Top 25 Funniest TV Shows Of All Time | Articles on WatchMojo.com (2024)

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the TV shows that, since the dawn of the medium, have made us laugh the hardest.

#25: “The IT Crowd[a]” (2006-13)

A smash hit in its own right, this British sitcom has since become notable as a star vehicle for future breakthroughs Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Matt Berry. “The IT Crowd” tracks the day-to-day operations of the information technology department of mysterious conglomerate Reynholm Industries — specifically “standard nerds” Roy and Moss, played by O’Dowd and Ayoade, respectively. In particular, the show focuses on their relationship with their newest coworker Jen, a Luddite who lies her way into becoming their department head. Jen eventually narrows down her role as “Relationship Manager,” communicating difficulties between the antisocial computer geeks and the rest of the company. As you might’ve guessed, conflicts like these generate the show’s biggest laughs.

#24: “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

The little Canadian sitcom that found its way to the Emmy Awards’ top prize, “Schitt’s Creek” is just as scrappy and loveable as its daft protagonists. The show focuses on the misadventures of the Rose family, whose considerable wealth disappears in an instant after their business manager squanders their fortune. Forced to start again from scratch, Johnny, Moira, David, and Alexis move to the titular Canadian small town and attempt to make it their own. The series’ unique blend of abject silliness and heartfelt sentimentality won viewers’ hearts. Co-created by father-and-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy (who also star), “Schitt’s Creek” made history in 2020 by sweeping the Emmys’ top seven categories. O Canada, indeed!

#23: “Impractical Jokers” (2011-)

Improv/sketch comedians by trade, the Staten Island comic troupe the Tenderloins came to widespread prominence with this reality/hidden camera prank show. “Impractical Jokers” takes childhood dares to an entirely new level, reversing the traditional format of such shows by having the joke be on its stars, rather than unsuspecting bystanders. Spurred on by suggestions from his fellow jokers, whichever cast member is undertaking a challenge must accordingly make a fool of himself in order to avoid a “punishment.” Needless to say, the four jokers’ suffering is the audience’s gain; the troupe’s lighthearted twist on the genre has become massively successful, even spawning a feature film adaptation in 2020.

#22: “Eastbound & Down” (2009-13)

You’re friggin’ out. This over-the-top HBO sports comedy stars Danny McBride as washed-up MLB player Kenny Powers, who, despite his best years being behind him, hasn’t lost an ounce of his youthful confidence, brashness, and bravado… much to the detriment of those around him. Hardly politically correct, “Eastbound” was (and remains) beloved by comedy fans for its crude, vulgar, and often mean-spirited sense of humor. While the show initially promises to be a homecoming story for Powers, it quickly becomes something else entirely with each increasingly hilarious season. Featuring a cavalcade of famous guest stars, like Will Ferrell, Craig Robinson, Matthew McConaughey, and more, “Eastbound” is a bona fide home run.

#21: “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson” (2019-)

Possibly the first great sketch show of the streaming era, “I Think You Should Leave” combines absurdist Internet humor with the wholly unique sensibilities of creators Robinson and Zach Kanin. Robinson, a “Saturday Night Live” alumnus, uses the show to skewer archaic social conventions, not unlike Larry David and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The Netflix original doesn’t claim to tackle any sociopolitical or even remotely topical subject matter: instead, it just focuses on how much it can make its audience squirm in their chairs. A modern-day cult classic, “I Think You Should Leave” has won multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series in 2023.

#20: “Party Down” (2009-10; 2023)

This Starz original might not have made much of a splash on its first go-round, but with time, audiences discovered this sorely underrated sitcom. Future “Parks & Rec” and “Severance” star Adam Scott stars as Henry, a struggling actor who maintains a part-time job at the titular catering company. Each episode takes place at a different event catered by the company, with this particular “Party Down” led by the dopey Ron Donald, played to hilariously perfect effect by Ken Marino. Packing in jokes and gags at a mile a minute, “Party Down” is a communal punch bowl you won’t hesitate to dip your ladle into.

#19: “Broad City” (2014-19)

A loving ode to the unique trials, tribulations, joys, and failures that come with female friendship, “Broad City” was co-created by its stars, comedians Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, as an adaptation of their popular web series of the same name. The show follows Glazer and Jacobson’s characters (also named Ilana and Abbi) as they attempt to make their respective ways in New York City as women in their mid-20s. Bolstered by a hilarious supporting cast that includes comedian Hannibal Buress, “Broad City’s” lewd, often surreal sense of humor pushed the boundaries of comedic ridiculousness. However, it always remained anchored in the very real love and kinship between Glazer and Jacobson’s characters, permanently cementing its appeal.

#18: “Nathan for You” (2013-17)

Canadian comedian Nathan Fielder’s brainchild is a shockingly audacious, gut-bustingly hilarious experiment in discovering new frontiers of cringe. Starring Fielder as a fictionalized version of himself, “Nathan for You” often found viewers watching through their fingertips as the comedian/self-proclaimed business consultant pursued a ridiculous scheme… with decidedly mixed results. Noted for its skillful blurring of the lines between fact and fiction, Fielder’s show can sometimes feel like an excruciating endurance test in the best way, challenging audiences to determine what’s real and what’s exaggerated. One thing that’s not up for debate? How ridiculously funny “Nathan for You” is, with Fielder almost always the butt of the joke.

#17: “Veep” (2012-19)

Miraculously exempt from the quote-unquote “Seinfeld curse” that plagued her male co-stars, Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivered her career-best work in this biting, laugh-out-loud political satire. As Selina Meyer, the U.S.’ fictional first female vice-president, the former Elaine Benes hilariously deconstructs the phoniness and poorly-masked inefficacy of American politics. “Veep’s” particular brand of comedy derives from the petty, insecure Meyer’s interactions with her staff, the press, and anyone else with the misfortune of crossing the VP’s path. Created by Oscar-nominated Scottish satirist Armando Ianucci[b], famous for “The Thick of It” and “In the Loop,” “Veep” found its star winning six consecutive Emmys for her instantly memorable performance.

#16: “30 Rock” (2006-13)

After “Saturday Night Live” launched her career, Tina Fey followed up her stint as “Weekend Update” host by creating and co-showrunning this showbiz parody. Starring Fey as Liz Lemon, “30 Rock” follows its main character as she oversees a familiar sketch show starring her friend Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski), and chaotic comedian Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan). Lemon also clashes with network executive Jack Donaghy (a never-better Alec Baldwin), with whom she eventually develops a caring, mentor-mentee relationship. Critically acclaimed from the get-go, “30 Rock” never quite caught on with audiences on a wide scale, but fans fell hard for its razor-sharp writing, iconic performances, and spot-on skewering of the entertainment industry.

#15: “Mr. Bean” (1990-95)

Rowan Atkinson’s beloved comic character is a global superstar, funny in any language thanks to his creator’s breathtaking knack for ingenious physical comedy. Described by Atkinson as being “a child in a grown man’s body,” the dopey Bean has charmed audiences for decades while hardly uttering a single word. Influenced by Jacques Tati[c] and Peter Sellers, Bean’s total inability to cooperate with the world around him contributed to his singular hilarity. The almost extraterrestrial Bean was even spun off into two feature films, both of which were colossal commercial successes. Who needs a first name when you’re this funny?

#14: “Frasier” (1993-2004)

Can you think of a more successful spin-off than “Frasier?” Originally debuting as a supporting character in “Cheers,” Kelsey Grammer’s neurotic psychiatrist took center stage in this smash hit sitcom. Moving Frasier from Boston to Seattle, the events of the show “Frasier” found its titular character hosting a popular local radio show, all the while juggling the elements of his torrid, chaotic personal life. These include his equally-neurotic brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce), and his father Martin (John Mahoney), who moves into Frasier’s place in the series’ pilot. The series’ witty humor derives from Frasier and Niles’ competitiveness, their clashes with their radically different father and the fact that — oh, yeah — they’re therapists who can’t get it together themselves.

#13: “Family Guy” (1999-2002; 2005-)

Yeah, maybe you’ve heard of this one. “Family Guy” followed in the wake of “The Simpsons” as elevating what was possible in adult animation, proving itself to be so popular that it dodged the guillotine of cancellation not once, but twice. Seth MacFarlane’s magnum opus follows the Griffin family as they navigate everyday life in wild Quahog, Rhode Island (if you’ve seen “Family Guy,” you know that’s funnier than it sounds). “Family Guy” packs enough jokes, pop culture references, and visual gags into an episode to make your head spin, and while it’s been marked by insensitivity controversies over the course of its run, it’s maintained a devoted fan following who won’t see it canceled again anytime soon.

#12: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2000-24)

When your resume contains the words “co-creator of ‘Seinfeld,’” where’s there left to go? As Larry David proved over the course of almost a quarter-century and 120 episodes, the answer is straight down. The show that cemented David’s reputation as the king of cringe, “Curb” finds David playing a semi-retired version of himself, post- “Seinfeld,” who just can’t keep himself out of trouble. Seemingly incapable of bowing to social conventions, the fictionalized Larry is an obstinate, curmudgeonly, insufferable jerk… and that’s if you ask his friends. Building on the cringe comedy he’d mastered on “Seinfeld,” David is all too happy to be an avatar for all of our collective neuroses and everyday frustrations.

#11: “Friends” (1994-2004)

Six good-looking singles in their late twenties, living in New York City. You’d be forgiven for being skeptical of this show’s originality, but “Friends” took this familiar concept and repackaged it into a comedy phenomenon. The antics of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross, and Joey connected with the audience on so many levels, spawning catchphrases, hairstyles, water fountain dances, and we’re sure several moves to the Big Apple. At its core, though, it is pure comedy gold, as it highlights the crazy scenarios, sarcasm, inside jokes, thoughtfulness–and at times thoughtlessness– and of course, the genuine love we all experience with those we consider our closest friends.

#10: “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)

Take a look at a few of the names on the original cast of “SNL:” Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin. These comedy legends started a show that has since included over 140 brilliant cast members. Lorne Michaels’ conception of a sketch comedy show that takes itself seriously, “SNL” has become America’s go-to for both silly sketches and politically scorching burns. Each generation of cast members continues to redefine the show, keeping it a relevant staple of our television diet. “SNL” has launched countless careers and spawned so many beloved movies; we’re not sure where comedy would be without it!

#9: “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)

Michael Bluth and his morally corrupt, narcissistic family pushed the boundaries of television from the very first episode. While its original run may have ended too early, we savor every despicable moment they treated us to. The cast is brilliant – from Will Arnett’s brutally harsh magician GOB, to Portia de Rossi’s spoiled, judgmental Lindsay, to Jessica Walter’s dominating Lucille. Did we mention the main cast also includes Michael Cera, Tony Hale, Jeffrey Tambor, David Cross and Jason Bateman? Through never-nudes, questionable love affairs, the chicken dance, and so much more, “Arrested Development” gives us the best moments of the worst people.

#8: “South Park” (1997-)

You can hardly imagine the things that can happen in a quiet, little, redneck, podunk, white-trash mountain town. Thankfully, Trey Parker and Matt Stone can, and they’ve had audiences begging for more since they first debuted Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny as paper cutouts. Originally focusing on the misadventures of these smart-mouthed kids, the show has since reinvented itself to become the most brutal, honest, and downright hilarious political and social satire on television. This town and its vast array of increasingly hysterical characters put America in its place week after week. But really, how can you be offended? It’s “South Park!”

#7: “Fawlty Towers” (1975-79)

It’s hard to believe this show only ran for two seasons over four years. That amounts to only 12 episodes! Maybe it’s the reruns that have us feeling like the show never left the air; maybe it’s wishful thinking. Either way, John Cleese’s Basil Fawlty, the titular hotel he runs, and the cast of workers he employs are cemented in comedy history thanks to the incredibly funny and outrageous situations they somehow found themselves in. Basil never really succeeds in “raising the tone” of his hotel, but that’s okay, because each problem provided audiences with an endless supply of laughs. Sure enough, a stay at “Fawlty Towers” would have us in stitches.

#6: “The Office” (2005-13)

Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam: these characters will live in our hearts forever. Ricky Gervais’ UK version changed sitcoms through the fake documentary premise, but it’s the US version that perfected it. Balancing uproarious situations, an outstanding ensemble cast of characters, and storylines audiences found themselves truly invested in, “The Office” had us caring about what we were laughing at–whether it was Michael’s immature efforts to lead his workers or Jim’s torturing of Dwight. Anyone who works in an office will tell you this show hits close to home, as we can find real versions of these characters in pretty much any cubicle.

#5: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

This pitch-dark cringe sitcom is one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms for a reason. “Sunny” follows the misguided misadventures of Charlie, Dennis, Mac, Dee, and Frank, five so-called “friends” who own and operate the fictional Paddy’s Pub in South Philly. Often described as “Seinfeld on crack,” “Sunny” takes that show’s “no hugging, no learning” philosophy to whole new heights of cringe-worthiness. Its morally-bereft starring cast has kept audiences in stitches for two decades, practically begging for the gang to descend to even greater depths of hilarious depravity. A perennial fan favorite, “Sunny’s” cult appeal stems from its willingness to go there, for better or worse, as opposed to safe network sitcoms.

#4: “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

We wouldn’t be doing our duty if we didn’t pay homage to the original sketch comedy masterpiece. Gut wrenchingly funny, Flying Circus didn’t need to attack pop-culture to get laughs. Instead, they relied on creativity and silliness to find unique ways to have viewers falling out of their seats. With that said, Flying Circus feared no one, and you never knew what to expect from their show – except hilarity, of course. There are so many brilliant sketches; we can’t vouch for just one. Do yourself a favor: sit down, pull up Python, and prepare to laugh.

#3: “I Love Lucy” (1951-57)

Five Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and four years as the most watched television show in the United States are all we need as proof: this show was fantastic. “I Love Lucy” broke barriers, as Lucille Ball paved the way for women in comedy. It was also one of the first television shows to depict pregnancy, as well as one of the first to depict a multi-ethnic couple. These feats aside, the show was also flat-out funny. Lucy’s daffy personality and the schemes she and husband Ricky found themselves in, were outrageous– to say the least. If this show is anything, it’s timeless– so thank God for syndication!

#2: “The Simpsons” (1989-)

Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, Maggie, and in fact every citizen in the incredibly loveable town of Springfield are by far some of the funniest and most recognizable people ever. Not bad for an animated show! “The Simpsons” very quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon, as audiences connected with each character. Homer and Bart were the initial standouts, but all of Springfield has since found a way into our hearts, as the show uses each character, regardless of significance, to tackle every issue imaginable. And yes, “Futurama” is bitingly funny, too, but let’s face it, if it’s worth our time, “The Simpsons” will do it.

#1: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

The show about nothing ended up meaning everything to television audiences. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are characters psychologists could study for years - probably in “Vienna.” Incapable of growth, each represents the inner desires and held-back screams we all feel, but are too nice to voice. Grounded in reality, but bordering on the outrageous, viewers relate to every episode’s crazy scenarios. The show launched an insane amount of catchphrases still in use today – Soup Nazi, close-talker, yada yada, shrinkage, anti-dentite, double-dip, sponge worthy, master of your domain, serenity now – the list is endless. Television can be thankful this show was real, and it was spectacular.

Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the funniest TV show of all time? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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