itcoms are the perfect escape. While classics like The Big Bang Theory, Friends, That ‘70s Show and How I Met Your Mother have earned their place in TV history, there is so much more to watch. While long-running shows are rare these days, these ten series are a solid, wholesome choice for a binge-watch.

The Office (US)

Set in the humdrum world of a paper company, The Office brings humour to the most ordinary situations. The awkward, well-meaning manager, Michael Scott, portrayed by Steve Carell, is at the heart of it, but the show’s charm lies in its quirky cast. From Jim and Pam’s slow-burn romance to Dwight’s oddball antics, each character adds their flavour to the mix. It is easy to see why it has such a massive following. Its relatable depiction of everyday office life mixed with memorable characters makes it an enduring classic.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation is a workplace sitcom about Leslie Knope, a relentlessly optimistic government worker in a small town. As the show progresses, it shifts from quirky office humour to a celebration of community. It’s funny, uplifting and memorable for turning its characters’ flaws into strengths. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys feel-good, clever sitcoms.

Veep

Veep is a brutal, laugh-out-loud satire about the messiness of American politics. It offers a dark, sharp and often hilariously cynical look at the world of politics. Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer, an ambitious politician who rises through the ranks to become vice president and eventually president of the United States. Selina’s moral ambiguity and the show’s quick-fire humour and ruthless satirical edge make it a refreshing departure from traditional political dramas. While the last season isn’t as strong, Veep is still a must-watch for its sharp wit and brilliant cast.

Modern Family

A quintessential family sitcom, Modern Family uses the mockumentary format to follow the lives of three interconnected families. From the uptight suburban family of Claire and Phil to the eccentric, multicultural family of Mitch and Cam, each family brings its brand of comedy to the table. The show has laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt family dynamics. It is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. It is hands-down a comforting watch.

Shameless

Shameless flips the family sitcom on its head with a raw, unfiltered look at life in a tough Chicago neighbourhood. The Gallagher family, led by the chaotic and alcoholic Frank, played by William H Macy, tackles issues like addiction and poverty with a mix of dark humour and resilience. The absurdity of their struggles brings the laughs, but beneath the chaos lies an undeniable heart. It’s not your typical feel-good story. Its darkly funny, yet honest, portrayal of dysfunction makes it a compelling watch.

Community

Community is chaotic, clever and never afraid to go off the rails. Set in a community college, the show follows a group of misfits who form a study group, leading to comedic situations. The best part? Abed and Troy. Their oddball friendship — Abed’s love for TV and movies, combined with Troy’s blissful confusion — brings both the laughs and the heart. The show plays with all kinds of crazy ideas, from genre mash-ups to outlandish situations, yet manages to nail real moments between the characters. It’s unpredictable, absolutely funny and completely its own thing.

Seinfeld

Seinfeld is often called ‘a show about nothing.’ Its brilliance lies in the everyday absurdities it shows. It’s about Jerry Seinfeld and his friends, George, Elaine and Kramer, just living their lives in New York. It’s the everyday weirdness of their situations that makes it so funny. It’s a show that finds humour in the smallest details of life and somehow makes it all feel timeless.

Arrested Development

Arrested Development is a quirky sitcom about the dysfunctional Bluth family as they deal with the fallout of their patriarch’s arrest and the subsequent collapse of their family business. The show is known for its rapid-fire jokes, intricate running gags and layered storytelling. The first three seasons are widely regarded as some of the sharpest, most ingenious TV comedies of the 2000s. However, the last two seasons, released years after the original run, feel chaotic and disconnected. Nonetheless, Arrested Development remains a cult classic.

Schitt’s Creek

At first glance, Schitt’s Creek might seem like another fish-out-of-water story. The premise is simple: a wealthy family loses their fortune and must live in a small town they once bought as a joke. But what could have been a simple sitcom premise turns into something deeply special. The humour is offbeat and consistent, but it’s the gradual, unforced growth of its characters that makes it really fun. Catherine O’Hara makes Moira Rose a character like no other — ridiculous yet strangely unforgettable. It is a quirky comedy that turns into a beautifully heartfelt narrative about love and connection.

Superstore

Set in the sprawling world of a big-box retail store, Superstore brings humour to the often-overlooked lives of blue-collar workers. The quirky Cloud 9 employees, like the hilariously intense Dina and the overly idealistic Jonah, bring plenty of laughs, but the show doesn’t shy away from real-world issues. It subtly addresses topics like low wages, union struggles and corporate absurdities while still keeping things light. It’s a clever, funny and surprisingly honest take on retail life.

For those who’ve already enjoyed these favourites, there’s no shortage of sitcoms that deserve a spot on your watchlist. Shows like New Girl, Fuller House, Never Have I Ever, Working Moms, Kim’s Convenience, Grace and Frankie bring laughs, memorable characters and fresh perspectives, so there’s always something to enjoy.

The author is a freelance contributor