It’s been impressive to see the classic TV comedy sitcom evolve over the years.
During television’s Golden Age, comedies were formulaic, filmed in front of a live audience, and resulted in the cast learning a lesson at the end of the episode.
Modern comedies have eschewed the live audience and, thanks to the success of The Office, have embraced the documentary presentation.
The funniest shows in television history are timeless; no matter where they aired, they still make us laugh today.
All In The Family
Many argue that you couldn’t make All in the Family today, which I get. It covers topics still considered taboo today while letting its characters act naturally versus being caricatures.
The writing is where the show succeeds, though. It contains so much nuance that isn’t present in other shows, allowing it to succeed where others have failed.
Cheers
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.
Like All in the Family, Cheers holds up so well today due to its writing. Every character has their own identity that helps the jokes stick the landing. Best of all, they’re not topical, so they’ll continue to hold up for generations.
Seinfeld
The show about nothing revolutionized the sitcom.
Seinfeld‘s humor is relatable. These characters experience situations we experience in everyday life. The difference? People like George Costanza are willing to do something about being inconvenienced.
Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb is just an unfiltered version of Seinfeld, not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Based on the 1999 one-hour special Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm, the HBO series is an exaggerated take on the life of the Seinfeld co-creator.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Seinfeld walked so It’s Always Sunny could run.
All the innovation is present here: Sunny is a show about nothing, with characters never learning their lessons. However, Sunny isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Its characters are severely flawed. They’re all genuinely terrible people, and we can’t help but laugh at them.
MASH
One of the greatest television shows of all time, MASH pushed boundaries by showcasing the horrors of war on a TV show. Even more, it aired during a time of war, helping its themes hit home.
Despite this, its clever writing and talented cast do well to offset the show’s more serious moments.
Yes, it’s a product of its time, but it’s held up remarkably well for modern audiences.
I Love Lucy
Lucille Ball is a legend, and I Love Lucy is a living testament to this fact.
While some of the jokes may fail to land with modern audiences, that’s not what made me fall in love with the show as a kid. It’s the physical comedy and the stylings of Lucy herself that remain iconic today.
30 Rock
While The Office received all the recognition on NBC Thursday nights, I will always argue that 30 Rock is a far superior show.
Its surreal comedy, combined with its satirical take on Tina Fey’s time as head writer for Saturday Night Live, is filled with nonstop jokes that require several viewings to catch all.
In fact, I’m currently finishing up my annual rewatch as we speak!
Parks and Recreation
Again, The Office helped establish the documentary set-up for TV comedies, but Parks and Recreation does it better.
A big reason is the characters: they’re far more likable; we can’t help but root for them to succeed. Then there’s the town of Pawnee, a character itself, adding to the over-the-top humor.
Arrested Development
The original three seasons of Arrested Development are perfect, and I won’t hear otherwise.
Like 30 Rock, the constant barrage of clever, successful jokes is impressive, and the incredibly talented ensemble cast brings it all together.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus
The British sketch-comedy show is iconic not just for its stellar humor and memorable characters but also for the strength of its starring cast.
John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman (may he rest in peace) are all comedic icons.
Peep Show
Peep Show comes from the creative minds of British comedians David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
While its characters, Mark and Jez, are more caricatured than similar “shows about nothing,” most of the humor comes from the two simply living their lives, which is enhanced by the camera’s constant first-person point of view.
Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.
Read More:
Leave a Reply