There have been so many great ones over the years, and here are mine:
1. Seinfeld
I truly believe it will never be topped in terms of one-liners and character development. The first couple seasons were slow, but once the cast and Larry David meshed it was GIDDYUP!
2. The Andy Griffith Show
A very close 2nd to Seinfeld, but the seasons in color (w/out Barney) bring it down a notch. But what a fantastic series this was and it will remain timeless. We actually have a Mayberry Cafe outside of Indy that is completely dedicated to the show.
3. Family Ties
A sentimental favorite...another example of a cast that worked so well together. Reminds me so much of growing up in the 80s.
4. The Cosby Show
Truly a landmark show when you think about how blacks were typically portrayed up to that time. I rarely turn the channel if I catch a show in syndication.
5. The Honeymooners
And to think this was such a short-lived run. Had there been more episodes it'd probably be #3 on my list.
6. The Wonder Years
This show started when I was in middle school and concluded while I was in college so I wasn't that far off from Kevin Arnold's age. And even tough it was set in the 60s it struck so many familiar chords...I was damn near in tears at the end of this series finale.
7. Curb Your Enthusiasm
If you love Seinfeld you will LOVE this series, which hopefuly will return for a 4th season. It stars Larry David (the brains and laughs behind Seinfeld) and airs on HBO in 10 episode seasons. It's a genius show.
8. I Love Lucy
Not as high on my list as I'm sure it would be on others, but still a great show, IMO. Lucille Ball was so ahead of her time (and ahead of her cast).
9. WKRP in Cincinnati
"Baby, if you've ever wondered..." This is definitely a sentimental favorite and I wish it would either get a DVD treatment or someone would pick it up in syndication. Just can't get enough of Les Nesman. Johnny Fever, Herb and you-know-who
10. Martin
I'm tellin' ya, this one has me laughing alomst as much as #1 and #7. All I'm saying is Shaneyne is da bomb!
Well, since I am fairly young, compared to you college folks, most of my favorite shows are more recent. However, to be honest with you all, I barely watch T.V. anymore... Yeah, it's bad. And if I ever do watch T.V., it's usually Nickelodeon or Disney...
Anyways... my top 3-5 favorite TV shows are --
1) The Cosby Show - I love Mr. Dr. Bill Cosby. The guy is hillarious. I bought this really cool scrapbook of article clippings hime since 1976... WOW! Also, the show is just plain great! It never used profanity (maybe piolet did). And Cosby's way of teaching the kid's was HILARIOUS!
2) Familly Matters - Steve Erkel.. What else do you want? The show was awsome. Now that I'm older, and am still re-watching the episodes, I relize how I was up at 7 in the morning every day a long while ago, in elementary school. Also, one time, in fourth grade, we had to write a fictional story. So, I stole the idea of the unofficial series finalle, and it basically was exactly the same, except twenty times worse...
3) Saved By The Bell - Hahaha... Just funny. Zack trying to get out of his troubles -- I was hooked on to this show. I also woke up at 7 to watch this show... Still Watch the reruns and cannot wait for the DVD release!
4) Boy Meets World - Probably the only show, besides Cosby, that I watch daily. I just can't get enough of it. It is just too well written. Eric is just too funny towards the latter of the series which just adds a whole new level to the series. Can't wait till the DVD release next year (hopefully)
Great thread and one I was thinking of doing recently. Here are my picks, you'll notice all from the '80s and '90s.
1) Home Improvement - There's a certain familiarity that comes with family sitcoms, and this one takes the cake as my favorite. Love the characters, the storys, the humor. I think that this will define the '90s family much in the same way that past generations of families have been defined by other shows (Brady Bunch, Cosby Show, etc.)
2) Saved By The Bell - Absolutely hilarious - sometimes intentionally, other times not intentionally. NO matter how ridiculous the plot line, it was always entertaining, and the characters were so perfectly defined into their specific archtype that it made everything that much funnier. Really looking forward to the DVDs - hopefully the sets will be really special.
3) Boy Meets World - Similar to the past two, it has really well-defined characters that make you laugh more so than just storylines. While it had a dramatic drop in quality the last year or so when it became a mix of all the romantic couples (Cory and Topanga getting married? What's that crap?) and soap operas (Shawn's dad dying and re-appearing in cemeteries), when it was good, it was darn good and funny. And through it all, Will Friedle remained endearing and hilarious as Eric.
4) The Wonder Years - Absolutely love it. While I didn't grow up or even exist for much of the years depicted in the show, I always felt I could relate to the situations. It had an uncanny ability of tapping into real emotions and real situations. There weren't the sarcastic one-liners or the preposterous plots - the Arnolds were a real family, with real problems, who loved each other but often had trouble showing it. A number of great episodes, great music, overall definitely transcendent of "sitcom" designation. But too good to NOT include.
5) NewsRadio - The best workplace ensemble sitcom there's been. All of the characters are interesting and have depth, and the show was extremely funny most of the time. Much of the credit must go to Phil Hartman, who as the smarmy Bill McNeil, was always a joy to watch. The show suffered a lot in the season after his death, and bringing in Jon Lovitz is never a good thing. But this is a show that I never watched when it aired, but I grew to love in the re-runs. No longer in reruns, I look forward to the DVD that Sony has announced is coming later this year.
6) ALF - What a brilliant concept - a sarcastic alien living with a suburban family. The first few years of this were hilarious, hilarious stuff. I'm not sure why, but the 4th (and final) season was a huge drop-off in comedy and quality. The first three, though, remain endlessly funny - and ALF is one of the most memorable characters in the history of memorable characters.
7) The Adventures of Pete & Pete - another show I never watched when it was on TV. Nor should I have really, as I wasn't the target audience. But it isn't a kids' show anymore than "The Wonder Years" is - in that the protagonists are children. Again, it's suburban family existence - but the twist is that everything is distorted - little Pete has his own personal superhero, Mom has a metal plate in her head that can get faraway radio stations. It may not sound good on paper, but it is a hoot to watch and I'm so glad I discovered this wonderful show. Really wish Paramount would put it on DVD - there were only around 40 full-length episodes and a number of shorts. Reruns air on The-N (Noggin) network. For those of you with digital cable, I recommend you checking it out. Great characters, impressive guest stars, nice collection of '90s music, and the bizarre elements are hilarious.
8) Even Stevens - Being able to rediscover this show recently, I really appreciate it. It's got a great sense of humor and is so much better than all of the other Disney Channel shows. Reminds me of Pete & Pete with its bizarre treatment of family suburbia. Shia LaBeouf is a really talented comedy actor, something so rarely seen in 'family TV programs.'
9) Seinfeld - I guess this is where I feel compelled to mention Seinfeld. I really like the show, but maybe because EVERYONE does, I feel less obliged to sing the show's praises. Excellent storylines focusing on the important minutiae of our lives. Almost always funny, perhaps more importantly witty and keen. Also, notable for being able to juggle multiple plotlines so deftly.
10) Hmm, I don't think I can settle on just one #10, so let me list some more of my favorites: Perfect Strangers - Balki Bartokomous and Cozin Larry - a buddy team for the ages! Cheers - Great assortment of characters makes a show work even when it doesn't leave the bar. Great writing. Family Ties - Another great '80s sitcom - a smart comedic premise unlike something you'd see today. Growing Pains - As you can see, I dig '80s family sitcoms. Cosby Show - Not as easy to get into now, maybe because it always seems to be on, but when I sit down and watch a full episode, I can really appreciate how good this show is. Freaks and Geeks - This isn't really a sitcom, and it didn't even last a full season, but it's a really good show. Like The Wonder Years, it's grounded in reality, but it's very funny. Shame that something like this got pulled so fast, when something like That '70s Show (which isn't a bad show, but for what it is) can live on for years and in syndication. Hope the DVD comes through. The Simpsons - Again, not really a sitcom and if it were, I'd put it near the top of my list. So fast and funny that even when a gag doesn't work, you don't mind because so much of it does. Recent years haven't been so good, but overall, it's still a bonafide winner. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - A very funny show, and Will Smith shows off more charm and comedic timing in this than most of the movies he's been in since he made the jump to the big screen.
Since I've taken something like 40 minutes to post this, I think I'll stop here and say I've done enough. What can I say...I love TV.
Edit: Okay, I now see Stashone's post. And I mentioned a few things he already chose. Good taste.
As for that Canadian ALF DVD, I've had it since last fall and it's very good - unfortunately, the two clip shows are mostly a tease for full season sets. The ALF commentary is hilarious, though, give it a listen. And the Christmas special - while far more dramatic in tone than the rest of the show - is ideal holiday viewing.
Spaced Superb flat-sharing sit-com but unlike any flat sharing sit-com ever before. Typical excerpt:
Daisy Steiner: Do you rent downstairs?
Brian: You mean am I gay?
Daisy Steiner: WHAT?
Brian: You mean am I gay?
Daisy Steiner: No, I meant "Do you rent the downstairs flat?"
Brian: Oh. Yep, sort of.
Tim: Are you gay?
Brian: Hmm?
Tim: Are you gay?
Brian: No.
Other good UK sit-coms include:
Father Ted of course!
Teachers not really a sit-com, but a drama/comedy
Coupling not really the UK's answer to friends, but promoted as such in America.
Black Books surreal and very very funny.
Manny Bianco: Of course you can't taste anything! You smoke eighty berjillion cigarettes a day! What's that you're eating?
Bernard Black: It's some sort of delicious biscuit.
Manny Bianco: It's a coaster!
I'm Alan Partridge (but the Day Today and Knowing Me, Knowing You were cooler)
Alan Partridge: 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'. What a great song. It really encapsulates the frustration of a Sunday, doesn't it? You wake up in the morning, you've got to read all the Sunday papers, the kids are running round, you've got to mow the lawn, wash the car, and you think "Sunday, bloody Sunday!".
Aidan Walsh: I really hate to do this to you, Alan, but it's actually a song about -
Paul Tool: Yeah, bloody Sunday is actually about a massacre in Derry in 1972.
Alan Partridge: A massacre? Ugh. I'm not playing that again.
and pride of place goes to the little known The High Life Total comedy genius!
Bonus worst UK sit-com: Are You Being Served? - really look up "naff' in a UK dictionary and it says "Are You Being Served?". What do you Americans see in it?
I have so many favorites. Most of them are from the 50's and 60's, but there are newer ones I like too. But needless to say TVLand is on constantly in my house. Here are my favorites:
1. I Love Lucy- This will always be #1 on my list. It's just classic comedy, and everyone was funny, not just Lucy.
2. The Dick Van Dyke Show-I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this yet. I mean doesn't anyone remember the episode where Laura blurts out that Alan Brady is bald
3. Friends-This is my fav of today's sitcoms. Joey cracks me up.
4. I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched-I can't decide which one I like more. I love the crazy antics on both shows.
5. Get Smart-Agent 86 and 99 were a great team, and was there ever a more hilarious villain than Ziegfried.
6.Leave it to Beaver-some call it corny,but I find it funny and heartwarming. People should watch without any pre-conceived ideas, because so many of the episodes are just hilarious.
7. The Cosby Show-I like it because it's about a family and the kids are not total brats. It's seems like so many shows today only have bratty kids.
8. Saved by the Bell-My brother and I are so excited about the upcoming DVD release.
9.Growing Pains-Another great show aboout a nice family. No wonder it's on the family channel.
Other shows I enjoy include Gilligan's Island, The Nanny, Fraiser, Full House, which I was lucky enough to see a taping of and Home Improvement, which I also saw a taping of. Those were fun experiences.
As far as comedies on today, there are not very many that I can say I REALLY LIKE. I think because too many of them have to use sexual innuendo in order to be funny. I think thats a little too easy. Don't get me wrong I will still watch and laugh, but sometimes it's over done. There are a lot of dramas on today I like, but that's for another thread one of these days.
Marianne81 wrote:As far as comedies on today, there are not very many that I can say I REALLY LIKE. I think because too many of them have to use sexual innuendo in order to be funny. I think thats a little too easy. Don't get me wrong I will still watch and laugh, but sometimes it's over done. There are a lot of dramas on today I like, but that's for another thread one of these days.
Gotta agree with you there! And very cool about the tapings you went to. Did you get to "ahhhh" any time Michelle did something on "Full House"?
Well, there are so many shows, it's a little overwhelming, and I really don't watch TV much anymore, so many shows I haven't seen in years, but a few off the top of my mind are:
-Friends
-Will and Grace
-Scrubs
-I Dream of Genie (Can't wait for this to be released on DVD, saw a marathon a few weeks ago, when it returned to TVLand)
-Just Shoot Me (Haven't seen this in a while but use to enjoy it)
-Cheers
-Growing Pains (Used to watch this too, don't know why but it always agravated my mom, when she saw me watching it ?? ??)
-Family Guy (waiting for Vol. II, this Sept.)
-Simpsons
-Malcolm in the Middle
Gotta agree with you there! And very cool about the tapings you went to. Did you get to "ahhhh" any time Michelle did something on "Full House"?
It's nice to know someone else understands what I'm saying. Yeah I did kind of do the "ahhh" thing with Michelle's scenes. They were cute kids. But I remember the Home Improvement taping a bit more because I was about 14 or 15 and thought Jonathan Taylor Thomas was really cute and screamed when they annoucned him at the end. Luckily I grew out of that phase.
Marianne81 wrote: But I remember the Home Improvement taping a bit more because I was about 14 or 15 and thought Jonathan Taylor Thomas was really cute and screamed when they annoucned him at the end. Luckily I grew out of that phase.
Lucky for you.
It's still an embarrasing character flaw of mine
Im sorry but Home Improvement was the worst show ever!
Open credits to a segment of Tool Time where Tim Allen is talking about super model engine mods for some stupid high powered lawn mower concept. Al comments sarcastically and Tim rhetorts with a hillariously witty :sarcasm: joke about Al's mother wearing flannel or soemthing to that extent, a bunch of rednecks in the audience laugh and than Tim's invention backfires and blows up. cue ernie & bert wah wah wah score.
Next we cut to the family scene where its obviously apparent that the 2 older boys are trying to conceal some sort of wacky hijinx from their parents. Tim acts negligant to the situation and than later catches on but cleverly plays along with the situation until the boys inevidably get caught up in their own lies. What a riot!
Next Tim gets into an argument with his wife about some thoughtless act somehow involving a televised sporting broadcast and/or an event involving the in-laws, wanders into his backyard to seek the advice of his reliable neighbor behind the fence usually found birdwatching or relishing in a cup of organic tea, or something similarly unfunny. Tim is offered proverbial advice, usually in the context of some foreign latin aphorism in which he utterly confuses and returns to his wife reciting a jumbeled and nonsensical variation of the witticism which results in a cue for the audience laugh track followed by the closing theme.
Ive decided to leave out all the filler involving Tim Allen breaking the dishwasher, spraining his ankle, making stupid gorilla noises, making fun of his wife's relatives, etc.
This show was about as funny as an episode Mike Bullard sitting in his living room watching BET comics.
The only possible sitcom that I can possibly think of that might equate to this level of blasphemy is Drew Carrey. Ugh.
Last edited by STASHONE on Tue Mar 30, 2004 1:54 pm, edited 5 times in total.
Yeah, I have a bunch of favourite sitcoms AND comedies. I think I appreciated comedy the most on television, because as a comedy writer, it is a bloody hard thing to do consistently.
I agree with indiana - Seinfeld is unlikely to be topped in terms of quality any time soon. Shame the later episodes felt a little flat. Wish they would release them in season DVD sets.
The Simpsons - greatest show EVER, IMO. Although it has been patchy of late, when it is on, it is on fire. I quote from this show at least daily. Glad it is being released in season DVD sets.
Frasier - I always liked this better than Cheers. I just think the humour works better for me, and I know so many people like the Cranes Even so Cheers still rates higly for me.
Arli$$ - I only saw a handful of these, but it was always good for a laugh. A shame the free to air channels couldn't show it here.
I will always remember Family Ties and the Cosby Show fondly. Have watched episodes recently, and still laughed out loud.
Oh, and does M*A*S*H count? Coz yeah, have to put that in there for classic value.
So many more TV comedies, although not sitcoms I'd love to add. The Late Show (with the Australian D-Gen, sketch comedy) will always be dear to my heart.
Loomis wrote:I agree with indiana - Seinfeld is unlikely to be topped in terms of quality any time soon. Shame the later episodes felt a little flat. Wish they would release them in season DVD sets.
It is going to be. (In the states atleast)
It was announced sometime ago... We should be seeing the first season some time this year!
Not likely to be this year. It hasn't been officially announced, only that as always it's been a matter of "when" not "if". Jerry et al are working on supplements and the like, though, apparently.
indianajdp wrote:There have been so many great ones over the years, and here are mine:
7. Curb Your Enthusiasm
If you love Seinfeld you will LOVE this series, which hopefuly will return for a 4th season. It stars Larry David (the brains and laughs behind Seinfeld) and airs on HBO in 10 episode seasons. It's a genius show.
Last but not least is the highly-anticipated DVD debut of Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete First Season, which is set to arrive on January 13th. This two-disc set includes 4:3 full screen transfers and Dolby 2.0 stereo tracks, plus audio commentary with the cast including Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines and Bob Weide, an exclusive interview with Larry David conducted by Bob Costas on HBO's "On the Record," additional interviews and episodic previews. Retail is $39.95.
Total comedy genius!
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Even so Cheers still rates higly for me.