Classic Sitcoms: The Best-Loved TV Comedies That Still Make Us Laugh

When we talk about classic sitcoms, TV comedies that aired during the golden age of broadcast television and became cultural touchstones. Also known as legacy comedy series, these shows built their humor on relatable characters, tight writing, and timing that still works decades later. They weren’t just funny—they became part of family routines, watercooler talk, and even how we learned about relationships, work, and life.

What makes a sitcom classic? It’s not just how many episodes it had, though The Simpsons, the longest-running American sitcom and animated series ever, holds the record with over 750 episodes. It’s not just ratings either, even though Friends, a global phenomenon that pulled in 52 million viewers for its finale and still dominates streaming, proves that laughter has no expiration date. It’s the mix of heart, rhythm, and characters you feel like you know—like Cliff Huxtable, Kramer, or Michael Scott. These shows didn’t just entertain; they created shared memories across generations.

And it’s not just about the big names. Behind every hit sitcom was a team that nailed the balance between joke and emotion. The Office, a mockumentary-style comedy that turned mundane office life into must-watch TV, proved you don’t need a studio audience or laugh track to make people howl. It’s the awkward pauses, the cringe, the tiny moments that stick with you. That’s why these shows keep coming back—not because we’re nostalgic, but because they’re still funny.

What you’ll find below is a curated look at the sitcoms that defined eras, broke records, and still get watched today. From the oldest sitcoms still on reruns to the ones that broke the mold and became streaming giants, this collection answers the big questions: What made them work? Why do we still love them? And which one really deserves the title of #1?