Top must watch sitcoms.

Martin Jhonson

Sitcoms have always been a special part of television. Bringing in humor, heart, and relatable moments into people’s lives and often becoming shows we re-watch for comfort. Over the years, there are some sitcoms which have stood out not only for their comedy but also for their ability to reflect human emotions, relationships, and quirks of daily life. If you’re looking for a binge-worthy lineup, here are six of the top must-watch sitcoms: Friends, The Office, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Young Sheldon, and Modern Family.

1. F.R.I.E.N.D.S (1994–2004)

When it comes to iconic sitcoms, Friends almost always tops the list. Following six friends navigating life, love, and careers in New York City, the show became a cultural phenomenon. With its witty humor, memorable one-liners, and iconic moments like Ross shouting “We were on a break!”, Friends shaped comedy for an entire generation.

What makes it timeless is its relatability. Everyone can see a bit of themselves in the quirky Phoebe, the obsessive Monica, the sarcastic Chandler, the goofy Joey, or the romantic ups and downs of Ross and Rachel. Even decades after its finale, Friends remains one of the most streamed sitcoms, proving its universal appeal.

2. The Office (2005–2013)

The Office redefined sitcom storytelling with its mockumentary style. Set in the mundane world of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, it transformed everyday office life into a goldmine of comedy. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott is arguably one of the most unforgettable characters in sitcom history—cringeworthy, clueless, but somehow lovable.

Beyond the laughs, The Office also delivered heartfelt storylines, particularly through Jim and Pam’s slow-burn romance. The show strikes a perfect balance between absurd comedy and genuine emotion, making it easy to re-watch and appreciate even years later. It’s not just a comedy—it’s a workplace survival guide with humor as the coping mechanism.

3. The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

Bringing nerd culture to mainstream TV, The Big Bang Theory followed a group of socially awkward but brilliant scientists and their interactions with the world outside their bubble. Sheldon Cooper, with his eccentric mannerisms and catchphrase “Bazinga!”, quickly became a household name.

The charm of the show lies in its ability to make scientific references accessible and funny while also exploring themes of friendship, love, and growth. As the characters evolve—Leonard finding love with Penny, Howard becoming a husband and father, Raj overcoming his shyness—the series grows beyond just geek humor into a story about how relationships change us.

4. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

At first glance, How I Met Your Mother seems like just another story about friends in New York City, but it brings a unique twist with its narrative style. Told through flashbacks, Ted Mosby recounts his journey to meeting “the mother” to his kids. The nonlinear storytelling, running gags, and creative structure kept audiences hooked for nine seasons.

The real magic, however, lies in the characters: Barney’s legendary one-liners, Marshall and Lily’s wholesome relationship, Robin’s independence, and Ted’s never-ending pursuit of love. While the ending sparked debate, the series as a whole remains one of the most loved sitcoms for its humor, emotional depth, and lessons about friendship and timing in life.

5. Young Sheldon (2017–2024)

A prequel to The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon takes us back to Sheldon Cooper’s childhood in East Texas. Unlike its predecessor’s laugh-track-driven humor, this series takes a more heartfelt approach, mixing comedy with moments of family drama.

The young genius navigating school, family, and life as an outsider makes for both hilarious and touching storytelling. Sheldon’s interactions with his religious mother, carefree father, mischievous siblings, and loving grandmother show a different side of the character, making fans appreciate his quirks in The Big Bang Theory even more.

6. Modern Family (2009–2020)

Few sitcoms capture the essence of family as well as Modern Family. Shot in a mockumentary style similar to The Office, it follows three interconnected families, each dealing with the chaos and comedy of modern life. From Jay and Gloria’s multi-generational household to Claire and Phil’s suburban chaos and Mitchell and Cameron’s journey as same-sex parents, the show embraces diversity with humor and heart.

What makes Modern Family special is its ability to balance laugh-out-loud moments with emotional storytelling. It showcases that families, no matter how different, share common struggles, love, and bonds that tie them together.

Why These Sitcoms Stand Out

Each of these sitcoms brings something unique to the table:

• Friends gave us timeless humor and unforgettable friendships.

• The Office reimagined the sitcom format with relatable workplace comedy.

• The Big Bang Theory brought geek culture to primetime TV.

• How I Met Your Mother combined comedy with an emotional storytelling twist.

• Young Sheldon adds depth to a beloved character.

• Modern Family celebrates diversity while highlighting universal family themes.

What ties them together is their ability to make us laugh while also making us feel. They’re not just comedies—they’re stories about relationships, dreams, failures, and the funny way life unfolds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for sitcoms that are more than just background noise, these shows are must-watch classics. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Friends, the awkward hilarity of The Office, the geek charm of The Big Bang Theory, or the heartfelt chaos of Modern Family, each offers something special. These sitcoms remind us that while life can be messy, laughter is always the best way to get through it.