Top 10 Best Comedy TV Shows of All Time
What makes a comedy TV show truly great? Is it the witty banter, the outrageous situations, the relatable characters, or perhaps a perfect blend of all three?Throughout television history, countless sitcoms have graced our screens, each with its own unique flavor and charm. Some have made us chuckle, others have caused side-splitting laughter, and a few have even brought tears of joy to our eyes. But which ones have truly stood the test of time, earning their place in the pantheon of comedic excellence?
Four single friends -- comic Jerry Seinfeld, bungling George Costanza, frustrated working gal Elaine Benes and eccentric neighbor Cosmo Kramer -- deal with the absurdities of everyday life in New York City. This has always been the best. Kramer is the best part - he is always doing hilarious things! Kramer is hilarious when he says, "Yeah," as he skids on the floor into Jerry's apartment, and when he says, "Giddyup!"
My favorite episode is "The Soup Nazi" because the Soup Nazi is called that for a reason - he supposedly "makes the best soup in the world" but he is crazy. When someone annoys him or complains, he says, "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" and takes their soup away.
Seinfeld is the best show in the world (or at least in the USA, I haven't seen shows from other countries). And why is "Drew Carey" so low? He is hilarious too! Apparently, "Last Man on Earth" isn't even on the list (but I get it since it was meant to be a comedy at first but is more sad than funny now, since, spoiler alert: everyone is dying off, one by one). Seinfeld was so good that if it had continued airing to this day, it would still never get old!
Friends is an American television sitcom, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which originally aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, lasting ten seasons. It now airs on Nick at Nite... read more It's 3 in the morning. I just watched the last episode and the episode before that. I don't think I cried that much in years. You would be surprised, but I found the episode before the Last One sadder than any episode I've ever watched in my life.
I get that a lot of you love Seinfeld and always say how much better it is because it's a classic, but Friends is special. You realize that having just a group of close friends gets you through any tough times, and they will always be there for you.
I mean, I was crying so hard that when Chandler cracked a joke while Rachel was saying goodbye, I didn't know if I was laughing or crying. The connection between the audience and the actors, writers, directors, and everyone that made this show happen, is very strong.
It's not even about which is #1 or which is funnier or sadder. It's a combination of all categories, and put them together, and Friends is the best there is.
Family Guy is an American adult animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a family consisting of parents Peter (Fat, Idiotic Dad) and Lois (Nagging Bitchy Wife), their children Meg (Socially Awkward Daughter) Chris (Fat, Idiotic... read more Family Guy is by far the funniest show ever. Peter is of course the biggest attraction, but it's all the lesser appearing characters that make this a huge success, like Mayor West and Herbert the Pervert. The way that Seth MacFarlane has mixed all those different characters together reflects directly to real life.
Family Guy should be number one! Not Friends. That's crap. To me, it was never funny at all. I hate Friends!
The Inbetweeners, Malcolm in the Middle, and Family Guy are my favorite series of all time.
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening that originally started on April 19, 1987 as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show. It got its own series on December 17, 1989 and is still running as of 2023, making it the longest running animated sitcom. It is about a man named Homer... read more It takes loyal viewers to keep a show going, and The Simpsons has been going for 27 years, so it's obvious it has the most viewers. Plus, it's funny, and the humor isn't always about sex and stuff like that, which is very common in TV shows like Family Guy.
And many of the ideas for other comedy shows came from The Simpsons, so this show is definitely number 1. Oh, and by the way, it's way funnier than Seinfeld.
Seriously? South Park better than The Simpsons? The Simpsons are America's most loved family. They've got the most number of characters. Homer Simpson is the funniest guy on earth...
I think Two and a Half Men, The Outdoor Man, Home Improvement, Arrested Development, and Everybody Loves Raymond must be in the top ten too.
The Office is an American television comedy series that aired on NBC from March 24, 2005 to May 16, 2013. Absolutely iconic. Any show that's any good that's out today is based on The Office. Every character is amazing. It's the most re-watchable show ever. I, for one, have seen The Office over 40 times, and I'm not alone in this.
Who'd think that a show about such a mundane thing could be so funny, deep, and enjoyable?
The Office barely had any main storyline, yet I tuned in every time, just wanting a little more of maybe the Jim-Pam romance, or Kevin's creepy smile, or the pranks on Dwight. The greatest comedy show ever, no doubt.
The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, both of whom serve as executive producers on the series, along with Steven Molaro, and also some wasted guest stars from time to time. This show is hilarious. The main reason why this should be number one is because it is different. Look at Friends and How I Met Your Mother, two other fantastic shows, but the reasons why The Big Bang Theory is number one are as follows.
Instead of featuring popular young people who go to public places like bars, it showcases hilarious geeks watching Star Wars and reading comic books. Second, it keeps the characters' careers mentioned. Finally, it is amazing how the characters are played by the cast.
My top 5:
1. The Big Bang Theory
2. The Simpsons
3. How I Met Your Mother
4. Friends
5. Family Guy
South Park is an American adult animated sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the Comedy Central television network. The show is about four boys, who are Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick, and their adventures in South Park, Colorado. Family Guy is not even funny. It's just immature rubbish. I can't believe people actually enjoy that crap.
I've seen many Family Guy episodes, and I have laughed once. I've seen every South Park episode past season 2, because seasons 1 and 2 are old - laugh out loud - but I'll watch them at some stage. South Park is so funny and actually has a proper storyline, unlike that Family Guy crap.
Unlike Family Guy, this show is actually funny, and the quality of the storyline and gags are outstanding for a cartoon, or for a comedy show in general.
The offensive, racist, and sexist humor is by far the funniest kind of humor you can expect from a TV show. If I had to compare it to another show, all I can think of is "The Ali G Show" by the makers of Borat, Brüno, and The Dictator.
How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 19, 2005, to March 31, 2014. The series follows the main character, Ted Mosby, and his group of friends in Manhattan. LOVE
Everything about this show is great. I love the relationship between all of them. Even the temporary characters are great. I can't watch without laughing so hard.
I am so upset that it ended, but the last season was the best. Whoever created this show was a genius. Ted, Barney, Marshall, Lily, and Robin, I love you guys, and I hope to have a group of friends as loyal as you all are to each other someday.
I actually think there are some valuable life lessons beneath the surface narrative, and it draws you in so much that you feel like you are part of your world. I have the box set of seasons 1-8, and I've watched every episode a number of times, but they never get any less funny as time goes by.
I also love how the writers and director use the actors' other talents wherever possible, for example, the musical numbers and dance routines throughout. Additionally, it is set in real time. Time goes by at the same speed as real life, which makes it all the more relatable. Legendary!
SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine biologist and animator the late Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It is currently the most popular animated television show on Nickelodeon and is world-renowned by children and adults alike due to its humor, high-quality... read more In all honesty, SpongeBob SquarePants seasons 1-3 were the bomb! Nonstop funny. But then came the SpongeBob SquarePants movie, and it wasn't the same ever again. It became more kid-friendly and corny to the point that I just couldn't bear to watch it.
Those first three seasons, though, were legendary.
One of the most iconic shows of all time. This show was my childhood, and even now at 23 years old, I still laugh at the over-the-top referential humor and exaggerated facial expressions. It's so clever for a kid's show.
Even adults will like it! There was a pretty good one in "Christmas Who?" where Squidward said, "I feel like a... I feel like a..." and then a donkey appears. Think about it.
I can't believe sanitized and lame American comedy like Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, and worst of all, The Big Bang Theory, is ranked above this. I guess seeing this on TV even today would blow the brains out of the Bible-belt rednecks.
Truly a landmark show that still holds up today.
At least Saturday Night Live isn't on the top ten.
Best comedy series ever. I am only 19 and massively into this show. The comedy proves to be timeless and has stood the grand test of time because they have a substantially large youthful fan base.
This show has paved the way for more controversial styles of comedy. It really deserves to be number 1!
The Newcomers
Happy Tree Friends (commonly abbreviated as HTF) is an American adult animated flash series created and developed by Aubrey Ankrum, Rhode Montijo, Kenn Navarro, and Warren Graff for Mondo Media. Disguised as a children's cartoon, the show follows the misadventures of cute, anthropomorphic forest animals... read more
Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs is an American animated comedy television series produced by Amblin Television label in collaboration with Warner Bros.
Arrested Development is an American television sitcom created by Mitchell Hurwitz, which originally aired on Fox for three seasons from November 2, 2003 to February 10, 2006, followed by a two-season revival on Netflix from May 26, 2013 to March 15, 2019. The show follows the Bluths, a formerly wealthy... read more I'm sorry, but this show isn't just a contender. There are so many jokes in this show. You'll have to watch each individual episode thousands of times to get each joke, and all of them are hilarious! There is no unfunny character on this show and no unfunny episode.
If anyone wanted to try this show out, I would suggest watching the first 3 seasons first. The new season was okay, but for me, it didn't quite cut it (I wish it did). There are so many great things about this show. Give it a try if you haven't!
Number 1! The best show ever! I watch it over and over again, and there is always something new! The lines, the facial expressions, and body language! And Jason Bateman's impeccable delivery.
Love it! Sometimes I just start laughing out of remembering scenes! And it can be anywhere! My family and I can replicate a lot of scenes, and we just laugh ourselves to tears!
Saturday Night Live is an American late-night live television variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol. It's a show that is always relevant because it brings new comedians, new writers, and makes comedy for new audiences constantly. A lot of people say that the first couple of seasons were the best, but that's just a matter of personal taste.
Personally, I love people like Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen, and Cecily Strong because their comedic style is a better fit for my taste. That's what is great about the show - if a comedian or cast doesn't do it for you, you will definitely find someone else that you like.
By saying that the show sucks now, you are being disrespectful to the hard work of the current cast. The way SNL works is just unbelievable. It's so physically demanding and nerve-wracking. I don't think most people know how the show works and how difficult it is to be a part of it.
Modern Family is an American television mockumentary family sitcom that premiered on ABC on September 23, 2009, which follows the lives of Jay Pritchett and his family, all of whom live in suburban Los Angeles. The show ended on April 8, 2020 after 11 seasons. Great actors and amazing episode morals. You can't get a more complete show, with each and every episode ending with a feel-good factor.
With How I Met Your Mother gone and The Big Bang Theory losing its edge, I'm delighted by Modern Family. It's the best sitcom on TV right now.
A very decent and amazing comedy series that anyone of all ages could watch. They are like a real family!
Frasier is an American sitcom that was broadcast on NBC for 11 seasons, premiering on September 16, 1993, and concluding on May 13, 2004. The program was created and produced by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee in association with Grammnet and Paramount Network Television. During the 11 years that Frasier was on top, the writers and actors continuously exceeded our lofty expectations. In my opinion, it's the best sitcom of all time. The cast melded perfectly, and the jokes were hilarious and always seemed to come out of left field.
Most of all, the storyline from its inception to its conclusion read like a great comedic novel. Thank you, Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, John Mahoney, Jane Leeves, and Peri Gilpin, for your many hours of great entertainment.
Frasier should be at least in the top 5. I have never missed an episode and I even watch the reruns. This show inspired me to become a psychiatrist and have better tastes in life.
Not only is it funny, it gives you something to ponder about every day.
Futurama is an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. This and Robot Chicken undoubtedly deserve higher placement on this list. However, Futurama furthered what Matt Groening accomplished even with the likes of The Simpsons, with utterly hilarious, but also well-conceived, characters and endlessly entertaining plotlines.
The Simpsons is a classic, but which show is funnier, and more consistently so? Futurama. (Someone with a profile, please, please, please post Aqua Teen Hunger Force.)
Smart, creative, hilarious, visually pleasing, and a pop culture fan's delight. Its place on the list, as of yet, makes sense, though. Most 'Family Guy' type audiences today ignore this comedy because it's typically non-offensive. That's why I like it. It doesn't (usually) try to be funny. It just uses setting and logical writing for humor.
American Dad! is an American adult animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman for the Fox Broadcasting Company and currently on TBS. American Dad! is the first television series made to premiere on the network's Animation Domination block. The series premiered on February... read more Even though I will always enjoy Family Guy, American Dad has always had that little something that made it more enjoyable for me and my family. Roger has to be one of my favorite animated characters ever.
The funniest animated show on TV right now. If only it were more popular than its inferior counterpart, Family Guy.
American Dad is Family Guy's younger, wiser, more clever, and funnier brother, who happens to have better taste.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is an American sitcom that first premiered on FX on August 4, 2005 and has since moved to FXX beginning with the ninth season. For a show about a bunch of psychopaths, it makes a damn good comedy. It really lets you look at what would happen if you took a situation from a 1 to a 100, and then made it a 0.
From Dennis, who is possibly a serial killer, to the scatterbrained lovable drug addict Charlie, the characters are so well written I never feel like I'm watching a TV show, and thank God I am.
Anyone who's as baffled as I am about the fact that How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang are considered comedy (even good ones?!) should give this a go. Definitely a fresh take on the writing, very original plots, and characters.
It takes time to adjust to the loudness and dysfunctionality of the folk, but it proves to be a good investment, especially after the 3rd season.
The Three Stooges is an American comedy team that starred in a series of short film comedies originally released from 1930 to 1959. Featuring Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and initially Curly Howard, the trio became iconic for their slapstick humor and physical comedy. The films they starred in have been... read more I cannot believe my eyes. The generation actually knows about good shows!
Easily number one and ahead of all the other shows.
Quite possibly the best adult sitcom of all time. I started watching earlier this year and have been watching in a continuous loop all 10 series, plus the 11th, which I have watched 3 times already. There are so many jokes that you will have missed the first time around, or even the second time around.
H. Jon Benjamin as the voice of Archer is quite possibly the best sustained performance in an animated show.
Seriously? Ranked #123? With 0% of the votes? Archer is a surefire top ten. The first series is pure comedic gold. It's the best cartoon ever, competing against South Park and Family Guy. So underrated.
The Golden Girls is an American sitcom created by Susan Harris that originally aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, to May 9, 1992, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes spanning seven seasons.
That '70s Show is an American television period sitcom that originally aired on Fox from August 23, 1998, to May 18, 2006. The series focused on the lives of a group of teenage friends living in the fictional suburban town of Point Place, Wisconsin, from May 17, 1976, to December 31, 1979. That '70s Show makes me laugh every time I watch it. The last season did kind of suck because Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher were not on it, but the show was still hilarious.
It showed what teens REALLY did in the '70s. AWESOME SHOW!
Even though it ended, it's still the funniest TV series of all time. I miss it so much. I don't know how it is number 14. I love Friends, but How I Met Your Mother?
It definitely deserves a higher place on this list! And we still don't know where Fez is from...
Between all the circles in the basement, Red's emphatic "dumbass" remarks, and a burnt-out hippie named Leo, this show has some hilarious moments.
The awesome intro song is also by far the best for any TV show ever.
Married... with Children is an American television live-action sitcom that aired on Fox, created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt. Originally broadcast from April 5, 1987 to June 9, 1997, it is the longest-lasting live-action sitcom on Fox, and the first to be broadcast in the network's primetime... read more More laughs per minute than most shows.
Other shows have a big build with a big laugh at the end. Married With Children built up with funny, had a big laugh at the end, and then kept going with more funny. There should be a test to see how many laughs per minute and how strong the laughs are.
Married With Children would be first.
This is such a time-honored example of silliness, hilarity, and off-the-wall, outlandish television comedy. It should easily be included in any list of greatest comedy shows.
This is my favorite comedy show of all time. I have viewed every episode and have never seen a bad one. Lowbrow, slapstick, and funny. I became "Bundified" from the very first episode! Go, Bundy's!
Best TV show ever. So funny, good humor.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996. Very funny!
Will Smith is super funny. At first, I didn't understand the jokes and I thought it was boring, but now I love it.
What could be better than The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? Other great shows are Here's Lucy and Friends. Love them all.
I don't know why this is only 33! This is easily the funniest TV show ever!
Fawlty Towers is a British television sitcom broadcast on BBC2 in 1975 and 1979. Just two series of six episodes each were made. Probably the best British comedy of all time, Fawlty Towers isn't just plain stupid like a lot of other shows higher than it on this list. It is extremely intelligent humor.
John Cleese is brilliant and makes the show. I stayed at a hotel in Vienna where I swear the staff was very much like this show. Also, nothing is funnier than John Cleese goose-stepping around his hotel.
The only way you wouldn't vote this #1 is if you never saw it. When I watch this show, I choke from laughing so hard!