Hundreds of television series are being released every year, giving audiences everything they need for pure entertainment. From drama to comedy, to suspense and sci-fi, there will always be shows that are a credit card swipe away that can capture viewers’ hearts. Because of their storyline and their effective portrayal of characters, many television series are doing extremely well these days, bringing in big money for streaming outlets like Netflix and HBO. But forget about the present and join us as we take a trip down memory lane to look back at the top 50 television shows of all time.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES
Lead character James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, goes on a trip across the galaxy with his Starship Enterprise and crew. Together they had several adventures against evil forces. Although the science fiction television series only lasted for three seasons in the ‘60s, it garnered a whole lot of fans after it was syndicated. After ten years, Gene Roddenberry’s creation, much to its credit, turned into feature films, toys, and a lot more else. More than the Starship Enterprise’s goal of seeking new worlds and civilizations, the creator’s vision of humanity and consciousness made the series loved by fans even decades after its last episode was seen on TV.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
The original Star Trek series has become an iconic American television show before its spin-off series, Star Trek: The Next Generation began airing. The spin-off relived the grand days of Star Trek with Captain Jean-Luc Picard leading the way for the Starfleet officers and the Enterprise NCC 1701-D, with many saying that the latter was better than the original. Together with another cast, including Will Wheaton and Marina Sirtis, Star Trek brought new adventures in space. The Next Generation also took credit for being a trendsetter–it was the first multi-syndicated sci-fi series, proving that television should not be boxed within three big networks.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
Just like any other Star Trek show, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had also become a hit for many fans. But instead of a mobile ship, this show was set in a fixed space station. It showed cross-cultural alien activities and different degrees of alien-like cultures. Other Trek shows may not have tackled the conflict between characters but this one anchored itself on this theme, making its storyline different and interesting among viewers. This Star Trek series was one of the best in terms of complex science fiction.
I LOVE LUCY
More than six decades ago, television viewers were treated to a sitcom that was remarkably charming as its lead character, Lucy, went through varying degrees of misadventure to get her ultimate dream. I Love Lucy featured Lucy Ricardo, a wannabe superstar who lacked the skills to make it in the industry. With the support of her husband, Lucy faces different antics and misadventures, and their neighbors get entangled alongside them. Lead star Lucille Ball and co-star Desi Arnaz paved the way for the use of multi-cameras and live studio audiences, and many sitcoms eventually followed suit. I Love Lucy served as a template for future sitcoms.
THE TWILIGHT ZONE
Back in the 1950s when television shows were merely simple and easy to do, The Twilight Zone veered from the stereotypical horror show template and paved the way for challenging stories that were imbued with science fiction. It tapped into societal issues but executed them in a way that made it more profound and relatable. All credit goes to Rod Serling who created the hit Twilight Zone with the idea of bringing in standalone episodes of mystical tales. Characters tended to solve their own struggles with unique ideas that shocked viewers.
MAD MED
Mad Men is a television series that focuses on the American advertising industry. Set in Madison Avenue, a street in New York City which is said to be the heart of advertising, Mad Men featured the life of self-made man and ad executive Donald Draper, played by Jon Hamm, and how he fabricates his identity as he tries to sell people the insurance of having the perfect image and reputation. Even though this drama is considered quiet and meditative, creator Matthew Weiner still made an impact in placing wit and shock in every episode– this made everyone love the show even more.
LOST
A number of plane crash survivors stranded on a mysterious island were forced to work hand-in-hand against a meta-mysterious creature. This is what made the Lost television series’ fans hooked until the last episode. Characters had to face monsters and other mysteries on the island while going through their own stories of love and loss. The creators injected the show with humor and suspense and made it one hell of a ride per episode. The sci-fi drama is a breath of fresh air when it aired in 2004 because back then, many shows were focused on lawyers, doctors, police, and drugs. Many reviews of its first two seasons said the show was a tad slow but the rest of its seasons picked up the pace, leading to more viewers.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Saturday Night Live started in 1975 with the aim of serving as a platform for keeping abreast of various topics under the sun. For four decades, the show evolved into a platform for actors, comedians, and artists to join together and perform skits that are relevant and entertaining to a certain degree. While it has been said that SNL’s performance every week varies, it has remained anchored to its mission of serving as an avenue for cultural and political moments. It has served as a platform for major events in the past, including the September 11 attack and U.S presidential elections. It has also produced an array of comedic talents during the last four decades. SNL is a witness for Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, and many other comedic talents, leading them to be cast into other Hollywood projects.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
The comedy sitcom All in the Family, which aired on CBS, has brought the real-life American family situation to the television screen. The Bunkers, led by husband and wife Archie and Edith, showed audiences fascinating scenes that depicted typical family life. Although the patriarch, played by Carroll O’Connor, has shown immense narrow-mindedness and prejudice in his beliefs, he can still take credit for capturing many viewers’ attention. People got hooked on the sitcom, and its storyline is still relevant in these modern times.
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
The American television sitcom Arrested Development, created by Mitchell Hurwitz, followed the riches to rags story of the Bluth family. It started with the arrest of the family patriarch (George) for fraud, which led to the family’s loss of wealth and investments. Amidst the family’s feuding, George’s son steps in to try and make their family peaceful again. This sitcom captured millions of fans because of its quirky and outlandish storyline, which resulted in unique comedic instances and family drama. The sitcom first aired on Fox and was resurrected on Netflix before finally ending in 2019.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur made Parks and Recreation with the goal of mixing political satire and marriage with comedy. The main protagonist, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) was a mid-level bureaucrat who helped a local nurse turn a construction site into a community park. However, the two encounter red tape and selfish neighbors. From 2009 to 2015, Parks and Recreation had audiences entertained by the main character’s weird optimism (credit goes to Poehler’s effective portrayal) amidst snotty and self-centered people. While the sitcom’s first season struggled to be at the same level as the sitcoms The Office and Pawnee, Parks and Recreation eventually found its own niche in the following seasons and had its final episode in 2015.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
In the 1970s, the original Battlestar Galactica failed to live up to its potential. But Ron Moore’s reboot in 2004 improved on it and made it better. Consisting of interesting characters and performances, the reboot was said to be darker than the original but better in every regard. It raised philosophical and theological questions in many an avid fan’s minds. Battlestar Galactica reflected the modern world despite that it’s a science fiction fantasy. It also takes credit for inspiring a few spin-offs.
SESAME STREET
Who doesn’t know Sesame Street–the show is, to their credit, one of the best children’s television programs in history. PBS truly marked this longtime program as every kid’s favorite. Indeed, every child back then grew up with lead characters Big Bird, Elmo, Ernie. These characters have evolved over time, and have turned into household names along the way. This show has also imparted important lessons for viewers–lessons that played a role in helping children navigate their young lives. It is now in its 50th season since it started in 1969, with no plans of ending its run.
THE SIMPSONS
The Simpsons is more than a sitcom. Proving that it can show off thought-provoking topics that are socially and politically relevant up to this day, it focused on the life of a dysfunctional family that had to navigate varying degrees of real-life situations. It was like this for the 600 episodes that it released since it first aired in 1989. It is, at 20 years long, the longest-running American sitcom. While its ending might not be seen in the offing, Homer and Bart Simpson will always be one of the most influential and recognizable pop cultural figures in the last two decades. The sitcom’s popularity also helped Fox become recognized as one of the biggest networks.
FUTURAMA
The success of the hit animated shows The Simpsons has transcended time, precipitating in the follow-up series Futurama. Although it did not get as big as the former’s popularity, Futurama, to some degree, earned a spot in the cultural zeitgeist. Its combination of comedy and sci-fi presented a whole new level of hilarity. Its cast of humans, aliens, cyclops, and robots have all entertained with their antics and weird shenanigans.
SOUTH PARK
This well-loved adult cartoon, created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, satirized everything in the cultural zeitgeist that was worth paying attention to and became a television favorite. It is, to some degree, a combination of adult humor and political commentary that went beyond traditional standards. South Park features the lives of Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick as they go through mishaps and misadventures in Colorado. The show also faced various controversies because of some of its episodes. Its edgy content makes it a top favorite even to this day.
FAWLTY TOWERS
This 1970s comedy sitcom was one of the most loved shows on British television. The brainchild of John Cleese, who played Basil Fawlty, was a show that was fictionally set in Basil’s hotel. Basil is a rude and hard-headed hotel manager who was always in verbal arguments with his wife, Sybil. Adding to that is the shenanigans is an incompetent Spanish waiter who has managed to still be employed. According to Cleese, he once encountered a real hotel owner, and this was what gave him the idea of creating the sitcom. Although many will find Basil’s personality disagreeable, he was a well-loved character to whom the show credits its success.
THE WEST WING
While this political drama did not make it to everyone’s favorite list of television shows, The West Wing, which first aired in 1999, had more than its share of fans. The story circles around a fictional Democratic President named Josiah “Jed” Bartlet and his slew of presidential advisers. This NBC drama featured scandals, threats, and political battles. Bartlet, apparently, had to go through a lot during his two presidential terms. With him was his White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Josh Lyman, and other staff who had to maintain a certain degree of balance in their work. This serial drama was created by Aaron Sorkin and its last episode aired in May 2006.
THE WIRE
HBO’s hit action-drama series The Wire dropped its first episode in 2002, with fans initially thinking the show was, to a huge degree, just another police drama. As its episodes and seasons unveiled, the show showed the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and focused specifically on Baltimore, Maryland. The story may seem inspired by former Baltimore journalist and author David Simon’s realizations about the judicial system. The series revolves around the lives of characters Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), Omar Little (Michael K. Williams), Kima Greggs (Sonja Sohn), Stringer Bell (Idris Elba), and defense attorney Maurice Levy (Michael Kostroff). What made The Wire a truly remarkable hit was the fact that the showrunners did not hesitate to kill off lead characters, whom fans loved so well, for the sake of a good story. For 60 episodes, The Wire tackled various socio-political issues like the drug trade, mayoral politics, union longshoremen, print journalism, and the school system. While The Wire has long ended, it cannot be denied much of what it featured are still relevant today.
CHAPPELLE’S SHOW
Chappelle’s Show was a breath of fresh air during its time. Dave Chapelle’s comedy show, just like previous comedy shows led by stand-up comedians, combined politics and pop culture topics with the kind of racial humor that invited controversy. The skits were, to some degree, made to offend. The show’s unique take on racial issues was made with humor and wit, and it left many to burst out in hearty guffaws. Despite a few controversies, Chappelle’s Show was the premier program for racial comedy before it ended its run in 2006.
THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW
The Larry Sanders Show gave us a peek into what it’s like to follow the production of a talk show. The lives of the hosts and their goal of achieving superficial victories. There was cheating, lying, stealing, and a lot more else. It also gives viewers a glimpse of what would be typical behind-the-scenes interaction between hosts and celebrity guests, which was often awkward and hilarious. The funny and light HBO series was infinitely relatable to viewers because its characters cannot handle themselves and often made trouble out of their actions. It had many similarities with the all-time hit comedy The Office. The show, to some degree, made light of Hollywood politics and had real-life stars guesting as themselves.
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JOHNNY CARSON
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson is said to be the father of modern late-night television. Much to his credit, the host, Johnny Carson, started the whole late-night thing. Spanning three decades, the late-night show featured interviews with prominent personalities, politicians, opinion-makers, and celebrities. For years, his audience looked forward to his late-night advice, whether good or bad. Johnny Carson’s hosting has led him to bag various awards and recognitions, including six Emmy Awards. It first aired on NBC in 1962 and ended in 1992.
THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART
The Daily Show was a new platform aimed at giving audiences up-to-date political news, peppered with cutting-edge humor. It touched a slew of topics, ranging from the elections to other important political events since it first aired in 1996. The tenure of Jon Stewart, to some degree, led the show to pivot to more serious daily news, but the show still featured its trademarked satire and comical touch. After Stewart’s departure, Trevor Noah took over as the host from 2015 up to today. The show also catapulted the careers of its correspondents, including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver.
LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN
Instead of being the successor of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on NBC, David Letterman jumped to CBS and etched his own name as one of the best talk show hosts in America. The shows can credit Letterman’s wit, intelligence, and charisma for its success. Late Show with David Letterman featured guests, comedians, and musicians, as well as the favorite Top Ten lists. The talk show clinched a number of awards, including five Emmys. Letterman’s show aired from 1993 to 2013. After his retirement, the show was renamed Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
THE COSBY SHOW
Before Bill Cosby got his comeuppance, he was known as the wholesome patriarch of The Cosby Show. Playing the obstetrician Cliff Huxtable, he, together with his lawyer wife and their daughters, made their mark on TV. The sitcom tackled issues within the family, including teenage pregnancy and learning disabilities, and audiences were glued. Bill Cosby’s character in the sitcom got him to be viewed as the perfect template for fathers in America.
THE SOPRANOS
Many reviews of HBO’s The Sopranos reveal how its story was well-written and totally relatable to many degrees. The show focused on the lead character Tony Soprano’s life as mafia head and the patriarch of his family whose members have their own personal struggles. The Sopranos was definitely relatable—from big issues that involve society to the smaller but equally important ones. It has touched on crime and violence while featuring teen angst, caring for the elderly, college relationships, and mental health. The lead character Tony Soprano himself regularly visited his psychiatrist to deal with anxiety and depression, a topic which not many TV series were able to tackle during the early 2000s. The Sopranos aired its last episode in 2007.
BAND OF BROTHERS
The television adaptation of Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 non-fiction book Band of Brothers was a collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who were also the producers of the 1998 World War II film Saving Private Ryan. The announcement of this series was bound to ignite many viewers as the men behind it were huge names in the Industry. With cast names like Damien Lewis and Ron Livingston, audiences were promised a very engrossing series. The episodes were written wonderfully, and the show spawned another television series called The Pacific, which, to a huge degree, many considered a spinoff of the original.
DEADWOOD
In the 1980s, people in Deadwood, South Dakota, aspired to get rich. Not many of them could, however. Timothy Olyphant plays Sheriff Seth Bullock while Ian McShane plays the vulgar Al Swearengen. Even though Deadwood only lasted three seasons–totaling 36 episodes–it was still considered to be one of HBO’s best series, thanks to the storyline created by David Milch. The fantastic cast performances were also often credited for the show’s success. The show had a lot of fans, but HBO left them hanging when it was canceled.
CHEERS
Fans of the television show, Cheers, can totally relate to bars, the place where many of them release their tension after a full day’s work. Cheers featured a group of people from different paths who all regularly met at Cheers, a bar in Boston. At the cozy bar, they end up sharing different stories and experiences while drinking. Ted Danson plays Sam Malone, the proprietor of Cheers bar. The show had a great balance of comedy and drama and was lauded for its smooth handling of the tragic death of cast member Nicholas Colasanto, who was replaced by Woody Boyd. Cheers is, to a huge degree, one of the best sitcoms ever made, and the show has 11 seasons for people to binge.
SEINFELD
Main cast member Jerry Seinfeld had a talent for combining comedy and taboo topics for mainstream television. He did it so well with the help of his friends George, Elaine, and Kramer. For over nine seasons, Seinfeld was able to catch the interest of millions of viewers, as it turned comedy into a platform for tackling relatable issues. To some degree, the show was able to combine each of its characters’ lives and turn them into a cultural phenomenon. Seinfeld also became a household name and a boon for the careers of its cast in the years that followed.
BREAKING BAD
Breaking Bad is considered one of the best television series that featured anti-heroes. Who would have thought that a story of a cancer-stricken high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin would catch many interests. The show had fans rooting for him until the end, despite that the main character became worse after each episode? It all started with the goal of creating meth to pay his medical bills and cash loans. But as the lead characters went on in the series, they turned into big-time drug makers. Created by Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad’s Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) and his former-student-turned-meth-partner Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul) effectively portrayed their roles as everything got more and more complicated. Better Call Saul is Breaking Bad’s spin-off after it bid goodbye in 2013.
GAME OF THRONES
HBO’s Game of Thrones is considered to be one of the most famous television series in modern times. It redefined the fantasy genre in mainstream television with its grand production. Indeed, the production values can be compared to big-screen movies like The Lord of the Rings. It has tackled different issues, analogs of which we see all over society. It also touched on topics about family, love, and politics, and got fans across the globe to wait with bated breath for the next episode. It also frustrated more than a few fans by subjecting some of its lead characters to gruesome and tragic deaths, leading some viewers to experience dizzying degrees of emotion. The show was lauded for its spectacular cinematography, musical scoring, and storyline.
NYPD BLUE
American police drama NYPD Blue tackled the challenges of the fictional 15th Precinct in Manhattan, New York City. Each episode featured plots where each character’s professional and personal lives intertwined. Characters, including cops Andy Sipowicz and Bobby Simone, had to maintain a degree of balance between their work and personal lives while doing the best they can to protect their beloved city from elements that aim to destroy it. NYPD Blue did not bank on riveting or shocking storylines. Rather, it gave us a peek into the lives of police officers and showed us what they went through in the name of their duty. It bid its goodbye in 2005 after running 11 seasons.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Based on the 1992 movie of the same title, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural drama that depicts the life of Buffy Anne Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, and her adventures as a demon and vampire huntress. The series was a combination of comedy, supernatural, drama and a tinge degree of horror rolled into one for its teenage audience. While it is packed with action and comedy, the show also pulled at audiences’ heartstrings with brutal character deaths. It is a fine example of a hit show at a time when witch-hunting and high school magic as a theme was definitely a hit for many.
TWIN PEAKS
Thirty years ago, the crime drama Twin Peaks aired on television, making everyone hooked on the characters’ lives in the small town of Twin Peaks. The story focused on the death of Laura Palmer, a teenager, and homecoming queen. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper had to investigate and uncover the secrets behind the small town. This mystery crime drama only lasted three seasons but was able to leave a memorable experience for viewers with its cliffhanger scenes and shocking revelations. All credit goes to its creator Mark Frost and David Lynch who premiered the story in 1991.
ROOTS
The 1977 miniseries Roots was based on the 1976 novel of Alex Haley entitled Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The story was, to a huge degree, derived from the author’s own experience, starting with the protagonist Kunta Kinte who was played by LeVar Burton. Kinte was sold in the slave trade after being taken from an African village. The show also featured various events in American history, including emancipation and the Civil War. The show left a mark on American viewers because it was gutting and riveting. The show was also able to bag 37 Primetime Emmy Award nominations as well as a few Golden Globes and a Peabody Award.
MONTY PYTHON’S FLYING CIRCUS
The iconic British comedy sketch show starring comedy group Monty Python consisted of comedians Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam. The comedy show successfully mixed a good degree of absurdity to every situation and tackled the idiosyncrasies of British life. Fans also loved the live-action segments, which often used animation to hilarious effect. Although it only produced 45 episodes throughout its four seasons, the show was able to gather a fanbase that shaped and redefined early 1970s pop culture in Britain.
SIX FEET UNDER
HBO’s critically-acclaimed series Six Feet Under depicted the lives of a dysfunctional family in California who inherited a funeral home business from their patriarch. Award-winning producer Alan Ball takes credit for the show’s creation. It’s about the death of Nathaniel Fisher, an owner of a funeral home business. His two sons Nathaniel Jr. and David were left to continue the funeral home business. However, the two had to deal with their own challenges, and each episode was welcomed with a death. The show has won various awards and recognitions and is regarded as one of the best shows on HBO’s roster. Its focus on different degrees of human mortality and the nature of life and death was engrossing to audiences.
MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD
Kids in the late 90s regularly tuned in to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for a half-an-hour of educational viewing. Created and hosted by Fred Rogers himself, the series started in 1962 in Canada and was aired on CBC before it bid its goodbye in 2001. In the show, Rogers would give tours of factories, demonstrating experiments, and show off arts and crafts while interacting with his friends and puppets. It served as the longest-running children series after beating Captain Kangaroo but was eventually dethroned by Sesame Street. PBS debuted an animated spin-off, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood 11 years later. Even though it’s been more than a decade since its last episode, Rogers’ stellar performance deserves credit for shaping young minds for generations.
THE LEFTOVERS
Lost creator Damon Lindelof made a follow-up of its mystical island drama with The Leftovers in 2014. It tackled the same theme as Lost—destiny, grief, and experiencing life’s mysteries, based on co-creator Tom Perrotta’s novel of the same name. The story revolved around the characters Kevin Garvey (played by Justine Theroux) and Nora Durst (Carrie Coon) and was set in Mapleton, New York. The characters had to deal with the loss of their loved ones who were included in a global departure as they struggled to rebuild their lives. The hit HBO series received positive reviews, and credit goes to its great story of misery, grief, love, and hope. Indeed the show gained a cult following.
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
Batman’s mood in this animated series was darker than ever. Bruce Wayne was shown to be moodier, while Robin’s alter ego, Dick Grayson, was given a more mature personality. In this series, Batman had to win over villains such as Two-Face (a former district attorney) Clay Face, Man-Bat, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Mad Hatter, and many others. It garnered positive reviews for its storytelling, great voice casting, and a spectacular soundtrack. The Batman: The Animated Series was shown from 1992 to 1995.
THE PRISONER
Considered to be of the best British series in the late 60s, The Prisoner impressed fans with its vibrant storytelling. The story, however, was not about prisoners who either needed a lawyer or a breakout plan. Co-created by Patrick McGoohan in 1967, The Prisoner starts with a secret agent, known as Number Six, who found himself in a deserted and mysterious yet beautiful island and had to fight for survival against enigmatic enemies. It focused on themes such as paranoia and mistrust. The show also had a multitude of twists and turns in each episode. The Prisoner aired 17 episodes before it bid its goodbye in 1968.
IN LIVING COLOR
In Living Color was a sketch comedy show that competed with Saturday Night Live, and gave it a run-for-its-money. It featured a diverse cast of comedians from different walks of life and had topics ranging from plain comedy to risky ones. The show was created by the Wayan brothers, Damon and Keenan Ivory, who were both clear in their goal of making a contemporary show tackling different points of view. This show also deserves credit for serving as the platform through which comedian Jim Carrey became famous. In Living Color had 127 episodes from its five seasons.
MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
Mystery Science Theater 3000 was a simple yet effective TV series that turned itself into a cult phenomenon. The concept was about a host and a couple of robots who were forced to watch terrible movies by an evil scientist. Creator Joel Hodgson got a lot of credit for this creative genius; he revealed that he got the idea when he got bored doing a job in a T-shirt printing factory.
M*A*S*H
It was on television from 1972 to 1983 on CBS. The show had amassed a whopping 125 million viewers for its series finale, proving that it is one of the best television shows ever. Based on the 1970 satirical war comedy of Robert Altman, this show, created by Larry Gelbart, featured the story of the doctors and staff of Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. It focused on how characters lived their lives in the face of war while in the line of duty. The characters’ personalities were presented with a degree of humanity as they had to depend on each other to survive the call of their duty while being away from home.
SANFORD AND SON
NBC’s Sanford and Son was based on BBC’s Steptoe and Son. The show follows the story of Fred Sanford (played effectively by comedian Redd Fox), a South-Central Los Angeles junk dealer. Foxx’s portrayal made him a household name throughout the six seasons. Also in the show was Demond Wilson, who played Fred’s son Lamont. The show gained recognition for its catchy theme song, and the show is said to be the first successful African-American sitcom. Sanford and Son also took credit for inspiring the creation of follow-up sitcoms Good Times and The Jeffersons, both of which were also created by Lear.
THE X-FILES
Cris Carter’s The X-Files delved into the lives of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (played by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, respectively) as they investigate a series of paranormal cases. The two went on to fight extraterrestrial life and other forces that attempt to invade the Earth. Fans loved their chemistry. Fans were rooting for the two as the degree of their friendship progressed after each episode. With 11 seasons since 1993, the show left fans at the edge of their seats with the combination of sci-fi and horror.
FRIENDS
There were many iconic scenes in this sitcom that many fans would always remember. The lives of six young, reckless characters were all joined together. The show delivers humor and inspiration from their respective experiences. The life of this group of friends in Central Park made a mark in their viewer’s lives by imparting lessons on family, friends, and unconditional love, while being presented through humor, romance, and drama with different degrees of emotion. Throughout its 10 seasons, Friends has gathered six Emmy Awards and has catapulted the stardom of their cast including Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courtney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow.
30 ROCK
Fictional and satirical comedy show 30 Rock is Tina Fey’s take on her stint as head writer for Saturday Night Live. As its creator and lead actress, Tina Fey delves into the comical life of Liz Lemon, a head writer for a sketch comedy show named TGS with Tracy Jordan as she deals with an arrogant boss and unconventional stars in the show. Liz gives her best foot forward to shrug off challenges of one degree or another. Also starring Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Scott Adsit, and Jack McBrayer, the cast pulled off an unconventional approach to sitcom with their product placement, advertising, and incorporation of current events and trends.
THE OFFICE (UK)
The Office has gained a lot of popularity not only for office workers who can totally relate to the format but also for the general viewing public. Thanks to its creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, The Office became a sitcom that many consider as the best in terms of sartorial humor. The show followed socially clumsy boss David Brent (who thinks too highly of himself and gives himself too much credit for his accomplishments) and his team who all have their own distinct personalities.