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A sitcom is a magical thing - it gives you a sense of relatability and life-likeness while at the same time being so totally far-fetched it’s amazing. So, basically, watching a sitcom is like watching life in a parallel reality. And some TV series manage to balance on that tiny line so perfectly that they soon become real classics, if not the best series ever. Wondering which ones they are? Well, wonder no more and check out our list dedicated to the best sitcoms of all time as ranked by audiences and critics instead. 

Undoubtedly, most of the names on our TV sitcoms list will be quite the familiar ones, like Friends and The Big Bang Theory; however, there’s nothing wrong with that as it is probably time to rewatch them anyway! Then there are some real classics like I Love Lucy, which you might’ve heard of a bazillion times at least but never watched. So if now is not the right time to watch them, when would it be? And then there’s the animated sitcom category, with The Simpsons taking the lead - just a nice reminder that your childhood show is still going strong! 

So, are you ready to watch some of the best sitcoms ever? If so, scroll on down below to them! All you have to do is to pick the best series, watch them, give the submission your vote and share this article with your friends, of course!

#1

Friends

Friends

1994 - 2001 | 10 seasons | 236 episodes

Love it or hate it, there probably aren't any other sitcoms that left such a huge cultural impact as Friends. From giving us 'The Rachel' - a haircut inspired by Aniston's hairstyle and wanted by millions of girls worldwide, to expanding the vocabulary of Western English slang and helping people learn the English language. Seriously, though, a 2012 poll by Kaplan International English Colleges revealed that 26% of students cited Friends as the best show to improve English. And what better way to improve your language skills than by watching probably the best comedy cast of all time?

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RK Barbo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I happy that new generations love this show, but unless you lived through it, you really don't understand just how HUGE it really was!

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    #3

    The Big Bang Theory

    The Big Bang Theory

    2007 - 2019 | 12 seasons | 280 episodes

    The Nerd topic seems to be a gold mine for comedy, and The Big Bang Theory proves this once again. Although this topic is usually exploited in a not-so-respectful manner to the so-called-nerds themselves, this series showcases academic people in high regard. Relying both on scientific jokes (which I don't always get) and very relatable, down-to-earth human interactions, this show is incredibly entertaining to watch. But, of course, it wouldn't be as funny without its ingeniously assembled cast with Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons taking the lead.

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    Andrew Pugg
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amy Farrah Fowler clearly the winner in casting Mayam she is f.uckin hilarious

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    #4

    The Simpsons

    The Simpsons

    1989 - | 33 seasons | 718 episodes and counting

    The Simpsons, which is the longest-running American animated series, has made us laugh, cry, and feel love for the last three decades. It saw Baby Boomers laughing at hidden jokes their Millennial kids couldn't understand at the time, and it saw those same Millennials showing The Simpsons to their own kids - a staple animated series any generation can find relatable and loveable.

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    #5

    The Office

    The Office

    2005 - 2013 | 9 seasons | 188 episodes
     

    There's definitely no need to do an official introduction to The Office, a show that's so iconic that even your grandma has probably heard about it. So, instead, we've found some interesting facts about this series that you might not have heard yet. 
     

    For instance, did you know that real-life best friends Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer have a podcast called "Office Ladies" where they discuss the show's episodes and behind-the-scenes spoofs? Or that the first season got very lukewarm ratings and reviews, and if not for iTunes sales, it might've not continued? Lastly, the opening credit sequence was shot by John Krasinki when he was visiting Scranton with his friends for research.

    Of course, if you are a die-hard fan, you might've known all of this, but in any case, it's always fun to talk about The Office!

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    #6

    Frasier

    Frasier

    1993 - 2004 | 11 seasons | 264 episodes

    A Harvard-educated psychologist who gives his advice and wit to those in need on a radio show, but ever-so-often sees his own problems multiplicating and towering over his head? Yep, that's Frasier, and it's hilarious. Named the most successful comedy series ever (hello, 37 Emmys) and one of the most successful spin-off series, Frasier ran for eleven seasons, gaining more and more fans with each one. The main man of the series, Kelsey Grammer, chose a very interesting technique for his portrayal of Frasier Crane, called 'requisite disrespect.' This technique included rehearsing his lines in solitude, thus often surprising other cast members with his performance on the filming set. And though it might've been fine with his actor colleagues, the guest stars (which this series had plenty of) were often left in a state of panic in front of the live audience. Be that as it may, this show will always be one of our top choices for binging and re-watching!

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    Celia McReynolds Tinsley
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are parts of Frazier that are humorous and parts that just make me want to stop watching, this is our current laying in bed watching an old series choice. It most definitely does not deserve to be in the top 5.

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    #7

    I Love Lucy

    I Love Lucy

    1951 - 1957 | 6 seasons | 181 episodes

    I Love Lucy is basically the mother of all TV sitcoms - an iconic show following the wife of a band leader who tries to also become famous despite having no talent whatsoever. During her trials and tribulations of becoming a star, Lucy and her best friends find themselves in the funniest predicaments - no lack of originality from the writers here! I Love Lucy is an absolutely iconic series that entered the history of entertainment.

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    #9

    Cheers

    Cheers

    1982 - 1993 | 11 seasons | 275 episodes

    After its premiere in September 1982, Cheers nearly got canceled as its ratings were at about sea bottom level. Thankfully, though, the broadcasting channel did not give up on it, and during the summer reruns of the first season, Cheers suddenly gained its audience, which proved to be an ever-growing one. A sitcom in all of its essence, Cheers follows a group of friends that meets and spends their time together at a bar called, you guessed it, Cheers. Filmed in front of a live audience, it has that signature sitcom laugh track and is often set in the same location. It's also a series that birthed probably one of the most successful spin-offs ever. If not for Cheers, we wouldn't have gotten Frasier!

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    #12

    That '70s Show

    That '70s Show

    1998 - 2006 | 8 seasons | 200 episodes

    Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis as teenagers in the '70s? Well, say no more, as we are signing in. The series follows six teenagers living their teenage lives in the '70s. And though the premise might seem a bit simplistic, besides being hilariously funny, the show never forgets to discuss the pressing realities of the times it was set in. Yes, the '70s were fifty years ago, but our lives aren't that different today, so the show is always relatable to adult and teenage audiences. During its eight seasons, That ‘70s Show was nominated for a substantial amount of awards and gained both critical and audience acclaim.

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    RK Barbo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Until Randy showed up. Has a new character been hated so much since cousin Oliver?

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    #13

    Seinfeld

    Seinfeld

    1989 - 1998 | 9 seasons | 180 episodes

    As a show that's often described as being 'about nothing,' Seinfeld was phenomenally popular and is listed as one of the most influential sitcoms of all time. It starred Jerry Seinfeld, a rising comedian of the '80s, playing a fictionalized version of himself, though many of the plotlines were real experiences of the series' writers, including Seinfeld's. In addition, the series often broke mainstream conventions of television shows and employed loads of irony, which was quite unusual for sitcoms of the '80s. 

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    RK Barbo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Elaine was the only funny one. The rest were gratingly annoying. Especially Kramer.

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    #14

    The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

    The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

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    Dara Sedaka
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Setting aside whatever troubles he's going through, seeing Will Smith on this show makes you realize you're watching a tremendously gifted person with a huge future before him.

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    #19

    How I Met Your Mother

    How I Met Your Mother

    2005 - 2014 | 9 seasons | 208 episodes

    Watching How I Met Your Mother is like solving a very entertaining mystery. From the very first episode, you're glued to the screen trying to guess who exactly is the mother of Ted Moseby's teenage kids to whom he's retelling the story of meeting his sweetheart. And you keep on guessing up until the series' eighth season when you finally get to meet The Mother! The show's 'present day' is set in 2030, and the story is told like a flashback starting in 2005, with Ted both narrating the story and actively taking part in it. The thoroughly enjoyable and unique plot, the very best humor, and an excellent cast makes this show not only an icon of the 2000s but one of the best sitcoms ever.

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    #22

    Addams Family (1964)

    Addams Family (1964)

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    #27

    Mork & Mindy

    Mork & Mindy

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    #28

    Fawlty Towers

    Fawlty Towers

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    hhh cubed
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this one should be way higher. John Cleese at his best imo.

    #34

    Family Ties

    Family Ties

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    Davian Media
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Miss this show. Probably hasn't aged well in some ways but the comedy was impeccable. Would love to watch it again.

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    #35

    My Name Is Earl

    My Name Is Earl

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    Rachknits
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was brilliant, especially as I was in the early days of recovery

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    #37

    Gilligan's Island

    Gilligan's Island

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    RK Barbo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People never really think about how dark this show really was. Especially the first season. They were literally faced with death in almost every episode.

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    #42

    The Drew Carey Show

    The Drew Carey Show

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    #43

    Roseanne

    Roseanne

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    SoloDadof3
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be MUCH higher. This show delt with more real life family issues. Subjects like teen pregnancy, puberty, job loss, actual bills (was an episode they could not pay the lights), and other real life family things. -- A very relatable show.

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    #45

    The Beverly Hillbillies

    The Beverly Hillbillies

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    #48

    The Odd Couple

    The Odd Couple

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    #50

    3rd Rock From The Sun

    3rd Rock From The Sun

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    #51

    Arrested Development

    Arrested Development

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    #52

    All In The Family

    All In The Family

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    #54

    Will & Grace (2017)

    Will & Grace (2017)

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    #57

    Freaks And Geeks

    Freaks And Geeks

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    #58

    Family Matters

    Family Matters

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    #60

    It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

    It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

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    #62

    Two And A Half Men

    Two And A Half Men

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    RK Barbo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This show was horrible on soooo many levels. And not in a good way like Two Broke Girls.

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    #65

    The Jeffersons

    The Jeffersons

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    #68

    DuckTales (1987)

    DuckTales (1987)

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    #69

    The Goldbergs

    The Goldbergs

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    #70

    Northern Exposure

    Northern Exposure

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    #71

    The Larry Sanders Show

    The Larry Sanders Show

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    #72

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine

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    #73

    Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

    Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

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    #74

    The Dick Van Dyke Show

    The Dick Van Dyke Show

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    #75

    Wkrp In Cincinnati

    Wkrp In Cincinnati

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    #76

    The Bob Newhart Show

    The Bob Newhart Show

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    #77

    The Mary Tyler Moore Show

    The Mary Tyler Moore Show

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    #78

    The Brady Bunch

    The Brady Bunch

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    #80

    Mad About You

    Mad About You

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    #81

    Curb Your Enthusiasm

    Curb Your Enthusiasm

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    #83

    Better Things

    Better Things

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    #84

    Bob's Burgers

    Bob's Burgers

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    #90

    Hogan's Heroes

    Hogan's Heroes

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    #91

    Laverne & Shirley

    Laverne & Shirley

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    #92

    Leave It To Beaver

    Leave It To Beaver

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    #93

    Boy Meets World

    Boy Meets World

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    #94

    Saved By The Bell

    Saved By The Bell

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    #97

    Sanford And Son

    Sanford And Son

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    #98

    Three's Company

    Three's Company

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    #101

    Barney Miller

    Barney Miller

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    #102

    Growing Pains

    Growing Pains

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    #103

    Green Acres

    Green Acres

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    #104

    The Abbott And Costello Show

    The Abbott And Costello Show

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    #105

    Soap

    Soap

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    #107

    Gravity Falls

    Gravity Falls

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    #108

    Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

    Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

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    #109

    Rick And Morty

    Rick And Morty

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    #110

    BoJack Horseman

    BoJack Horseman

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    #112

    The Little Rascals (1982)

    The Little Rascals (1982)

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    #113

    Just Shoot Me!

    Just Shoot Me!

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    #114

    Last Man Standing

    Last Man Standing

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