows on primetime television. Here is a list of the top ten of all time:
Seinfeld (1989-1998) Follow (character) Jerry Seinfeld through his comedic daily life. Most episodes don’t fit a certain plot line, and most episodes are reflective of [comedian] Jerry Seinfeld’s personal experiences. The sitcom differs from others of its time because all of the main characters are friends and not family with one another.
Modern Family (2009-present) Modern Family is a family-oriented sitcom with endless humor from three families. With a star studded cast with actors/actresses such as Sofia Vergara, Ariel Winter, Sarah Hyland, Ed O’Neill and Ty Burrell, this show packs a punch only great sitcoms can achieve.
Friends (1994-2004) Friends is an iconic show for a reason! This sitcom follows six friends through life’s ups and downs, with many of them eventually finding love and settling down. The show was immensely popular and helped launch the careers of A-list stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.
How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) How I Met Your Mother is unique because the whole show is actually a flashback! The show involves father Ted Mosby [in the year 2030] telling his children the tale of how he met their mother. The story starts with him in his mid 20s in Manhattan, New York, working as an architect. The humor is definitely real in this show!
The Office (2005-2013) Steve Carell owns the comedy in his role as Michael Scott in The Office! Originally adapted from the UK version of this sitcom, the show takes place in the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, and follows the everyday lives of the employees. Taking on the mockumentary style, The Office finds humor in the absurdities and mundaneness of office life that many can relate to.
Boy Meets World (1993-2000) Cory Matthews transforms and matures from a middle schooler to a college student on Boy Meets World. The show incorporates the many lessons he learns from his experiences going through life alongside his best friend Shawn and girlfriend Topanga in every episode.
The Simpsons (1989-present) This animated sitcom is the longest running show on Fox. With 662 episodes since its broadcast, the show shows no signs of ending anytime soon. The Simpson family’s comedy involves everything from violent slapstick to dramatic irony gag jokes, making it a very popular sitcom.
The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) In The Big Bang Theory, two nerdy physicists’ lives are changed when a social-savvy Penny moves next door. The show expands its characters with the additions of Bernadette and Amy, the latter who becomes main character Sheldon’s love interest. The show is acclaimed for its endless humor, and has even won Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy awards.
Parks and Recreation (2009-2015) Written by the creators of The Office, this show also follows a mockumentary format, and became just as big of a hit! Parks and Recreation is a workplace comedy about bureaucrat Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) who tries to make her small town of Pawnee, Indiana just a little more fun with her work in the Parks and Recreation department.
Full House (1987-1995) An unconventional family is made in Danny Tanner’s house after the death of his wife. His best friend Joey and brother-in-law Jesse move in to help him take care of his three daughters. The house only grows from there, and their funny everyday lives continue the story in this sitcom.
