The top 10 comedy shows of all time, ranked.

      Disney

      When it comes to beloved television, few genres are as universally adored as comedy shows that consistently elicit laughter with each new inventive episode. The best of these transcends mere jokes and punchlines, establishing themselves as icons in the genre, celebrated for delivering unforgettable characters and side-splitting narratives that fans and critics endlessly quote. Whether viewers seek quirky office environments, animated parodies, or traditional sitcoms, there’s a classic comedy available for everyone.

      From the comedic treasure trove of The Office to the controversial, long-lasting series South Park, there's an impressive variety among the greatest comedy TV shows ever produced. However, all of them share a common trait: they have secured their spot in television history by providing sharp humor, memorable characters, and, in certain instances, pointed social commentary.

      10. Veep (2012-2019)

      HBO

      Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer, the fictional Vice President of the United States, in the uproarious political satire Veep. Created by Armando Iannucci, the series focuses on her journey as a self-serving and inept politician driven by significant ambition. Veep reveals the dysfunctional nature of Washington, D.C., through the lens of the powerless vice president, particularly as she finds herself in increasingly ridiculous scenarios.

      Veep excels as more than just a standard feel-good comedy, propelled by Louis-Dreyfus' exceptional portrayal of Selina, which earned her six Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Known for its brutally honest depiction of contemporary politics delivered through rapid-fire dialogue and clever story arcs, Veep remains relevant long after its conclusion, making it an ideal comedy series to revisit in tumultuous times.

      9. Modern Family (2009-2020)

      ABC

      Modern Family is a mockumentary-style sitcom that captures the lives of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family, comprised of three interrelated households: Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill) and his younger wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara) along with her son Manny (Rico Rodriguez); Jay’s daughter Claire (Julie Bowen), her husband Phil (Ty Burrell), and their three kids Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), and Luke (Nolan Gould); and finally, Jay’s son Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), and their adopted daughter Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons). The series chronicles their daily misadventures and often humorous bonding moments, while also conveying lessons about life and relationships.

      Created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, Modern Family quickly garnered a dedicated audience due to its clever use of the mockumentary format, which allowed character personalities and quirks to shine through confessional-style interviews. Over time, viewers couldn't help but love the charming family dynamics, often marked by conflicts arising from differing personalities. Thanks to its relatable characters and consistently funny narratives, Modern Family is now regarded as a beloved tribute to family life, with all its messy complexities.

      8. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

      NBC

      Parks and Recreation, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, is a political satire mockumentary set in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. The series follows Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), the Deputy Director of the Parks Department, as she aspires to improve her small town despite facing continuous bureaucratic hurdles. Complicating matters are her uninterested colleagues and a constant flow of quirky citizens.

      While Parks and Rec initially faced critiques for its clear resemblance to The Office, thematic and tonal adjustments made after its first season helped it develop its unique identity. The series flourished with its cast of eccentric characters, brought to life by actors such as Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Pratt. These characters are the source of the show's distinctive humor, sometimes culminating in heartwarming episodes, though frequently delivering quotable moments.

      7. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

      NBC / NBC

      Often dubbed “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld is a pioneering sitcom following comedian Jerry Seinfeld (portraying a fictionalized version of himself) alongside his trio of friends — George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) — as they navigate everyday life in New York City. The series features their experiences with relatable, mundane activities, like returning library books or waiting for restaurant seating.

      Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the show highlights the trivial details that resonate with everyone while steering clear of typical heartfelt lessons and resolutions. Instead, the best episodes often center on the characters failing to learn from their mistakes. This aversion to sentimentality has inspired numerous other shows that adopt a similar dry, observational humor style, often portraying unapologetically self-centered characters.