Are you searching for one of the best sitcoms of all time? Well, that could be debatable because you may be cheering up watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S, while your coworker might find it “not that fun a show!” Now that’s where opinions differ.
So, whether you enjoy watching comedy, drama, or romance, we have a list of the best sitcoms for you, so you don’t have to keep searching for hours with a bowl full of your favourite food, sitting next to you, waiting for you to dive in after you find a suitable show (well, we have all been there).
Sitcoms are an American mainstay when talking about television. Once you start a show, you might hear yourself saying “just one more episode,” sitting like a couch potato and finishing hours in the series. Mostly, these TV shows tend to focus on a group of interesting characters getting themselves into a funny situation.
But there’s a lot more!
Best Sitcoms to Tick Off Your Bucket List
From being weird or wild and showing the character’s everyday life, there’s absolutely something out there for everyone to get inspired or cheer themselves up. Today, these 5 sitcoms mentioned in this article are found across a wide range of streaming platforms. Let’s check them out:
1. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Sitting on the top of our list, Seinfeld has proved over and over again why this is one of the best sitcoms ever! Today, Seinfeld is part of television history, being consistently ranked as one of the best in history by Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, and others.
You can enjoy the humour, real-life situations shown in the show and incredible characters, which makes the series enormously popular even today.
The situations depicted in the show were mostly based on real-life situations, which made it extra authentic. Additionally, Seinfeld is quite modern (even post-modern in some cases), which makes audiences love the show even more.
Beyond its popularity, Seinfeld has also been recognized with numerous awards. The show has won 7 Primetime Emmy Awards and 3 Golden Globe Awards, further cementing its place as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. These accolades highlight the show’s exceptional quality and the impact it has had on television.
| Golden Globe Awards | |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Seinfeld) |
| 1993 | Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy (Jerry Seinfeld) |
| 1993 | Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) |
| Total Wins: 3 | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Outstanding Editing for a Series (Janet Ashikaga for “The Subway”) |
| 1993 | Outstanding Comedy Series (Seinfeld) |
| 1993 | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Michael Richards) |
| 1993 | Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Larry David for “The Contest”) |
| 1994 | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series (Janet Ashikaga for “The Opposite”) |
| 1995 | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series (Janet Ashikaga for “The Diplomat’s Club”) |
| 1996 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) |
| 1997 | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Michael Richards) |
| Total Wins: 7 | |
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Watch on Netflix
2. The Office (2005-2013)
The Office is without question, one of the best sitcoms ever made!
Can you remember Steve Carell in a role that wasn’t comedic?
Even though The Office is about a paper company, the show is not just limited to cubicles and paper mache walls. The series portrays Dunder Mifflin Paper Company employees, living in Scranton, Pennsylvania and their daily life, and how they relate to one another.
Michael Scott, played by Carell, the boss often gets in the way of his employees’ daily tasks at the workspace. Despite his insensitivity, his ignorance was often the source of humour. In the entire series, viewers along with Michael, search for his love and approval from his co-workers. His journey is filled with awkward, yet endearing moments that make you root for him, even when he’s at his most clueless.
It is probably the most notable and remarkable show with a unique premise. No other show can match the relationship comedy and social satire like this one. From Jim and Pam’s sweet romance to Dwight’s eccentric antics, The Office manages to balance heartfelt moments with sharp wit, making it a standout in television history.
The Office has not only won the hearts of viewers but also garnered critical acclaim. The show has received numerous awards, including 3 Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe for Steve Carell’s performance, and recognition from the Screen Actors Guild. These accolades highlight the show’s excellence in writing, acting, and overall impact on television, further solidifying its place as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
| Golden Globe Awards | |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Steve Carell) |
| Total Wins: 1 | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Outstanding Comedy Series (The Office) |
| 2007 | Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Michael Schur for “Christmas Party”) |
| 2009 | Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Jeffrey Blitz for “Stress Relief”) |
| Total Wins: 3 | |
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Watch on Netflix or Amazon Prime
3. Friends (1994-2004)
It’s tough to talk about sitcoms without bringing up Friends!
Being on air for over 28 years, the sitcom, Friends, remains entertaining to its viewers to date. Friends have made a powerful impact on the history of television.
With its outstanding cast, witty humour, and amazing script, Friends becomes one of the best sitcoms of all time. The chemistry between the six main characters—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—created unforgettable moments that have become iconic in television history. Friends enthusiasts often turn to the show for a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a good laugh, making it a favourite for many.
“There is no denying the effect that Friends had on Hollywood, with countless shows that sought to copy its formula, the raging success of its stars, and the indelible mark of so many of its jokes, from ‘Pivot!’ to ‘We were on a break,” writes Reader’s Digest.
In addition to its immense popularity, Friends has been honored with a range of prestigious awards. The show secured multiple Primetime Emmy Award Nominations with 4 wins, including the Outstanding Comedy Series. Its talented cast received significant acclaim, with Jennifer Aniston earning a Golden Globe for her role as Rachel Green.
| Golden Globe Awards | |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Jennifer Aniston) |
| Total Wins: 1 | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Jennifer Aniston) |
| 2002 | Outstanding Comedy Series (Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and others) |
| 1998 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Lisa Kudrow) |
| 1996 | Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Michael Lembeck) |
| Total Wins: 4 | |
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
Watch on Netflix
4. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
The second last on our list is Parks and Recreation, widely known as one of the best sitcoms of all time!
The plot revolves around Leslie Knope, the Deputy Director of this show in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. With Knope’s eccentric coworkers, she is focused on making Pawnee a better place to live.
Parks and Recreation are known for its outstanding, diverse cast, exceptional writing, and humour combined with profound moments. Every character has their own quirks and unique style, which makes them all the more relatable to the viewers.
The show has won multiple awards. It has also been praised for making us laugh while also inspiring us to make a difference.
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
5. How I Met Your Mother
The debate will go on, but How I Met Your Mother takes the fifth and final seat in our list of the best sitcoms of all time.
Garnering a huge fan following, How I Met Your Mother is an incredibly popular show for its memorable characters, clever and exceptional writing, and heartfelt moments.
HIMYM’s cast is one of its biggest strengths. Every character has a unique role and idiosyncrasies, making us relate to them. From the womanising Barney to naive Ted, the lovely Lilly, to the independent Robin, and the sweetheart Marshall. These characters are very well-developed and share great chemistry.
The show is remembered for its witty humour, and heartwarming moments that will make anyone cry and laugh together. The plot revolves around Ted’s search for true love and how he meets his children’s mother. The storyline is dramatic and filled with romantic moments.
In addition to its strong fan base and critical acclaim, How I Met Your Mother has been honored with various awards, including Primetime Emmy nominations and wins. The show’s inventive storytelling and engaging performances have earned it a place in television history as a beloved and influential series.
| Primetime Emmy Awards | |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series (Chris La Fountaine) |
| 2013 | Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series (Chris La Fountaine) |
| 2013 | Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series (Sue Federman) |
| 2012 | Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series (Sue Federman) |
| 2011 | Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series (Single or Multi-Camera) (Sue Federman) |
| 2009 | Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series (Steve Olson and Susan Mina Eschelbach) |
| 2008 | Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series (Steve Olson and Susan Mina Eschelbach) |
| 2007 | Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series (Steve Olson and Susan Mina Eschelbach) |
| 2006 | Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series (Steve Olson and Richard C. Walker) |
| 2006 | Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series (Chris La Fountaine) |
| Total Wins: 10 | |
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Watch on Disney Plus Hotstar
In Conclusion
Sitcoms are magical and feel-good, giving you ample things to relate to. It’s like watching a parallel reality! The top five best sitcoms, mentioned in this article will give you the comfort of watching them over and over again.
So, eat, sleep, watch, and repeat!
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About Author
Nitya Jain is an enthusiastic content writer and a life-long learner with an undying curiosity to explore new things. She loves fresh humour, just like her tea! When not writing, you'll find her raiding book stores or hopping cafes in town.
