100 top-rated sitcoms of all time

Ruby’s Tuna The first U.S. sitcom in television history went by the name of “Mary Kay and Johnny” and debuted in 1947 on the Dumont Network. Portraying the comedic misadventures of an uptight bank employee and his zany wife, the series was reportedly the first to show a married couple sharing a bed, making it all the more groundbreaking for its time. While only one complete episode is known to have survived, the genre it helped spawn has endured as a genuine cultural cornerstone, despite increased competition from a slew of alternatives. The sitcom–or situational comedy–has become much broader in scope in the decades since it first debuted. Shows like “You’re the Worst” and “Rick and Morty” are technically sitcoms, in that they throw their characters into comedic, occasionally familiar situations. At the more traditional end of the spectrum are shows such as “The Goldbergs” and “The Big Bang Theory,” which infuse conventional formulas with contemporary characters, styles, and motifs, consequently luring in millions of viewers. Cumulatively speaking, situational comedy is not just alive and well: It’s everywhere. In celebration of the sitcom in all its progressions and permutations, Stacker compiled a list of the best sitcoms of all time using IMDb data. Only English-language sitcoms released in the United States were considered, with every respective show needing at least 5,000 votes in order to qualify. In the case of a rating tie, the show with the higher vote count ranked higher on the list. Counting down from #100, here are the best sitcoms of all time. You may also like: 100 movies that became TV shows   #100. Wilfred Wilfred Productions – IMDb user rating: 7.8 – On air: 2011-2014 For anyone who could swear their dog, on some level, has human characteristics, “Wilfred” might be the show for you. Adapted for American television from an Australian series by the same name, the show follows the main character Ryan Newman, portrayed by Elijah Wood, and his life as the only person who sees his neighbor’s shepherd Wilfred, played by co-creator Jason Gann, not as an actual canine, but rather a man in a dog suit. Though the premise may sound light, the show was a darker comedy that explored themes of mental illness in addition to the low-hanging fruit of dog-based humor. #99. New Girl Elizabeth Meriwether Pictures – IMDb user rating: 7.8 – On air: 2011-2018 Starring Zooey Deschanel, this single-camera sitcom created by Elizabeth Meriwether follows the day-to-day life of a palpably quirky, newly single teacher named Jess after she moves into an L.A. apartment with three men she’s never met. With each new season, their friendships and relationships are a focal point of the show. #98. Fresh Off the Boat Twentieth Century Fox – IMDb user rating: 7.8 – On air: 2015-2020 Based on the bestselling memoir by celebrity chef Eddie Huang, this single-camera comedy from ABC follows Huang’s Chinese American family as it chases the American dream in 1990s Orlando. For young Eddie, that means exploring the wide world of American hip-hop while his father opens a Western-themed steakhouse. During the show’s first season, Huang provided voiceover narration, but that gig quickly ended over creative differences. #97. The Critic Columbia Pictures Television – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 1994-2001 Featuring the voice of Jon Lovitz, this animated comedy centers on New York movie critic Jay Sherman, who never seems to like any of the films he’s reviewing. The show originally aired on ABC but switched to Fox for its second season. Not only did real-life critics Gene Siskel and Robert Ebert offer their take on season one, but they also made a guest cameo in a second-season episode. Speaking of cameos, Jay Sherman once guest-starred on “The Simpsons,” where he hosted a film festival and engaged in an epic belching contest with Homer. #97. The Tick 20th Century Fox Television – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 1994-1997 Like the aforementioned live-action version, this animated series was an adaptation of Ben Edlund’s comic book featuring The Tick, a satirical superhero. Parodies of many beloved traditional superheroes such as Batman, Captain America, and Aquaman, are common throughout the show. Fox initially turned down the pitch from Edlund and writer Richard Liebmann-Smith but gave the pair five days to rewrite it. The network accepted the reworked concept. The series became a staple of Fox’s Saturday morning kids programming. “The Tick” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime. If you’re a diehard fan of the original comic and have watched both the animated and 2001 series, you can also stream the third iteration and second live-action take on the cult classic produced by Amazon in 2016. You may also like: 100 best sitcoms of all time #95. Sanford and Son Columbia – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 1972-1977 TV legend Norman Lear adapted this popular sitcom from the British series “Steptoe and Son.” Set in L.A.’s Watts neighborhood, it follows a cranky junk dealer (Redd Foxx) and his family through various get-rich-quick schemes. Foxx later reprised his role for a short-lived CBS revival called “Sanford,” which ran for two seasons. #94. We Bare Bears Cartoon Network Studios – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 2014-2019 Three bears attempt to find their place in society in this popular animated series on Cartoon Network. Helping each bear along his respective way is a human named Chloe, a koala named Nom Nom, and Charlie–better known as Bigfoot. Though the three bears call themselves brothers, each is of a different species, meaning they’re more like siblings in spirit. #93. Undeclared DreamWorks Television – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 2001-2003 On the heels of “Freaks and Geeks” came this similarly short-lived series from Judd Apatow, which likewise went on to earn a cult following. In the show, college freshman Steve Karp is poised to have the time of his life in a co-ed dorm, until his recently divorced father shows up with plans to party. To Apatow’s chagrin, Fox originally aired certain episodes out of order, with one episode never being aired at all. The sitcom never made it past its first season. Thankfully, bigger and better things lay in wait for not just Apatow, but a number of the show’s stars: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jason Segel, and Charlie Hunnam. #92. Reno 911! Comedy Central – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 2003-present Putting a comedic spin on shows like “Cops,” this mockumentary takes a fly-on-the-wall approach toward the exploits of the Reno Police Department. To capitalize on the show’s popularity, a movie version, “Reno 911!: Miami,” came out in 2007. Before collaborating on this project, series co-creators Robert Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney, and Thomas Lennon all starred together on the MTV sketch comedy show “The State,” a veritable cult classic in its day. #91. Rocko’s Modern Life Cartoon Network Studios – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 1996-2003 One of Cartoon Network’s first Cartoon Cartoons, this animated series follows a genius named Dexter who performs experiments in his secret bedroom laboratory. Dexter’s parents may be none the wiser, but his annoying sister catches on to his antics, then tags along for a range of wacky sci-fi adventures. #89. Cheers Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 1982-1993 At over a decade on air, “Cheers” was one of the longest-running TV series. It centered on the lives and interactions of the owners and patrons of a bar called Cheers. The show’s memorable theme song called it a place “where everybody knows your name,” and this concept was the heart and soul of the series. “Cheers” was instantly beloved even though the Neilsen ratings didn’t show it. It placed 77th out of 100 shows in its debut year. That same year, it earned 13 Emmy nominations and won 28 Emmys out of 179 nominations over its lifetime. #88. Big Mouth Danger Goldberg Productions – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 2017-present This Netflix comedy series might host a range of young cartoon characters, but it’s most definitely not suitable for children. Specifically, “Big Mouth” takes an uncompromising approach toward teenage puberty, sparing no graphic detail. Comedian Nick Kroll co-created the sitcom and provides the voice for one of its most memorable characters: Hormone Monster. Fellow comedic talents John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen, and Jordan Peele also lend their voices. #87. Weeds Lions Gate Television – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 2005-2012 TV legend Jenji Kohan created this hit series for Showtime, in which a desperate suburban widow (Mary-Louise Parker) resorts to pot-dealing to support her family. Like a semi-comedic predecessor to “Breaking Bad,” the show finds its protagonist coming up against a range of obstacles as she gains market share. In the process, she discovers that everyone from nearby neighbors to local politicians is privy to the occasional (or frequent) toke. #86. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air NBC Productions – IMDb user rating: 7.9 – On air: 1990-1996 Saddled with a massive tax bill from the IRS, hip-hop star Will Smith (aka Fresh Prince) signed on to this NBC sitcom and rose to the foremost ranks of television. Of course, that was merely the beginning of what would eventually become an A-list movie career. In the show, Smith moves from West Philadelphia to Bel-Air, where he influences all around him through his infectious, street-savvy personality. To this day, it’s hard not to see the words “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” without hearing the catchy theme song. You may also like: Can you answer these real ‘Jeopardy!’ clues about TV shows? #85. Ugly Americans Augenblick Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2010-2012 This subversive animated series from Comedy Central takes place in an alternate version of New York City, where monsters and humans coexist. As a social worker, Mark deals with his zombie roommate, demon boss, and succubus girlfriend, he struggles to maintain an optimistic disposition. Despite receiving high marks from the viewers who actually watched it, the show was canceled after two seasons. #84. Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law Cartoon Network – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2000-2007 In this “Space Ghost” spinoff, former superhero Harvey Birdman reinvents himself as a third-rate attorney who mediates various legal matters between once-famous cartoon characters. Throughout most of the series, Harvey answers to crazed billionaire Phil Ken Sebben, voiced by Stephen Colbert. Although the series ended in 2007, it returned as an animated special in 2018, with Colbert on board to reprise the role. #83. Life in Pieces Twentieth Century Fox – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2015-2019 This CBS sitcom depicts a range of Short family milestones from multiple perspectives. To warm the crowd, each episode opens with the promise of “four Short stories,” representing a play on words. James Brolin, Dianne Wiest, and Colin Hanks star, among others. #82. NewsRadio 343 Films – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 1995-1999 Taking viewers behind the scenes at New York’s #2 radio station, this NBC sitcom features a bevy of comedic talent, including Phil Hartman and Dave Foley. Also starring as the resident electrician is a young Joe Rogan, years before he became a UFC announcer and one of the world’s most successful podcasters. Infusing the workplace comedy format with a loose structure and genuine family dynamic, “NewsRadio” might fly under the radar these days. Still, some say it was among the decade’s best sitcoms. #81. Insecure 3 Arts Entertainment – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2016-2021 Issa Rae co-created and stars in this comedy series about the adventures of a young African American woman (Rae) living in Los Angeles. In addition to chronicling her professional and personal exploits, the show tackles broader themes of loyalty, race, and self-esteem. It concluded after five seasons. You may also like: 100 best TV shows of all time #80. The Addams Family Filmways Television – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 1964-1966 Released the same year as “The Munsters,” this similar sitcom was about a lovable, but macabre family of outsiders. Based on a cartoon series by Charles Addams, the show introduced audiences to classic characters Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, and Lurch. Like “The Munsters,” “The Addams Family” only ran for two seasons, but endured well past its cancellation date. In 1991, a star-studded movie version smashed expectations at the box office, though the same couldn’t be said for the 1993 sequel. #79. Solar Opposites 20th Century Fox Television – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2020-present Highlighting many of humanity’s strengths and shortcomings, this show follows four aliens who escape their planet before its destruction and crash land in middle America. Hulu picked up the show after originally being created for and shelved by Fox. In June 2021, the series was renewed for a fourth season. #78. The Goldbergs Sony Pictures Television – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2013-present Based on the childhood experiences of creator Adam Goldberg, this ABC sitcom presents young Adam and his family in all their eccentric glory. The series brings the 1980s to life and even authentically reproduces Adam’s old bedroom, complete with the original posters. Providing narration as present-day Adam is comedian Patton Oswalt. #77. F Is for Family Big Jump Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2015-2021 Comedian Bill Burr harkens back to a simpler era in this semi-autobiographical cartoon. Set in the 1970s, the show finds Burr tackling the voice of a foul-mouthed Irish-American named Frank Murphy, who lives in the suburbs with his wife and three children. Also featured are the voices of Laura Dern, Justin Long, and Sam Rockwell. #76. The Orville 20th Century Fox Television – IMDb user rating: 8.0 – On air: 2017-present Created by “Family Guy’s” Seth MacFarlane, this Fox series takes the traditional “Star Trek” premise to new and exciting places. While a light-hearted and even mischievous rapport persists between the crew members of The Orville, the series isn’t afraid to dive into dramatic territory or expound upon several prescient themes. You may also like: 15 TV shows that got worse after losing a star #75. The Comeback Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 8.1 – On air: 2005-2014 On HBO’s “The Comeback,” Lisa Kudrow stars as out-of-work actor Valerie Cherish, who undergoes all sorts of embarrassing ordeals as she tries to relaunch her career. There to catch every moment is a somewhat bewildered camera crew. While the series itself is presented as found footage from an abandoned reality show. Co-created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, the acclaimed show failed to land with audiences during its first season in 2005 but was nevertheless brought back for a second and final season in 2014. #74. Legit FX Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.1 – On air: 2013-2014 After premiering on FX, then trying its luck on FXX, this vulgar-but-earnest comedy from Jim Jefferies was canceled due to low ratings. Over the course of two acclaimed seasons, Jefferies and his friends set out to discover what it means to be a good person, though their approach isn’t exactly wholesome by traditional standards. Nowadays, the Australian comedian can be found over on Comedy Central, where he hosts a weekly talk show. #73. High Maintenance Janky Clown Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.1 – On air: 2016-2020 Though the show most people are familiar with today aired on HBO in 2016, it actually got its start on Vimeo as a web series four years earlier. The show follows a weed delivery guy known only as “The Guy” around Brooklyn. Through his interactions with a new customer every episode, viewers get an intimate glimpse of a person who is otherwise one of the millions of nameless residents of NYC. The series has been praised for its ability to authentically portray feelings of loneliness and the value of human connection–even if it is with your weed delivery guy. #72. Galavant ABC Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.1 – On air: 2015-2016 From “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman comes this musical comedy on ABC, which put a comedic twist on the Middle Ages and only lasted two seasons before getting axed. It tells the story of a knight named Galavant, who tries to rescue his true love, Madalena, from the evil clutches of King Richard. Neither the musical numbers nor the tongue-in-cheek tonality struck a chord with audiences, and the show continued to dive in ratings as it progressed. #71. Reservation Dogs Bento Box Entertainment – IMDb user rating: 8.2 – On air: 2011-present This animated series centers on the oddball Belcher family and their fledgling burger joint. The sitcom goes big on personality and usually concludes with a musical number during the end credits. A running gag is Bob’s “Burger of the Day,” which offers a play on words like the “Rest in Peas Burger,” the “Olive and Let Die Burger,” and so on. It was co-created by Loren Bouchard, previous co-creator of Cartoon Network’s “Home Movies.” #49. Frasier Paramount Television – IMDb user rating: 8.2 – On air: 1993-2004 A former “Cheers” regular got a sitcom all his own in 1993, and the result was this highly rated award-winning series starring Kelsey Grammer in the title role. In the show, Dr. Frasier Crane moves back to his hometown of Seattle, having landed a job as a radio psychiatrist. As he dispenses advice to strangers, Frasier experiences his own psychological strife, butting heads with his equally pretentious younger brother (David Hyde Pierce) and “everyman” father. #48. SpongeBob SquarePants Nickelodeon Animation Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.2 – On air: 1999-present Combining impressive animation skills with a background in marine biology, Stephen Hillenburg created “SpongeBob SquarePants” and subsequently fried children’s brains, according to one study. Alarmist studies notwithstanding, the show about a talking sea sponge and his wacky friends remains a bona fide smash hit, complete with widespread merchandising, a range of video games, and two feature film adaptations. #47. The Good Place Universal Television – IMDb user rating: 8.2 – On air: 2016-2020 Set in the afterlife, “The Good Place” follows its four main characters as they desperately try to avoid eternal damnation, resorting to every possible trick in the book. There to pull the occasional string is a demon named Michael, played by Ted Danson. #46. Family Guy 20th Century Fox Television – IMDb user rating: 8.2 – On air: 1999-present Saved from cancellation not once, but twice, Seth MacFarlane’s animated series now endures as a mainstay on the Fox network and in popular culture alike. Despite an opening theme song that laments the decline of old-fashioned values, “Family Guy” delivers an endless supply of raunchy jokes and morally bankrupt characters, skewering the traditional sitcom format. You may also like: Classic TV quotes that are now part of everyday vocabulary #45. The Big Bang Theory Warner Bros. Television – IMDb user rating: 8.2 – On air: 2007-2019 “The Big Bang Theory” expertly blends old-school formulas with modern themes. Co-created by sitcom wizard Chuck Lorre, the show follows a group of self-professed geeks and their respective girlfriends as they bicker about everything big and small, and occasionally solve the universe’s greatest riddles. #44. The Life & Times of Tim Warner Bros. Television – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2008-2012 Utilizing relatively stark animation, “The Life & Times of Tim” follows its hapless title character through a series of awkward New York encounters. Each episode clocked in at just 12 minutes and commonly featured guest voices from a range of comedic talents, including Bob Saget, Jeff Garlin, Bob Odenkirk, Cheri Oteri, Aziz Ansari, and Daniel Tosh. While the show never caught on with a wide audience, it does retain a cult following. #43. Ghosts BBC Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2019-present This British ensemble series turns the stuff of scary movies into comedy gold, as various ghosts bicker amongst themselves inside a haunted estate. With plans to turn the property into a luxury hotel, a young living couple come up against the unruly dead. CBS debuted a U.S. adaptation in 2021.  #42. The Amazing World of Gumball Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2011-2019 Still going strong is this award-winning series on Cartoon Network, which takes place in the fictional town of Elmore, California, and chronicles the adventures of a blue cat named Gumball. Over the course of six seasons, the show underwent several stylistic changes in aesthetics and tone alike. It employs a range of visual styles within a given episode, including CGI, live-action, stop-motion, puppetry, and traditional animation. #41. The League FX Network – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2009-2015 In this endlessly quotable sitcom, a group of friends goes to ridiculous extremes while squaring off over fantasy football. The series debuted on FX, then moved over to FXX from 2013 to 2015. In the vein of shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” every episode of “The League” works off of an incomplete script, letting each cast member fill in the rest by way of improvisation. You may also like: 25 of the most expensive TV series of all time #40. Blue Mountain State Blue Mountain State Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2010-2011 True to its demographic, “Blue Mountain State” follows a group of college freshman football players as they get hazed, flirt with girls, crush skulls on the field, and turn in the occasional homework assignment. After three short seasons, the show was abruptly canceled, leaving its fans clamoring for more. In response, series co-creator Eric Falconer crowdsourced funding for a movie, which debuted on Netflix. #39. Extras Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2005-2007 Ricky Gervais co-created and stars in this award-winning sitcom about a man named Andy Millman and his hapless search for movie stardom. It aired concurrently on HBO and BBC Two and straddles the line between British and American humor. Included throughout the show’s 13-episode run, which includes a 90-minute Christmas special, are too many celebrity cameos to count.  #38. 30 Rock NBC Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2006-2013 Winner of numerous Emmy Awards, this celebrated sitcom from Tina Fey takes place behind the scenes at a sketch comedy show in the mold of “Saturday Night Live.” Thanks to brilliant writing and a talented cast, the show slings jokes at the speed of sound. Starring alongside Fey is Tracy Morgan, Alec Baldwin, and Jane Krakowski, each of whom brings a distinct personality to the table. #37. How I Met Your Mother 20th Century Fox Television – IMDb user rating: 8.3 – On air: 2005-2014 The story of how a man named Ted met the mother of his two kids provides the basis for this highly rated CBS sitcom. That said, the show primarily chronicles the comedic exploits of five best friends, while throwing in a clever mystery for good measure. Meanwhile, some fans wondered if Ted was, in fact, an unreliable narrator, implying that the events and characters weren’t being depicted accurately. According to Neil Patrick Harris’ who played a womanizer named Barney in the series–it’s a totally plausible theory. #36. The Adventures of Pete & Pete Wellsville Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 1992-1996 Two red-headed brothers both named Pete are the subject of this quirky sitcom, which ran on Nickelodeon for three seasons. Originally based on a series of one-minute shorts, the show takes place in the fictional town of Wellsville and features regular appearances from Iggy Pop, Steve Buscemi, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Kate Pierson from the B-52s. Thanks to a distinct surrealist aesthetic, “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” appealed to kids and adults alike and retains a cult following more than two decades after its final air date. You may also like: Best TV shows with the worst endings #35. The Dick Van Dyke Show Calvada Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 1961-1966 The last sitcom to be shot in black and white, this certifiable classic stars Dick Van Dyke as a popular TV writer and Mary Tyler Moore his wife. The two made for such a convincing couple that a large number of viewers thought they were married in real life. Comedy legend Carl Reiner created the show and appears in 32 episodes. #34. The Andy Griffith Show CBS – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 1960-1968 A hunky-dory whistle sets the tone for this classic 1960s TV show about a small-town sheriff (Andy Griffith) who seems to deal with everything but actual crime in the town of Mayberry. Even though Griffith didn’t create the show, it’s said that Mayberry was inspired by his original hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Featured in the cast is a young Ron Howard. #33. Broad City 3 Arts Entertainmen – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 2014-2019 In 2014, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson adapted their popular web series for Comedy Central, and this thoroughly modern TV show was born. Starring Glazer and Jacobson as their barely tweaked alter-egos, the show follows its wild leads on a range of unpredictable adventures throughout their beloved New York City. Comedian Hannibal Buress guest stars. #32. Veep Dundee Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 2012-2019 Bolstered by laser-sharp dialogue, HBO’s “Veep” takes viewers inside the White House, where even the slightest faux pas can prompt a domestic or international crisis. Playing vice president (turned president, turned former president) Selina Meyer to perfection is actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who continues to dispel the myth of a “Seinfeld” curse. #31. Scrubs ABC Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 2001-2010 This popular comedy goes down in Sacred Heart Hospital, where Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian (Zach Braff) deals with crazy patients and co-workers alike. Distinguished by its hyperkinetic style, each episode weaves multiple storylines together at breakneck speed, even taking the occasional dive into Dorian’s subconscious. The series aired on NBC for its first eight seasons and on ABC for its last two. You may also like: 15 famous fictional bars from TV history #30. Brooklyn Nine-Nine 20th Century Fox Television – IMDb user rating: 8.4 – On air: 2013-2021 “Law. Without the order.” So goes the tagline for this idiosyncratic comedy, which stars Andy Samberg as immature but skilled NYPD detective Jake Peralta. When he’s not butting heads with his superior or hitting on his co-worker, Peralta is known to be quite the crime-solver. Despite a loyal fanbase, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” was canceled by Fox but subsequently picked up by NBC. #29. The Larry Sanders Show Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 8.5 – On air: 1992-1998 This legendary series from the late Garry Shandling takes viewers behind the scenes of a fictional late-night talk show. Eschewing a laugh track and conventional sitcom beats in favor of stark realism, the show influenced a slew of subsequent comedies. Over the course of five seasons, there is an endless array of celebrity cameos, though David Duchovny manages to stand out from the herd. #28. I Love Lucy Desilu Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.5 – On air: 1951-1957 Easily one of the most influential and enduring sitcoms of all time, “I Love Lucy” stars Lucille Ball as the title character, a scheming housewife with big dreams of stardom. With help from friends, Lucy engages in countless ill-fated shenanigans, to the chagrin of her bandleader husband, Ricky Ricardo (played by real-life husband Desi Arnaz). It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to suggest that “I Love Lucy” both pioneered and perfected the sitcom format, or that Desi Arnaz invented the rerun. More than 60 years later, the show remains an absolute masterclass in comedy. #27. The Boondocks Sony Pictures Television – IMDb user rating: 8.5 – On air: 2005-2014 Based on a controversial comic strip of the same name, this equally controversial Adult Swim cartoon centers on the Freemans, a Black family that moves into an all-white neighborhood. Rife with social commentary, the show pulls no punches in its depiction of various cultures, classes, stereotypes, and viewpoints. The show’s four seasons were spread out over nine years. Creator Aaron McGruder’s presence was missed in the final season. #26. Derry Girls Hat Trick Productions – IMDb user rating: 8.5 – On air: 2018-2022 This Irish comedy series chronicles the exploits of teenage girls and their families against the fraught backdrop of the Troubles. It’s loosely inspired by the experiences of creator Lisa McGee, who grew up during the same time period.  You may also like: 50 best Western TV shows of all time #25. Regular Show Cartoon Network Studios – IMDb user rating: 8.5 – On air: 2009-2017 Created by J.G. Quintel, this animated series commonly uses mundane scenarios as a gateway to a slew of surrealist adventures. At the heart of the action are a blue jay named Mordecai and a squirrel named Rigby, who tend the grounds at a local park. When establishing the world of “Regular Show,” Quintel reimagined characters he’d originally created for a now-famous short film, “2 in the AM PM.” #24. Louie 3 Arts Entertainment – IMDb user rating: 8.5 – On air: 2010-2015 Equal parts disturbing, revealing, depressing, and hilarious, “Louie” walks a mile in the shoes of stand-up comic Louis C.K. as he fumbles his way through life. Given revelations about the comedian in 2017, it’s hard not to view certain episodes or moments as being perhaps too candid, yet that was also part of the show’s initial appeal. #23. Schitt’s Creek