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From the award-winning Mom to the highly popular Young Sheldon, sitcoms reign supreme in the world of TV. Sitcoms or situation comedies rely on a group of reoccurring characters having specific goals that they need to accomplish by the end of the episode. The first sitcom in the United States was Mary Kay and Johnny, which debuted in 1947. The show was played by real-life couple Mary Kay Stearns and Johnny Stearns, and featured the struggles and everyday experiences faced by the young couple in the Big Apple.
Since 1947, sitcoms have come a long way, and some of the longest-running live-action sitcoms capture the many transformations the format has undergone throughout the years. Strong writing, compelling characters, and not being afraid to adapt have helped some long-running sitcoms maintain a strong core audience over the years. Viewers who need a good laugh and have ample time on their hands should watch or re-watch a few of the longest-running sitcoms of all time.
20 'Home Improvement' (1991–1999)
No. of Seasons: 8
Image via ABC
Who do the neighbors turn to for advice on remodeling a home, fixing a leak, or any hardware work? They turn to Tim Taylor (Tim Allen) and his co-host, Al Borland (Richard Karn), on the show "Tool Time." Besides giving advice on the television show, Tim supplied life advice to his three troublemaker sons.
Home Improvement ran for 8 seasons. Allen would later star in the sitcom Last Man Standing, which ran for nine seasons from 2011 to 2021. Similarly, in the 2011 sitcom, he hosted a series of videos for the store Outdoor Man, providing advice when it came to hunting, fishing, or camping outdoors. The rewatchable 90's sitcom maintained a steady moment for 8 seasons due to its lovable characters and remarkable portrayal of the modern American family, with its plot lines that focused on marriage, work-life balance, and parenting.
Release Date September 17, 1991
Creator
Cast Tim Allen
Rating
Seasons 8
19 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' (2013–2021)
No. of Seasons: 8
Image via NBC
Protecting the streets of Brooklyn was the team of officers from the Brooklyn 99th precinct. Under the strict command of Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher), he ensured that his employees were maintaining some level of professionalism. However, he didn't hesitate to participate in the series of pranks that the employees came up with.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine ran from 2013 until 2021. The show survived a cancelation from Fox in 2018 after NBC saved and renewed the show for three additional seasons and delivered an emotional and memorable finale for the characters. Fans of the show rightfully clamored for it to get uncancelled, as it was more than a funny sitcom — it had a diverse cast and tackled serious issues with humor and heart.
Release Date September 17, 2013
Creator
Seasons 8
18 'Family Matters' (1989–1998)
No. of Seasons: 9
Image via ABC
The Winslow family lived in the suburbs of Chicago. Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) worked as a police officer and lived with his wife, Harriette (Jo Marie Payton), and their three children: Eddie (Darius McCrary), Laura (Kellie Shanygne Williams), and Judy (Jaimee Foxworth). Their day-to-day life wouldn't have been interesting if they weren't visited by their outgoing, kind, and sometimes clumsy neighbor, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White).
Family Matters originally was a spin-off of the series Perfect Strangers, where Harriette appeared as the elevator operator. She worked in the same building that the main protagonists and their families lived in. While the audience was reluctant to embrace Family Matters initially, it eventually found its footing and became a groundbreaking sitcom due to it focusing on a middle-class Black family.
Release Date September 22, 1989
Creator
Seasons 9
17 'How I Met Your Mother' (2005–2014)
No. of Seasons: 9
Image via 20th Century Fox Television
Hopeless romantic Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) described to his children how he fell in love and met their mother. Though Ted didn't narrow down his narrative to only include his first encounter with their mother but explained his relationship with his best friends Marshall (Jason Segel), Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), Lily (Alyson Hannigan), and Robin (Cobie Smulders).
Relationships between friends and former lovers are the crux of the show, How I Met Your Mother. Part of the massive appeal of the show was its fan service and running gags that made fans of the show feel as if they were actually friends with the gang. The show ran for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014 before fans anxiously awaited their anticipation to finally find out which of Ted's "The One" would be the final "The One."
Release Date September 19, 2005
Directors Carter Bays
Seasons 9
16 'Seinfeld' (1989–1998)
No. of Seasons: 9
Image via NBC
Set in the vibrant metropolis that is New York City, Seinfeld is a legendary ‘90s sitcom centered on four main characters' daily lives, no matter how mundane they were. Jerry Seinfeld (played by Jerry Seinfeld), George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) have misunderstandings that turn into hilarious misadventures in the beloved sitcom.
Seinfeld improved the genre by proving that it is possible to make trivial moments interesting on the small screen. Armed with a clever script full of witty lines (and sometimes, side-splitting unscripted Seinfeld moments) delivered by relatable and often eccentric characters, it made history and is part of many viewers’ lives even today. It's also undoubtedly a cultural zeitgeist, with its effect on popular culture that introduced concepts and catchphrases that became a part of everyday life, such as phrases like "yadda yadda yadda" and "master of your domain."
Release Date July 5, 1989
Creator
Rating
Seasons 9
15 'The Office' (2005–2013)
No. of Seasons: 9
Image via NBC
Developed by Greg Daniels, the NBC hit follows the employees of a small paper company office, run and managed (or so it seems) by Michael Scott, the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton branch. As the title suggests, the crux of The Office lies in the quirky office staff and their strange dynamics, which can make you laugh, cringe, and even teach a lesson about managing a manager like Michael Scott. Simultaneously, there are enough heartwarming moments from even the most unlikable characters, which makes every season of The Office worth watching.
Steve Carell’s performance as the eccentric, dramatic, but good-hearted boss is undoubtedly the key highlight of The Office, but the show remains memorable for all the supporting characters, particularly those portrayed by John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Mindy Kaling, and B. J. Novak. Shot as a mockumentary, the show’s single-camera set-up and one-on-one interview format became quite popular, setting examples for future shows like Modern Family. — Maddie P
Release Date March 24, 2005
Seasons 9
Main Genre Comedy
14 'The Goldbergs' (2013–2023)
No. of Seasons: 10
Image via ABC
Created by Adam F. Goldberg, this modern classic sitcom is loosely taken from Goldberg’s childhood and family life in 1908’s Philadelphia. While the characters are fictional, the show features both original and dramatized versions of several of Goldberg’s home videos. Set in an alternative version of the 80s, The Goldbergs follows the titular family’s life in the Philadelphia suburb of Jenkintown and is told from the youngest child of the family, Adam’s (Sean Giambrone) perspective, where he documents his family on his video camera. Patton Oswalt voices the modern-day Adam, who narrates his childhood stories.
The Goldbergs can be best defined as a feel-good family comedy with likable characters and smart jokes. The show nicely balances the chaos emerging from the dysfunctional family with heartwarming moments, aided by the solid performances of Wendi McLendon-Covey, Giambrone, Jeff Garlin, Troy Gentile, and Hayley Orrantia, who make up for the Goldberg family. — Maddie P
The Goldbergs
Release Date September 24, 2013
Seasons 10
13 'Murphy Brown' (1988–2018)
No. of Seasons: 10
Image via CBS
The news never sleeps, and the trusted journalist to report on it was none other than Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen). Considered the toughest journalist in her profession, the investigative journalist Murphy reported the news for the television news network FYI. Alongside her, were journalists Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough), and Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto).
What helped the show gain a lasting legacy is its portrayal of a strong and independent female protagonist, as Murphy broke down stereotypes and challenged traditional gender roles one episode at a time. Originally, Murphy Brown ran from 1988 to 1998. CBS revived the show in 2018 with a continuation of where the show left off, this time, Murphy returned to her profession after retirement to host the morning news show "Murphy in the Morning."
Release Date November 14, 1988
Creator
Cast Candice Bergen , Faith Ford , Robert Pastorelli , Joe Regalbuto
Seasons 11
12 'Friends' (1994–2004)
No. of Seasons: 10
Image via NBC
Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) left her fiancé at the altar, as she ran into the Central Park coffee shop where she met her friend Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and her soon-to-be-roommate along with Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc). From then on, their lives were intertwined as they sorted out their changing jobs and relationships.
For ten seasons, Friends had plenty of surprising guest-star appearances and cameos such as Winona Ryder and Billy Crystal. The six friends concluded their life in New York City with its last episode in 2004, but that wasn't the last time fans would hear from about Friends. In 2021, the cast of Friends reminisced their favorite unforgettable moments from the TV series on the television special Friends: The Reunion.
Release Date September 22, 1994
Directors David Crane , Marta Kauffman
Rating
Seasons 10
11 'Modern Family' (2009–2020)
No. of Seasons: 11
Image via ABC
The multi-award-winning sitcom follows the lives of three very diverse families from suburban Los Angeles, all of whom are interrelated through the wealthy businessman, Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) and his son and daughter. Modern Family, as the show’s title suggests, explores modern-day family life in different settings, like nuclear, blended, and same-sex family units, focusing on the complicated dynamics of the Pritchett family, through comical representations of real-life situations in each episode.
Created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levita, Modern Family became one of the most popular and successful sitcoms during its run, sweeping 22 Emmy Awards. The sitcom became known for its mockumentary style, where the characters often directly address the camera in candid interviews. Modern Family earned recognition for its quirky characters and settings, supported by solid performances by Sofía Vergara as Gloria, Ty Burrell as Phil, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell, and Julie Bowen as Claire. — Maddie P
Release Date September 23, 2009
Seasons 11
10 'Happy Days' (1974–1984)
No. of Seasons: 11
Image via ABC
The classic sitcom Happy Days was centered on the Cunningham Family. Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) was a teenager attending Jefferson High, and he lived with his father, Howard (Tom Bosley); his mother, Marion (Marion Ross), and his younger sister, Joanie (Erin Moran).
Happy Days gave viewers a glimpse at the styles, and trends of the 1950s, as the series was set during that time. The show ran for 11 seasons and concluded in 1984, with the actors "breaking the fourth wall" and thanking the audience for the time they spent together. Because of its success, it launched plenty of spin-off shows such as Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, both of which were equally well-received by fans of the show.
Release Date January 15, 1974
Creator
Seasons 11
Main Genre Comedy
9 'Married... with Children' (1987–1997)
No. of Seasons: 11
Image via Variety
Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) peaked in high school. He was a high school football player turned shoe salesman living in the suburbs with his wife and two children. Al's wife, Peg Bundy (Katey Sagal) was a housewife but was notoriously viewed as lazy, one of the running gags on Married with Children. Al's daughter, Kelly (Christina Applegate), a high school graduate (after being held back), and Al's son, Bud (David Faustino) would do anything to get a girl.
Because of their enjoyable family dynamic that relied on sarcasm and quips at each other's behaviors, Married with Children ran for 11 seasons. The original cast is set to join the upcoming animated version of the beloved series. The rewatchable '80s sitcom achieved an enduring appeal due to its strong ensemble cast, crude humor, and portrayal of a working-class family.
Release Date April 5, 1987
Creator
Rating
Seasons 11
8 'Will & Grace' (1998–2006, 2017–2020)
No. of Seasons: 11
Image via NBC
Eric McCormack as Will Truman and Debra Messing as Grace Adler starred in the hilarious sitcom Will & Grace. After Grace broke off her engagement with her fiancé, she moved in with her best friend Will into a New York City apartment. They learned more about each other and their chaotic lifestyles.
Will & Grace debuted in 1998 and aired episodes regularly. NBC revived Will & Grace after 11 (long) years, with some of the original cast reprising their roles. Because of its sharp humor, hilarious chemistry between its stars, and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation, Will and Grace has cultivated a loyal following. Will and Grace turned off the lights in their apartment for the last time at the end of the emotional 2020 series finale.
Will & Grace
Release Date September 28, 2017
Directors James Burrows
Seasons 3
7 'Two and a Half Men' (2003–2015)
No. of Seasons: 12
Image via CBS
One of Chuck Lorre’s best productions, Two and a Half Men can be summed up as a dark and twisted family comedy surrounding two men and a boy. The series follows Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), a hedonistic jingle writer who gives shelter to his newly divorced and uptight brother, Alan (Jon Cryer), and his dimwitted son, Jake (Angus T. Jones), in his plush Malibu beach house. The temporary shelter soon turns into a permanent home for the father-son duo, upending Charlie’s freewheeling life.
Though the show never earned an award, Two and a Half Men garnered massive popularity among fans and became a highly successful sitcom, thanks to the colorful and unimaginably funny characters. With sharp dialogue, distinctive character designs, and most importantly, Jon Cryer’s performance as the freeloading brother and a caring father, Lorre delivered a fantastic sitcom with Two and a Half Men. — Maddie P
Release Date September 22, 2003
Creator
Seasons 12
6 'The Big Bang Theory' (2007–2019)
No. of Seasons: 12
Image via CBS
Following the success of Two and a Half Men, Chuck Lorre launched this fan-favorite sitcom that would go on to join his other legacies. The Big Bang Theory centers on young physicists Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), and their friends; engineer Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar). Their chemistry is only made interesting with the addition of Leonard’s love interest and his neighbor, Penny (Kaley Cuoco), who contributes to some of the funniest episodes of TBBT.
With 279 episodes under its belt, The Big Bang Theory is a youthful yet mature, vibrant, and high-energy show topped by Jim Parsons’s award-winning performance as the idiosyncratic Sheldon Cooper. Even though it focuses on science nerds, Penny’s character and story arc are what make this show truly colorful. Additionally, neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), microbiologist Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch), and comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) bring more punch to the show’s humor quotient. — Maddie P
Release Date September 24, 2007
Creator
Seasons 12
5 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (2000–2011, 2017–2024)
No. of Seasons: 12
Image via HBO.
An iconic semi-improvised sitcom that highlights Larry David’s creative mind, Curb Your Enthusiasm is a renowned comedic series that follows the protagonist’s wacky daily life. Often finding himself in awkward and cringe-worthy situations, Larry has to choose the best course of action based on his own skewed perceptions of social norms.
Full of comical misunderstandings and hilarious predicaments, Curb Your Enthusiasm takes seemingly normal interactions and turns up the humor. Its sidesplitting satirical take on these situations is heavily dependent on its main character and creator, who thankfully carries the series so well. After 12 seasons, Curb Your Enthusiasm has taken its final bow, with an explosive series finale that pays homage to its creator.
Release Date October 15, 2000
Seasons 12
4 'Cheers' (1982–1993)
No. of Seasons: 11
Image via NBC
For fans wanting to return to the bar where everybody knows their name, Cheers is an unforgettable sitcom full of well-written characters. Set within the iconic bar, the series is centered on the lives of the regulars and the business’ staff, who develop and break platonic and romantic bonds over the years.
Despite numerous major cast changes, Cheers never loses its essence of showcasing the comfort of connection, all set within a familiar environment. That said, it's also rife with deep and complex characters like Norm Peterson (George Wednt) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) who the audience can't help but fall in love with, as they grow with the show and experience significant character development. Decades after its release, it’s just as inviting and rewatchable for both old and new fans.
Release Date September 30, 1982
Seasons 11
3 'M*A*S*H' (19721983)
No. of Seasons: 11
M*A*S*H is an award-winning comedy-drama series set against the backdrop of the Korean War. Specifically set within a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, the show manages to find comedy in the darkest places, with its likable group of doctors and support staff relying on humor to get through each horrific day.
A sitcom unlike any other, M*A*S*H introduced iconic characters like the surgeon Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and his closest friend, B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell). It also has numerous recurring M*A*S*H characters who are memorable and lovable, such as Colonel Sam Flagg (Edward Dean Winter) and Rosie (Eileen Saki). The series delves into the power of friendship in such a horrendous situation and serves as a reminder of a different time that should not be forgotten.
Release Date September 17, 1972
Creator
Rating
Seasons 11
2 'Frasier' (1993–2004)
No. of Seasons: 11
An unexpected hit that serves as a spin-off of Cheers, Frasier focuses on Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), who deals with the ups and downs of his personal and professional life as a psychiatrist and radio show host in Seattle. Alongside his eclectic family members, including his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce), his father Martin (John Mahoney), and his live-in housekeeper Daphne (Jane Leeves), the protagonist is often placed in outlandish situations on and off the airwaves.
Although parts of the series have undeniably lost their charm, Frasier is still endlessly rewatchable for fans who want to relive some of the wackiest moments to ever air on television. A true sitcom classic, viewers are undoubtedly hoping that the Paramount+ revival will be just as good as the original show.
Release Date September 16, 1993
Seasons 11
Main Genre Comedy
1 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' (2005–)
No. of Seasons: 16
Image via Bluebush Productions/FX Networks
Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito) ran Paddy's Pub, a bar in South Philadelphia. In the first season, the gang experimented with different marketing tactics to gain customers. Some of the most memorable moments from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia involve the gang coming up with alternative ways to earn money fast such as creating a load of wild inventions.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is considered the longest-running sitcom to date. Always Sunny's main cast of characters just mesh well, with fans eagerly waiting to see what kind of misadventures and hijinks the gang will go through in each episode. Its cringe comedy and handling of sensitive issues in humorous ways have earned it a loyal fanbase who eagerly wait for each new episode of the series.
Release Date August 4, 2005
Creator
Rating
Seasons 16
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