Funniest TV Comedies of All-Time
12. ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA
It would just be sacrilegious not to include the longest running live-action sitcom in history. It’s Always Sunny in Philly didn’t find its footing until they introduced Frank (Danny Devito) and once it did - it hasn’t stopped. The show about some of the worst people you will ever see is hysterical no matter how unlikable they are. That’s a testament to the great writing and acting by the team and shouldn’t go unnoticed. As is the case with the best comedies, they have also have great running gags like Mac being gay and Charlie’s relationship with the waitress. It’s not perfect, but that is kind of the point with these lovable misfits.
11. SILICON VALLEY
Silicon Valley is definitely the most slept on and least popular show on the list and I can’t see why. Sure, it draws comparisons to the Big Bang Theory. And sure, it doesn’t have much heart at the center of it. However, that doesn’t make it any less funny. the script is incredibly cheeky and smart that makes you wonder how they could write such nerdy characters so well. The brutal banter between Gilfoyle (Martin Starr) and Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) is the highlight of the show that dives deep into the tech world in an enlightening manner. If you enjoy quick wit then this is for you!
10. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY
Abbott Elementary is the newest sitcom here which makes it even more impressive. In a world where it’s harder than ever to be funny without insulting the audience, Abbott takes a refreshing diverse cast of teachers in Philadelphia just trying to do their best. The depiction of the educational systemic issues with its quick humor is a pleasant surprise. All of the characters here have their strengths and weaknesses on full display to comedic effect along the actors to bounce off of each other effortlessly.
9. SEINFELD
The show about a show about nothing. Such a simple premise doesn't sound like a hit but here we are years later and it’s still a classic. Seinfeld follows the principle of “no hugging, and no learning” and you would think that would be a hinderance yet it’s what makes it special. We just get to sit back and relax while the four stars take everyday situations individually and before you know it all of the stories weave together to create intricate, hysterical events and conversation. It was truly before its time.
8. MODERN FAMILY
Modern Family is the most realistic and down to earth show on this ranking. That’s a big part of its charm along with its tongue in cheek humor. The Pritchett family is endearing with each character’s flaws front and center that makes us connect with them. It stands out for me by having all the episodes end with advice that they learned from their adventures that the audience can take with them and I just love that.
7. THE BIG BANG THEORY
Similar to how Silicon Valley gets by with its character driven arcs, Big Bang Theory turns the quirk and intelligence up a notch with its dialogue and absurd situations. this show was so big it has spawned two spin-offs and for good reason. Sheldon’s journey from man-child to Novel Prize winning husband is a pleasure to see unfold and is the soul of the sitcom. As of one of the last sitcoms with a live audience, the show is injected with that extra life that Silicon Valley does not have on its side. This is a no-brainer inclusion on this list complete with fantastic couple pairings in the ensemble.
6. THE OFFICE
Say all you want about the first season of The Office but the diversity day and basketball episodes are classics in a time where they could get away with more questionable content. While everything else is generally rubbish at the beginning, The office finds its prime with Michael gets developed more as this boss who just wants to be loved and less the inappropriate attention-seeking person he was earlier. Once that happens, the show clicks on all facets with iconic pranks from Jim to Dwight, Pam and Jim’s adorable relationship, and great slapstick comedy.
5. FRIENDS
I am not the biggest fan of this juggernaut like people who grew up with it are, but I am can still appreciate its greatness. Friends is generally universally beloved for many reasons and seems like the reruns will continue forever. It is just so rewatchable and light which is maybe what makes the show so magical. It never really runs out of steam and has the happy ending everyone anticipated. Finally, it has the catchiest sitcom theme song and tightest bunch put together on screen making it a top 5 selection.
4. NEW GIRL
Who’s that Girl? It’s Jess. New Girl started off focusing heavily on Zooey Deschanel’s lead to decent results. Slowly, the writers realized what made this show so enjoyable was the roommates as a whole. Their characters get fleshed out and steal the show from Zooey straight up. Nick’s lazy slob, Schmidt’s motormouth douchebag, and Winston’s aloof personality are sweet and easy to connect to and allows New girl to floruish for its seven season run. Bonus points for creating True American as well!
3. PARKS AND RECREATION
You can probably tell by now that this writer is a fan of the mockumentary style in comedy. Parks and Rec, I believe uses it best. Yes, it does take the cast shake-up at the end of season 2 to strive but the rest is history. What makes parks and rec worth of being in the top 3 and better than the office is its goofy humor and some of the best sweetest friendship/relationship dynamics around. A lot of the plot gives it characters bittersweet moments to work as a team and develop as people in heartwarming ways. A top 3 list also wouldn't be complete without Ron mother****ing Swanson.
2. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
I recently rewatched How I Met Your Mother to see if it holds up and it absolutely does. Ted is not as annoying as you remember I promise. The HIMYM is the second best comedy ever made that only loses points for its misguided finale (I recommend watching the alternate ending and forgetting the real one ever happened haha). Not many sitcoms can hit you with gut punch after gut punch that it has become known for and maintain the right sense of levity - but the gang here manages it. HIMYM is so full of hope, romance, sadness, and clever storytelling that it’s hard not to love. Also, the slap bet is the best recurring gag in sitcom history along with the robin sparkles debacle.
COMMUNITY
Probably didn’t expect to see this one here did you? I can’t stop raving about Community and let me tell you why. Community stands out above the rest for its extremely effective parody episodes with its own unique spin throughout its course. Its high-concept satirical ideas are full of pop culture references for the geeks out there and has serious self-reflective moments that come out of nowhere for the sofites. The program had constant battle to stay on television due to the ratings leaving them to three different networks. This gives it a little cult-classic underdog feel to it that the fans adore and are committed to. SIX SEASONS AND A MOVIE CMON NOW
