Nothing says comfort like a classic sitcom that never gets old, no matter how many times you rewatch it.
The longevity of comedy shows has been proven time and again, as this genre has a rich history dating back to the ’50s.
But certain shows have had a greater impact than others and left a lasting mark on culture.
In fact, networks often capitalize on nostalgia around popular shows by bringing back reboots like Scrubs.
Here are five comedy shows that have been around for over 10 years that remain beloved in many people’s hearts today.
1. The Golden Girls
One of the cornerstone sitcoms that has defined the genre is The Golden Girls.
During its run from 1985 to 1992, the series received critical acclaim and numerous Emmys.
And for about 40 years, since its beginning, The Golden Girls has endured for its depictions of female friendships.
The Golden Girls is also why actresses like Betty White have been so widely praised in the industry.
Even if you aren’t an elderly woman living in Florida like the characters in the series, you can still find a way to relate to the show’s chaotic, lovable stories.
2. Friends
Another popular series about the power of friendship (and the conflicts that come with it) is none other than Friends.
Though it may have a basic premise of focusing on a group of friends living in New York, the show’s cast has a special chemistry that never gets old.
After all, this show is how Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston became such cultural icons.
Over its ten-year run from 1994 to 2004, Friends solidified its status as one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. There was even a special reunion in 2021 to commemorate the series’s impact.
To this day, everyone can recognize the trademark Central Perk coffee shop sign and picture the show’s unforgettable opening titles.
3. The Office
The Office may be the newest show on this list, but it absolutely needs to be mentioned.
While the sitcom format used to be multi-camera with a laugh track, The Office was among the earliest shows to embrace the mockumentary style.
Since then, many shows have adopted this format, with its influence evident in ongoing sitcoms like Abbott Elementary and St. Denis Medical.
Even if you aren’t a fan of cringe humor, The Office still gave us hilarious characters like Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute, who make it easy to laugh at their blunders.
Today, The Office’s legacy lives on in its spinoff series The Paper, which has already been renewed for a second season.
And while The Paper is a fun watch, no sitcom can quite capture the original magic of The Office.
4. Cheers
It would be impossible to talk about workplace sitcoms without discussing Cheers.
This show introduced the premise of friends who hang out at a bar, which would inspire later sitcoms like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
It’s hard to imagine this show was once on the verge of cancellation, given that Cheers went on to run for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993.
Like some of the other series on this list, Cheers featured a large cast of lovable, funny characters.
While Ted Danson might be known by younger generations for his role on The Good Place, he originally rose to fame as bartender Sam Malone on Cheers.
Cheers is practically built to be rewatched, as the familiarity of simple but entertaining plotlines never gets old.
5. All in the Family
This wouldn’t be a sitcom list without a show by the great Norman Lear.
All in the Family stands out as one of Lear’s most influential shows and is often credited for making space in the genre for social commentary.
Over 200 episodes, the Bunker family became one of America’s best-known families in the ’70s.
All in the Family notably used Archie Bunker’s political incorrectness to address taboo topics on TV.
This series undeniably changed the course of sitcom history and the kinds of stories that could be told through the lens of comedy.
6. The Jeffersons
Yet another Lear sitcom that deserves a shoutout is The Jeffersons.
The catchy theme song “Movin’ On Up” is instantly recognizable to anyone who loves ’70s and ’80s sitcoms.
Similar to All in the Family, The Jeffersons was a socially progressive show that focused on a Black family coming to terms with their new upper-class status.
The show focused on Archie Bunker’s counterpart, George Jefferson, whose ignorance gave The Jeffersons the opportunity to critique social issues.
This series also made history as one of the first popular sitcoms with an all-Black cast, a subgenre that has continued into recent years with shows like Black-ish.
7. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
For millennials, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air might be more familiar than The Jeffersons.
When people think of ’90s sitcoms, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is often cited as a show that perfectly captures the spirit of the decade.
This sitcom put young Will Smith in the spotlight, allowing him to showcase his comedic talents as the leading man.
In recent years, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air even received a dramatic reboot titled Bel-Air, which reimagined the original series.
Even today, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air still holds up as a hilarious show that provided a platform for telling stories centered on Black identity.
Are you a fan of any of the shows on this list? What are your favorite sitcoms to rewatch?
Drop a comment with your thoughts below! And if you have a recommendation, I’m always looking for new comedies to watch. Waddya got?
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