The Most Watched Sitcoms Of All Time

Sitcoms have served as a cornerstone of television for decades and provided audiences with relatable characters and enduring humor. These programs often reflect the cultural landscape of their time while offering a brief escape into the daily lives of fictional families and friends. High viewership numbers indicate that a show has successfully captured the public imagination through consistent writing and memorable performances. The most popular sitcoms have achieved record breaking ratings during their original broadcasts and continue to influence the genre through syndication.

‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)

This series centers on a gifted young boy named Malcolm and his eccentric family. The show features a unique style where the main character frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly. Life at home is chaotic for the middle child as he deals with his overbearing mother and playful father. The sitcom gained a large audience for its fast paced humor and creative storytelling.

‘Will & Grace’ (1998–2020)

The show follows the relationship between a gay lawyer and his best friend who works as an interior designer. Much of the comedy stems from their interactions with their wealthy socialite friend Karen and their flamboyant friend Jack. The series was groundbreaking for its portrayal of LGBTQ characters on primetime television. It enjoyed a long run and eventually returned for a successful revival years after the original finale.

‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ (1996–2001)

A group of extraterrestrials arrives on Earth and assumes the form of a human family to study the planet. The leader of the expedition takes a job as a physics professor while the others struggle to adapt to human emotions and social norms. Their misunderstandings of basic human behavior provide the primary source of comedy throughout the series. The show received praise for its clever writing and the performances of its talented cast.

‘Step by Step’ (1991–1998)

This series depicts the lives of two single parents who impulsively marry and must blend their large families. The Foster and Lambert children initially clash due to their differing personalities and lifestyles. The show focuses on the various challenges of raising six children under one roof in a suburban setting. It was a central part of the Friday night television lineup for many years.

‘Family Matters’ (1989–1998)

The Winslow family deals with typical domestic issues while living in Chicago. The show eventually shifted its focus toward their nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel who became a cultural phenomenon. His clumsy antics and high pitched catchphrases drove the series to massive ratings success. The program explored themes of family loyalty and friendship over its long broadcast history.

‘Boy Meets World’ (1993–2000)

This coming of age sitcom follows Cory Matthews as he navigates the transitions from middle school to adulthood. He is guided by his wise teacher Mr. Feeny and supported by his loyal best friend Shawn Hunter. Cory also develops a long term romance with Topanga Lawrence that serves as a central plot point. The series remains popular among fans who grew up watching the characters mature.

‘Who’s the Boss?’ (1984–1992)

A retired baseball player takes a job as a live in housekeeper for a successful advertising executive. Tony Micelli and Angela Bower develop a complicated relationship while raising their children in a suburban Connecticut home. The show subverted traditional gender roles of the era and found success with its charming lead actors. It remained a top rated program for the majority of its run on television.

‘Growing Pains’ (1985–1992)

The Seaver family lives in Long Island where the father works as a psychiatrist from his home office. This arrangement allows him to keep an eye on his three children while his wife returns to her career as a reporter. The show explores the trials of adolescence and the dynamics of a growing family. It became a significant hit and helped launch the careers of several young stars.

‘The Facts of Life’ (1979–1988)

A group of young women attends a prestigious boarding school under the guidance of their housemother Edna Garrett. The series follows the characters as they transition from students to young adults running their own business. It addressed various social issues that were relevant to teenagers during the eighties. The show remains one of the longest running sitcoms featuring an all female lead cast.

‘Diff’rent Strokes’ (1978–1986)

A wealthy businessman adopts two brothers from Harlem after their mother passes away. The boys move into a luxury penthouse in Manhattan and adjust to a significantly different lifestyle. The series became famous for the comedic timing of Arnold Jackson and his signature catchphrase. It often balanced humor with special episodes that tackled serious social topics.

‘Good Times’ (1974–1979)

This series follows a family living in a public housing project in Chicago as they strive to overcome financial hardships. The parents work hard to provide a better future for their three children in a challenging environment. One son becomes the breakout star of the show with his vibrant personality and iconic exclamation. The program was significant for its realistic portrayal of urban life and family strength.

‘The Honeymooners’ (1955–1956)

A bus driver and his best friend frequently engage in get rich quick schemes that often end in failure. Their wives provide a grounded contrast to the impulsive behavior of the two men. Although only thirty nine original episodes were produced they became legendary in the history of television. The show influenced countless future sitcoms with its focus on working class characters and domestic squabbles.

‘Coach’ (1989–1997)

Hayden Fox serves as the head coach of a college football team while trying to maintain a relationship with his daughter and girlfriend. The show highlights the humor found in the competitive world of sports and the personal life of a dedicated coach. His two assistant coaches provide additional comedic relief through their unique personalities. The series maintained steady viewership throughout the nineties on various networks.

‘Murphy Brown’ (1988–2018)

A sharp tongued news anchor balances her high profile career with her personal life. The show is known for its political satire and its commentary on contemporary social issues. Murphy leads a team of journalists at a fictional news magazine program while dealing with a revolving door of secretaries. The series made headlines for its influence on national political discourse during its original run.

‘Night Court’ (1984–1992)

A young and unconventional judge presides over the night shift of a Manhattan criminal court. He is surrounded by a staff of quirky characters including a narcissistic prosecutor and a soft hearted public defender. The cases brought before the court are often bizarre and provide a backdrop for the ensemble comedy. The show was a staple of the network lineup and won multiple awards for its performances.

‘Newhart’ (1982–1990)

An author of how to books moves to Vermont with his wife to operate a historic inn. They interact with the eccentric local townspeople including a handyman and three brothers who share the same first name. The series is celebrated for its dry wit and its surreal atmosphere. The final episode is widely considered one of the greatest and most surprising conclusions in television history.

‘Taxi’ (1978–1983)

The employees of a New York City taxi company dream of finding success in other professions while working for a cynical dispatcher. The ensemble cast includes an aspiring actor and a struggling boxer and a peculiar mechanic. Most of the action takes place in the garage where the drivers share their frustrations and triumphs. The show won numerous accolades for its high quality writing and character development.

‘Gilligan’s Island’ (1964–1967)

Seven castaways are stranded on an uninhabited tropical island after their tour boat runs aground during a storm. The group consists of a diverse set of individuals including a millionaire and a movie star and a farm girl. They must work together to survive while frequently sabotaging their own chances of being rescued. The show remains a cultural icon and is known for its catchy theme song.

‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ (1961–1966)

The series follows the professional and personal life of a television comedy writer named Rob Petrie. The episodes split their time between his office in Manhattan and his suburban home in New Rochelle. Rob and his wife Laura deal with various domestic mishaps and social situations with grace and humor. This program is often cited as a benchmark for sophisticated comedy and excellent ensemble acting.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–2025)

This animated series depicts the adventures of the Griffin family in the fictional town of Quahog. The show is famous for its cutaway gags and its irreverent humor that parodies pop culture. Peter Griffin is the clumsy patriarch who often gets the family into trouble with his impulsive behavior. Despite several cancellations the show has remained a dominant force in adult animation for decades.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–2025)

The lives of Homer and Marge and their three children are explored in the town of Springfield. This animated program has become the longest running American sitcom and a global cultural phenomenon. It features a vast supporting cast of characters that represent various aspects of society. The series is celebrated for its satirical take on the American lifestyle and its predictive humor.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Ted Mosby recounts the story of how he met his future wife to his two children through a series of flashbacks. The show follows Ted and his four best friends as they navigate life and love in New York City. Much of the comedy centers on the antics of Barney Stinson and the group’s frequent visits to their favorite bar. The series used a unique storytelling structure that kept audiences engaged for nine seasons.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

This mockumentary style series follows the daily lives of employees at a failing paper company in Pennsylvania. Regional manager Michael Scott often creates awkward situations for his staff through his desperate need for approval. The show highlights the mundane aspects of office life and the genuine relationships that form between coworkers. It achieved massive popularity and remains one of the most streamed comedies of all time.

‘Full House’ (1987–1995)

A widowed father enlists his best friend and his brother in law to help him raise his three daughters. The three men bring their unique personalities to the task of parenting in a crowded San Francisco home. The series is known for its wholesome messages and its focus on the importance of family support. It was a ratings powerhouse and eventually inspired a modern sequel series.

‘The Golden Girls’ (1985–1992)

Four older women share a home in Miami and navigate the challenges of their later years together. The group consists of four distinct personalities who provide constant support and comedic banter for one another. The show tackled serious topics like aging and health while maintaining a consistently funny tone. It remains a beloved classic that continues to find new audiences through syndication.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

A successful sportswriter lives across the street from his intrusive parents and his jealous brother. Raymond Barone often finds himself caught between the demands of his wife and the expectations of his extended family. The comedy is rooted in the relatable frustrations of domestic life and the complexities of familial relationships. The show was a critical and commercial success during its nine year run.

‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003–2015)

A wealthy jingle writer has his bachelor lifestyle interrupted when his brother and nephew move into his beach house. The brothers have vastly different personalities and often clash over their approaches to dating and parenting. The show became one of the most watched programs on television due to its broad humor and high energy performances. It continued to attract large audiences even after a major change in its lead cast.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

This series follows three different branches of the same family as they deal with modern domestic life. The show uses a mockumentary format where characters speak directly to the camera about their experiences. It was praised for its inclusive representation and its ability to blend physical comedy with emotional moments. The ensemble cast won numerous awards during the show’s eleven season tenure.

‘Sanford and Son’ (1972–1977)

A widower runs a junk business in Los Angeles with his son who dreams of a more successful life. Fred Sanford is known for his stubborn personality and his frequent fake heart attacks to get his way. The relationship between the father and son provides the emotional core of the series. The show was a major hit and played a significant role in bringing diverse perspectives to primetime television.

‘The Jeffersons’ (1975–1985)

George and Louise Jefferson move from a working class neighborhood to a luxury apartment in Manhattan after their dry cleaning business finds success. George is a boisterous entrepreneur who often clashes with his neighbors and his wisecracking maid. The series explored themes of social mobility and race with humor and sharp writing. It remains one of the longest running sitcoms with a primarily African American cast.

‘Three’s Company’ (1977–1984)

Two young women allow a man to live in their apartment after he pretends to be gay to satisfy their suspicious landlord. The show relies heavily on slapstick comedy and misunderstandings involving the various residents of the building. Jack Tripper frequently finds himself in elaborate lies to maintain his living arrangement. The series was a massive ratings success and became a staple of seventies pop culture.

‘Laverne & Shirley’ (1976–1983)

Two best friends work as bottle cappers at a brewery in Milwaukee while sharing a basement apartment. They often find themselves in comedic adventures involving their eccentric neighbors and coworkers. The show is known for the physical comedy of the lead actors and their strong bond of friendship. It was a spinoff of another popular series and eventually surpassed its predecessor in the ratings.

‘Happy Days’ (1974–1984)

The Cunningham family lives in Wisconsin during the fifties and sixties where they experience the changing American landscape. Richie Cunningham and his friends frequent a local diner and seek advice from the cool and mysterious Fonzie. The show shifted focus over time to highlight the charismatic character of Arthur Fonzarelli. It became one of the most successful series of its era and spawned multiple spinoffs.

‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ (1970–1977)

A single woman moves to Minneapolis after a breakup and takes a job as a producer for a local news program. Mary Richards navigates the challenges of her career and her personal life while surrounded by a cast of memorable coworkers. The show was groundbreaking for its focus on an independent professional woman who was not defined by marriage. It is consistently ranked as one of the best written comedies in television history.

‘The Andy Griffith Show’ (1960–1968)

Sheriff Andy Taylor maintains order in the quiet town of Mayberry while raising his young son Opie. He is assisted by his well meaning but bumbling deputy Barney Fife who often creates more problems than he solves. The show celebrates the simple virtues of small town life and the importance of community. It remained extremely popular throughout its run and never fell out of the top ten in annual ratings.

‘Bewitched’ (1964–1972)

A witch named Samantha marries a mortal man and attempts to live a normal suburban life without using her magic. Her husband Darrin insists on a house without witchcraft but Samantha is often forced to use her powers to solve domestic problems. Her magical family members frequently interfere and cause chaos for the couple. The series was a major hit and is remembered for its creative special effects and charming lead performance.

‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ (1962–1971)

A poor family from the mountains discovers oil on their land and moves to a mansion in Beverly Hills. The Clampetts struggle to adapt to the sophisticated lifestyle of their wealthy neighbors while maintaining their humble roots. Their fish out of water experiences provide constant humor as they interact with the local socialites. The show achieved record breaking viewership and remains a classic example of situation comedy.

‘I Dream of Jeannie’ (1965–1970)

An astronaut discovers a bottle on a deserted island and releases a beautiful genie who becomes devoted to him. Jeannie follows Captain Tony Nelson back to Florida and frequently uses her magic to help him which usually results in disaster. Tony tries to keep her existence a secret from his military superiors and his suspicious best friend. The show is celebrated for its fantasy elements and the chemistry between the two leads.

‘I Love Lucy’ (1951–1957)

Lucy Ricardo is a housewife who constantly dreams of finding success in show business despite her husband’s objections. She frequently involves her best friends and neighbors in elaborate schemes that lead to comedic disasters. The series pioneered many techniques used in modern sitcoms including the three camera filming method. It remains one of the most influential and beloved television programs ever produced.

‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)

Two brilliant but socially awkward physicists live across the hall from an aspiring actress with a vibrant personality. The show explores their group of friends as they navigate relationships and their shared love for comic books and science fiction. Over time the characters grow and form families while maintaining their unique hobbies. The series became a massive global success and led the ratings for many years.

‘Frasier’ (1993–2004)

A psychiatrist moves back to his hometown of Seattle to start a new life as a radio host. He interacts with his fussy brother and his retired police officer father while navigating the local dating scene. The show is known for its sophisticated humor and its exploration of the complex bond between the two brothers. It won a record number of awards and is considered one of the most successful spinoffs in history.

‘Roseanne’ (1988–2018)

The Conner family struggles to make ends meet while living in a working class town in Illinois. Roseanne and her husband Dan work various jobs to provide for their three children in a realistic and humorous way. The show was praised for its honest portrayal of blue collar life and its relatable family dynamics. It was a dominant force in the ratings during the late eighties and early nineties.

‘Home Improvement’ (1991–1999)

Tim Taylor hosts a home repair show called Tool Time while raising three sons with his wife Jill. Tim is known for his obsession with power tools and his tendency to cause accidents around the house. He often seeks advice from his wise neighbor Wilson who speaks to him from behind a tall fence. The series was a huge success and turned its lead actor into a major star.

‘All in the Family’ (1971–1979)

Archie Bunker is a working class father with conservative views who frequently clashes with his progressive son in law. The show used comedy to address important social and political issues of the seventies within a domestic setting. Archie’s wife Edith provides a kind and patient balance to his loud and stubborn personality. The program was a massive cultural phenomenon and changed the landscape of television comedy.

‘The Cosby Show’ (1984–1992)

The Huxtable family lives in a brownstone in Brooklyn where the father is an obstetrician and the mother is a lawyer. The series focuses on their daily lives as they raise their five children with humor and wisdom. It was credited with revitalizing the sitcom genre and depicting a successful professional family. The show was the most watched program on television for five consecutive seasons.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Six friends live and work in Manhattan while navigating the challenges of adulthood and romance. The group spends most of their time at a local coffee house or in their interconnected apartments. Their evolving relationships and career struggles formed the basis of the show’s long running plotlines. It remains a global sensation and continues to attract millions of viewers through streaming platforms.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

This show is famously described as a program about nothing as it focuses on the mundane details of daily life. Jerry Seinfeld and his three friends deal with social etiquette and minor annoyances in New York City. The series avoided traditional sentimental moments and instead relied on clever observational humor. It became a cultural juggernaut and defined the television landscape of the nineties.

‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)

The regulars and staff of a Boston bar share their lives and problems in a supportive and comedic environment. Sam Malone is the former baseball player who owns the establishment and deals with his various romantic interests. The show features a revolving cast of quirky characters who treat the bar as their second home. It maintained high ratings throughout its eleven season run and ended with one of the most watched finales ever.

Please share your favorite memories and episodes of these classic shows in the comments.