Laughter is timeless; nothing captures it better than the greatest sitcoms ever created. In this journey through the best sitcoms of all time, we’ll dive into the shows that have kept audiences smiling for decades. From the best American TV series to the most unforgettable English comedy series, these top sitcoms have set the gold standard for humor. Whether you’re reminiscing about classic American sitcoms or discovering a new favorite, these best comedy series will surely bring joy to your screen.
What are Sitcoms?
Sitcoms, short for “situational comedies,” are a popular genre of television that focuses on a fixed set of characters who appear in episode after episode, often in humorous situations. Unlike sketch comedy, where new characters are introduced in each sketch, or stand-up comedy, where a comedian performs directly to an audience, sitcoms build their humor around the interactions and relationships of their recurring cast. The best sitcoms of all time have become iconic, leaving a lasting impact with their relatable characters and witty humor that keep audiences laughing season after season.
10 Best Sitcoms of All Time | Must-Watch Comedy Movies & Series
1. Modern Family – All Time Best Comedy Series
- No. of Seasons: 11
- No. of Episodes: 250
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Mockumentary, Drama, and Cringe Comedy
- IMDb Ratings: 8.5/10
- Platform to Watch: Disney+Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video
Modern Family is one of the best sitcoms of all time, capturing the humorous and heartfelt dynamics of three diverse families in suburban Los Angeles. This American sitcom, created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, aired for eleven seasons and 250 episodes, making it one of the greatest sitcoms in television history. Through its unique blend of relatable characters and witty humor, Modern Family has earned its place among the best comedy series of all time and is celebrated as one of the top sitcoms of all time in both the best American TV series and comedy English series categories.
2. Friends – The Best Sitcoms of All Time
- No. of Seasons: 10
- No. of Episodes: 236
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Melodrama, Romance, and Drama
- IMDb Ratings: 8.9/10
- Platform to Watch: Netflix
Friends is one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, following the lives of Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing, and Phoebe Buffay—six friends navigating life in New York City. Over 10 years and seasons, this American sitcom became a cultural phenomenon, blending comedy, love, drama, and friendship into a series that resonated with viewers worldwide. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Friends consistently ranked among the top sitcoms of all time, even claiming the number-one spot in its eighth season. It remains one of the best comedy series of all time, securing its place in the history of best American TV series and comedy English series.
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3. Arrested Development
- No. of Seasons: 5
- No. of Episodes: 84
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Drama, and Drak Comedy
- IMDb Ratings: 8.7/10
- Platform to Watch: Disney+Hotstar and Netflix
Arrested Development is a brilliant example of one of the best sitcoms of all time. This American sitcom created by Mitchell Hurwitz takes a satirical look at the wildly dysfunctional Bluth family, once wealthy real estate developers in Orange County, California. When their business collapses, they find themselves broke, living in a model home, and navigating a series of absurd and hilarious situations. With its sharp wit, clever storytelling, and unforgettable characters, Arrested Development has earned its place among the greatest sitcoms and is widely regarded as one of the best comedy series of all time. If you are looking for top-notch humor, this comedy English series is a must-watch.
4. Cheers
- No. of Seasons: 11
- No. of Episodes: 273
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, and Romance
- IMDb Ratings: 8/10
- Platform to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
“Cheers” is one of the best sitcoms of all time, created by James Burrows, Glen, and Les Charles. Set in a cozy Boston bar, this American sitcom follows a diverse group of locals who gather to drink, relax, and escape their daily lives. The show centers around Sam Malone, a charming ex-baseball player, and his complicated relationships with the bar’s waitresses, Diane Chambers and Rebecca Howe. Over its eleven-year run, Cheers became a beloved comedy English series, capturing the essence of friendship and humor, making it one of the greatest sitcoms and best comedy TV series ever created.
5. All in the Family
- No. of Seasons: 9
- No. of Episodes: 205
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, and Drama
- IMDb Ratings: 8.4/10
- Platform to Watch: Apple TV and Amazon
“All in the Family” is one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, setting a new standard for American sitcoms with its groundbreaking approach to comedy. Based on the British show Till Death Us Do Part, this best comedy TV series was produced by Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin and starred Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, and Rob Reiner. The show follows Archie Bunker, a bigoted working-class man whose rigid views often clash with his family, especially his son-in-law, Mike Stivic. By tackling complex social issues with humor, All in the Family has earned its place among the best sitcoms of all time, becoming a staple in the history of comedy English series.
6. The Big Bang Theory
- No. of Seasons: 12
- No. of Episodes: 279
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Romance, and Drama
- IMDb Ratings: 8.4/10
- Platform to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Netflix
Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper are both brilliant physicists working at Cal Tech in Pasadena, California. They are colleagues, best friends, and roommates, although in all capacities their relationship is always tested primarily by Sheldon’s regimented, deeply eccentric, and non-conventional ways. They are also friends with their Cal Tech colleagues mechanical engineer Howard Wolowitz and astrophysicist Rajesh Koothrappali. The foursome works on their work projects, plays video games, watches science-fiction movies, or reads comic books. As they are self-professed nerds, all have little or no luck with women. When Penny, a pretty woman and an aspiring actress from Omaha, moves into the apartment across the hall from Leonard and Sheldon’s, Leonard has another aspiration: to get Penny to be his girlfriend.
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7. Fuller House
- No. of Seasons: 5
- No. of Episodes: 75
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Children’s Play, and Drama
- IMDb Ratings: 8/10
- Platform to Watch: Netflix
Fuller House is a heartwarming continuation of the beloved ’80s/’90s American sitcom Full House. In this sequel, D.J. Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) returns to her childhood home with her three boys after her husband’s passing. Joined by her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy, who bring their own families along, the show captures the same charm and humor that made its predecessor one of the best sitcoms of all time. With delightful appearances from the original cast, Fuller House stands as one of the greatest sitcoms and a must-watch comedy English series for fans of family-friendly entertainment.
8. How I Met Your Mother
- No. of Seasons: 9
- No. of Episodes: 208
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Romance, and Melodrama
- IMDb Ratings: 8.3/10
- Platform to Watch: Disney+Hotstar
How I Met Your Mother is a standout among the best sitcoms of all time. Created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, this American sitcom aired from 2005 to 2014, captivating audiences with its clever storytelling and unforgettable characters. The series follows Ted Mosby as he recounts to his kids the journey of how he met their mother, with hilarious and heartfelt memories involving his friends Marshall, Lily, Robin, and the legendary Barney Stinson. Spanning nine seasons, this show has earned its place as one of the greatest sitcoms and best comedy TV series ever made, making it a must-watch comedy English series that continues to be celebrated as one of the top sitcoms of all time.
9. The Office – All-Time Favorite Sitcom
- No. of Seasons: 9
- No. of Episodes: 208
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Romance, and Melodrama
- IMDb Ratings: 8.3/10
- Platform to Watch: Netflix, Jio Cinema, and Amazon Prime Video
The Office is one of the best sitcoms of all time, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. This mockumentary-style show is a standout among American sitcoms and is considered one of the greatest sitcoms ever made. Set in the mundane world of a mediocre paper company, the series follows the hilarious and bizarre daily lives of the employees at the Scranton, PA branch, led by their bumbling manager Michael Scott. With its unique single-camera setup and lack of a laugh track, The Office has earned its place as one of the top sitcoms of all time and a best comedy TV series that continues to be loved by fans of comedy English series.
10. The Simpsons – Popular Sitcom of All time
- No. of Seasons: 36
- No. of Episodes: 768
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Animation, and Humour
- IMDb Ratings: 8.7/10
- Platform to Watch: Disney+Hotstar
The Simpsons is an iconic American sitcom that has earned its place among the best sitcoms of all time. Created by Matt Groening, this animated sitcom offers a satirical take on American life through the quirky and lovable Simpson family. Set in the fictional town of Springfield, the show cleverly caricatures society, Western culture, and the human condition. With Homer, the beer-loving dad; Marge, the devoted homemaker; Bart, the mischievous underachiever; Lisa, the unappreciated genius; and Maggie, the silent infant, The Simpsons has become one of the greatest sitcoms and best comedy TV series ever made. It’s a true gem in the world of comedy English series and stands tall among the best American TV series and top sitcoms of all time.
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Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the best sitcoms of all time, it’s clear that these shows have left an indelible mark on television history. From the charm of classic American sitcoms to the wit of comedy English series, these best comedy TV series have brought laughter into our lives for decades. Whether you’re a fan of timeless best American TV series or discovering new favorites, these top sitcoms of all time represent the pinnacle of humor. So, grab the remote, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the best comedy series of all time—these shows are truly something special.
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