The cast from Season 1 of Parks and Recreation in the office looking at the camera.Image via NBC
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Michael Block
Published 9 minutes ago
Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Sometimes we find a TV show that becomes our comfort. It's the show you can turn on when you need an instant laugh. It's the show you can quote on cue. It's the show that, no matter where you start, you know what's about to happen. Whether you start from the beginning or let the episode roll when it's syndicated on a random channel, these sitcoms are there for you. And they not only stand the test of time, but they are also brilliant, influencing the entire genre.
To compile this list, we've explored a range of shows worth watching a second time. Not every single show is perfect, but when you go back and watch it again, it elicits a strong emotional reaction. From '80s classics like The Golden Girls and Cheers to modern hits like Ted Lasso and Schitt's Creek, our span of sitcoms hits every corner of the genre. So, if these shows put a smile on your face like they do mine, turn on your screen and let's watch again!
10 'Ted Lasso' (2020-Present)
Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso Season 2 Episode 1 pointing at the camera while smiling.Image via Apple TV+
When it comes to learning how to believe, no show has done it better than Ted Lasso. The soccer-themed Apple TV+ series follows Jason Sudeikis in the central role as a coach hired to lead an English soccer team whose owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), is eager to tank the team to get revenge on her ex-husband. Instead, Lasso's whimsical leadership style brings out the best in the players. Bringing teamwork to the forefront, Ted Lasso is one of the most uplifting series ever created. With a central theme of never giving up, Ted Lasso has found a winning strategy.
With sentimentality infused into the humor and charm, Ted Lasso is one of the most joyful shows around. Instead of creating over-the-top characters for cheap, easy jokes, the ensemble is rooted in raw authenticity. Over the course of the series run, almost every character has had room to grow. The characters' personal traits, whether flawed or in need of improvement, evolve, making them more enchanting as the story unfolds. Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) started out as a gruff guy, but he turned into one of the most lovable teddy bears. Ted Lasso is the type of show that deserves a rewatch for its ability to help emote. There are very few shows that have had a lasting effect on our spirit quite like Ted Lasso.
9 'Cheers' (1982-1993)
Carla, Coach, and Sam behind the bar laughing in the pilot episode of CheersImage via NBC
The moment you hear the Cheers' theme song, something sparks inside. We really do want to go where everybody knows our name. When it came to sitcom domination, no show quite did it like Cheers. Set in the titular bar in Boston, the show followed the employees and barflies who occupied the bar stools nightly. A clear-cut masterclass in comedy with a standout cast, Cheers became the place to laugh every week because the laughs were consistent.
Whether you watched in real time or found it through syndication, Cheers is the type of show that was easy to pick up at any point. There were overarching storylines, but each episode remained self-contained. And, no matter what era of the show you watched, during the Nicholas Colasanto and Shelley Long era or the Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley era, Cheers was always the same, thanks to our mainstays,Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer. Cheers is the type of show that makes you wish you had your own hometown bar that brings out that much joy.
8 '30 Rock' (2006-2013)
Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) and Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) with Kermit at a funeral in '30 Rock'Image via NBC
They tell writers to write what you know. After departing Saturday Night Live, former head writer Tina Fey did so, and then 30 Rock was born. Taking its name from the place it's set, 30 Rock parodied the late-night comedy realm. The beloved sitcom follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of fictional sketch comedy show TGS with Tracy Jordan, as she deals with a group of egotistical actors, egotistical writers, and an egotistical network executive. With a top-notch cast alongside her, including Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, and Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock continued to push our passion for single-camera comedy.
Never afraid of pushing the boundaries right up to that line, 30 Rock fearlessly mocked the world around it with uncouth satire. And yet, that's why we tuned in. 30 Rock has been a wonderful show to watch on repeat for an array of reasons. Whether it's because you loved that particular episode or you're eager to see whether things aged well or not, 30 Rock has become a streaming darling still today. With whip-smart writing and an unmatched dry wit, 30 Rock has influenced many shows, including some that are to follow on this list.
7 'Schitt's Creek' (2015-2020)
Catherine O'Hara as a crow in The Crowening in Schitts Creek.Image via PopTV
Many of us fans are in complete agreement that Schitt's Creek is "simply the best." The Canadian series tells the story of the Rose family, a formerly wealthy quartet that loses it all. Forced to fend for themselves, they find solace in their only remaining asset: the titular town the patriarch previously purchased. Forced to live a new life in Schitt's Creek, the family adapts, learns, and grows as we laugh with and at them along the way. A touching comedy with immense heart and a bevy of laughs, Schitt's Creek has become a show that we quote whenever the time arrives.
Led by Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek found its own path into our hearts. With a mix of overarching stories and some singular plots sprinkled in, Schitt's Creek is one of the most memeable pop-culture shows of the 21st Century. If it came out of Moira's mouth, chances are we are sharing it. Schitt's Creek is a series that is excellent as a binge watch from the start because the deeper you get, the happier you feel.
6 'Community' (2009-2015)
Abed Nadir and Troy Barnes playing Hot Lava in 'Community' Season 5.Image via NBC
During a time of mockumentary single-camera series, Community reminded viewers that they don't all have to follow that format. Set at the fictional Greendale Community College, Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) enrolls to earn a legitimate career. Along the way, he assembles a group of friends who prove that even the most random people can learn to be the best of friends. With a brilliant ensemble, including Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Gillian Jacobs, and Ken Jeong, Community kept up with the best of the best on NBC while still earning its own niche following.
The reason we love Community is the fact that it lives and thrives in its own self-contained world. The meta-humor was unlike anything else on TV. Playing with hilarious gimmicks, running gags, and witty bits, Community was all about fan service, which is why we keep watching and watching again. As we await the highly anticipated movie, at least we have the series to fall back on!
5 'The Good Place' (2016-2020)
Kristen Bell has her mouth open in shock as she stands next to Ted Danson in 'The Good Place.'Image via NBC
We all wonder where we go when our time on earth is over. Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) believes she's found her utopia in the Good Place. Well, the joke's on her because Michael (Ted Danson) has created the exact opposite. Though the concept may have seemed a bit bleak, the lightness surrounding The Good Place made it a comfort and joy. Breaking the mold for the single-camera storytelling previously seen, The Good Place allowed us to think while we laughed.
The Good Place is filled with whimsy, with an intellectual comedy serving as the backdrop. Thanks to its smart concept and an ensemble of characters who would never interact in any other universe, we appreciated the series for what it did and how it touched on morality and faith. The Good Place is best to watch in story order, making it an excellent binge. It's also a wonderful series that lets you spot Easter eggs and clues you may have missed the first time around.
4 'Friends' (1994-2004)
David Schwimmer as Ross, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe in the 'Friends' episode 'The One With the Halloween Party.'Image via NBC
Since it premiered in 1994, Friends has been there for us. Considered one of the greatest ensemble sitcoms in the history of television, Friends changed the way we consume our sitcoms. As a show that dominated during its initial run and found itself in syndication on a plethora of networks, Friends has become the perfect show to turn on at any point and instantly become entertained. Following the lives of a friend group in New York City, Friends taught us how to grow up as adults.
Led by a brilliant ensemble of six — Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer — Friends redefined ensemble comedies by showcasing how fun hangout comedies truly are. Nowadays, there's a sense of nostalgia watching the show back. It's become a comfort show for those who watched it before and a joy for those finding it for the first time. It's a series that has united viewers old and new. What's fun about watching Friends today is witnessing the famous faces who dropped in during the run. And let's just say there are many! Friends was the show that first sparked our desire for the 10-season DVD set. In the age of syndication and streaming, it's no longer needed as the show is more accessible than ever. What hasn't changed is how much fun it is to watch again and again.
3 'The Golden Girls' (1985-1992)
Bea Arthur as Dorothy, Rue McClanahan as Blanche, and Betty White as Rose sit on the couch in The Golden GirlsImage via NBC
Though it originally came out in the 80s, The Golden Girls has not only stood the test of time, but it's united the generations. Before we were defining ourselves as Sex and the City characters, we identified as one of The Golden Girls. With one of the most popular quartets on screen, The Golden Girls epitomized timeless situational comedy. The series followed four women in their golden years —Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White), and Sophia (Estelle Getty) — as they lived together under the same roof in Miami. Relying on one another and leaning on each other through any situation, The Golden Girls redefined friendship.
With a massive impact on pop culture, The Golden Girls' iconography is instantly recognizable. The show itself has served as the television equivalent of a delicious slice of cheesecake as it's comfort viewing during stressful times. Whether it's Blanche and her escapades, Dorothy's self-deprecation, Rose's dimwitted comments, or Sophia's stories of Sicily, The Golden Girls brings instant joy. You don't need to watch in order to still be entertained. And fret not, chances are it's somewhere to be found in syndication and streaming at all times.
2 'The Office' (2005-2013)
THE OFFICE, l-r: Brian Baumgartner, Jake Lacy, Paul Lieberstein, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Craig Robinson, Ellie Kemper, Kate Flannery, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker in 'Finale' (Season 9, Episode 23, aired May 16, 2013)Image: Chris Haston/©NBC/courtesy Everett Collection
After The Office debuted in 2005, the entire world of comedy was flipped on its head. Gone were the days of only multi-camera sitcoms, as the world was introduced to the brilliance of single-camera comedies. Finding the hilarity in the mundane, The Office brings viewers into the lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch. Through nine hilariously deadpan seasons, the long-running comedy maintained its place as a top-tier series that fans can't stop watching on repeat.
As one of the greatest rewatches in a binge-watch world, The Office is a strong candidate as a show that can be picked up whenever and wherever you want. Whether you pick a favorite character to hone in on or an episode that keeps you laughing non-stop, The Office has proven itself as a top-tier comedy. Similar to other shows on this list, The Office has reached new audiences through syndication and streaming, even launching the watch-back podcast craze. With new ways and perspectives to take in the comedy, The Office has continued to live on. Though some of the comedy is a bit uncouth by today's standards, it still brings joy to those who watch.
1 'Parks and Recreation' (2009-2015)
Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson in lots of clothes pours himself a drink at his desk in Parks and Recreation.Image via NBC
Not every comedy has to be mean and biting. Sometimes something wholesome and sweet does the trick. Such is the case for the joyful Parks and Recreation. Led by Amy Poehler, the series follows Leslie Knope, an optimistically perky employee of the Pawnee, Indiana Parks and Recreation Department. The mockumentry is a character-driven comedy that hones in on the power of love, friendship, and treating yourself.
The optimism and joy that Parks and Recreation exudes make the series worth a watch on multiple occasions. Filled with endless iconic moments, catchphrases, and characters, the series has become a place to go when you need a pick-me-up. Alongside Poehler, the series is filled with one of the greatest ensembles in 21st century sitcoms. With a cast boasting the likes of Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Nick Offerman, and more, there's a character for everyone. Whether you want to relive Galentine's Day with your bestie, relish in the romance of the show's favorite couples, or remind yourself why we love Lil Sebastian, Parks and Recreation is the epitome of a repeat series.
Parks and Recreation
Like Follow Followed TV-14 Comedy Release Date 2009 - 2015 Network NBC Showrunner Michael Schur Directors Dean Holland, Ken Whittingham, Troy Miller, Craig Zisk, Morgan Sackett, Randall Einhorn, Michael Trim, Nicole Holofcener, Tristram Shapeero, Wendey Stanzler, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Jason Woliner, Charles McDougall, Daniel J. Goor, Nick Offerman, Tucker Gates, Alan Yang, Alex Hardcastle, Jorma Taccone, Seth Gordon, Adam Scott, David Rogers, Jaime Eliezer Karas, Jeffrey Blitz Writers Harris Wittels, Aisha Muharrar, Dave King, Katie Dippold, Joe Mande, Megan Amram, Matt Murray, Donick Cary, Mike Scully, Rachel Axler, Alexandra Rushfield, Chelsea Peretti, Matt Hubbard, Greg Levine, Sam Means, Jen Statsky, Emma Fletcher, Rachna Fruchbom, Emily Kapnek, Emily Spivey, Greg Daniels, Tucker Cawley, Nate DiMeo
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Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope and Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt in Parks and Recreation.MovieStillsDB
Shauna and Bobby getting married in Parks and Recreation
Leslie and Ron looking at a frame in Parks and Recreation
Leslie smiling at Tom in the Parks and Recreation pilot
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The absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.
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