The '50s saw many fads come and go - from telephone booth stuffing to hunkerin' down (seriously, google it, today's TikTokers aren't that original at all), and plenty more in between. And though nobody really misses hoop skirts or poodle-everything, we are sure glad that one of those novelties stayed with us through the decades. Oh yes, we're talking about situation comedy! With I Love Lucy setting the pace, the genre caught on fast, and we still can't get enough of laugh tracks, relatable jokes, and loveable casts - all that make up the best sitcoms. Sure, one could always argue that the glory age for sitcoms was the '90s, or say the 2010s, but to us, it is always the 2000s, and that's why we've prepared a list full of the funniest sitcoms from this decade.
So, what makes sitcoms fun to watch? Well, first of all, sitcoms are great if you want a quick dose of entertainment that you can drop and pick back up at any time without feeling that you've missed out on something. Same characters, familiar settings, and a sense of humor that matches yours make sitcoms the perfect entertainment choice without any commitment needed. The jokes are worth mentioning, too - what's an excellent 2000s sitcom without relatable, throw-you-into-a-laughing-fit jokes that checks all the points of classic comedy? And last but not least is probably the fact that if you see one, you've basically seen all of them. But, it's the good part since nothing is more comforting than things you know and love.
Anyhow, scroll down below and check out the best sitcoms of the 2000s! Starting with The Office and ending with Veep, you'll surely find the ones you've enjoyed the most featured in our sitcom list or pick new ones to binge-watch instead of sleeping. So tell us why you think these funny sitcoms are great, vote for the ones you love, and share this article with anyone in need of some entertainment!
#1 Friends
Love it or hate it, there probably aren't any other sitcoms that left such a huge cultural impact as Friends. From giving us 'The Rachel' - a haircut inspired by Aniston's hairstyle and wanted by millions of girls worldwide, to expanding the vocabulary of Western English slang and helping people learn the English language. Seriously, though, a 2012 poll by Kaplan International English Colleges revealed that 26% of students cited Friends as the best show to improve English. And what better way to improve your language skills than by watching probably the best comedy cast of all time?
65points
#2 The Big Bang Theory
The Nerd topic seems to be a gold mine for comedy, and The Big Bang Theory proves this once again. Although this topic is usually exploited in a not-so-respectful manner to the so-called-nerds themselves, this series showcases academic people in high regard. Relying both on scientific jokes (which I don't always get) and very relatable, down-to-earth human interactions, this show is incredibly entertaining to watch. But, of course, it wouldn't be as funny without its ingeniously assembled cast with Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons taking the lead.
64points
#3 Scrubs
Being a medical intern is probably one of the most intense experiences a person can go through; that's why a teaching hospital makes for such a good sitcom setting! Narrated by Dr. John Michael "J.D." Dorian, the series focuses on said character's unique point of view. Each episode is filled with several storylines linked by J.D.'s narration and supplemented with hilarious daydreaming installments. An original plot, funny jokes, and talented cast aren't the only things this show is celebrated for, as Scrubs won the Humanitas prize not once but three times. If you aren't acquainted with the Humanitas Prize, we're happy to elaborate - it's an award for film and television writing intended to promote human dignity, meaning, and freedom. And if that isn't an indicator for a show that's worth watching, we don't know what is!
64points
#4 The Office
There's definitely no need to do an official introduction to The Office, a show that's so iconic that even your grandma has probably heard about it. So, instead, we've found some interesting facts about this series that you might not have heard yet.
For instance, did you know that real-life best friends Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer have a podcast called "Office Ladies" where they discuss the show's episodes and behind-the-scenes spoofs? Or that the first season got very lukewarm ratings and reviews, and if not for iTunes sales, it might've not continued? Lastly, the opening credit sequence was shot by John Krasinki when he was visiting Scranton with his friends for research.
Of course, if you are a die-hard fan, you might've known all of this, but in any case, it's always fun to talk about The Office!
62points
#5 Modern Family
If one were to try and explain the relationships between the three families depicted in this series, one would have to employ charts, genealogy trees, and have some three pages of space to write it all on. So instead, just watch it! As stated before, there's genuinely nothing funnier or more unexpected than real life, and the lives of the three Modern Family units depicted in the series are always full of surprises and funny happenings. With Ed O'Neill (remember Married...With Children?) and Sofia Vergara as the front runners, this show delivers with every episode. Thus, it isn't really shocking to learn that Modern Family has won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards! Oh, and if awards aren't that important to you, then you'll be happy to learn that this series is an all-time favorite of none other than Michelle Obama herself.
62points
#6 Parks And Recreation
What do you get if you put quirky characters played by an enormously talented cast into a very stiff governmental environment? Just the funniest, most meme-worthy, iconic show called Parks and Recreation! And if those offbeat characters might seem a bit unrealistic at first, remember that the writers of this series spent loads of time researching local Californian politics and have attended many council meetings. This just goes to show that nothing is more absurd or unbelievable than real life itself. Though filled with unique and hilarious jokes, Parks and Recreation never forgets to address social issues or talk about moral values. All in all, it's a very entertaining and likable series worthy of your time.
60points
#7 How I Met Your Mother
Watching How I Met Your Mother is like solving a very entertaining mystery. From the very first episode, you're glued to the screen trying to guess who exactly is the mother of Ted Moseby's teenage kids to whom he's retelling the story of meeting his sweetheart. And you keep on guessing up until the series' eighth season when you finally get to meet The Mother! The show's 'present day' is set in 2030, and the story is told like a flashback starting in 2005, with Ted both narrating the story and actively taking part in it. The thoroughly enjoyable and unique plot, the very best humor, and an excellent cast makes this show not only an icon of the 2000s but one of the best sitcoms ever.
59points
#8 Malcolm In The Middle
Dysfunctional families are not usually something to laugh about, but Malcolm In The Middle explores this premise on a whole different level. The series follows Malcolm - a genius middle child with an IQ of 165, his hotheaded mom Lois, immature but loving father Hal, and his three brothers, who are as different from Malcolm as day and night. Not only does this sitcom explore an old as the earth itself topic in an unexpected way, but it also significantly differs from the usual sitcom format of the time. Malcolm routinely breaks the fourth wall, talks directly to the viewer, and sometimes narrates the story with a voice-over. In addition, the visual aspect of the show relies heavily on post-production. It introduces fast-cut editing, interesting camera angles, various effects - all of this was very unusual for a sitcom at the time. Also, who could've thought that Bryan Cranston had Heisenberg somewhere deep inside while watching him play Hal? Anyway, this show won several Emmys and a Peabody award, given to only the most enlightening, powerful, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and online media.
58points
#9 Family Guy
Followed by controversies for its offensive themes, dark humor, and violence, Family Guy nevertheless has gained a cult-like following throughout its running years. There's probably no need to introduce you to Peter, Brian, Lois, and the gang any further, as the animated series isn't the only place where they appear. You might've also met the Griffin family in books (yup, there are several of those based on the Family Guy series), live performances, video games, or even their official merchandise. Despite the controversies, Family Guy is a well-written animated sitcom that bravely talks about pressing social issues employing an unusual sense of humor and unexpected spoofs that come to life by a very talented voice-over cast. Oh, and what's interesting about the show is that even in the time of computer-generated everything, the series is still drawn by hand, and it takes about ten months to complete just one episode.
52points
#10 Futurama
If Futurama has always seemed oddly familiar to you, then you're right, as you definitely have seen the other famous creation by the same writer Matt Groening, and, yes, it's The Simpsons. But, though such a prehistory of Futurama might lead you to imagine the same Simpsons just in space, boy, are you wrong. From gut-wrenching events (don't tell me I didn't warn you about The Dog) to subtle and not-so-subtle adult humor, this show is not just another animated series but an excellent sitcom undoubtedly worthy of being on this list. And if seven seasons of Futurama aren't enough to quench your thirst, you can always watch one of the series-based movies, play a video game, or collect the official merchandise.
50points
#11 Frasier
A Harvard-educated psychologist who gives his advice and wit to those in need on a radio show, but ever-so-often sees his own problems multiplicating and towering over his head? Yep, that's Frasier, and it's hilarious. Named as the most successful comedy series ever (hello, 37 Emmys) and one of the most successful spin-off series, Frasier ran for eleven seasons, gaining more and more fans with each one. The main man of the series, Kelsey Grammer, chose a very interesting technique for his portrayal of Frasier Crane, called 'requisite disrespect.' This technique included rehearsing his lines in solitude, thus often surprising other cast members with his performance on the filming set. And though it might've been fine with his actor colleagues, the guest stars (which this series had plenty of) were often left in a state of panic in front of the live audience. Be that as it may, this show will always be one of our top choices for binging and re-watching!
48points
#12 That 70s Show
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis as teenagers in the ‘70s? Well, say no more, as we are signing in. The series follows six teenagers living their teenage lives in the ‘70s. And though the premise might seem a bit simplistic, besides being hilariously funny, the show never forgets to discuss the pressing realities of the times it was set in. Yes, the ‘70s were fifty years ago, but our lives aren't that different today, so the show is always relatable to adult and teenage audiences. During its eight seasons, That 70s Show was nominated for a substantial amount of awards and gained both critical and audience acclaim.
46points
#13 My Name Is Earl
A typical wayward son-like character on an atypical journey to make up for his previous mistakes, My Name Is Earl is a highly entertaining and joyful series through and through. Of course, one can always argue otherwise, but we think that without the highly talented and loveable Jason Lee (Earl Hickey), this show might not have been as funny or as successful. And, if you don't believe in such things as karma and amending your faith by doing good deeds, My Name Is Earl just might convince you otherwise, so give it a go!
46points
#14 Arrested Development
With Micheal Cera, Jason Bateman, and Portia de Rossi as the series' front-runners and Liza Minelli together with Amy Poehler (just to name a few) as recurring cast, this star-studded show was destined for success. The series follows the Bluths, a once-wealthy and, of course, dysfunctional family. Alas, though genuinely funny and receiving critical acclaim, this series somehow flopped in the views department and got canceled after three seasons, later to be picked up by Netflix for two more. On the other hand, some of the best things in life come in the smallest packages, and although this show has survived for only five seasons, it seems to have finally found its audience and popularity. Give it a try if you're looking for great acting, classic gags, and good humor.
45points
#15 3rd Rock From The Sun
Two words - John Lithgow. As an extraterrestrial. Here on earth, trying to understand us, humans, and our way of life. 3rd Rock From The Sun provides us with a quirky look into our human race and our society through the eyes of an alien and is one of the most original series on our list. And though it might seem this series' main goal is just to be entertaining with its offbeat humor and skits, it actually manages to talk about social issues and relatable problems in a nonchalant yet straight-to-the-point way. And it's no wonder that with such a great cast and excellent writing, 3rd Rock From The Sun won numerous awards and was widely praised by critics.
44points
#16 The King Of Queens
Channeling the 1950s Honeymooners, this old-fashioned sitcom was the last of its kind - a live-action sitcom filmed in front of a studio audience. But, when you think of it, it does sound pretty exotic - like watching a theater play on your screen. The live-action series follows your average working-class couple, Doug and Carrie, living in Queens together with Carrie's father, Arthur. The narratives and happenings are heavily based on the characters’ occupations, their incompatible characteristics, and the quarrels born out of it all. Though some critics name The King Of Queens as obvious and distasteful, others praise Kevin James (Doug) as the funniest guy on the TV screen - so I guess this show is like olives. You either like it or you don't. Interestingly enough, this show also has a Russian adaptation called Молодожёны (Newlyweds).
42points
#17 It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
While the name of the series might suggest that you are about to see something cheerful and careless, this show is actually categorized as 'cringe comedy.' It follows The Gang of five misfits, running a failing pub called Paddy's Pub, and all of them are quite amoral, crooked, dishonest, and selfish. And, of course, such a premise sounds grim and dark, but how could it not be funny, with Danny DeVito as the head of The Gang? If It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia still sounds too bleak for you to try, consider that there's an episode where our misfits are making mittens for kittens, and it softens up the vibe of the series considerably. So, from nihilistic humor to heartwarming episodes, this show definitely has the variety to conquer many fans for itself.
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42points
#18 South Park
An animated series that's old enough to gamble, buy beer, and smoke cigarettes, South Park has been running since 1997, gracing our screens with its dark and surreal humor, satire, and loads of profanity for 24 years. While social satire wasn't one of the central narratives of the series when it first aired, it developed its voice over the years. Now, most of the episodes revolve around pressing social issues or important events, as seen by the four wiser-than-your-average-4th-grader boys. Many famous people and popular stars have agreed to appear on this offbeat show - starting with Elton John, Jennifer Aniston and ending with Ozzy Osborne; the series had loads of well-known guests. However, some of them appeared very much incognito, for instance, George Clooney, who provided the barks of Stan's dog. Stars or no stars, though, the animated series is truly iconic and impactful, an inseparable part of popular culture.
41points
#19 Community
You won't often find a sitcom that uses meta-humor as a staple, but a series written by Dan Harmon (creator of Rick & Morty) couldn't be anything else. Following a disbarred lawyer Jeff Winger on his path to gaining real education, this show is graced by such grands as Chevy Chase, Alison Brie, and Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino). Gaining very average views throughout its run, Community later gained a cult-like following, millions of dedicated fans, and praises for acting, directing, and writing. And while academics rarely dissect sitcoms, Community is an exception and is often referenced when discussing semiotics in films and TV.
39points
#20 Freaks And Geeks
Based on the 'sad, hilarious unfairness of teen life,' this series survived for one season, with only 12 of its 18 episodes aired. Despite that, Freaks And Geeks constantly appears in numerous lists of the greatest TV shows ever and has launched careers of such actors as James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Busy Phillips, just to name a few. It's also probably the only series on our list that has acquired a square 100% on Rotten Tomatoes! So, if you're up for some affectionately depicted gritty reality of teenage life, give this show a go, and you just might become one of its die-hard fans.
38points