Overrated Sitcoms Everyone Seems To Like

Sitcoms have been a staple of television history for decades and provide comfort food for millions of viewers around the world. These shows often generate massive fanbases and run for many years while dominating pop culture conversations. Some series receive critical acclaim and endless awards that might seem baffling to those who do not connect with the specific brand of humor. This list explores various popular situation comedies that have achieved immense success despite polarizing opinions regarding their quality or longevity.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Six young adults navigate their personal and professional lives while living in Manhattan. The group spends the majority of their time between two apartments and a coffee shop called Central Perk. Ross and Rachel share a romantic storyline that serves as a central thread throughout the entire decade of the series. This show remains one of the most syndicated and financially successful programs in television history.

‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)

Socially awkward physicists Leonard and Sheldon share an apartment and interact with their aspiring actress neighbor Penny. The humor often stems from the contrast between the intellectual pursuits of the main characters and everyday social situations. References to comic books and science fiction franchises are a recurring element of the dialogue. The series maintained high viewership numbers throughout its twelve seasons on the air.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Ted Mosby recounts the lengthy story of how he met his wife to his two children. The narrative uses a framing device that allows for flashbacks and an unreliable narrator perspective. The group of friends frequents a bar called MacLaren’s while dealing with careers and relationships in New York City. The final season takes place over a single weekend and concludes with a controversial finale.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

A documentary crew follows the daily lives of employees at the Dunder Mifflin paper company in Scranton. Regional Manager Michael Scott tries to win the affection of his staff through misguided attempts at humor and leadership. The mockumentary style eliminates the laugh track and uses direct camera addresses to convey character thoughts. This adaptation of a British series became a cultural phenomenon in the United States.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld plays a fictionalized version of himself living in New York City. The show is famously described as a show about nothing because it focuses on the minutiae of daily life. Characters often find themselves in absurd situations caused by their own selfishness or neurotic behaviors. It is widely considered one of the most influential television comedies ever made.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

Three diverse family structures within the same extended clan are chronicled in this mockumentary sitcom. Jay Pritchett serves as the patriarch who tries to relate to his adult children and his younger second wife. The show highlights generational gaps and cultural differences through interviews and chaotic family gatherings. It won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for five consecutive years.

‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003–2015)

A hedonistic jingle writer allows his uptight brother and young nephew to move into his Malibu beach house. The comedy derives from the clash between the brothers’ opposing lifestyles and parenting philosophies. Several cast changes occurred during the later seasons including the departure of the original lead actor. The series was a ratings juggernaut for CBS for over a decade.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–Present)

The Griffin family lives in the fictional city of Quahog where they encounter bizarre scenarios. Peter Griffin serves as the bumbling father figure while his genius baby and talking dog often steal the spotlight. The show utilizes cutaway gags and pop culture references that interrupt the main narrative flow. It has been cancelled and revived multiple times due to strong DVD sales and fan support.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

This animated series follows a working-class family in the town of Springfield. Homer Simpson works at a nuclear power plant while his wife Marge tries to maintain order at home. The show has surpassed all other scripted primetime series in longevity and episode count. Critics often debate the quality of the modern episodes compared to the golden era of the nineties.

‘Full House’ (1987–1995)

A widowed father recruits his brother-in-law and best friend to help raise his three daughters in San Francisco. The show emphasizes wholesome family values and often concludes episodes with a moral lesson. Catchphrases from the characters became embedded in the pop culture of the late eighties and early nineties. A sequel series was later produced for a streaming platform featuring most of the original cast.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Four female friends in New York City discuss their romantic and sexual exploits while navigating their careers. Carrie Bradshaw writes a newspaper column that frames the thematic elements of each episode. Fashion plays a significant role in the visual identity and legacy of the production. The series is credited with changing how female friendship and sexuality are portrayed on television.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

Sportswriter Ray Barone deals with his intrusive parents who live directly across the street. His wife Debra often finds herself at odds with her overbearing mother-in-law Marie. The show focuses on domestic disputes and the dysfunction of close-knit family dynamics. It was based on the stand-up comedy material of the lead actor.

‘The King of Queens’ (1998–2007)

Delivery driver Doug Heffernan lives in Queens with his wife Carrie and her eccentric father Arthur. Much of the conflict arises from Doug’s desire for a simple life and Arthur’s unpredictable schemes. The chemistry between the leads helped the show survive in a competitive time slot for nine seasons. It remains a popular staple in syndication blocks around the world.

‘2 Broke Girls’ (2011–2017)

A street-smart waitress and a disgraced heiress become roommates and coworkers at a diner. They attempt to save money to start their own cupcake business while facing financial hurdles. The humor often relies on double entendres and broad stereotypes. The show garnered high ratings initially but faced criticism for its reliance on crude jokes.

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

Teacher Jess Day moves into a loft with three single men after a bad breakup. The group eventually forms a dysfunctional but supportive family unit as they navigate their thirties. Characters engage in strange games and elaborate inside jokes that define the tone of the series. The show is noted for the strong improvisational skills of its ensemble cast.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Detectives at the 99th precinct of the NYPD solve crimes under the supervision of their stoic captain. Jake Peralta is a talented but immature detective who frequently clashes with authority. The show balances police procedural elements with workplace comedy tropes. It developed a loyal following that helped save it from cancellation after five seasons.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Leslie Knope is an optimistic mid-level bureaucrat in the parks department of Pawnee. She works tirelessly to improve her town despite the apathy of the local government and citizens. The show utilizes a mockumentary format similar to other popular workplace comedies of the era. It features a large ensemble cast that went on to achieve significant individual success.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Sketch comedy writer Liz Lemon manages the egos of her cast and crew at a network television show. Her boss Jack Donaghy mentors her while attempting to synergize the company products. The series is known for its rapid-fire jokes and meta-commentary on the entertainment industry. It won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

Michael Bluth tries to keep his family and their business afloat after his father is sent to prison. The wealthy Bluth family members are depicted as selfish and out of touch with reality. Intricate plot lines and recurring gags reward viewers who pay close attention to details. The show struggled with ratings during its initial run but gained a massive cult following later.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

A suspended lawyer is forced to attend a community college where he forms a study group with a diverse band of misfits. The series frequently parodies film genres and television tropes through high-concept episodes. Meta-humor is a defining characteristic as characters often reference the absurdity of their situations. It endured a tumultuous production history involving showrunner changes and network shifts.

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

Five narcissists run an unsuccessful Irish bar in South Philadelphia. The characters known as The Gang constantly devise schemes that result in physical or emotional harm to themselves and others. There are no moral lessons learned as the protagonists remain terrible people throughout the series. It holds the record as the longest-running live-action sitcom in American television history.

‘Scrubs’ (2001–2010)

Intern J.D. begins his medical career at Sacred Heart Hospital while fantasizing about his life in vivid daydreams. He seeks the approval of his reluctant mentor Dr. Cox and navigates a romance with fellow doctor Elliot. The show balances slapstick comedy with serious moments regarding illness and death. Narrations by the main character guide the viewer through each episode.

‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)

Movie star Vincent Chase navigates the shark-infested waters of Hollywood with his childhood friends from Queens. His aggressive agent Ari Gold tries to secure the best roles and deals for his client. The show features numerous celebrity cameos and displays a lifestyle of excess and luxury. Critics have retrospectively examined the series for its portrayal of masculine culture.

‘That ’70s Show’ (1998–2006)

A group of teenagers in Wisconsin spends their time hanging out in a basement during the late 1970s. The show captures the fashion and music of the decade while exploring typical adolescent issues. Eric Forman serves as the everyman character who tries to balance his friends and his strict father. A spinning camera technique is often used to depict the group sitting in a circle.

‘Home Improvement’ (1991–1999)

Tim Taylor hosts a home improvement show called Tool Time while raising three mischievous sons. Comedy arises from his obsession with more power and his frequent accidents during projects. His neighbor Wilson provides sage advice while obscuring the lower half of his face behind a fence. The series was one of the most watched shows in the United States during the nineties.

‘Will & Grace’ (1998–2020)

A gay lawyer and a straight interior designer share an apartment and a codependent friendship in New York. They are constantly joined by their wealthy socialite assistant and a flamboyant actor friend. The show was a pioneer in featuring principal gay characters on primetime network television. It returned for a revival several years after the original finale aired.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Lorelai Gilmore raises her academic daughter Rory in the quirky town of Stars Hollow. The show is defined by its rapid dialogue and numerous pop culture references. Mother and daughter navigate complex relationships with their wealthy parents and various romantic partners. Fans often debate which of Rory’s boyfriends was the best match for her.

‘Fuller House’ (2016–2020)

This sequel series mirrors the premise of the original show with the eldest daughter now raising her own children. She moves back into her childhood home with her sister and best friend to help manage the household. Cameos from the original cast members occur frequently throughout the run. It relied heavily on nostalgia and fan service to drive its viewership.

‘Mike & Molly’ (2010–2016)

A police officer and a teacher meet at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting and fall in love. They deal with the interference of Molly’s opinionated family members who live under the same roof. The show explores the challenges of weight loss and relationships with a traditional sitcom format. It served as a breakout role for actress Melissa McCarthy.

‘Mom’ (2013–2021)

A newly sober single mother tries to pull her life together while dealing with her own recovering mother. The show addresses serious topics such as addiction and teen pregnancy through a comedic lens. Christy and Bonnie Plunkett attend AA meetings and support each other through various relapses and tragedies. It received praise for balancing dark themes with humor.

‘The Goldbergs’ (2013–2023)

Young Adam Goldberg documents his family life in the 1980s with his video camera. His overbearing mother Beverly and gruff father Murray preside over a chaotic household. Each episode typically ends with real footage of the actual people the characters are based on. The series relies on nostalgia for eighties movies and toys.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–Present)

A cynical mad scientist drags his anxious grandson on dangerous adventures across the multiverse. The show combines high-concept science fiction with dark humor and family drama. Fans analyze the complex lore and philosophical themes presented in the episodes. It has generated a massive merchandise empire and a very vocal fanbase.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

Four boys in a Colorado mountain town encounter bizarre events and satirical caricatures of celebrities. The show is produced quickly to remain relevant to current news and political events. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone voice the majority of the male characters. It pushes the boundaries of censorship and good taste regularly.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

A wealthy family loses their fortune and must move to a small town they bought as a joke. They live in a rundown motel and struggle to adapt to their new poverty-stricken reality. The Rose family eventually learns to appreciate each other and the eccentric townspeople. It swept the comedy categories at the Emmy Awards for its final season.

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–2023)

An American college football coach is hired to manage a professional British soccer team despite having no experience. His relentless optimism eventually wins over the skeptical players and the cynical club owner. The show became a flagship series for Apple TV+ and was praised for its heartwarming tone. Some critics felt the later seasons leaned too heavily on sentimentality.

‘Silicon Valley’ (2014–2019)

A programmer develops a revolutionary compression algorithm and tries to build a company around it. He and his team navigate the cutthroat world of the tech industry in California. The show satirizes the culture of startups and the eccentric personalities of billionaire investors. It faced challenges when a main cast member departed after the fourth season.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Selina Meyer serves as the Vice President of the United States and deals with political incompetence and public relations disasters. Her team of staffers constantly scrambles to clean up messes and advance her political career. The dialogue is known for its creative insults and profanity. It offers a cynical look at the inner workings of Washington politics.

‘Workaholics’ (2011–2017)

Three college dropouts live together and work at a telemarketing company in Rancho Cucamonga. They spend their days trying to do the least amount of work possible while engaging in immature antics. The humor is often drug-fueled and focuses on their refusal to grow up. The creators starred in the show and wrote much of the material themselves.

‘Broad City’ (2014–2019)

Two best friends navigate their twenties in New York City with very little money or direction. Ilana is a hedonistic slacker while Abbi tries to pursue an artistic career. The show depicts a heightened version of the creators’ real-life friendship and experiences. It began as a web series before being picked up for television.

‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015–2019)

A woman is rescued from a doomsday cult after fifteen years and starts a new life in New York City. She retains an unwavering optimism despite her traumatic past and lack of modern knowledge. Kimmy finds a roommate in a struggling actor and works for a wealthy socialite. The show is characterized by its bright colors and absurdist humor.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Obstetrician Mindy Lahiri tries to balance her professional life with her obsession for romantic comedies. She works in a small medical practice with a group of eccentric colleagues. The character is portrayed as self-absorbed but ultimately seeking true love. The series moved from network television to a streaming service halfway through its run.

‘Rules of Engagement’ (2007–2013)

Two couples and their single friend deal with the complications of dating and marriage. The show contrasts the different stages of relationships from new romance to long-term commitment. Patrick Warburton plays a deadpan husband who often provides the cynical voice of reason. It was a reliable mid-season replacement show for many years.

‘According to Jim’ (2001–2009)

A suburban father often finds himself in trouble with his wife due to his stubbornness and schemes. He plays in a blues band with his brother-in-law in his spare time. The show follows a very traditional sitcom formula with a laugh track and domestic settings. Critics were often harsh, but it maintained a steady audience for eight seasons.

‘Last Man Standing’ (2011–2021)

A marketing director for an outdoor sporting goods store tries to maintain his masculinity in a house full of women. Tim Allen plays the conservative father who frequently vlogs about his political and social views. The show was cancelled by one network and then picked up by another a year later. It addresses political polarization within the context of a family unit.

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