Saturday, December 6, 2008

My Top 10 Favorite Sitcoms

OK, it's time for a less serious post. And what better topic than shows that have made me laugh over the years? These shows have provided levity and enjoyment when I needed it the most. TV may have a lot of pitfalls but it can also be used to bring a smile to your face.


1) Seinfeld - There is no other sitcom in history with more memorable lines and characters - both regular and non recurring

2) M*A*S*H* - OK, not a true sitcom...more of a dramedy. The writing on this show was well ahead of its time and the characters endure on a deeper level than most. This show had something to teach us.

3) Cheers - The show felt just like the bar. You always felt at home when it was on. Great cast and great consistency over time.

4) The Office - This one will likely climb up the list a bit if it can stick around longer. The mockumentary format is original to US television. It's been fun to see a mostly unknown cast use this vehicle to launch their respective careers.

5) Family Ties - It will always have a special place in my heart as Alex P Keaton was the perfect role model for a young Republican such as myself. I grew up with this show and that brings back good memories.

6) Friends - This show came along during the end of my college years which was perfect timing given the young characters that were taking on the world. I watched it through my 20s. Kinda fell off at the end but they definitely captured some magic for awhile.

7) Newsradio - Phil Hartman was a genius and I miss him. This is also the most normal Andy Dick probably has ever been and his talent was on display. Great cast and great chemistry. Very underrated.

8) King of Queens - Jerry Stiller goes from one great show to another. Kevin James and Leah Remini (yummy) play off each other wonderfully. Still watch the reruns almost every day.

9) Scrubs - Another show that has held up well over the years. Now that NBC let them go it looks like ABC picked them up. That's a sign that there is still some life left.

10) Will & Grace - Great fast-paced writing. Always funny. A cast that really cared about each other.

Honorable mention: Wings, Growing Pains, Night Court, Fresh Prince, Saved by the Bell, Arrested Development, Cosby Show, Mad About You

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