Sitcoms That Are Not Funny at All

Television history is filled with comedic programs that have successfully entertained audiences for decades. However many sitcoms fail to connect with viewers because of poor writing or uncomfortable premises that do not translate well to humor. These shows often suffer from negative critical reception and low ratings before disappearing from the airwaves. This list explores several sitcoms that failed to provide the laughter expected from the genre according to critics and audiences.

‘Heil Honey I’m Home!’ (1990)

This British sitcom features a fictionalized Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun living in a suburban setting next to Jewish neighbors. The producers intended to parody the format of 1950s American sitcoms but the premise was met with immediate backlash. Critics and viewers found the use of a genocidal dictator as a sitcom lead to be deeply offensive rather than funny. Only one episode of the series aired before it was cancelled by the network.

‘The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer’ (1998)

This series follows an African nobleman who is forced into slavery and eventually becomes the chief of staff for Abraham Lincoln. The show received heavy criticism before its premiere for attempting to find humor in the era of American slavery. Reviewers noted that the jokes were poorly executed and relied on crude slapstick that failed to land. Public protests and low viewership led to the show being pulled after only a few episodes.

‘Work It’ (2012)

The plot centers on two men who believe they must dress as women to secure employment in a difficult economy. Advocacy groups and critics panned the show for its reliance on outdated stereotypes and transphobic tropes. The humor was largely described as lazy and unoriginal by television reviewers across the country. It was cancelled after only two episodes were broadcast due to a significant lack of audience interest.

‘Cavemen’ (2007)

Based on characters from a series of insurance commercials this sitcom attempts to explore themes of prejudice through the lives of Neanderthals in modern society. Critics argued that the transition from thirty second advertisements to a full television series resulted in repetitive and unfunny writing. The social commentary was viewed as shallow and the makeup effects were often distracting for viewers. The show was cancelled during its first season after failing to maintain a consistent audience.

‘Dads’ (2013–2014)

Two successful video game developers have their lives disrupted when their eccentric fathers move in with them. The series was heavily criticized for using racial stereotypes and sexist jokes to generate cheap laughs. Television critics expressed disappointment in the high profile cast and crew for the lack of genuine wit in the scripts. Despite surviving for a full season the show never managed to improve its standing with reviewers or the public.

‘Joey’ (2004–2006)

This spin off follows the popular character Joey Tribbiani as he moves to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. While the character was beloved on his original series the new setting lacked the chemistry and sharp writing that made the predecessor a success. Many fans felt the character had been simplified and the supporting cast did not provide a strong comedic foundation. The series struggled with declining ratings until it was ultimately removed from the schedule.

‘The Michael Richards Show’ (2000)

Following the end of a legendary sitcom Michael Richards returned to television as a clumsy private investigator. The show struggled to find a balance between physical slapstick and traditional detective storytelling. Critics felt that the lead character was too similar to his previous iconic role without the benefit of a strong ensemble. Audiences did not connect with the premise and the show was cancelled after eight episodes.

‘Emeril’ (2001)

A famous celebrity chef plays a fictionalized version of himself in this workplace sitcom set behind the scenes of a cooking show. Critics found the transition from reality television to scripted comedy to be awkward and forced. The laugh track was often described as intrusive and the writing failed to utilize the natural charisma of the lead. The show was cancelled after a brief run due to poor critical reception and low ratings.

‘Bette’ (2000–2001)

This series focuses on a legendary singer and actress as she navigates her professional and personal life in Hollywood. Despite the star power of Bette Midler the show suffered from behind the scenes issues and frequent casting changes. Critics felt the humor was dated and the show failed to capture the unique energy of its lead performer. It lasted for only one season before the network decided not to move forward with additional episodes.

‘Bad Judge’ (2014–2015)

A hard partying criminal court judge balances her chaotic personal life with her professional responsibilities on the bench. Critics found the premise to be unrealistic and the humor to be inconsistent throughout the series. Many reviewers felt that the talented lead actress was wasted on a script that relied on recycled gags. The show struggled to find an audience and was cancelled after its initial thirteen episode order.

‘Animal Practice’ (2012)

The series is set in a veterinary hospital where the lead doctor prefers the company of animals over humans. Much of the promotion focused on a monkey that appeared in the show which critics felt was a sign of weak writing. Reviewers noted that the human characters were unlikable and the situations were rarely funny. The network cancelled the series after only six episodes due to a rapid decline in viewership.

‘1600 Penn’ (2012–2013)

This sitcom follows a dysfunctional family living in the White House with the President of the United States. The humor was often described as broad and loud without providing any meaningful political satire. Critics felt that the lead character was too over the top and became grating for the audience over time. The show failed to resonate with viewers and was cancelled after one season.

‘Me, Myself & I’ (2017–2018)

The show chronicles the life of one man across three distinct periods of his life as a child and an adult and a senior. While the concept was unique critics felt that the different timelines prevented the audience from connecting with the characters. The humor was often overshadowed by the sentimental tone of the storytelling which left the show in an awkward middle ground. It was pulled from the schedule mid season due to poor ratings performance.

‘Saint George’ (2014)

George Lopez stars as a recently divorced man trying to balance his successful business with his demanding family. The series was panned for its uninspired writing and reliance on typical sitcom tropes that offered nothing new. Reviewers felt the jokes were predictable and the laugh track was used excessively to compensate for a lack of humor. It was part of a specific production deal but failed to secure a second season.

‘Dr. Ken’ (2015–2017)

A brilliant but frustrated physician tries to balance his medical career with his family life at home. Critics frequently mentioned that the show relied on tired medical jokes and lacked a unique voice in the crowded sitcom market. While the lead actor was a fan favorite the scripts were often described as mediocre and formulaic. The show lasted for two seasons before the network ultimately decided to cancel it.

‘The Odd Couple’ (2015–2017)

This modern update of the classic play and television series features two mismatched roommates living in New York City. Critics felt that this version lacked the wit and charm of the previous iterations of the story. The humor was described as broad and the performances were often compared unfavorably to the original actors. Despite having a strong lead the show failed to justify its existence to many reviewers.

‘Kevin Can Wait’ (2016–2018)

A retired police officer looks forward to spending more time with his family only to realize his home life is more challenging than his job. The show faced significant controversy when it replaced the female lead after the first season to reunite the star with a former co star. Fans and critics found the move to be poorly handled and the humor to be repetitive. The ratings dropped in the second season leading to its eventual cancellation.

‘Man with a Plan’ (2016–2020)

A father takes on more parenting responsibilities when his wife returns to the workforce after several years. Critics noted that the show felt like a throwback to generic family sitcoms from the 1990s without adding anything modern. The writing was often criticized for being predictable and failing to provide genuine laughs. While it survived for several seasons it never received positive critical attention during its run.

‘Uncle Buck’ (2016)

Based on the popular film of the same name this series features a fun loving man who becomes a nanny for his brother’s children. Critics felt the show lacked the heart and humor that made the original movie a classic. The transition to a weekly television format resulted in thin plot lines and repetitive gags. It was cancelled after one season due to low ratings and a lack of critical support.

‘Imaginary Mary’ (2017)

A career woman sees her life change when she falls for a man with three children and her childhood imaginary friend reappears. The inclusion of a CGI character was widely criticized for being distracting and unfunny. Reviewers noted that the premise felt thin and the humor was often forced in every scene. The series was cancelled after nine episodes were produced.

‘Living Biblically’ (2018)

A man decides to live his life strictly according to the rules of the Bible after a major life event. Critics found the show to be overly cautious and unwilling to take risks with its religious subject matter. The jokes were described as safe and uninspired which resulted in a lack of comedic energy. The network pulled the show from the schedule before all produced episodes had aired.

‘Sunnyside’ (2019)

A former city councilman finds new purpose by helping a group of immigrants navigate the process of becoming American citizens. While the premise was praised for its diversity the execution was criticized for being inconsistent and lacking sharp writing. Many reviewers felt the characters were underdeveloped and the humor relied too much on quirky traits. It was moved to a digital platform before being cancelled entirely.

‘Indebted’ (2020)

A young couple must take in the husband’s parents after they reveal that they have lost all of their money. The show was panned for its reliance on old fashioned sitcom tropes and unlikable characters. Critics noted that the talented cast could not save the scripts from being bland and unfunny. It was cancelled after a single season of twelve episodes.

‘United We Fall’ (2020)

This family sitcom focuses on a couple with young children who deal with the constant interference of their extended family. Reviewers felt the show was a generic example of the genre that offered no new perspectives on parenting or family life. The humor was described as predictable and the chemistry between the leads was seen as minimal. The series was cancelled shortly after its first season concluded.

‘Call Me Kat’ (2021–2023)

A woman opens a cat cafe to prove to her mother and society that she can be happy while remaining single. The series is based on a successful British comedy but critics felt the American version lost the charm of the original. The frequent use of breaking the fourth wall was described as annoying rather than endearing. Despite running for three seasons the show struggled to gain critical approval.

‘How I Met Your Father’ (2022–2023)

A woman tells her son the story of how she met his father in a spin off of the popular original series. Critics felt the show relied too heavily on nostalgia for the predecessor without establishing its own identity. The new group of friends lacked the immediate chemistry that defined the original cast for fans. It was cancelled after two seasons on the streaming platform.

‘Blockbuster’ (2022)

The last remaining Blockbuster Video store in America struggles to stay relevant in the age of streaming services. Despite the nostalgic premise critics found the workplace humor to be flat and the characters to be stereotypical. Many reviewers noted the irony of the series being produced by a major streaming service. The show was cancelled after only one season due to low viewership.

‘Baby Bob’ (2002–2003)

The series features a talking infant who provides cynical commentary on the lives of the adults around him. Based on a character from television commercials the show was widely criticized for its creepy visual effects and weak jokes. Reviewers felt the premise was too thin to support a full half hour sitcom format. It was cancelled after two short seasons due to declining interest from the public.

‘Homeboys in Outer Space’ (1996–1997)

Two astronauts travel through space in a ship that resembles a late model car while encountering various alien species. The show was heavily criticized for its use of racial stereotypes and low quality production values. Critics described the humor as juvenile and the plot lines as nonsensical even for a parody. It is frequently cited as one of the worst television shows of the 1990s.

‘The Trouble with Normal’ (2000)

Four paranoid men join a support group to help them deal with the stresses of modern urban life. Reviewers felt the characters were too unlikable and the humor was too cynical for a mainstream audience. The writing failed to make the extreme neuroses of the leads relatable or funny. The network cancelled the show after only a few weeks of low ratings.

‘Coupling’ (2003)

This American remake of a hit British sitcom explores the relationships and dating lives of six friends. Fans of the original version felt the remake lacked the sharp wit and sophisticated writing that made the first show a success. The humor was described as being lost in translation and the performances felt forced. It was cancelled after only four episodes had aired.

‘Ferris Bueller’ (1990–1991)

A teenage boy navigates high school and outsmarts his principal in this adaptation of the popular feature film. Critics felt that the lead actor lacked the charisma of the original film star and the show failed to capture the movie’s spirit. The writing was viewed as standard high school sitcom fare that lacked the unique voice of the source material. The series was cancelled during its first season.

‘My Mother the Car’ (1965–1966)

A man discovers that his deceased mother has been reincarnated as a vintage automobile that speaks to him through the radio. This show is often remembered for its bizarre premise which critics at the time found to be absurd and unfunny. The humor relied entirely on the gimmick of the talking car which quickly became repetitive for viewers. It was cancelled after one season and remains a staple of worst of television lists.

‘Joanie Loves Chachi’ (1982–1983)

This spin off follows two young lovers as they move to Chicago to start a music career together. Fans felt the show moved too far away from the charm of the original series and focused too much on musical performances. The writing was described as thin and the chemistry between the leads was not enough to carry the show. It was cancelled after a brief and poorly received run.

‘AfterMASH’ (1983–1985)

Following the end of one of the most successful shows in history several characters reunite at a veterans hospital in Missouri. Critics felt the show lacked the dramatic depth and comedic timing of the original series. The transition from a war zone to a domestic hospital setting felt forced and unnecessary to many viewers. It was cancelled during its second season after ratings plummeted against stiff competition.

‘The Bradys’ (1990)

The original family from a classic sitcom returns in a new format that attempted to blend comedy with serious drama. Audiences found the shift in tone to be jarring and the attempts at humor were often misplaced. The show dealt with heavy topics that felt out of character for the lighthearted family viewers remembered. It was cancelled after only six episodes.

‘Public Morals’ (1996)

A group of officers in a metropolitan police department deal with various minor crimes and internal politics. The show was panned for its crude humor and offensive language which led to several affiliates refusing to air it. Critics felt the writing was mean spirited and the characters were entirely unappealing. It was cancelled after only one episode was broadcast.

‘Method & Red’ (2004)

Two famous hip hop artists move into a wealthy suburban neighborhood and clash with their conservative neighbors. Critics felt the show relied on tired fish out of water tropes and lacked the genuine humor found in the stars’ music careers. The production faced creative differences behind the scenes which impacted the quality of the episodes. It was cancelled before the first season could be completed.

‘Stacked’ (2005–2006)

A woman looking to change her life starts working at a small bookstore run by two brothers. The show was criticized for its reliance on physical comedy and jokes regarding the lead actress’s appearance. Reviewers felt the setting of a bookstore was underutilized and the writing was formulaic. It was cancelled during its second season due to low ratings.

‘The Class’ (2006–2007)

A group of former classmates are reunited years after their third grade graduation and begin to influence each other’s lives. Critics felt the ensemble was too large and the individual storylines were not engaging enough to maintain interest. The humor was described as hit or miss with many jokes failing to land with the audience. The show was cancelled after one season despite having an experienced creative team.

‘Mulaney’ (2014–2015)

A rising stand up comedian balances his career with his eccentric friends and a demanding boss. Critics frequently compared the show to classic sitcoms from the 1990s and found it to be a pale imitation. The lead actor’s stand up persona did not translate well to a multi camera sitcom format for many reviewers. The series was cancelled after the network reduced the episode order.

‘Haters Back Off’ (2016–2017)

This series explores the home life of a delusional social media star who believes she is famous despite a lack of talent. Critics felt the main character was too grating and unlikable to support a full series. The humor was described as uncomfortable and repetitive across the two seasons. It was cancelled by the streaming service after the second season was released.

‘That ’80s Show’ (2002)

Set in San Diego during the mid 1980s this show features a group of young adults navigating life and love. While it shared producers with a much more successful decade themed show it failed to capture the same audience. Critics felt the humor was too reliant on obvious references to the era and lacked strong character development. The show was cancelled after one season due to low viewership.

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