5. "Family Guy" (1999-present)Now I'll be the first one to admit that I don't laugh at this show nearly as much as I used to. Like so many other shows, it's gotten to a point where it's too much about the shock value and has become very preachy with regard to the political views of series creator Seth MacFarlane. That having been said, the early episodes of this show - particularly the first three seasons - were witty, original, and laugh-out-loud funny (particularly with regard to its unpredictability).
4. "The Simpsons" (1989-present)Say what you will about the declining quality of this show in recent years (heaven knows I've said plenty), but it is difficult to deny that "The Simpsons" is one of the funniest shows of the last twenty years. Granted, most of their genius was contained to their first six seasons or so, but the brilliance in those seasons is incredible... all culminating the the two-part cliffhanger "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" At this point, I feel the show lost a lot of steam, but it's impossible to overlook its contribution up to that point.
3."The Office" (BBC version; 2001-2003)In my mind, anyone who references "The Office" and is not talking about the BBC version is not a true "Office" fan. British humor makes the premise of this show work in a way that ceases to be gimmicky or soap opera-esque. The awkwardness of the workers in relation to each other and their boss David Brent is palpable... making it just that much funnier! After watching both seasons of this show and the Holiday Special, I don't think the American version even comes close. Dwight is a pale imitation of Gareth, Pam doesn't hold a candle to Dawn, Jim completely lacks the subtlety of Tim, and Michael Scott is a poor clone of Ricky Gervais' Brent. If you haven't seen this show, do yourself a favor and check it out STAT!
2. "Arrested Development" (2003-2006)One of the funniest shows of the last decade, "Arrested Development" turned the whole idea of the family sitcom on its head by introducing the completely unrelatable, unlikeable, and utterly dysfunctional Bluth family to the world. Led by the brilliant former child star Jason Bateman with a fabulous supporting cast that includes comedy veterans like Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica Walter (who play Bateman's parents) to relative newcomers Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat (who play literal "kissing cousins"). From the brilliant insular humor to the in-jokes put in just for the fans, this is a prime example of a show that got cancelled long before its time.
1. "Seinfeld" (1990-1998)
From relative obscurity to an American classic, no television comedy has had the long-lasting impact of "Seinfeld". From their changing the way Americans talk, interact, and look at television and pop culture in general, "Seinfeld," unlike many shows that get a lot of hype and praise, actually finds itself worthy and deserving of the accolades. Taking the traditional sitcom and ignoring every and all conventions associated with it, "Seinfeld" was a gamble - something completely new and original... and funny to boot! From the zany antics of Cosmo Kramer to the abrasive absurdity of George Costanza, from the polarizing insanity of Elaine Benes to the harmonizing observation of Jerry Seinfeld, the cast and the jokes just worked for this program, which is why it, more than any other, is deserving of the top spot on this list.
Honorable Mentions: "Saturday Night Live" (1975-present), "Robot Chicken" (2005-present), "Extras" (2005-2007), "Monty Python's Flying Circus" (1969-1974), "That '70s Show" (1998-2006)
So, what are some of your favorite TV comedies?
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