Overrated Sitcoms Everyone Seems To Like

For decades, sitcoms have been a constant on TV, offering a familiar and enjoyable escape for viewers worldwide. These shows frequently build large, dedicated fanbases and often stay on the air for many seasons, becoming major talking points in pop culture. While some sitcoms are critically praised and win numerous awards, others achieve huge popularity despite dividing opinions on their humor or how long they should last. This list looks at a variety of successful situation comedies that have resonated with audiences, even when critics and viewers haven’t always agreed on their quality or staying power.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

I absolutely loved watching these six friends try to figure out life in New York City! They basically lived at two apartments and this cozy coffee place called Central Perk – it felt like a second home to them. And honestly, the will-they-won’t-they between Ross and Rachel kept me hooked for all ten seasons. It’s crazy to think this show is still so popular and has made so much money all these years – it really is a classic!

‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)

The show centers around Leonard and Sheldon, two brilliant but socially awkward physicists who live together. Their lives are complicated – and funny – because of their neighbor, Penny, an actress. A lot of the humor comes from how their smart, science-focused world clashes with everyday life. They frequently talk about comic books and popular science fiction shows. The series was a big hit with viewers and ran for twelve seasons.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Ted Mosby tells his kids the long story of how he met their mother. The story jumps between the present and the past, and we see events through Ted’s sometimes biased memories. Throughout their twenties and thirties, Ted and his friends hang out at a bar called MacLaren’s as they navigate their careers and love lives in New York City. The series ends with a final season that takes place over one weekend, culminating in a finale that many viewers found divisive.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

As a huge fan of comedies, I always loved this show! It’s a documentary-style comedy that follows the everyday lives of the people who work at a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The regional manager, Michael Scott, is constantly trying to be liked by his employees, but his attempts at humor and leadership are usually pretty awkward and off-the-mark. What’s really cool about it is that it doesn’t have a traditional laugh track – it feels really realistic. The characters often talk directly to the camera, letting you know exactly what they’re thinking. It’s actually based on a British series, but it totally took off and became a massive cultural hit here in the States.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Jerry Seinfeld stars as a slightly exaggerated version of himself in this sitcom set in New York City. The show became well-known for being ‘about nothing,’ meaning it finds humor in the small, everyday details of life. The characters frequently get into funny and awkward situations because of their own flaws and quirks. Many people consider it one of the most important and impactful comedy shows in television history.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

This funny sitcom, presented like a documentary, follows three different families who are all part of one big clan. Jay Pritchett is the head of the family, and the show explores how he connects with his grown kids and his new wife. It’s known for its humor about the differences between generations and cultures, shown through interviews and lively family events. It was also a five-time Emmy winner for being the best comedy series.

‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003–2015)

This comedy follows a carefree songwriter living in a Malibu beach house when his more serious brother and young nephew come to live with him. The show’s humor comes from how differently the brothers approach life and raise children. There were some cast changes towards the end of the series, including the lead actor leaving, but it remained incredibly popular on CBS for over ten years.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–Present)

The Griffin family resides in the made-up town of Quahog, constantly finding themselves in strange and unusual situations. Peter Griffin is the goofy dad, but his incredibly smart baby and talking dog often become the center of attention. The show is known for its quick, often unrelated jokes and references to popular culture, which frequently break up the story. Despite being canceled a few times, strong DVD sales and dedicated fans have brought it back each time.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

The Simpsons is an animated comedy about a typical family living in Springfield. Homer works at the nuclear power plant, and his wife, Marge, manages the household. It’s the longest-running scripted primetime show in television history, with more episodes than any other. While still popular, many fans and critics compare newer episodes unfavorably to what many consider the show’s best years in the 1990s.

‘Full House’ (1987–1995)

A single father enlists the help of his brother-in-law and best friend to raise his three daughters in San Francisco. The show focuses on strong family values and typically ends each episode with a meaningful life lesson. It became a cultural phenomenon in the late 80s and early 90s, with several lines from the show becoming well-known catchphrases. Years later, a continuation of the series was created for a streaming service, bringing back most of the original actors.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

This show follows four friends in New York City as they talk about love, sex, and their careers. Each episode’s themes are explored through a newspaper column written by one of the friends, Carrie Bradshaw. Fashion is a key part of the show’s look and lasting impact. It’s known for changing the way TV portrays female friendships and sexuality.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

Everyone loves Raymond follows sportswriter Ray Barone as he navigates daily life with his meddling parents who live right across the street. His wife, Debra, frequently clashes with Ray’s demanding mother-in-law, Marie. The show humorously explores common family arguments and the quirks of close relationships, and it originated from the stand-up routines of its star.

‘The King of Queens’ (1998–2007)

Doug Heffernan, a delivery driver, shares a home in Queens with his wife, Carrie, and her quirky father, Arthur. The show’s humor often comes from Doug wanting a relaxed lifestyle while Arthur constantly creates chaos with his plans. The strong connection between the actors helped the series last for nine seasons, even with tough competition, and it’s still enjoyed by viewers worldwide in reruns.

‘2 Broke Girls’ (2011–2017)

The show follows a savvy waitress and a wealthy woman who’s fallen from grace as they share an apartment and work together at a diner. They’re trying to save up to open their own cupcake shop, but money is tight. The comedy often uses suggestive humor and relies on familiar, exaggerated character types. While it started with strong viewership, the show later received criticism for its sometimes overly crude jokes.

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

After a tough breakup, teacher Jess Day decides to share a loft with three single guys. Over time, they become like a quirky, loving family as they figure out life in their thirties. The show is full of silly games and running jokes, and it’s known for how much the actors improvise their lines.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

The detectives of the 99th precinct, working under their serious captain, investigate crimes in New York City. One of them, Jake Peralta, is a skilled but often irresponsible detective who frequently butts heads with his superiors. The show combines realistic police work with funny workplace situations, and a dedicated fanbase successfully campaigned to keep it on the air after five seasons.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Leslie Knope is a cheerful and dedicated city employee who works for the Parks Department in Pawnee. She’s constantly trying to make her town a better place, even though many people in local government and the community don’t seem to care. The show is filmed like a documentary, similar to other popular comedies about workplaces at the time, and features a talented group of actors who later became very successful.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Liz Lemon is a comedy writer who juggles the personalities of the cast and crew on a live television show. Her boss, Jack Donaghy, guides her career while also trying to promote the network’s products. The show is famous for its quick wit and often jokes about the world of television itself. It was a multiple Emmy Award winner, taking home the prize for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

Michael Bluth attempts to hold his family and their company together when his father is incarcerated. The Bluths, a very wealthy family, are shown as self-centered and disconnected from the real world. The show is known for its complex storylines and running jokes that are especially rewarding for attentive viewers. While it didn’t initially attract a large audience, it later became incredibly popular with a dedicated fan base.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

A lawyer who lost his license ends up at community college and joins a study group with a quirky and diverse bunch of students. The show is known for playfully poking fun at popular movie and TV clichés with creative, over-the-top episodes. It often uses self-aware humor, with characters acknowledging how strange things are. Making the show was challenging, with several changes in leadership and where it aired.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–Present)

A group of five self-centered friends run a failing Irish bar in South Philadelphia. Known as ‘The Gang,’ they’re always hatching ridiculous plans that usually backfire, causing trouble for everyone involved – including themselves. The show is unique because the characters never learn from their mistakes and remain deeply flawed throughout the entire series. It’s also become the longest-running live-action sitcom ever on American TV.

‘Scrubs’ (2001–2010)

Intern John Dorian, or J.D., starts his medical training at Sacred Heart Hospital, often escaping into elaborate daydreams. He tries to earn the respect of his critical mentor, Dr. Cox, and develops a romantic relationship with his colleague, Elliot. The show combines humorous, often silly, situations with realistic and emotional storylines about patients and the challenges of working in a hospital. J.D. himself narrates the episodes, offering his perspective on the events.

‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)

Vincent Chase, a famous actor, deals with the challenges of Hollywood alongside his close friends from back home. His determined agent, Ari Gold, constantly works to get him the best opportunities. The show is known for appearances by real celebrities and depicts a very glamorous, over-the-top lifestyle. Recently, critics have started looking closely at how the series portrays ideas about masculinity.

‘That ’70s Show’ (1998–2006)

This show follows a group of teenagers in Wisconsin during the late 1970s as they hang out in a basement. It realistically portrays the fashion, music, and everyday struggles of adolescence. Eric Forman is the relatable main character, often caught between his friends and his demanding father. A distinctive visual technique—a spinning camera—is frequently used when the group is shown together in a circle.

‘Home Improvement’ (1991–1999)

Tim Taylor is the star of the home improvement show “Tool Time” and a father to three rambunctious boys. The show’s humor comes from Tim’s love of powerful tools and the mishaps that happen when he uses them. He often gets helpful, but mysterious, advice from his neighbor Wilson, who always stays partially hidden behind a fence. “Home Improvement” was a hugely popular show throughout the 1990s.

‘Will & Grace’ (1998–2020)

This show centers around two close friends – a gay lawyer and a straight interior designer – who live together in New York City. Their lives are often intertwined with those of their colorful friends: a wealthy socialite who works as their assistant, and a dramatic actor. It was groundbreaking for its time, being one of the first primetime shows to prominently feature gay characters, and it made a comeback on television after a successful original run.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

I absolutely love “Gilmore Girls”! It’s about Lorelai Gilmore and her smart daughter, Rory, living in this adorable, slightly weird town called Stars Hollow. What really gets me is how fast everyone talks and all the funny pop culture jokes. The show is so good at showing the complicated relationships Lorelai and Rory have with their families, and of course, all their different boyfriends. Honestly, I still argue with my friends about who was the best guy for Rory!

‘Fuller House’ (2016–2020)

The new series follows a similar storyline to the original, but now focuses on the oldest daughter as she raises her own family. She returns to her hometown with her sister and best friend to help run things at home. Throughout the series, fans can enjoy appearances by actors from the original show, which largely depended on familiar faces and moments to attract viewers.

‘Mike & Molly’ (2010–2016)

Okay, so this show is a really sweet sitcom about a cop and a teacher who meet at Overeaters Anonymous and, naturally, fall for each other. The fun part is her whole, very vocal family lives with her, and they’re constantly getting involved! It’s a classic setup, dealing with the ups and downs of weight loss and relationships, but it’s done in a really relatable way. Plus, it’s where Melissa McCarthy really broke out – seriously, she’s hilarious in it!

‘Mom’ (2013–2021)

I just finished watching this show, and it’s surprisingly good! It centers around Christy, a single mom battling addiction and trying to get her life on track, all while also helping her own mom, who’s also in recovery. What really struck me is how it tackles really tough issues – addiction, teen pregnancy, you name it – but does it with a lot of heart and genuinely funny moments. We see Christy and her mom, Bonnie, navigating AA meetings, supporting each other through setbacks, and dealing with some heavy stuff. It’s a really clever balance – it doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it manages to find the humor in it all, which is what critics have been raving about.

‘The Goldbergs’ (2013–2023)

The series follows young Adam Goldberg as he captures his family’s life on video in the 1980s. He lives with his loud and controlling mother, Beverly, and his stern father, Murray, in a lively and often messy home. A unique feature of each episode is the inclusion of genuine home video footage of the real people who inspired the characters, and the show heavily draws on viewers’ fondness for 80s films and toys.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–Present)

The show follows a grumpy, brilliant scientist who takes his worried grandson on wild, risky journeys through different realities. It’s a blend of smart science fiction, edgy comedy, and heartfelt family moments. Viewers love to dissect the show’s intricate backstory and the big ideas it explores, and it’s become a huge hit with tons of merchandise and a passionate following.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

This animated show, set in a Colorado mountain town, follows the adventures of four boys as they stumble into strange situations and meet exaggerated versions of famous people. It’s made very quickly to stay current with what’s happening in the news and politics. The show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, provide the voices for most of the male characters, and it’s known for constantly challenging what’s considered acceptable in terms of content and humor.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

After losing all their money, a formerly rich family is forced to relocate to a small town they once bought on a whim. Now living in a shabby motel, they have to adjust to a life of poverty. Over time, the Rose family learns to value what truly matters – each other – and the quirky characters they meet in their new home. The show’s final season was a huge success, winning all the top comedy awards at the Emmys.

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–2023)

A college football coach from the US takes on the challenge of leading a British soccer team, even though he’s never done anything like it before. Initially, the players and the club owner are doubtful, but his positive attitude gradually wins them over. The show became a major hit for Apple TV+, known for its feel-good story. However, some reviewers thought the later episodes became overly sentimental.

‘Silicon Valley’ (2014–2019)

A programmer creates a groundbreaking way to compress data and attempts to launch a business around it. The show follows him and his colleagues as they compete in the challenging tech scene of California. It playfully mocks the fast-paced startup world and the unusual behavior of wealthy investors. The show experienced a setback when one of its key actors left after season four.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Selina Meyer is the Vice President, and the show follows her navigating the often-clumsy world of Washington politics. Her staff is constantly working to fix problems and help her career, but they often face public relations crises and political blunders. The show is known for its sharp, funny, and often profane dialogue, offering a darkly humorous and realistic look behind the scenes of power.

‘Workaholics’ (2011–2017)

This comedy follows three friends who dropped out of college and now work at a telemarketing company in California. They’re determined to avoid work and spend their time goofing off, often fueled by drugs and a general unwillingness to act like adults. The show was created by and stars the same people who wrote the scripts.

‘Broad City’ (2014–2019)

As a film and TV buff, I absolutely loved this show! It follows two best friends, Ilana and Abbi, just trying to figure out life in their twenties in New York City – which, let’s be real, is hard enough even with money and a plan! They’re pretty much broke and totally lost, but in a hilarious way. Ilana is all about having fun and avoiding responsibility, while Abbi’s trying to make it as an artist. What’s really cool is that the show is based on the creators’ own friendship and experiences, so it feels super authentic. It actually started as a web series before becoming a full-blown TV show, which is a testament to how funny and relatable it is.

‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015–2019)

After being rescued from a doomsday cult following fifteen years, a woman begins rebuilding her life in New York City. Despite a difficult past and being unfamiliar with the modern world, she remains remarkably optimistic. She shares an apartment with a struggling actor and finds work as a housekeeper for a wealthy socialite. The show is known for its cheerful, colorful style and quirky, often silly, humor.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Mindy Lahiri is an OB/GYN who loves romantic comedies and often tries to live out their storylines in her own life. She works with a quirky group of coworkers at a small doctor’s office. While she often seems focused on herself, she’s really searching for a meaningful relationship. The show originally aired on a traditional TV network but later moved to a streaming platform.

‘Rules of Engagement’ (2007–2013)

This show follows the lives of two married couples and their single friend as they navigate the ups and downs of love and relationships. It explores how relationships change over time, from the excitement of new romance to the challenges of long-term commitment. Patrick Warburton delivers humorous, often sarcastic, observations as a husband. For many years, the show was a consistently popular choice when added to television schedules mid-season.

‘According to Jim’ (2001–2009)

This sitcom centers on a dad living in the suburbs who constantly gets into trouble with his wife because he’s headstrong and always coming up with plans. When he’s not at home, he plays blues music with his brother-in-law. The show follows a classic sitcom style, complete with a laugh track and everyday family situations. While critics weren’t always kind, it managed to stay on the air for eight seasons with a loyal audience.

‘Last Man Standing’ (2011–2021)

Okay, so I just finished watching this show, and it’s… interesting. It centers around a guy, played by Tim Allen, who’s a bit of a traditional, conservative type, and he’s completely surrounded by women at home. He tries really hard to hold onto his idea of what a ‘man’ should be, which leads to some funny moments. He also films these video blogs where he shares his opinions on everything happening in the world, which is where things get really interesting. The show tackles the huge divide we’re seeing in politics right now, but it does it through the lens of one family trying to navigate it all. It actually got cancelled initially, but surprisingly, another network picked it up a year later, which tells you something! It’s definitely a show that sparks conversation.

Share your thoughts on which of these sitcoms you think deserves the hype in the comments.

2026-01-04 16:20