best comedy tv shows ever

Ever caught yourself laughing at a joke you’ve heard twelve times already—like, *twelve*—and still snort-laugh like it’s brand new? Yeah, us too. That’s the magic of the best comedy tv shows ever: they don’t just make you chuckle once; they burrow into your soul like a warm, slightly sarcastic blanket. Whether it’s Chandler’s “Could I *be* any more…?” or Lucille Ball shoving chocolates in her mouth like her life depends on it, these shows become part of our emotional furniture. The best comedy tv shows ever aren’t just funny—they’re familiar, comforting, and weirdly therapeutic. Like therapy, but with better one-liners and zero copays (unless you count your streaming subscription, which, let’s be real, is worth every penny).

It ain’t just about big laughs or meme-worthy catchphrases (though those help). The best comedy tv shows ever strike this delicate balance between heart and hilarity. Think about it: you cry when Ross says “I got off the plane,” and you cackle when Dwight sells fake beet-based cologne. Great comedy? It makes you feel seen. It turns awkward family dinners, office politics, and roommate chaos into shared human experiences. And sure, some rely on slapstick, others on dry wit—but the best comedy tv shows ever all have one thing in common: rewatchability. You can pop one on after a rough day, and suddenly, the world feels lighter. Like someone handed you a cosmic stress ball made of punchlines.

Ask ten people, get ten answers—and that’s the beauty of it. Some swear by *Seinfeld*’s observational genius (“No hugging, no learning!”), others pledge allegiance to *The Office*’s cringe-comfort blend, while a bold few will argue *Parks and Recreation* is peak American optimism wrapped in waffle jokes. But if we had to pick one that consistently tops critics’ lists and fan polls alike? It’s probably *Cheers* or *M*A*S*H*—shows that mixed belly laughs with genuine humanity. Still, the best comedy tv shows ever aren’t about crowning a single king; they’re about building a whole damn kingdom of joy, absurdity, and emotional truth. So yeah, there’s no one “best”—but there are dozens that feel like home.

Alright, grab your popcorn (or your emergency wine glass—we don’t judge). Based on critic scores, cultural impact, and how many times we’ve quoted them at funerals (kidding… mostly), here’s a loose-but-loved lineup of the best comedy tv shows ever:

• Seinfeld – The show about nothing that somehow said everything.
• The Office (US) – Where awkwardness became art.
• Parks and Recreation – Optimism with a side of calzones.
• Frasier – Fancy words, fancier neuroses.
• Arrested Development – Layered jokes for people who like homework.
• Friends – Overplayed? Maybe. Beloved? Absolutely.
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Cop comedy with heart and heists.
• Modern Family – Mockumentary meets messy family love.
• Ted Lasso – Kindness as a superpower (and it works).
• Abbott Elementary – Fresh, sharp, and full of heart.

Here’s where things get spicy. Critics might bow down to *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* for revolutionizing TV feminism, while fans are busy rewatching *Schitt’s Creek* for the 47th time because David Rose’s sweater game is unmatched. To bridge the gap, we compiled a hybrid ranking based on Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and pure gut feeling. Behold—the ultimate mashup of prestige and pleasure:

Let’s talk numbers, folks. While streaming makes exact counts fuzzy, one title stands out in the broadcast era: *M*A*S*H*. Its 1983 finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” drew a staggering **106 million viewers**—a record that still holds today. That’s more people than live in most countries! Sure, *Friends* and *The Big Bang Theory* pulled in massive weekly audiences (20+ million per episode at their peaks), but nothing touches that *M*A*S*H* goodbye. Why? Because the best comedy tv shows ever earn loyalty. People didn’t just watch *M*A*S*H*—they lived with those characters for 11 years through war, laughter, and tears. And when it ended? The whole nation gathered around TVs like it was a national holiday. That’s the power of comedy that dares to care.

Heck yes they can—and they absolutely should. Don’t sleep on *The Simpsons*, which basically invented modern satire (and predicted the future, apparently). Or *BoJack Horseman*, which used cartoon horses to dissect depression, fame, and redemption with brutal honesty. Even *Bob’s Burgers* serves up warmth and weirdness in equal measure. Animation removes the limits of reality, letting comedy explore absurdity while sneaking in profound truths. So yeah, animated series aren’t just “for kids”—they’re often the best comedy tv shows ever, disguised as talking animals or yellow families. And if you disagree? We’ll send Stewie Griffin after you. (Kidding. Mostly.)

Remember waiting a whole week for the next episode? Now, we binge entire seasons in one pajama-clad weekend. Streaming didn’t just change how we watch—it changed what gets made. Without network censors or ad breaks, shows like *Fleabag* or *Barry* can blend dark themes with razor-sharp humor in ways traditional TV never allowed. Plus, algorithms push niche comedies (*Schitt’s Creek*, anyone?) to global audiences who’d never find them on cable. The result? A golden age of diverse, daring, and deeply personal comedy. The best comedy tv shows ever used to be limited by airtime and advertisers; now, they’re limited only by imagination. And honestly? That’s pretty damn exciting—even if your watch history looks like a cry for help.

Some jokes age like milk; others age like fine wine. Sure, *Friends* gets flak for its lack of diversity, and *Everybody Loves Raymond*’s gender dynamics feel… dated. But the core emotions? Still solid. The best comedy tv shows ever from the ‘80s and ‘90s captured universal truths—family friction, workplace weirdness, the agony of dating—that haven’t changed, even if our phones have. And let’s not forget: these classics paved the way. Without *I Love Lucy*’s physical genius or *All in the Family*’s social courage, we wouldn’t have the nuanced, boundary-pushing comedies we love today. So yeah, watch them with a critical eye—but don’t dismiss them. They’re the grandparents of modern comedy: a little old-fashioned, but full of wisdom (and killer timing).

Why Rewatching Old Favorites Feels Like Therapy

There’s science behind it: familiar shows reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) because your brain knows what’s coming. No surprises, just comfort. That’s why the best comedy tv shows ever become emotional safe spaces. You know Joey will say something dumb, Leslie will save the day with glitter, and Michael Scott will accidentally offend everyone—yet you laugh anyway. In a chaotic world, that predictability is a gift. So go ahead—rewatch *The Golden Girls* for the 20th time. Blanche would want you to live boldly (and laugh loudly).

If you’re hungry for more laughs, analysis, or binge recommendations, you’re in luck. Start by exploring Suzzanne Douglas for thoughtful takes on television’s funniest moments. Then, browse our curated Films section (yes, it includes TV—don’t @ us) for genre deep dives. And if you’re looking for your next obsession, don’t miss our guide to Comedy Series Tv Shows Binge Worthy. Because the best comedy tv shows ever aren’t just entertainment—they’re lifelines. And we’re here to help you find yours.

References

• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv
• https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?genres=comedy&sort=user_rating,desc
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2019/top-10-most-watched-television-broadcasts-of-all-time/
• https://www.britannica.com/art/history-of-television/The-golden-age-of-TV