American comedy is a lot of things. Immature, light hearted, stupid, raunchy, and sometimes just plain blustering. But one thing is for sure, a good laugh is just what someone needs to make their day brighter.

Sitcoms are a tradition, their legacies lasting for years and their jokes never getting old. Some classic sitcoms are still binged in the wee hours of the morning today, despite them airing decades ago, while other light hearted comedies are now seen as controversial. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most beloved sitcoms, modern and oldies.

We refrained from including any animated shows as well as shows that aired on channels marketed for children during their original running.

10) Family Matters (1989-1998)

IMDb 6.6/10

The Winslow family may not be traditional, but they sure are funny. Carl Winslow knows how to fight crime, but he sure doesn’t know to handle rowdy kids, in-laws, and a nosy neighbor.

9) The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

IMDb 8.2/10

This nerdtastic comedy follows a group of smart alec young adults struggling to find their way around love, people, and society in general.

8) Modern Family (2009-2019)

IMDb 8.4/10

Over the years, society and the people making up society have adapted drastically, and the image of a “picture perfect” family has too. This sitcom follows a not-so-traditional family and the comedic hassles of kids, relationships, and love in general.  

7) The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

IMDb 7.9/10

This is a story all about how Will, a young teen goes to live with his wealthy cousins, and his life got his life flipped, turned upside down. His fungoing and carefree nature often gets him in troubling predicaments, usually at his families expense.

6) Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

IMDb 8.6/10

Leslie has one goal, beautify her town. Or at least beautify her town a little and boost her career a lot. But, her plans are challenged by ignorant bureaucrats, government controls, and stingy neighbors, as well as a not so willing colleague.

5) Full House (1987-1991)

IMDb 6.7/10

This show follows a mismatched family growing by the day. The Tanners struggle through Manhattan realities, teenage angst and childlike ignorance, all while staying a family.

4) How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

IMDb 8.3/10

Marshall’s getting married, and Ted has no clue. On a desperate search to get his life together, with his friend Barney by his side, he soon realizes that love may be harder to get than it seems.

3) Seinfeld (1989-1998)

IMDb 8.9/10

Four friends who really don’t have it all figured it out try to piece together the puzzle of adulting, all while struggling to get their lives in order.

2) The Office (US) (2005-2013)

IMDb 8.8/10

This documentary style comedy contains wacky, exaggerated characters that make up the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin paper company. It displays the inner workings of “everyday” office life.

1)  Friends (1994-2004)

IMDb 8.9/10

Six friends struggle through jobs, love, and friendship in 1990s Manhattan. But it’s fine, they have each other, and a laugh track.