We all need a laugh sometimes. Whether you’ve had a bad day at work, or just arrived at the realisation that you’re going to die alone; having something funny to watch can make you feel better.
The following are ten of the funniest TV shows to come out of the USA. I decided to forego a public vote or critics’ choice situation, as I believe that I know better than most people. In saying that, I advise you to read this at your own risk; and I take no responsibility for any job losses as a result of becoming addicted to any of the shows featured.
Seinfeld
The oldest show on the list, Seinfeld is the definitive sitcom of the 1990s. The various misadventures of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer combined snappy dialogue with excellent acting (excluding Seinfeld himself), and changed the genre forever. By subverting the preconceived notions of what a sitcom could be, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David created a show with unlikable characters who never seemed to learn their lesson. The two used the mantra ?No hugging. No learning,? while writing the show, solidifying the idea that Seinfeld was a sitcom like no other. Over the show?s nine seasons, audiences were treated to a plethora of hilarious situations and talented supporting actors.
Best character:?Most people would say George, because he is – in many ways – the ultimate sitcom character. I'm going to throw a curveball and say Kramer, though. Don't hate, but I find Michael Richards? aptitude for physical comedy too much to take, and he slays me every time. I’m not a fan of his stand-up though …
Weeds
Weeds is responsible for my desire to be a drug dealer. Who would watch the hilarious hijinks of Nancy Botwin & friends and not want to become a suburban marijuana dealer? The writing on Weeds is absolutely genius. The madcap story of Nancy?s constantly-relocating family is both hilarious and oddly relatable. On top of that, I can't begin to count the number of one-liners I have stolen from past episodes. The acting is also brilliant, especially the ageless Mary-Louise Parker. Seriously, have you seen a recent picture of her? How can that woman be 47?
Don't worry, I'm not going to become a dealer. Breaking Bad made me too scared.
Best?character: The incomparable Celia Hodes, played by Elizabeth Perkins. The selfish, vindictive housewife left the show at the end of the fifth season, and her absence is still felt to this day. I'm still hoping She'll show up in the impending series finale.
30 Rock
Since its premiere in 2006, 30 Rock has been a runaway success and a staple of NBC?s Thursday line-up. However, the show isn't as big as ratings juggernauts Friends and Seinfeld. It's success lies in its dedicated niche audience, who tune in ever week to see what goes on behind the cameras at the fictional TGS with Tracy Morgan.
Any dip in quality over the last couple of seasons is offset by the sheer brilliance of the previous ones. The seventh season of the show is due to be its last, and I trust that my girl Tina has some amazing tricks up her sleeve. Personally, I'd love to see another Queen of Jordan episode.
Best character:?It's a tossup between NBC page Kenneth and Alec Baldwin?s overbearing executive Jack Donaghy.
Modern Family
Ah, Modern Family, I'm so happy you exist. In a world filled with niche sitcoms, Modern Family breaks the mould by appealing to everyone. It is the only show that my entire family watches and finds funny. This is largely down to the broad spectrum of characters. You have Ed O?Neill?s Jay, whose dry wit is reminiscent of his previous role on Married ? with Children. This is contrasted by the looser, sometimes zany, comedy of characters like Cameron and Gloria. With so many amazing performances, its no wonder that its the most-watched comedy on TV right now. Long may it last!
Best character: Cameron. The stark contrast between Cam?s extroverted personality and boyfriend Mitchell?s stuffiness is always a joy to behold.
American Dad!
I'm constantly getting into arguments with my friends when I say that American Dad! is funnier than Family Guy. It's a no-brainer for me though. Family Guy, while still very funny, relies way too much on those cutaway gags, while American Dad! has a more diverse range of jokes. I'm not denying that American Dad! is a rip-off of MacFarlane?s previous show, it clearly is; but I'd rather watch Roger the alien make bitchy comments about celebrities on American Dad! than see another episode of Family Guy where Stewie and Brian go back in time.
Best character:?Roger, for his campiness and vast array of wigs and disguises.
Friends
You all know about this show, so I don't have to say anything about it. I will say this, though. I have seen every episode of Friends at least twenty times. If you put on a random episode, chances are I will be able to recite it to you, line for line. Whenever I'm sad or annoyed about anything, I put on an episode of Friends. I'll never be able to truly criticize the show, as it has been a part of my life since I was a child; I basically grew up with it.
Best character:?It's hard to pick one character over the others, so instead I have listed the six main characters from best to worst:
- Monica
- Ross
- Phoebe
- Chandler
- Rachel
- Joey
Parks and Recreation
While not instantly addictive like 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation is arguably the finest comedy on television. After a below average first season, I almost gave up watching the show. However, since then, the office comedy has gone from strength to strength. The most recent season was the finest to date, largely due to the plethora of political material to draw from, as well as Amy Poehler?s dazzling performance as Leslie Knope. The main characters? not-so-subtle bullying of co-worker Jerry is enough of a reason to watch the show.
Best character:?To quote the man himself, Ron Fucking Swanson.
South Park
I was desensitized to South Park from a young age, and have been a fan of Kyle, Kenny, Cartman and Stan for the best part of my life. That's the good thing about having older brothers and sisters; I got to watch things that were completely inappropriate for a child. I believe I was eight or nine when I first saw South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. I'm twenty now, and I still love watching the show. The best part is that I actually understand most of the jokes now, instead of being entertained solely by the liberal use of certain expletives.
Best character:?Eric Cartman is an idol of mine. I often wish that, like Cartman, I lacked a conscience and could really mess people up for my own amusement. But, alas, I'll just have to live vicariously through him.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm is pretty, pretty, pretty good (sorry, it had to be done). The mockumentary series was one of the first of its kind on American television, and has influenced shows like Modern Family and The Office. You?d think that, after eight seasons, we would be sick of seeing Larry David getting into arguments over the smallest things in life. we're not though; well at least I'm not. The show has already given us a Seinfeld reunion, as well as some of the funniest moments ever to be caught on film. As soon as I finish writing this, I'm going to pray to my bald God for a ninth season.
Best character:Aside from Larry, who would be the easy choice, I'm going to see Wanda. She has absolutely no time for Larry?s bullshit, and makes no effort to disguise it. She also displays an array of lesbolicious haircuts in her many appearances.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I only got into this show recently, but I've already watched every episode several times. I can't recall the last time a television series reduced me to tears on so many occasions. The five main characters (Charlie, Mac, Dee, Dennis & Frank) are equally terrible human beings, but are equally hilarious to watch. During the seven seasons the show has been on the air, the gang have gotten themselves involved in arson; kidnapping and the strange world of kiddie pageants. I can’t wait to see what trouble they get themselves into next.
Favourite character: Frank. Danny DeVito is shockingly hilarious as Frank Reynolds. His relationship with Charlie is one of the show?s finest attributes, producing some amazingly awkward moments. Nightcrawlers, anyone?
MB says
#6 on Friends…you repeated Ross, and I can only assume #6 should be Joey. Because he is certainly the worst.