The Most Popular Comedy Show of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the comedy show you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:33
Laughing together at a comedy show can bridge gaps between cultures and generations, underscoring the universal appeal of humor. As tastes and societal norms shift, so too does the landscape of comedic entertainment. A ranking of the most popular comedy shows can be both informative and entertaining, reflecting changes in public preference and humor over time.
This dynamic ranking, fueled by your votes, offers a current snapshot of popular opinion. Whether you are a fan of sharp wit, slapstick, or satire, your participation helps shape this ongoing list. By voting for your favorite shows, you contribute to a broader understanding of what makes people laugh today and what has left a lasting impression from the past.
What Is the Most Popular Comedy Show of All Time?
-
147votesThis show is considered one of the most popular comedy series of all time. The show became an instant hit and had a massive following. The show revolves around a group of friends and their lives in New York City. The show's characters have become iconic and are still relevant today.Friends is a popular American sitcom that originally aired from 1994 to 2004. The show follows the lives of a group of six friends - Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe - who live in New York City and grapple with the trials and tribulations of adulthood.
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Total Episodes: 236
- Original Network: NBC
- Original Airdate: September 22, 1994
- Finale Airdate: May 6, 2004
-
238votesThis show is another highly popular comedy series. The show is known for its witty humor and relatable characters. The show was a massive hit during its original run and remains a popular choice for viewers today.Seinfeld is a popular American sitcom known for its unique brand of observational humor and self-referential storytelling. The series revolves around Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian, and his eccentric group of friends living in New York City. Seinfeld skillfully portrays the mundane and absurd aspects of everyday life, often deriving comedy from ordinary situations and conversations.
- Genre: Sitcom
- Original network: NBC
- Original release: July 5, 1989 – May 14, 1998
- Number of seasons: 9
- Number of episodes: 180
-
319votes
The Simpsons
Matt GroeningThis animated series has been on the air for over 30 years and is still going strong. The show is known for its satirical humor and its ability to poke fun at pop culture. The show has become a cultural phenomenon and has spawned a massive following.The Simpsons is a popular animated television show that revolves around the lives of the Simpson family, consisting of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, living in the fictional town of Springfield. The show is known for its satire, humor, and portrayal of American culture. It often tackles various social and political issues in a lighthearted manner, making it a favorite among viewers of all ages.- First Episode Air Date: December 17, 1989
- Genre: Animated sitcom
- Number of Seasons: 32 (as of 2021)
- Number of Episodes: 703 (as of 2021)
- Average Episode Length: Approximately 22 minutes
The Simpsons in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular animated sitcom
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beloved cartoon
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular old TV show
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular entertainment franchise
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular Wikipedia article
- Position 10 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
-
426votes
The Big Bang Theory
Chuck Lorre, Bill PradyThis show is known for its geeky humor and lovable characters. The show revolves around a group of scientists and their lives in California. The show has become a massive hit and has won numerous awards over the years.The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom that aired from 2007 to 2019. It revolves around a group of socially awkward but highly intelligent scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. The show primarily focuses on the lives of roommates Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, along with their friends Howard Wolowitz, Raj Koothrappali, and later, their neighbor Penny. The Big Bang Theory is known for its blend of nerdy humor, pop culture references, and recurring themes of geek culture.- Genre: Sitcom
- Original Network: CBS
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Number of Episodes: 279
- Average Episode Runtime: 22 minutes
The Big Bang Theory in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular network TV show
- Position 2 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular show in America
-
515votesThis show is considered a classic in the world of comedy. The show revolves around a group of people who frequent a bar in Boston. The show is known for its witty humor and lovable characters. The show was a massive hit during its original run and remains popular today.Cheers is a popular American comedy show that aired from 1982 to 1993. The series revolves around a group of regulars who frequent a cozy bar called Cheers in Boston. The show primarily focuses on the bar owner, Sam Malone, a charming former baseball player, and his interactions with the bar staff and colorful patrons. The main appeal of Cheers lies in its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and its ability to seamlessly blend comedy and drama.
- Genre: Sitcom
- Original air date: September 30, 1982
- Number of seasons: 11
- Number of episodes: 275
- Setting: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
-
622votes
The Office
Greg DanielsThis show is known for its mockumentary style and relatable characters. The show revolves around the employees of a paper company in Pennsylvania. The show has become a massive hit and has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations around the world.The Office is a mockumentary-style sitcom that depicts the everyday lives of office employees working at the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The show presents their interactions and humorous mishaps through a documentary crew's lens.- Genre: Sitcom
- Format: Mockumentary
- Setting: Office environment
- Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Running time: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
The Office in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular show on NBC
- Position 7 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular show in America
-
711votes
Saturday Night Live
Lorne MichaelsThis show is known for its sketch comedy and its ability to launch the careers of numerous comedians. The show has been on the air for over 40 years and remains a popular choice for viewers. The show has won numerous awards over the years and has become a cultural institution.Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a long-running American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show. It premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, and has become one of the most popular comedy shows of all time.- Genre: Comedy/Variety
- Original Network: NBC
- First Episode Air Date: October 11, 1975
- Main Format: Sketch Comedy
- Running Time: 90 minutes
Saturday Night Live in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular show on NBC
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
-
88votes
Lommes · Public domainSouth Park
Trey Parker and Matt StoneThis animated series is known for its irreverent humor and its ability to tackle controversial topics. The show has been on the air for over 20 years and remains popular with viewers. The show has won numerous awards over the years and has become a cultural phenomenon.South Park is an animated sitcom that follows the lives of four boys - Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny - in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. The show uses satire, dark humor, and social commentary to explore various topics and issues in a irreverent and often controversial manner.- Genre: Animated sitcom
- Language: English
- First episode air date: August 13, 1997
- Main characters: Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, Kenny McCormick
- Running time: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
South Park in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular animated sitcom
-
911votes
I Love Lucy
Lucille Ball and Desi ArnazThis classic sitcom is known for its timeless humor and lovable characters. The show was a massive hit during its original run and remains popular today. The show has become a cultural icon and has inspired numerous adaptations and spin-offs over the years.I Love Lucy is a classic American television sitcom that aired from 1951 to 1957. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential comedy shows of all time. The show follows the hilarious misadventures of Lucy Ricardo, played by Lucille Ball, and her husband Ricky Ricardo, played by Desi Arnaz, as they navigate through various comedic situations.- Genre: Sitcom
- Original Network: CBS
- Original Run: October 15, 1951 – May 6, 1957
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 181
I Love Lucy in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular old TV show
-
109votes
Bronzino · Public domainMonty Python's Flying Circus
Monty PythonThis sketch comedy show is known for its surreal humor and its ability to push boundaries. The show has become a cult classic and has inspired numerous comedians over the years. The show remains popular with viewers today and has had a significant impact on the world of comedy.Monty Python's Flying Circus is a British sketch comedy series that aired from 1969 to 1974. It was created by the comedy group Monty Python, which consisted of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.- Genre: Sketch comedy
- Original run: 1969-1974
- Number of seasons: 4
- Number of episodes: 45
- Running time per episode: approx. 30 minutes
Missing your favorite comedy show?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular comedy show
-
Audience RatingsThe average rating and the number of votes from viewers across various platforms, such as IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and TV.com, will give an indication of how popular the show is with audiences.
-
Critical ReceptionProfessional reviews and critical acclaim, including any awards and nominations the show has received, will help gauge the show's popularity and overall quality.
-
LongevityThe number of seasons, episodes, and years the show has been on air may indicate a consistent audience following and sustained popularity.
-
Viewership NumbersThe average number of viewers per episode will help gauge the level of interest and dedication from the audience.
-
Cultural ImpactWhether the show has influenced popular culture, spawned catchphrases, or been referenced in other media will demonstrate its lasting popularity beyond its airing dates.
-
Syndication and StreamingThe show's availability on various streaming platforms and its syndication on television networks will contribute to its ongoing popularity.
-
International AppealThe show's popularity outside of its home country, including translations, adaptations, and international broadcasts, indicates its worldwide appeal.
-
Merchandising and Spin-offsThe amount of merchandise, spin-off series, films, books, or related media generated by the show is a testament to its popularity and fan engagement.
-
Online PresenceThe interest in the show online, including discussion on social media, fan pages, forums, and fan-created content, will demonstrate its ongoing relevance and popularity.
-
Star PowerThe popularity and careers of the main cast members, both during and after the show, will contribute to the overall popularity of the comedy series.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular comedy show of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or comedy show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3921 views
- 185 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each comedy show once every 24 hours. The rank of each comedy show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular comedy show of all time
Comedy has been a staple of television programming for decades, bringing laughter and humor into the homes of viewers worldwide. From classic sitcoms to modern-day satires, the genre has produced countless memorable moments and beloved characters. But what is the most popular comedy show of all time? That is a question that has been debated among fans and critics alike. Everyone has their personal favorite, but when it comes to sheer popularity and cultural impact, a few shows stand out from the rest. Let's take a closer look at some of the most iconic comedy series that have captured the hearts of audiences for generations.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
