These 10 Great Sitcoms Still Hold Up Surprisingly Well

Sitcoms have shaped television for decades, and while many feel like products of their era, a number of comedies have endured. These series continue to resonate because they married sharp writing to memorable characters and tackled work, friendship and social issues in ways that still feel relevant.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977) follows Mary Richards as a newly single associate producer at Minneapolis television station WJM. By avoiding stereotypes and engaging with workplace gender disparity and other social topics, it helped push female-led storytelling in comedy and spun off Rhoda, Phyllis and Lou Grant.

The series remains notable for its ensemble and the smartness of its jokes. Cheers (1982–1993) made a Boston bar a place where viewers felt at home, exploring love, money, family and friendship across 11 seasons with Ted Danson leading an acclaimed cast.

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