Comedy series tend to carry universal appeal for being memorable, rewatchable, and familiar—and, of course, knee-slapping good. Some iconic shows have redefined the audience’s understanding of comedy using unique storytelling, such as in Modern Family, and daring tropes, like those evident in BoJack Horseman. Many of them have gained worldwide recognition as some of the greatest comedies of all time, becoming cultural phenomena and securing their place in pop culture.
Seinfeld
Marketed as a “show about nothing,” Seinfeld had a rip-roaring success for almost a decade. It is still seen as one of the top comedy series of all time, even after so many years. This Emmy-winning series, developed by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, is almost a social satire. It stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself who examines the minor details of life’s minutiae through his own oddball perspective. He is accompanied by three friends as they navigate their lives in New York. The best part about the show was that it turned back and referenced itself, showing how popular it became in the decade it ran on television.
The Office
The Office had its many versions. For many of its fans, the UK version was popularly accepted to be the best of the lot. However, Greg Daniels’ adaptation of the series, i.e., the US version, achieved even greater success than the original. The workplace series became beloved because of its mockumentary style storytelling and relatable content. It presents the daily lives of office employees in a comically exaggerated manner. While most of the characters with eccentric and disparate personalities take time to grow on the audiences, they become likable with succeeding episodes.
Derry Girls
This comedy series, written by Lisa McGeem, became an instant hit when it premiered in 2018 on Channel 4. The story is set in the 1990s and revolves around a group of Northern Irish teens: Erin Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James. Each episode showcases their misadventures, bringing confusion among the adults around them. The casting is perfect, with the leads played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan of Bridgerton fame, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn. The show has funny plotlines, memorable dialogues, and themes specific to the 90s Derry. It gained global appeal after it began streaming on Netflix.
Parks and Recreation
Among the many comedy series that emerged in the 2010s, Parks and Recreation stands out as an iconic show. Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the Emmy Award-winning producer/writer duo who also produced The Office, created Parks and Recreation. The show became popular for its immensely likable characters and warm vibe. Set in the fictional town of Pawnee, the series features a variety of hilarious misadventures. The main storyline follows Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, as she navigates the bureaucracy of the Parks and Recreation Department. Like The Office, the show took some time to find its footing, but over the course of its first season, it developed a unique identity and distinct comedic style.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Despite its premature cancellation and subsequent revival, Dan Goor’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine has become one of the few comedy series that viewers can endlessly rewatch. For many viewers, each rerun has brought in more cheer and fun. It is a workplace sitcom about cops, and it gained popularity for maintaining a reputation for being hilarious, quick-witted, and self-aware. The first few seasons featured a solid chemistry between the quirky cast, characterized by witty repartees with Andy Samberg portraying Jake Peralta and Andre Braugher playing his captain, Jacob Holt. While the latter seasons became experimental with extended and serialized arcs, the show still managed to maintain its fun crime-solving energy.
30 Rock
To start, 30 Rock was not initially expected to be a hit. That said, like many of the greatest comedy series of all time, it gradually found its audience and became a fan favorite. Created by Tina Fey, 30 Rock offers a fictionalized, behind-the-scenes look at an NBC sketch comedy show. The series follows Liz Lemon, portrayed by Tina Fey; Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin; Tracy Jordan, portrayed by Tracy Morgan; Jenna Maroney, played by Jane Krakowski; Kenneth the Page, played by Jack McBrayer; and the other characters involved in creating the fictional show called “TGS.” The show is renowned for its memorable catchphrases and notable guest stars, including Elaine Stritch. Full of jokes that remain relevant even a decade later, 30 Rock is definitely worth watching at least once.
The Golden Girls
This show defied the idea that sitcoms can center only around young characters. Created by Susan Harris, The Golden Girls became one of the funniest and most iconic shows of all time. With a perfectly balanced ensemble cast, it starred Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty. The show, with its never-ending punchlines, was a laugh riot that showed the adventures and misadventures of the retiree’s life.