Sitcoms That Are Not Funny at All

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As a huge fan of comedy, I’ve seen a lot of sitcoms over the years, and while some become classics, so many others just…don’t land. It’s tough to get a laugh, and a lot of shows fall flat because of weak writing or ideas that just aren’t funny on screen. Those are the ones critics and viewers quickly forget, and they usually don’t last very long. I’ve put together a list of sitcoms that, unfortunately, just didn’t deliver the laughs people were hoping for.

‘Heil Honey I’m Home!’ (1990)

This British comedy show imagined Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun as ordinary suburbanites living next door to a Jewish family. While the creators aimed to satirize classic 1950s American sitcoms, the show quickly faced strong criticism. Many viewers and critics found the idea of a genocidal dictator as a comedic character deeply offensive, and the series was cancelled after just one episode aired.

‘The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer’ (1998)

The show centers on an African nobleman who is enslaved and rises to become a key advisor to President Abraham Lincoln. However, it faced significant backlash even before it aired, with critics objecting to its attempt to use comedy when depicting slavery. Many found the humor to be unfunny and overly reliant on silly physical gags. Due to public outcry and low ratings, the show was quickly cancelled after just a few episodes.

‘Work It’ (2012)

I recently saw a new show that, frankly, didn’t land well. The premise revolves around two guys who think dressing as women is their only shot at finding work, and it’s…problematic, to say the least. Critics and advocacy groups rightly called it out for relying on tired, harmful stereotypes and frankly, transphobic ideas. Most reviewers, myself included, found the humor incredibly lazy and uninspired. It’s no surprise, then, that it was pulled off the air after just two episodes – audiences just weren’t interested, and honestly, who could blame them?

‘Cavemen’ (2007)

Okay, so this show was based on those old GEICO commercials with the cavemen, and the idea was to look at prejudice by showing them trying to live in our world. Honestly, it just didn’t work. As a TV fan, I found the jokes got old really fast – what was funny in a quick commercial stretched out to a whole episode just wasn’t landing. Plus, the social message felt pretty surface-level, and I found myself more focused on the makeup than the story. Sadly, it’s no surprise it got cancelled after just one season; it just couldn’t keep people watching.

‘Dads’ (2013–2014)

A comedy series about two accomplished video game designers faced challenges when their quirky fathers moved in. The show received significant criticism for relying on harmful racial stereotypes and sexist humor for easy laughs. Critics were particularly disappointed, given the show’s talented cast and crew, noting a lack of clever writing. Though it lasted a whole season, the series failed to win over critics or viewers and didn’t improve over time.

‘Joey’ (2004–2006)

This show follows Joey Tribbiani, a fan-favorite character, as he heads to Los Angeles to try and make it as an actor. Although viewers loved Joey on the original show, this new series didn’t capture the same magic – it lacked the witty writing and strong relationships that made the first show so popular. Many felt the character was watered down and the new supporting cast wasn’t funny enough. As a result, ratings dropped, and the show was eventually canceled.

‘The Michael Richards Show’ (2000)

After his famous role on a beloved sitcom ended, Michael Richards starred in a new show as a bumbling private detective. Unfortunately, the series didn’t quite work, as it tried to combine silly physical comedy with a classic detective story. Reviewers thought the main character was too much like his previous, well-known character, but lacked the support of a good cast. Viewers weren’t interested, and the show was cancelled after just eight episodes.

‘Emeril’ (2001)

This sitcom follows a well-known chef playing a version of himself on the set of his cooking show. However, reviewers thought the show didn’t quite work, feeling the shift from his reality TV persona to a scripted comedy felt unnatural. Many also found the laugh track distracting, and the writing didn’t showcase the chef’s natural charm. Ultimately, the show was cancelled after only a short time because of negative reviews and low viewership.

‘Bette’ (2000–2001)

The show centers around a famous singer and actress and her experiences with work and life in Hollywood. Despite featuring Bette Midler, the series faced problems during production, including many changes to the cast. Reviewers thought the comedy felt old-fashioned and that the show didn’t showcase Bette Midler’s talent very well. Ultimately, it only ran for one season before the network cancelled it.

‘Bad Judge’ (2014–2015)

The show followed a judge known for her wild lifestyle as she tried to manage her personal chaos and demanding job. However, critics thought the storyline wasn’t believable and the comedy was uneven. While the main actress was praised for her talent, many felt she was let down by a script filled with unoriginal jokes. Ultimately, the show failed to attract enough viewers and was cancelled after just thirteen episodes.

‘Animal Practice’ (2012)

This show takes place in a vet hospital, and the main doctor connects more with animals than people. While promotion heavily featured a monkey character, critics saw this as a symptom of a poorly written show. Reviews pointed out that the human characters weren’t very appealing and the storylines weren’t funny. As a result of quickly dropping ratings, the network cancelled the series after just six episodes.

‘1600 Penn’ (2012–2013)

This comedy series centers on a chaotic family residing in the White House, alongside the President. While aiming for laughs, it relied on exaggerated humor and lacked insightful commentary on politics. Many critics found the main character too over-the-top and annoying, and ultimately, the show didn’t connect with audiences, leading to its cancellation after just one season.

‘Me, Myself & I’ (2017–2018)

The show follows a man’s life at three different stages: childhood, adulthood, and old age. Although the idea was original, reviewers found that jumping between timelines made it hard for viewers to truly connect with the characters. The show tried to balance comedy and heartfelt moments, but the sentimentality often overwhelmed the humor, leaving it feeling tonally inconsistent. Ultimately, it was canceled halfway through its first season because of low viewership.

‘Saint George’ (2014)

George Lopez plays a man navigating life after a divorce, juggling a thriving business and a busy family. Unfortunately, the show received negative reviews, with critics finding the writing unoriginal and overly reliant on familiar sitcom clichés. Many felt the jokes were too predictable and the show depended too much on canned laughter to try and make up for a lack of genuine humor. Despite being made as part of a production agreement, it wasn’t renewed for another season.

‘Dr. Ken’ (2015–2017)

The show followed a talented doctor struggling to juggle the demands of his job and his family. Although the main actor was popular with viewers, critics found the humor predictable and the storylines unoriginal, especially given how many other sitcoms were on television at the time. Ultimately, the network canceled the series after it ran for two seasons.

‘The Odd Couple’ (2015–2017)

This new take on a beloved play and TV show centers around two very different roommates in New York City. However, critics found it didn’t live up to earlier versions, missing the cleverness and appeal they remembered. The comedy felt overly simplistic, and the acting didn’t measure up to the original cast. Even with a talented lead actor, many reviewers questioned whether the show needed to be made.

‘Kevin Can Wait’ (2016–2018)

A former police officer hopes retirement will allow him to focus on family, but quickly discovers home life presents unexpected difficulties. The show sparked controversy when it replaced the original female lead in an attempt to pair the star with a previous co-star. Both viewers and critics disliked the change and found the jokes became stale. Consequently, ratings declined in the second season and the show was ultimately canceled.

‘Man with a Plan’ (2016–2020)

When a mother returns to work after focusing on raising her children, her husband often takes on a bigger role in parenting. However, a recent TV show faced criticism for feeling outdated, like a typical family sitcom from the 1990s without offering any fresh perspectives. Many reviewers found the storylines predictable and the humor fell flat. Despite lasting for a few seasons, the show never earned positive reviews.

‘Uncle Buck’ (2016)

This TV series, inspired by the well-known movie, follows a cheerful guy who unexpectedly becomes a nanny for his brother’s kids. However, reviewers found that the show didn’t capture the charm and wit of the original film. Stretching the story out for weekly episodes led to weak plots and jokes that were used too often. Ultimately, the show was cancelled after just one season because of poor ratings and negative reviews.

‘Imaginary Mary’ (2017)

A professional woman’s life takes an unexpected turn when she begins a relationship with a man who has three children, and her imaginary friend from childhood suddenly reappears. Critics didn’t like the use of a computer-generated character, finding it both distracting and lacking humor. Many reviewers also felt the show’s basic idea wasn’t strong enough and that the jokes felt unnatural. Ultimately, the series was short-lived, ending after only nine episodes.

‘Living Biblically’ (2018)

After experiencing a significant personal event, a man attempts to live his life solely by the principles of the Bible. However, the show based on his journey was criticized for being too careful and avoiding potentially controversial topics related to religion. Many found the humor bland and predictable, leading to a general lack of energy and laughs. Ultimately, the network cancelled the show before all episodes could be broadcast.

‘Sunnyside’ (2019)

A retired city councilman discovered a new calling by assisting immigrants with their citizenship applications. Although the show’s concept of celebrating diversity received positive attention, critics found the writing uneven and the storytelling weak. Many felt the characters weren’t fully developed, and the comedy felt forced, relying on oddball personalities. Ultimately, the show moved to an online platform before being canceled.

‘Indebted’ (2020)

A new TV show centered on a young couple taking in the husband’s parents after a financial crisis was quickly cancelled. While the show featured a skilled cast, critics found it relied too heavily on predictable sitcom clichés and the characters weren’t engaging. Ultimately, weak writing led to its cancellation after just one season of twelve episodes.

‘United We Fall’ (2020)

This sitcom revolves around a couple raising young children, but their lives are constantly complicated by meddling family members. Critics found the show to be unoriginal and lacking fresh insights into the challenges of parenting and family dynamics. The jokes were considered predictable, and the connection between the two main actors wasn’t very strong. Ultimately, the show was canceled soon after its first season ended.

‘Call Me Kat’ (2021–2023)

A woman starts a cat cafe to demonstrate to her mother and others that she can live a fulfilling life even though she’s single. While the show is based on a popular British comedy, reviewers found the American adaptation lacked the original’s appeal. They specifically criticized the show’s habit of characters directly addressing the audience, finding it irritating instead of charming. Despite airing for three seasons, the show never really won over critics.

‘How I Met Your Father’ (2022–2023)

A mother shares the story of how she met her son’s father in a sequel to a well-known TV show. However, reviewers thought the new series leaned too much on memories of the original, failing to create its own unique feel. The new characters didn’t connect with each other—or the audience—as quickly as the original cast did, and the show was ultimately cancelled after two seasons on the streaming service.

‘Blockbuster’ (2022)

Okay, so I was really excited about the Blockbuster show, honestly. It was cool seeing them try to tell a story about the last Blockbuster store, tapping into that whole nostalgic feeling. But, sadly, it just didn’t really hit the mark for me, or apparently for many others. The jokes felt a little stale, and the characters weren’t very original. It was kind of funny – and ironic! – that Netflix made a show about a dying video store, considering they’re a streaming giant. Sadly, it only lasted one season because not enough people were watching. It’s a shame, but I guess nostalgia can only take you so far.

‘Baby Bob’ (2002–2003)

The show centers around a baby who constantly offers sarcastic observations about the adults in his life. Originally based on a character from commercials, it received a lot of criticism for its unsettling visuals and uninspired humor. Critics thought the idea wasn’t strong enough to carry a full 30-minute sitcom, and after two seasons of falling ratings, the show was cancelled.

‘Homeboys in Outer Space’ (1996–1997)

This 1990s TV show followed two astronauts traveling through space in a spaceship that looked like an old car, and they met different alien creatures along the way. However, the show received a lot of criticism for relying on harmful racial stereotypes and for being cheaply made. Many reviewers found the humor immature and the stories didn’t make sense, even as a comedy. It’s often remembered as one of the worst shows from that decade.

‘The Trouble with Normal’ (2000)

A comedy about four anxious men who meet in a support group didn’t resonate with viewers. Critics found the characters unpleasant and the humor too dark for most people. The show struggled to make the characters’ anxieties understandable or amusing, and it was quickly cancelled due to poor ratings.

‘Coupling’ (2003)

This American adaptation of a popular British comedy follows the friendships and love lives of six people. However, viewers of the original show found the remake didn’t capture the clever writing and humor of the first series. Many felt the jokes didn’t land as well and the acting seemed unnatural, leading to its cancellation after just four episodes.

‘Ferris Bueller’ (1990–1991)

This show follows a high school student as he tries to get away with things and outsmart his principal, based on a well-known movie. However, reviewers thought the main actor wasn’t as captivating as the original movie star and that the series didn’t feel as special. Many considered the writing to be typical for a teen sitcom and missing the original’s distinctive style. Ultimately, the show was canceled after just one season.

‘My Mother the Car’ (1965–1966)

I remember stumbling across this show years ago and being completely baffled – in the best way! The story is just wild: a guy finds out his late mother has come back to life… as a classic car! And not just any car, but one that talks to him through the radio. Honestly, it was so strange that most critics back then didn’t get it, and a lot of people found it just wasn’t funny. The whole thing hinged on this talking car idea, and it quickly wore thin, I can see why. It only lasted one season and, sadly, it’s become famous for being one of the worst shows ever made. Still, I can’t help but be a little fascinated by how out-there it was!

‘Joanie Loves Chachi’ (1982–1983)

This series followed a young couple as they pursued their music dreams in Chicago. However, viewers thought it lost the appeal of the original show and relied too heavily on musical numbers. Critics found the storylines weak and the connection between the main actors wasn’t strong enough to keep audiences engaged. Ultimately, the show was cancelled after a short time and received negative reviews.

‘AfterMASH’ (1983–1985)

After a hugely popular show concluded, several of its characters came back together at a veterans hospital in Missouri. However, critics found the new series didn’t have the same emotional impact or humor as the original. Many viewers also thought the shift from a war setting to a hospital felt awkward and didn’t add anything to the story. As a result, the show was cancelled during its second season due to low ratings and tough competition.

‘The Bradys’ (1990)

A beloved sitcom family returned to television, but this time the show tried to combine funny moments with more serious, dramatic storylines. Viewers didn’t respond well to the change in style, finding the humor didn’t quite fit and the serious subjects felt wrong for the cheerful family they knew and loved. The show was ultimately cancelled after just six episodes.

‘Public Morals’ (1996)

This show followed a group of city police officers as they handled everyday crimes and navigated office drama. However, it received harsh reviews due to its vulgar jokes and inappropriate language, causing many TV stations to decline to broadcast it. Reviewers found the show unnecessarily harsh and the characters unlikeable, and it was quickly cancelled after just one episode aired.

‘Method & Red’ (2004)

A new comedy series followed two well-known hip hop artists as they adjusted to life in an upscale, suburban community, leading to conflicts with their more traditional neighbors. While the show had potential, reviewers found it predictable and lacking the wit that made the artists famous. Internal creative disagreements during production also hurt the show’s quality, and it was ultimately cancelled before finishing its first season.

‘Stacked’ (2005–2006)

A woman hoping for a fresh start takes a job at a cozy bookstore owned by two brothers. While the show had a charming premise, critics found it relied too much on slapstick and jokes about the lead actress’s looks. They also felt the bookstore setting wasn’t used to its full potential and the storylines were predictable. Ultimately, the show was cancelled after its second season because not enough people were watching.

‘The Class’ (2006–2007)

The show followed a group of former third-grade classmates who reconnect years later and start impacting each other’s lives. However, reviewers found the large cast and individual stories didn’t quite grab their attention. The comedy was inconsistent, with many jokes falling flat. Despite a talented team behind it, the show was ultimately cancelled after just one season.

‘Mulaney’ (2014–2015)

This comedy series followed a comedian trying to make it big while navigating life with his quirky friends and a tough boss. While some reviewers drew comparisons to popular 1990s sitcoms, many felt it didn’t quite measure up. Critics also noted that the star’s stand-up comedy style didn’t work as well in a traditional sitcom setting. Ultimately, the show was cancelled after the network decided to order fewer episodes.

‘Haters Back Off’ (2016–2017)

The show centers around a social media personality who desperately believes she’s a celebrity, even though she doesn’t have any real talent. However, many viewers found the main character annoying and difficult to root for, making it hard to invest in the series. The comedy often felt awkward and relied on the same jokes repeatedly over its two seasons. Ultimately, the streaming service decided to cancel it after the second season aired.

‘That ’80s Show’ (2002)

This show, set in San Diego in the mid-1980s, followed a group of young people as they dealt with life and relationships. Despite having the same producers as a very popular show set in a similar time period, it didn’t attract a large audience. Reviewers thought the show relied too heavily on predictable 1980s references and that the characters weren’t well-developed. Ultimately, it was cancelled after just one season because not enough people watched it.

Tell us which sitcoms you think failed to hit the mark in the comments.

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2026-02-07 05:26