A great sitcom can last a lifetime, being able to stay surprisingly relevant to a different generation of audience. They can still be able to make anyone laugh with ageless themes and comedic talent both behind and in front of the screen.
While there were far too many to be added to this list, these sitcoms were just a handful of many that have remained enjoyable over and over again. Whether it's their universal humor, approach to social issues, or finding new audiences online, these sitcoms certainly have binge-able quality.
Friends
For one night a week across ten years, everyone got together to see the latest hijinks of Ross, Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Joey, and Phoebe as the group of friends went through their highs and lows of adulthood. In 2021, HBO Max made a reunion special of the cast members and the creators came together to reminisce about the highlights from this classic show.
And while some old-time fans may have been disappointed by this reunion, many were at least happy they could relive the show on Netflix. Many story arcs and iconic moments have remained timeless due to the cast of characters' everyday lives and struggles throughout their twenties and thirties. This has made Friends relatable between the characters and the people who watched it who would gain new insight with each fresh viewing.
The Office (U.S. Version)
While Rickey Gervais and Steven Merchant's original British sitcom remains one of the best, the American remake has become a huge hit on a global scale. With Steve Carell as the manager of an office filled with wacky and disgruntled employees, the mockumentary became one of the biggest sitcoms on NBC.
Anyone who has had to work alongside an unprofessional manager like Michael, a competitive and unbalanced Dwight, or the affectionate Jim and Pam, they would find plenty of characters to root for and against. And with eight seasons and new cast members being added along the way, anyone can enjoy the chaos that evolves in front of them over and over again.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The show may have wrapped up this year, but the dysfunctional police department has seen them face all kinds of criminals and eccentric police officers across New York. From the return of the disco strangler to rooting out corrupt cops, Jake Paralter and the Nine-Nine crew have always been able to solve these crimes while bringing a smile to everyone's faces.
What has made Brooklyn Nine-Nine as rewatchable as every other sitcom on the list is how it has always reflected and tackled serious issues both in America and around the world. From Terry's racially-driven arrest to Rosa's family's unable to accept her as a bisexual person, the support of this small group of police offers have for one another has made it one of the most feel-good police comedies on television.
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
By far one of the longest-running comedies of all time, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows the chaotic employees of Paddy's Pub as they go out of their way to stab each other in the back before coming back together to repeat the whole process.
But despite their toxic behavior, what makes them so compelling that the show itself has been repetitively viewed by its fans? It's the quotable lines and darkly comedic scenes found online that have made the show unforgettable to many. And with its fifteenth season diving into the pandemic and political landscape in America, it has been able to adapt and make fun of the times flawlessly too.
Parks And Recreation
The second mockumentary series 0n the list, Parks and Recreation saw the bright and bubbly bureaucrat Leslie Knope as she led the Parks Department of Pawnee and the loveable misfits that make up her team. Struggling to be taken seriously, their never-ending perils to make their town a better place is both endearing and hilarious as they take things into their own hands.
With the talents of Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman, and Rushida Jones leading an impressively vast and hilarious cast, they have made their characters that much more endearing. Furthermore, the mix of scripted and improvisation scenes only cemented the show's success with many clips and highlights from the 125 episode series found online.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Before he became the massive film star he is today, Will Smith started his acting career on this 90s sitcom after a successful music career. The success of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, however, has remained strong as it found it's way on different streaming services and even had a reunion special to mark the show's 30th anniversary last year.
And as it reached new generations of audiences and made new fans through discovering iconic dances and moments through social media, its relevance has never gone away. Even with it's focus on social and cultural issues back then, it has still rung true today and remained a show that has more to say then most expected that has made it worth revisiting.
Modern Family
The Emmy Award-winning series focuses on three families living in the same neighbourhood, all of which have their own values and obstacles when it comes to modern life. With the multiple generations of characters going through their own personal journeys, the show resonated with a lot of people for it's diverse themes.
And that magic of seeing the younger cast growing up and the older generation accepting difference and acceptance with open arms is what makes Modern Family worth watching on repeat viewing. It's influence on television comedy has been so impactful, it was a source for one of the episodes of WandaVision, adapting its signature humor and approach to the storytelling.
Only Fools and Horses
The oldest sitcom on the list, Only Fools and Horses was a British comedy that followed two brothers, Del Boy and Rodney as they try to strike rich quickly. However, their new ventures never lasted too long, struggling to keep afloat in the East End of London.
Having repeatedly been on multiple channels and streaming services, what makes Only Fools and Horses so recognisable and endearing is the affectionate and playful banter between the brothers and how, despite different wants and needs from their sights on wealth, remain true to their characteristics. Despite always failing to accomplish this goal, they never give up and always put a smile on the audience's face in the process.
The Simpsons
Both one of the longest-running comedies and animated series of all time, The Simpsons have become a household name. And with episodes and specials still being made today under Disney's ownership, it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
While some old time fans have fallen off from the more recent episodes, there's no denying how the earlier storylines have become memorable and quotable, even able to shed a tear or two while making us laugh. And with the show accessible on Disney Plus, it's easy to remind yourself of the many classic episodes that have shaped the series as well as seeing their latest shenanigans.
The Inbetweeners
Not many comedy shows can muster up two successful films and merchandise to boot with only three seasons under its belt and yet, The Inbetweeners did it. Following the hijinks of four uncool school students, Will, Simon, Niel, and Jay, they struggle to fit in and awkwardly explore their sexuality as teenagers would.
It may be relatively short compared to the other titles on the list, but it's unexpected success on a global scale can't be ignored. With it's universal themes of teenagers and their shaky approaches to life, it resonated with audiences and with quotes such as crude quotes that still mentioned among it's fans, it never gets old to rewatch and enjoy this British gem.