The BEST episodes of History of the Sitcom

Every episode of History of the Sitcom ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of History of the Sitcom!

This docuseries reunites audiences with the television friends, families, and co-workers they grew up with while introducing cutting-edge comedies that are sure to be your next binge-watch. Featuring over 180 original interviews with sitcom icons the series breaks down how sitcoms have helped generations of Americans navigate an ever-shifting cultural landscape.

Last Updated: 3/13/2024Network: CNNStatus: Ended

7.20

35 votes

#1 - Just Friends

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/18/2021

When Americans look beyond family or work for their identity, the “hanging out with friends” sitcom hilariously redefines the genre while also revealing television’s challenging quest for inclusivity and authentic representation.

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7.19

42 votes

#2 - A Family Matter

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 7/11/2021

Moms, dads, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters — more than just a hilarious reflection of the people we grow up and old with, sitcoms have opened our hearts to a more inclusive visions of what “family” can mean.

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7.10

30 votes

#3 - Escaping Reality

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 8/22/2021

Sitcoms have long been the ultimate comedy comfort food, but what sitcoms offer escape from — and what they offer escape to — reveal a lot about the state of the American mind, and the state of sitcom form itself.

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7.09

35 votes

#4 - Sex & The Sitcom

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 7/11/2021

Since America has long found it easier to laugh about sex than talk seriously about it, sitcom humor has had a critical role ushering in a new era of openness, not just towards sex, but toward women’s rights and gender identity.

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7.06

33 votes

#5 - Working for Laughs

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/25/2021

Work families can be even funnier than our biological ones, since the endless array of wacky sitcom characters on the job offers hilarious insights into the state of the American workplace.

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7.03

29 votes

#6 - Movin' on Up

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 8/8/2021

Upward mobility, the American Dream, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps — sitcom laughs have helped generations of Americans come to grips with their place in a supposed “classless” society.

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6.90

29 votes

#7 - Freaks, Geeks & Outsiders

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/15/2021

Aliens, geeks, monsters, immigrants, witches… the fresh perspective of sitcom fish-out-of-water give us funny new insights into the ever-changing face of America.

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6.84

25 votes

#8 - Facing Race

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 8/1/2021

In many homes, difficult conversations about race and diversity have first happened on the sitcom screen, helping pave the way for progress with hilarity and laughter.

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