My favorite comedy tv shows.
by drtrodphd | created - 19 Jan 2013 | updated - 25 Nov 2013 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. All in the Family (1971–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
A working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.
Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers
Votes: 18,666
It is hard to describe to young people how cutting-edge and controversial this show was. This show was a game-changer. A watershed show. And damn funny.
2. Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969–1974)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
The original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python troupe.
Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle
Votes: 78,793
The Kings of absurdity. My friends and I would get in the mood before watching this and quote lines for weeks and months on end. Being a Python fan was like being in a secret club. "This is a dead parrot!"
3. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
The continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.
Stars: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
Votes: 351,533
A show about nothing. And everything. There were anti-heroes in drama before but never in comedy, that I am aware of. With so many memorable lines and convoluted plots, this show is as fresh as ever.
4. Frasier (1993–2004)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
Dr. Frasier Crane moves back to his hometown of Seattle, where he lives with his father and works as a radio psychiatrist.
Stars: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin
Votes: 95,473
An erudite and pompous character in a show that lampooned eruditeness and pomposity. The show is smart and witty and expects the audience to be smart. There is hardly a cheap line or a wasted moment. Plus, it has one of the best ensembles ever.
5. Saturday Night Live (1975– )
TV-14 | 90 min | Comedy, Music
A famous guest host stars in parodies and sketches created by the cast of this witty show.
Stars: The Saturday Night Live Band, Don Pardo, Darrell Hammond, Kenan Thompson
Votes: 52,742
The direct line from Monty Python. The show launched so many careers and had so many brilliant performers and writers. The original ensemble casts a long shadow and deservedly so. They were like the Beatles of comedy for Baby Boomers.
6. The Larry Sanders Show (1992–1998)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
A comedic behind the scenes look at a late night talk show.
Stars: Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, Wallace Langham, Rip Torn
Votes: 9,380
Gary Shandling skews talk shows to devastating effect. The dialogue rings true, and the supporting cast is brilliant. Plus, we get to see guests poke fun of themselves and their images. Well played, Gary, well played.
7. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.
Stars: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman
Votes: 147,437
Like "Seinfeld" on acid. Half the time Larry is a schlemiel, and half the time he's a schmuck. And he is hilarious all of the time. Plus, the supporting cast and guest stars are inspired choices.
8. Barney Miller (1975–1982)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
The Captain of the NYPD 12th Precinct and his staff handle the various local troubles and characters that come into the squad room.
Stars: Hal Linden, Abe Vigoda, Max Gail, Steve Landesberg
Votes: 7,377
The quintessential Cop comedy. I would say the quintessential New York show, but that honor goes to "All In the Family." A smartly-written and insightful commentary on the human condition.
9. The Honeymooners (1955–1956)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Family
A bus driver and his sewer worker friend struggle to strike it rich while their wives look on with weary patience.
Stars: Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows, Joyce Randolph
Votes: 6,230
10. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.
Stars: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam
Votes: 11,883
The office comedy genre begins here. As Carl Reiner said, "I talked about work at home and home at work. So I wrote a show about it." The show was classy, urbane, smart, silly, and cutting-edge all at once. Plus, it had one of the first classic ensemble casts and star power in Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore.
11. I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
TV-Y | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The wife of a band leader constantly tries to become a star - in spite of her having no talent, and gets herself (along with her best friend) into the funniest predicaments.
Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley
Votes: 28,915
Some consider this the greatest show ever, and they wouldn't be too far off. Lucy was the female Harpo and Chaplin rolled into one. Because of her immense talent, she was brave enough to try things others would not consider. A role model for many that came after her. A hero and influence for Mary Tyler Moore, Lily Tomlin, Gilda Radner, and countless others. A classic.
12. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The lives and trials of a young single woman and her friends, both at work and at home.
Stars: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper
Votes: 10,173
The Mary Tyler Moore Show helped usher in the woman's movement, and that is no hyperbole. There isn't a weak link in the cast. From Ted Baxter's lovable loser to Lou Grant's gruff but tender teddy bear to Rhoda Morganstern's slightly neurotic but street-wise best friend, this cast is superb. The writing is top-notch and consistent; the show never really flagged. Like most great shows, Mary knew when to call it quits. A classic of the first order.
13. The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
The professional and personal misadventures of a psychologist and his family, patients, friends and colleagues.
Stars: Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily, Marcia Wallace
Votes: 6,736
A laconic classic. Bob Newhart gets more laughs per word this side of Lucy, Harpo, and Chaplin. Another great ensemble is led by the maestro. Newhart's genius lies in letting others shine and then reacting to the absurdity. One of the most cerebral shows of all time.
14. Fawlty Towers (1975–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Hotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away.
Stars: John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth
Votes: 100,159
Even more subversive than Monty Python, in some ways. Where Python's strokes are broad, John Cleese as the relentlessly put-upon Basil Fawlty finds humor in the mundane, but in a slight off-kilter way. The closest he comes to playing broadly is the "German" episode. Andrew Sachs is the befuddled Manuel. ("He's from Barcelona. It's in Spain," Fawlty hisses.) He nearly steals the show from John Cleese in the "German" episode, no small task that. If you like Python and have not seen this, do it. You will thank me. And you're welcome.
15. Cheers (1982–1993)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama
The regulars of the Boston bar "Cheers" share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name.
Stars: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
Votes: 62,060
The place where everybody knows your name. It did feel as if we knew these people. We all know people like Cliff, Norm, Woody, Sam, Carla, Diane, Rebecca, Coach, and the Drs. Crane (Frazier and Lilith). Smart and silly in equal portions, Cheers looked at people's foibles as well as anyone. Cast members died and left, but it never missed a beat. Another classic that went out on top.
16. Newhart (1982–1990)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of an author-turned-innkeeper and his friends in rural Vermont.
Stars: Bob Newhart, Mary Frann, Tom Poston, Julia Duffy
Votes: 8,109
"The Bob Newhart Show" on acid. A quirky comedy that doesn't try to replicate its predecessor. With brothers Larry, Daryl, Daryl the bizarre is never far away. Stephanie and Michael are the funniest self-obsessed couple in tv history. Again, Newhart plays straight man to all the kooks, including handyman George, played ably by Tom Poston. An overlooked classic.
17. The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006–2023)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
A divorced mom tries to keep pace with everyone around her.
Stars: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Clark Gregg, Hamish Linklater, Trevor Gagnon
Votes: 14,205
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is perfect for the role of Christine, the oddball with all the angst, pettiness, insecurity, and self-absorption of a teenager. The show is quirky, and purposely self-conscious at times. The supporting cast is excellent, especially Wanda Sykes as Christne's best(?) friend(?) and maybe lover. Christine's search for love or, in a pinch, sex, is like watching a train wreck, albeit a funny one.
18. Becker (1998–2004)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
Dr. John Becker goes through his daily routine of being a doctor, stopping at his favorite diner, and other various situations, all the while hating life and everything around him.
Stars: Ted Danson, Hattie Winston, Terry Farrell, Shawnee Smith
Votes: 14,176
Ted Danson was born to play the dyspeptic Dr. Becker. Honest to a fault, he is still likeable enough that you feel for him when things don't go his way, which is most of the time. Not only does he see the glass as half empty, it's also dirty. The essential element of a great support cast helps to keep this a 23 minute bitch fest and add humanity to the curmudgeonly doctor. An overlooked classic.
19. Batman: The Movie (1966)
PG | 105 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The Dynamic Duo faces four supervillains who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people.
Director: Leslie H. Martinson | Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero
Votes: 35,799
My favorite show when I was a kid, and one that never fails to entertain me after all these years. It's a comic book come to life, and it was in color! many of the day's stars jockeyed to get on the show, even for a small part. The show jumped the shark the third season, with the introduction of Batgirl and the two-day-a-week format being reduced to one day. Holy Toledo, Batman, what a show!
20. The Monkees (1965–1968)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Music
The misadventures of a struggling pop group.
Stars: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith
Votes: 5,176
The Pre-Fab Four! The criticism that the band did not play their own instruments on their early albums sounds callow by today's standards. Part Marx Brothers, part Beatles, the Monkees were the perfect tonic for the kids that the Beatles outgrew. Some of us embraced both bands, and we were better and happier for it. The band had two great voices (Davy and Micky) and one great songwriter (Mike). After the show was cancelled, the band couldn't keep the momentum up and split after a couple more albums. They found a new audience in the 80' when MTV began showing the silly and bizarre episodes we Baby Boomers cut our sweet teeth on.
21. Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Family
A gifted young teen tries to survive life with his dimwitted, dysfunctional family.
Stars: Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Justin Berfield, Erik Per Sullivan
Votes: 142,583
22. The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Widower Sheriff Andy Taylor, and his son Opie, live with Andy's Aunt Bee in Mayberry, North Carolina. With virtually no crimes to solve, most of Andy's time is spent philosophizing and calming down his cousin Deputy Barney Fife.
Stars: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts, Frances Bavier
Votes: 16,987
23. Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
The comical everyday life of sports columnist Ray Barone and his dysfunctional family.
Stars: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts
Votes: 77,178
24. It's Garry Shandling's Show. (1986–1990)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
Garry Shandling pokes fun at sitcom conventions in his own unique fourth-wall breaking meta sitcom.
Stars: Garry Shandling, Molly Cheek, Michael Tucci, Scott Nemes
Votes: 1,743
25. In Living Color (1990–1994)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Music
The Wayans siblings present an African-American focused sketch comedy show.
Stars: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Jim Carrey, Kelly Coffield Park, Terrence Brown
Votes: 12,759
26. My Name Is Earl (2005–2009)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
A ne'er do well wins $100,000 in the lottery and decides to right all the wrongs from his past with his newfound realization!
Stars: Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, Jaime Pressly, Nadine Velazquez
Votes: 109,632
27. The Odd Couple (1970–1975)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
Two men, a neat freak and a slob separated from their wives, have to live together despite their differences.
Stars: Tony Randall, Jack Klugman, Al Molinaro, Penny Marshall
Votes: 7,183
28. Green Acres (1965–1971)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
A New York City attorney and his wife attempt to live as genteel farmers in the bizarre community of Hooterville.
Stars: Eddie Albert, Eva Gabor, Tom Lester, Pat Buttram
Votes: 7,636
29. Northern Exposure (1990–1995)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
A city doctor is forced to work in the remote Alaskan town of Cicely, where he encounters peculiar locals, including a former astronaut, as he adjusts to small-town life.
Stars: Rob Morrow, Janine Turner, Barry Corbin, John Cullum
Votes: 21,690
30. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005– )
TV-MA | 22 min | Comedy
Five friends with big egos and small brains are the proprietors of an Irish pub in Philadelphia.
Stars: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson
Votes: 251,883
31. The Tracey Ullman Show (1987–1990)
30 min | Comedy, Music
Tracey Ullman hosts a variety show containing sketches, song-and-dance routines, and The Simpsons.
Stars: Tracey Ullman, Dan Castellaneta, Sam McMurray, Joseph Malone
Votes: 1,574
32. Tracey Takes On... (1996–1999)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Tracey Ullman takes on a different topic in each episode, giving different characters opinions on such things as vanity, royalty, and law.
Stars: Tracey Ullman, Alastair Duncan, Julie Kavner, Seymour Cassel
Votes: 671
33. Taxi (1978–1983)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The staff of a New York City taxicab company go about their job while they dream of greater things.
Stars: Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner
Votes: 15,835
34. Chappelle's Show (2003–2006)
TV-MA | 22 min | Comedy, Music
Comedian Dave Chappelle hosts this sketch-comedy show that parodies many of the nuances of race and culture.
Stars: Dave Chappelle, Donnell Rawlings, Rudy Rush, Charlie Murphy
Votes: 71,784
35. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of the staff of a struggling Top 40 rock radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Stars: Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Howard Hesseman
Votes: 11,242
36. Sanford and Son (1972–1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley
Votes: 10,804
37. Dead Like Me (2003–2004)
TV-14 | 60 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
After being hit on the head by a toilet seat that fell from Mir space station, a young temp clerk becomes a grim reaper in death.
Stars: Ellen Muth, Callum Blue, Jasmine Guy, Mandy Patinkin
Votes: 43,907
38. The Sarah Silverman Program. (2007–2010)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
Sarah's immature, only thinks of herself and has no inhibition nor work. Her sister Laura pays her rent. She has a gay couple as neighbors. Laura's seeing cop Jay.
Stars: Sarah Silverman, Laura Silverman, Brian Posehn, Steve Agee
Votes: 7,974
39. Mork & Mindy (1978–1982)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
A wacky alien comes to Earth to study its residents and the life of the human woman he boards with is never the same.
Stars: Robin Williams, Pam Dawber, Ralph James, Conrad Janis
Votes: 12,676
40. The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters (1972–1974)
30 min | Comedy
Improvised sketches by Jonathan Winters with guests augmenting the show.
Stars: Jonathan Winters, Lonette McKee, Michelle DellaFave, The Soul Sisters
Votes: 110
41. Fernwood Tonight (1977)
30 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
Set in the fictional small town of Fernwood, OH, the show parodies real talk shows, complete with a stage band, as well as the sort of fare one might expect from a small-town locally produced television program.
Stars: Martin Mull, Fred Willard, Frank De Vol, Tommy Tedesco
Votes: 793
42. Get Smart (1965–1970)
TV-G | 25 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Maxwell Smart, a highly intellectual but bumbling spy working for the CONTROL agency, battles the evil forces of rival spy agency KAOS with the help of his competent partner Agent 99.
Stars: Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, Edward Platt, Robert Karvelas
Votes: 13,788
43. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
A nouveau riche, African-American family who move into a luxury apartment building develop close, if occasionally fractious, relationships with other tenants.
Stars: Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover
Votes: 10,614
44. The Tick (1994–1997)
TV-PG | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
An invulnerable, somewhat dim, superhero protects The City from all manner of evil-doers.
Stars: Townsend Coleman, Micky Dolenz, Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke
Votes: 10,162
45. Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976–1977)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Romance
A small-town housewife struggles to cope with the increasingly bizarre and violent events unfolding around her.
Stars: Louise Lasser, Greg Mullavey, Mary Kay Place, Graham Jarvis
Votes: 1,453
46. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
A nouveau riche, African-American family who move into a luxury apartment building develop close, if occasionally fractious, relationships with other tenants.
Stars: Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover
Votes: 10,614
47. The Phil Silvers Show (1955–1959)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Master Sergeant Bilko, regularly helped by the soldiers at Fort Baxter's motor pool, spends little time performing his duties by constantly trying to obtain money through various get-rich-quick scams and promotions.
Stars: Phil Silvers, Harvey Lembeck, Paul Ford, Allan Melvin
Votes: 1,736
48. The Jack Benny Program (1950–1965)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy
The comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.
Stars: Jack Benny, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Don Wilson, Dennis Day
Votes: 1,647
49. The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (1950–1958)
30 min | Comedy
Neighbor Blanche Morton frequently joined Gracie in escapades which annoy hubby Harry and provides George with an opportunity to offer a humorous soliloquy.
Stars: George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bea Benaderet, Harry von Zell
Votes: 1,536
50. That '70s Show (1998–2006)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A comedy revolving around a group of teenage friends, their mishaps, and their coming of age, set in 1970s Wisconsin.
Stars: Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson
Votes: 189,346
51. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
TV-PG | 25 min | Comedy, Drama, War
The staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.
Stars: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr
Votes: 63,804
52. Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The misadventures of a suburban boy, family and friends.
Stars: Jerry Mathers, Hugh Beaumont, Barbara Billingsley, Tony Dow
Votes: 9,350
53. Soap (1977–1981)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
The soap-operish antics of two families: the Campbells and the Tates.
Stars: Katherine Helmond, Rod Roddy, Richard Mulligan, Cathryn Damon
Votes: 8,282
54. The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy, Family
Television show featuring skits by Carol Burnett and her comedy troupe.
Stars: Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, The Ernie Flatt Dancers, Harvey Korman
Votes: 7,302
55. Dream On (1990–1996)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Martin Tupper is a book editor in Manhattan, recently divorced from Judith, a psychologist. Martin's life is filled with fantasies and sexual thoughts, many times coming in the form of black-and-white shots from old TV shows and movies.
Stars: Brian Benben, Denny Dillon, Wendie Malick, Chris Demetral
Votes: 3,815
56. Your Show of Shows (1950–1954)
90 min | Comedy
Best remembered by its posterior title, Your Show of Shows, this live variety show included comedy sketches with TV pioneers Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca.
Stars: Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Felisa Vanoff, Carl Reiner
Votes: 368
57. The Milton Berle Show (1948–1956)
60 min | Comedy, Family
The Texaco Star Theatre was one of the most popular shows in the history of television. In the first year, Milton Berle was not the permanent emcee, but once he replaced the rotation, the ... See full summary »
Stars: Milton Berle, Sid Stone, Jimmy Nelson, Arnold Stang
Votes: 164
58. The Ernie Kovacs Show (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
Directors: Joseph Behar, Ernie Kovacs | Stars: Ernie Kovacs, James Yoham
Votes: 32
59. Laugh-In (1967–1973)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Music
The original rapid fire sketch comedy show.
Stars: Dan Rowan, Dick Martin, Gary Owens, Ruth Buzzi
Votes: 3,658
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