More often than not, it’s art that people turn to in the most distressing times of their lives. And the world of television is seldom disappointing. There are sitcoms that have made their way into the lives of people across the world, and assumed a subtle but important role in helping them fight their woes.
Many TV shows have done a job more significant than just tickling the funny bones. Most of them are etched into the fans’ hearts. However, there are just a few sitcoms that hold the ability to ascend the ranks to become timeless classics. Here’s our list of top 8 sitcoms that have proven to be some of the most beloved TV shows, and remain just as relevant even years after their final episodes aired.
Friends
‘Friends‘ has been watched so much across the world that some have even reduced the show down to a cliche. But it’s for a reason that it still remains relevant and just as highly acclaimed. The show follows the lives of six friends in New York City as they navigate their relationships and work lives while leaning on each other for support. The lead characters of the show have a huge fan following that they have boasted since the show aired in the 1990s. ‘Friends‘ has had a healthy syndication run since it ended in 2004, but with the rise of streaming services, it has been viewed by many generations. Its highly impressive cast, including Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Lis Kudrow, also adds to the appeal of the show.
The Big Bang Theory
‘The Big Bang Theory‘ is another show portraying the life of a group of closely knit geeky friends. It primarily follows Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, two roommate physicists. As they meet another free-spirited and conventionally attractive woman named Penny when she moves in across the hall from them, the story takes a turn. Along with their friends Howard and Raj, they experience a new way of life outside their jobs and nerdy interests. Starting in season 4, the ensemble cast also adds Bernadette Rostenkowski and Amy Farrah Fowler into the story. The show was a mega-hit for Warner Brothers and ran 12 seasons. Its success has led to two spin-offs, ‘Young Sheldon‘ and another unnamed spin-off being developed at Max.
The Office
‘The Office‘ is the American adaptation of the British show of the same name. It revolves around the daily antics at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which is led by Steve Carell’s Michael Scott. The show has been celebrated over the years as the hotbed of dysfunction and hilarity. It is one of the first mockumentary-style sitcoms produced, and its popularity has soared in the streaming era. The show’s long-time fans have also called for a reboot, which is now officially in the works.
Seinfeld
Popular as the show about nothing, ‘Seinfeld‘ follows the story of Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer. These four friends navigate the absurd everyday scenarios in New York City as the show moves forward. Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, ‘Seinfeld‘ is known for deliberately eschewing character growth. Though it was a risky approach, it paid off handsomely for the showmakers. It ran for nine successful seasons and ranked consistently high in viewership ratings and earnings.
In case you missed it: “It Was A Real Treat”: Jim Parsons Reflects On Reprising His Role As Sheldon Cooper In ‘Young Sheldon’ Finale
Modern Family
‘Modern Family‘ is a rather new sitcom that paints a funny yet heartfelt picture of three interconnected families living in suburban Los Angeles. With a stellar cast including Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, and Ty Burrell, the show explores the dynamics of modern family life with hilarious approaches. The show draws inspiration from real-life family stories and has been highly acclaimed across the globe.
Schitt’s Creek
‘Schitt’s Creek‘ is also another modern-day sitcom that tells the story of the wealthy Rose family, who lose their fortune and are forced to live in a small town they once bought as a joke. The show’s charm lies in its character development and the genuine connections formed within the community. Though it was not so popular at the time of its release, the show gained a cult following and critical acclaim over the years. Its final season swept the Emmy Awards, including wins for all four main cast members
Young Sheldon
‘Young Sheldon’ is an exceptional example of a sequel that did a commendable job at doing justice to its original show ‘The Big Bang Theory‘. The show was focused on Sheldon Cooper’s younger days, offering a glimpse into his early life with his family in Medford, Texas. Unlike its predecessor, ‘Young Sheldon‘ adopted a dramedy format without a laugh track. It also drew more focus on the complexities of the Cooper family dynamics as well as the emotions at play amongst themselves. It recently ended with a stunning finale where Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory‘ also made a cameo appearance.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Yet another modern-day sitcom, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘ follows the narrative which has a quirky set of detectives of the 99th Precinct in Brooklyn at the center of the story. Led by the deadpan Captain Raymond Holt and the playful Detective Jake Peralta, the show quickly became a fan favorite. It also won several accolades including the the Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in its debut season.
These eight sitcoms, in our opinion, have not only defined eras but also continue to stay relevant for the new generations of viewers.
You might also like to read:
