For decades,televisioncomedieshave been a cherished source of laughter and joy for families and friends who sit down to make the most of their time, episode after episode. Comedic TV shows have the uncanny ability to bring people together and build a safe place for fans who come back time and again to quote their favorite jokes, reenact memorable scenes, andwear the personality of their beloved character. The cast of these shows becomes like an extended family whose members regularly show up in our living room with their infectious energy and stories that take our funny bones.
Good comedy is a rare case in the wide landscape of TV content. But we have created a list that contains some of the funniest TV shows ever created by the most excellent comedy minds in the industry. Programs that have transcended generations and continue to make the world a happier place through their silliness. From classic sitcoms to contemporary satire, these shows drip with the genius owned by comedic legends and rising stars alike. So pull up a seat and brace yourself for a night full of chuckles as we count down history’s funniest shows proven to leave viewers in stitches for hours. The creative minds responsible for these masterpieces truly deserve our standing ovations for helping bring some much-needed levity and mirth into our lives.
20Bob’s Burgers (2011 – Present)
InBob’s Burger, Bob Belcher and his quirky family run a burger joint from their place above the restaurant. His wife Linda is his chaotic but endearing partner in life and business, while their three offbeat kids – Gene, Tina, and Louise – regularly find ways to stir up trouble both at home and school. The Belcher’s struggles become tenfold when a local pasta joint across the street, Jimmy Pesto, starts making more sales. The family’s triumphs and hilarious hijinks feel authentic and relatable, but they’re presented in an off-the-wall style humor filled with puns, visual gags, and unimaginable situations to keep the laughs coming. Building a novel brand of humor may be the goal, but the show’s heart lies in its sincerely odd portrayal of family and acceptance.
19Frasier (1993 – 2004)
Most sitcoms of the ‘90s lay massive weight on their characters, and with the thunderous success of NBC’sCheers, it was only apt that the studio released a spin-off centered aroundone of the most beloved charactersright after the show ended in 1993.
Frasier Crane is an Atlanta-based psychologist who returns to his hometown of Seattle to start fresh, and soon he begins to host a radio advice show. His brother Niles, an elitist wine connoisseur, joins Frasier’s well-thought narrative along with their father Martin, a retired policeman.
While the overall setting and lavish lifestyle of the city ooze sophistication, the humor ofFrasiersprings from the deep-seeded habits, mannerisms, pretensions, and neuroses of these complex characters. The constant flow of witty wordplay, snappy back-and-forth, and sublime punchlines paired with a laugh track that never overstays its welcome all add up to create one of the most intelligent and consistent comedy TV shows of all time.
18Modern Family (2009 – 2020)
Giving a whole new meaning to the term ‘family’ by portraying one in current day scenario,Modern Familyintroduces a humor hungry audience to the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan. Shot in a mockumentary-style, this comedy follows the lives of these three interconnected yet starkly different families. Ed O’Neill and Sofía Vergara play the patriarch and Latino matriarch of a traditional American family, Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen portray a conventional nuclear unit with their three kids, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet star as the parents of an adopted Vietnamese daughter in a same-sex relationship. Each family is navigating the ups and down of daily life but what ties them together is the deep and imperfect love they share. The show deftlyblends heartfelt moments with absurd humor, gifting viewers with constant laughs.
17Veep (2012 – 2019)
Veepcenters around Selina Meyer, who has just recently been promoted from her former status as Senator to the Vice President of the United States, and her utterly incompetent staff of sycophants, bumblers, and opportunists. The show deals with matters concerning the office, like political scandals, public relations disasters, and endless internal power struggles. But while all that may sound dull and boring, it’s the show’s razor-sharp dialogue, rapid-fire jokes, and unbelievable plot twists that fuel the manic energy of the premise. Played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Selena herself is a marvel of superficial confidence and genuine lack of skills. After all, she is a woman driven by ego, ambition, and a total no-go when it comes to self-awareness. And yet,Veepisone of the best shows on HBO, and you’re gonna have to see for yourself to know just why.
16Mr. Bean (1990)
With just a single lifted eyebrow or wordless giggle, Mr. Bean delivers a silent yet utterly expressive physical comedy that taps directly into a universal language of joy. Created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis and brought to life by Atkinson himself, the title character may seem infantile at times but somehow, this endearing man-child who bumbles his way through daily adventures with superb curiosity of a toddler seems to speak to the audience in a way few characters can. Bean’s scheme to nap in church, trick his wheelchair-bound neighbor or skip out on restaurant bills usually end up backfiring in spectacular fashion. But the ensuing chaos feels so innocent and wonderful it’s hard not to chuckle. In a way,Mr. Beanreminds us that true comedy lies in small, simple wonders.
Related:Man vs. Bee: How Rowan Atkinson Changed From Mr. Bean
15Arrested Development (2003 – 2019)
Created by Mitchell Hurwitz,Arrested Developmentfollows the incompetent and extremely dysfunctional Bluth family as they navigate financial ruin and persian crisis. The show begins with the head patriarch George Sr. finding himself imprisoned for questionable business dealings while his children are left to grapple with their own messy relationships and careers. Michael Bluth, played by Jason Bateman, the only sane member of the family, is now responsible for maintaining peace. All the members of the Bluth clan are self-centered and oblivious and that’s what makes them so funny and hilarious. They’re mostly unable to understand or support one another, which is depicted brilliantly by stars like Portia de Rossi, Michael Cera, Will Arnett, and Jessica Walter. The recurring jokes, the fabulous chemistry, and the layered storytelling, all make it very hilarious.
14Fawlty Towers (1975 – 1979)
The comedy gold that shook the television industry in the ‘70s andis still so great five decades latercenters around Basil Fawlty, the rude, impatient, and mildly psychotic owner of a small hotel in Torquay, England. Being the biggest reason for the success ofFawlty Towers, he provides the perfect storm of chaos and laughter. Basil is endlessly striving for riches and fame, which causes him to mistreat and antagonize his guests at every turn, resulting in the most atrocious mishaps and mix-ups.
His long-suffering wife Sybil and hapless waiter Manuel constantly berate him and undermine his schemes, while Polly the maid is the only person keeping the place running smoothly. The show’s main ingredient is the clever dialogue and physical gags, with most of it resting in Basil’s overly tight grip on control. Overall, the show manages to satirize the pettiness and pretension of British middle class society in the best way possible.
13Friends (1994 – 2004)
How can we not mention the show that gave us “Smelly Cat,” moo points, Unagi, “We were on a break!” and “How you doin’?’” InFriends, six 20-somethings navigate careers, relationships, and the mad comedy of everyday life while bonding over everyday life at their local café, Central Perk. The tightly-knit group shares an authentic chemistry and comic timing that always feels natural, flowy, and relatable. As for the humor, it springs from the characters' adorable flaws and quirks rather than complicated plot points. Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross go about life’s ordinary obstacles and disappointments together as a family and even though the show has its silly slapstick moments, the comedy at its core is based on a warm familiarity that sticks with fans even today.
12The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990 – 1996)
When a street-smart teenager moves from the gritty scene of West Philadelphia to the glamorous mansion of his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel-Air, fun, culture clashes, and meaningful moments quickly follow suit. Will Smith basically plays himself in the series, with his wise-cracking small-town humor and street rules and wisdom clashing with his cousin Carlton’s preppy, elitist snobbery.
Uncle Phil, who is a no-nonsense judge struggles to rein in Will’s mischiefs while doting on his own kids. Moreover, with comedy as an anchor, the show explores various complexities of class, race, and family dynamics in America, as Will gradually finds his place within the Banks family.The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airran for six long seasons and aimed atbridging the gap between two warring worlds, which it achieved with absolute grace and beauty.
11Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)
More often than once,Seinfeldhasjokingly been referred to as the ‘show about nothing,’and for the right reasons. The show follows four self-absorbed friends going through the minutiae of everyday life in New York City. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer have a knack for finding humor in the tiny annoyances, awkward social encounters, and weird minor predicaments that make up their trivial existence.
Their comedic chemistry springs from putting some of their worst characteristics on display – petty grievances, unnecessary grudges, boring obsessions. And even though the show is filmed in a realistic setting, the plot often descents into utter ridicule and logical impossibility.Seinfeldis a show that pioneered a unique “comedy of manners” that satirized society while celebrating the joy of found family.
Related:Old TV Shows From The ’90s That Could Never Air Today
