The 15 Best Sitcoms of All Time

TV sitcoms from the ’90s, whether family-oriented or not, are still iconic and evoke a nostalgic feeling. We’ve gathered some of the best sitcoms of all time, and many of us can agree on our favorite picks in this category. These series serve as the foundation for today’s new shows thanks to their unique plot lines and endings.

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one of the best sitcoms of all time. It is a one-hour drama series that first premiered on March 10, 1997, and ran for 7 seasons until May 20, 2003. During its run, it won a total of 2 Primetime Emmys.

The role of Xander Harris was first offered to Ryan Reynolds. However, the role ended up going to Nicholas Brendon. Additionally, while the show did have comedic elements, it was not a sitcom. It blended elements of horror, comedy, and drama to create a unique and beloved television series.

2. Frasier

Frasier, a show we can all probably agree is on the best sitcom list, is about a Harvard-educated psychologist who dispenses advice and humor on his radio show. He also has to deal with his own mounting personal problems. The show, named the most successful comedy series ever with 37 Emmys, ran for 11 seasons, attracting a growing number of devoted fans. Kelsey Grammer, who played the lead character Frasier Crane, used an interesting acting technique called “requisite disrespect.”

He rehearsed his lines alone, surprising his fellow cast members with his performance on set. While this was fine with his fellow actors, the guest stars who appeared on the show often became nervous in front of the live audience. Despite this, Frasier remains a favorite for binge-watching and revisiting.

3. Boy Meets World

Boy Meets World was a popular family sitcom that aired from 1993 to 2000 and won multiple awards, including 2 Young Artist Awards and a Kids’ Choice Award.

It’s agreeably one of the best sitcoms of all time. The young cast members of Boy Meets World had to balance their work on the show with their real-life schooling. In an interview, Danielle Fishel, who played the character of Topanga Lawrence, mentioned that the cast members had individual areas for studying with their own teachers but that they often ended up working together and learning from each other.

Fishel also noted in the interview that the show’s producers were supportive of the cast members’ education and would often rearrange shooting schedules to accommodate their schoolwork. This helped to ensure that the young actors were able to continue their studies and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the demands of their acting careers.

4. All That

All That was a popular children’s comedy show that aired from 1994 to 2005 and was later revived in 2019 for a short time. The show won several awards, including several Kids’ Choice Awards and a Daytime Emmy.

Emma Stone auditioned for All That when she was 12 years old. And when she auditioned, she thought they were going to give her character scripts to read, but didn’t find out until the last minute that she was supposed to arrive prepped to audition with 3 characters of her own choosing. So she came up with t3 characters on the fly, but she still didn’t get the part.

Ultimately, She did go on to have a successful career in film and television, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for her role in La La Land.

5. Full House

Full House was a popular family-themed show, and one of the best sitcoms of all time, that aired from 1987 to 1995 and received several awards and nominations. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were part of the main cast, playing the character of Michelle Tanner.

The twins auditioned for the show when they were just 6 months old, and they were reportedly hired because they didn’t cry during the audition. The Olsen twins did sometimes cry on set, but they were not in danger of being fired because of it.

In fact, their ability to portray a range of emotions, including crying, was one of the reasons they were so beloved by audiences. While filming could sometimes be challenging due to the unpredictable behavior of young children, the cast and crew of Full House were generally patient and supportive, and the show went on to become a huge success.

6. Friends

Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Friends had a significant cultural impact on its generation, and that it’s also the best sitcom ever! The show popularized “The Rachel,” a hairstyle inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character that was sought after by millions of women worldwide. It also contributed to the expansion of Western English slang and even helped people learn the English language.

In fact, a 2012 survey conducted by Kaplan International English Colleges showed that 26% of students considered Friends to be the best show for improving their English skills. With arguably the greatest ensemble cast in comedy history, what better way to enhance your language abilities than by watching Friends?

7. Sister, Sister

Sister, Sister is a popular sitcom from the ’90s about twin sisters who were separated at birth and who reunite as teenagers. The show ran from 1994 to 1999 and won one NAACP Image Award, while also receiving several nominations for other awards.

Tia and Tamera Mowry, who played the twin sisters on the show, are real-life twins. They were discovered by a producer at the age of 12 when they were present at the taping of Full House. The producer was impressed with their charm and energy, and he eventually cast them in their own show, which became Sister, Sister.

The show was a hit with audiences and is remembered fondly by many who grew up in the ’90s. It tackled a variety of issues, like friendship, sibling rivalry, and growing up, while also showcasing the talents of the Mowry twins.

8. Mad About You

Mad About You was a popular show, and one of the best sitcoms that aired from 1992 to 1999. It focused on the challenges of marriage. The show received 12 Primetime Emmy nominations and won several awards during its run.

The show’s creator, Paul Reiser, first wanted the show to be named after him, The Paul Reiser Show, but then shifted his focus to the title: It’s a Man’s World. However, the network executives thought the title was sexist and asked for a different one. Reiser then suggested that the show be called Mad About You, but the executives still weren’t sold on the idea.

Ultimately, the decision was made to change the show’s name in the summer before it premiered. The network felt that Mad About You was a better representation of the show’s focus on a couple rather than just the husband. The new title proved to be successful, and Mad About You went on to become a beloved sitcom of the ’90s.

9. Seinfield

Seinfeld, a sitcom often characterized as being “about nothing,” was incredibly successful and is widely regarded as one of the most impactful shows in the genre. The show featured Jerry Seinfeld, a burgeoning comedian in the 1980s, playing a fictionalized version of himself. Many of the storylines were based on the actual experiences of the show’s writers, including Seinfeld. Moreover, Seinfeld frequently subverted mainstream television conventions and made heavy use of irony, which was uncommon for sitcoms during that period.

10. Melrose Place

Melrose Place is another popular TV show from back in the day. This show aired from 1992 to 1999 and received numerous awards and nominations. While the exterior shots of the Melrose Place apartment complex were filmed on a soundstage, the interior shots were filmed at an actual apartment complex located at 4616 Greenwood Place in the Los Feliz neighborhood in Los Angeles. The production team reportedly took over a few units in the complex, decorating them to fit the style of the show’s characters.

11. The Simpsons

The Simpsons, the longest-running American animated series (and practically the best sitcom), has brought joy, tears, and affection into our lives for over 30 years. It has made Baby Boomers chuckle at the hidden gags that their Millennial offspring could not grasp at the time, and it has led those same Millennials to introduce The Simpsons to their children as a timeless and beloved animated classic that resonates with any generation.

12. The Office

There is no need for an official introduction to The Office, a show that has become so iconic that even your grandmother has likely heard of it. So, we have discovered some intriguing facts about the series that you may not be aware of.

For example, did you know that best friends Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer have a podcast called “Office Ladies,” in which they discuss episodes and behind-the-scenes antics? John Krasinski shot the opening credit sequence while conducting research with his friends in Scranton.

13. The Big Bang Theory

The Nerd theme appears to be a comedic treasure trove, and The Big Bang Theory reaffirms this notion. While this subject matter is often used in a disrespectful manner toward self-proclaimed “nerds,” this series portrays intellectually-inclined individuals in high esteem.

Combining scientific humor (which may not always be comprehensible) with relatable, genuine human exchanges, the show is highly amusing. However, it owes its hilarity to its cleverly assembled cast, led by Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons.

14. Cheers

Despite its initial low ratings after premiering in September 1982, Cheers managed to avoid cancellation due to the broadcasting channel’s persistence. During the summer, reruns of the first season of Cheers gained a dedicated following that continued to grow. A classic sitcom, Cheers depicts a group of friends who gather and socialize at a bar aptly named Cheers.

Shot in front of a live audience, the show features a signature laugh track and is primarily set in one location. Additionally, Cheers spawned one of the most successful spin-offs in television history. Without Cheers, Frasier would not exist!

15. That ’70s Show

If you haven’t seen Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis as teenagers, look no further than That ’70s Show. The series features 6 teenagers navigating the ups and downs of adolescence during the ’70s. Despite its seemingly simple premise, the show manages to be both hilarious and thought-provoking, addressing important issues of the era.

Although the ’70s were 50 years ago, the show remains relevant and relatable to audiences of all ages. Over the course of its 8 seasons, That ’70s Show received numerous award nominations and garnered both critical and popular acclaim.