The first television sitcom aired in 1947 and TV has been delighting television viewers ever since. Originally, sitcoms were focused on wholesome values and wrapping things together in a nice, neat bow. Everyone learned a lesson at the end of the episode and came out better for it. Modern sitcoms have evolved since then, however. While some adhere to this formula, others look nothing like the sitcoms of yesteryear.
Honestly, though, we prefer shows that have us rolling on our sides with laughter. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with laughter as we go through some of our favorite modern comedy sitcoms that had us laughing out loud.
1. Derry Girls
Get ready for a laugh riot with this show! This hilarious sitcom set in the 1990s follows a group of Irish schoolgirls navigating adolescence’s ups and downs amidst the Northern Ireland conflict. With quirky characters and witty banter, the show takes you on a rollercoaster ride through awkwardly hilarious teenage moments, cultural clashes, and unexpected friendships.
2. Kim’s Convenience
Step into the heartwarming and hilarious world of an immigrant family from Korea. This Canadian sitcom will leave you smiling from ear to ear. You will see the Kim family trying to navigate the complexities of family life and cultural clashes as they run a convenience store in Toronto.
Mr. Kim, the loveable and quirky store owner, steals the show with his traditional values and awkward encounters with the customers.
3. Friends
Perhaps this iconic show needs no introduction, as it has been a beloved staple in the world of television comedy for decades. Follow the hilarious lives of six friends living in New York City as they navigate the ups and downs of life, love, and friendship. From Ross’s “We were on a break!” to Joey’s “How you doin’?” the show is filled with unforgettable catchphrases.
4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, this quirky sitcom follows the character Kimmy, played by the delightful Ellie Kemper, as she emerges from fifteen years of captivity in a doomsday cult and starts her new life in New York City. Her childlike wonder and unyielding optimism create the perfect recipe for golden comedic moments.
5. Jury Duty
Many users share their love for this one. Ever wondered what would happen if a group of misfits was forced to serve on a jury together? Well, this show answers that question! This sitcom follows the antics of a motley crew of jurors, each with their quirks and eccentricities. As they try to navigate the serious business of a courtroom trial, chaos ensues, and comedy unfolds.
6. Fleabag
Written and starred by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this British sitcom follows the life of a dysfunctional woman known only as Fleabag. Fleabag breaks the fourth wall and shares her raw and hilarious perspective on love, family, and modern life.
7. That ’70s Show
Take a trip back in time to the groovy ’70s with this retro sitcom that will leave you in stitches! Follow the lives of a group of teenagers living in fictional Point Place, Wisconsin, as they navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way.
8. Catastrophe
This British sitcom revolves around the unexpected pregnancy of an Irish woman, Sharon, after a fling with an American man, Rob. Rob moves to London to be with her, and their whirlwind relationship is a perfect recipe for comedy gold!
9. The Other Two
When their younger brother becomes a viral sensation overnight, Brooke and Cary, played by Drew Tarver and Helene Yorke, find themselves in the shadow of his fame. Their attempts to navigate their own lives while dealing with their brother’s newfound stardom result in a series of hilarious misadventures.
10. 30 Rock
This comedy gem revolves around the talented but eccentric head writer Liz Lemon, portrayed by the comedic genius Tine Fey who tries to manage the chaos of a live sketch comedy show. The show’s witty humor and sharp satire of the entertainment industry will leave you in fits of laughter.
From the absurd antics of Tracy Jordan, played by the amazing Tracy Morgan, to the unforgettable catchphrases like “I want to go there,” it’s a masterpiece that will keep you entertained for hours!
11. Modern Family
This is a mockumentary-style sitcom that hilariously showcases the diverse dynamics of three different families connected by marriage. From Phil Dunphy’s dad jokes to the unapologetically sassy Gloria Pritchett, each character adds their unique flavor to the show’s comedic brilliance.
12. New Girl
This beloved sitcom follows the quirky and endearing Jessica Day, played by the exceptionally talented Zooey Deschanel, as she navigates life after a tough breakup by moving in with three single men: The confident and charming Schmidt, the grumpy but loveable Nick, and the hopelessly quirky Winston.
13. Seinfeld
The sitcom that helped shape modern television by breaking all the rules. Lovingly referred to as “A Show About Nothing,” Seinfeld forgoes the classic formula of everyone learning their lesson.
Seinfeld’s cast is full of truly horrible, selfish people who only look out for themselves. It’s natural that hilarity ensues, but what makes the show so iconic is its ability to deliver comedy from seemingly boring and mundane scenarios.
14. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Seinfeld walked so It’s Always Sunny could run. With 16 seasons down and no end in sight, the wildly popular FX series helped change the game as to what we’d expect an American sitcom to look like.
With no laugh tracks, no lessons learned, and a format that you’d expect more from an independent film, It’s Always Sunny‘s insane humor and well-written characters have helped make it the longest-running live-action sitcom of all time.
15. The Office
While It’s Always Sunny is arguably the more groundbreaking series, The Office is one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. Based on the British series of the same name, the NBC series ushers in a new style of sitcom: the fake documentary.
The shooting style allows for a more personal look at the characters while also revealing their inner thoughts and feelings during talking head segments spliced up between each episode’s story beats.
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